Chapter 10

Holmes, Watson, and I were looking for Akastra. Again. I snorted at the irony as I

"Holmes," I hissed suddenly. "Watson. I think we're being watched." Sure enough, I could see three figures sulking towards us. Why on earth did we take the alley?

The next moment, each of us was engaged with an opponent. My opponent tried to kick me in the side, but I blocked it (The guy was strong-my shin will have one nasty bruise for a while) and followed up with a left hook to his jaw. Evidently surprised that a woman could fight, he froze for a second. That was all I needed. I raised my leg and kicked him in the - well, let's just say I don't always fight fair. As he was doubled over, gasping in pain, I got out my police pistol and clocked him over the head. He dropped like a stone.

I looked over at Watson and Holmes. Watson sent his opponent reeling back with a strong right cross, and Holmes was finishing up his opponent as well.

All three men were sleeping like babies- albeit full grown, aggressive babies- and the three of us looked at each other like, okay, that was exciting. Now what? The awkward silence existed for a few more moments before Watson suggested, "I'll summon the nearest constable. You two guard them."

It was as good of a plan as any, and Holmes and I agreed.

"Where did you learn to fight?!" Holmes demanded as soon as Watson was out of earshot.

I shrugged. "T's not like one can become a police officer wi' out learnin' to fight. I needed to be able to defend myself," I said. Remembering something, I smiled slightly. "Spence an' I used to practice together."

Holmes nodded. "Watson's approaching with a con- make that an Inspector," he said.

"Gregson?" I asked, not seeing Lestrade's small form.

Holmes shook his head. "No, Bradstreet."

(You know what? I'm just going to use a pattern from now on. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~)

Bradstreet was an amiable enough fellow, I decided back at the yard. He had certainly had a hard enough time believing my story at first, but I did not blame him. He seemed like a fun-loving guy, but I could tell he could be serious if he wanted to.

Stanley Hopkins, Roger Bradstreet, and Unknown-first-name-that-begins-with-G Lestrade were deep in discussion with Holmes, Watson, and me about what to do about the Akastra Situation. We had only been in agreement about several points. Those were: a) only people already involved with the affair were to be told about time travel. That meant no telling Gregson or Mrs. Hudson. Actually, that was the only point we had agreed on so far.

(~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~)

"I'm only going to say this one more time!" Hopkins' voice was raised as high as he could raise it without attracting attention. "Lestrade, you and Bradstreet are the only people talking now who have not been directly attacked or threatened. Miss-"

"Officer," I interjected indignantly.

Hopkins sighed. "Officer Willow, Mr. Holmes, and Dr. Watson have all been caught in a fire and have all been attacked. I have received a death threat threatening to kill me to 'eliminate my ancestors.' Bradstreet, you were only involved in that arrest earlier. Lestrade, you were only involved because you rescued them from drowning in the Thames. My point is, we are already involved, and no amount of danger is going to stop us. Besides," his voice hardened, "my job is to make London safe. And nobody is safe with this madman loose."

I moved over to stand next to Hopkins. "It may not be my job in this time and place, but I am still a police officer, and Hopkins is right when he says nobody is safe. And Spencer is my friend." I was shaking with fury now, but I kept going. "And I will do anything to protect him."

Watson got up and stood next to Hopkins and me. "I may not be in the army anymore, but I still have a duty to England. Nothing can take that away. And if I can save lives by fighting Akastra, then it is my responsibility to help."

Holmes got up as well and stood next to the three of us. "And I never give up on a case."

Hopkins nodded and swept his hand, indicating us. "We are prepared to fight Akastra, and you cannot stop us. So the question becomes, will you help us?"