"Come in Dr. Watson."
Dr. Mary Sutherland looked up from her desk and in an instant her professional smile and outstretched hand disappeared.
"My god, you're Dr. Watson?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry. When I saw your application I didn't think it would be THE Dr. Watson that was applying for this job."
John hated it when he was recognized. After Sherlock's "suicide" last spring any comments from people had been overwhelmingly negative. No one cared that he had lost a part of himself on the pavement in front of Bart's, all they cared about was the sensational story.
Mary regained her composure, shook the doctor's hand, and sat behind her desk. "Well Doctor, your resume looks good; I suppose I only really have three questions. One, are you aware of what the position here would require?"
"I believe so. I held one very similar to it in 2010."
"Yes, so I see" she said while glancing at his resume, nodding. "Two, do you feel qualified for the position?"
"Yes."
"And three, would you like to work here Doctor Watson?"
"Are you serious?"
"Very."
"Yes. Yes I would."
"Congratulations. Can you start Thursday?" Mary set down his resume, reached over and shook his hand.
"Thank you. Thursday works for me. Um, Dr. Sutherland when I came in…" a rattled but pleased John began.
Author's Note
Part one of two. Post-Reichenbach and Pre-Reunion
Much love to my beta JibberingThoughtsOfFle