It had been a simple but beautiful ceremony, with prayers, tributes and even a posthumous knighthood. Sherlock would have hated every minute of it.
They were now gathered at the family mansion for the post funeral reception. A buffet lunch had been served, but Molly Hooper hadn't been able to eat a bite. She was seated in a corner of the room, almost trying to hide from the rest of the guests. She could see Sherlock's mother who was patiently receiving condolences. The woman had not shed a single tear during the funeral but one can still see the pain on her tired face.
Molly felt her own tears coming back but she closed her eyes to hold them back. Her heart was beating furiously in her chest. She would have to tell them, there was no turning back now…
But how ?
She gave a start as a hand was placed on her shoulder.
«Hello Molly». It was a familiar voice, John Watson's. He sat on the chair next to hers.
She answered timidly «Hello John ». She tried to give him a faint smiled. «It was a nice speech… at the church ».
«Thank you ».
There was an awkward silence. They hadn't talked to each other… since the phone call the week before. John couldn't help noticing that Molly was terribly pale, she looked sick.
«Are you alright ? You don't look good, maybe you should eat something.»
«No ! » she answered quite abruptly.«I mean, sorry I am just… not very hungry for now».
«It's fine», said John. «Not very hungry myself either». He gazed at the room a bit absently and turned back to Molly : «It just seems… unreal».
«I know… I've read the interview you gave to the newspaper. It must have been awful. »
John sighed. «I think he knew from the start you know». «He did not believe in heroes, but he gave his life to get rid of…". He knew the name was still painful to Molly. She was twisting her fingers nervously.
"John, the man over there… he is Sherlock's brother right?"
"Mycroft, yes".
"Do you think you could you… introduce me ?"
He was a bit surprised at her request, and to be honest he had no will to talk to Mycroft any time soon. Even if the elder Holmes brother had assured him of the family's sympathy, John couldn't help feeling guilty for not having been able to keep Sherlock safe.
However he agreed. "Sure… come with me".
He took Molly by the arm and they walked toward the tall man who was as usual giving instructions to his PA.
"Ah John" greeted Mycroft. "I didn't get to see you after the service. Thank you for the speech, I know it was not easy".
John simply nodded. "This is…"
"… Miss Molly Hooper, from St Bartholomew's Hospital" finished Mycroft.
"Yes Sir, all my condolences. I don't think we have met in the past" she said shyly.
"I did not have this pleasure. But I know you have been a great support to my brother in... many occasions".
She didn't know what to think about the man. He was even more unreadable than Sherlock. She picked up her courage and continued: "Sir I… understand that the moment is totally inappropriate but I need to talk to you... in private".
John gave her a look of surprise. Mycroft, however, remained impassive.
"We can talk in the library"
"Thank you"
"Maybe… Mr Watson should come with us. What do you think Molly ?"
She remained speechless for a moment. Then she looked at John, who seemed to have no idea of what was going on. Why was Mycroft suggesting this ? Did he already know ? Maybe it would be easier if John was there. She would have to tell him as well anyway.
"Alright"
"Very well, this way please".