Chapter 2

The next morning found Shay drew out a rough floor plan of the mansion, explaining it to Holmes Brothers and John.

"The main spots are here, here, and here. Alex's room is here, Jim's room is here," she paused to take a drink from her coffee cup, "The main breaches of security ares here, here, and here. I suggest you sneak in through the top floor."

"Well, well... he prefers having her room close to his and I can only imagine his security chosen was more carefully decided than the disciples of Christ." Sherlock murmured, "Top floor... You know John was a soldier but he's not exactly as springy as I would like him to be. Then again maybe I can get him into tip top shape within a week. That might work."

"I was thinking of creating a small operative team to go with you all or possibly the opposite, a small platoon to help counter Moriarty's men. We know they must have the world's top weapons, especially Moran and his sniper rifle. One concern should be if the enemy gives notice to your presence, at all costs you need to keep Moran from a gun, his aim is... well let's say the body count because of him alone is rather extensive," Mycroft added.

Agreeing Shay nodded at him.

"If you could let me be on the team, I can distract Moran in some way. We have a, Um-," trying to put it delicately, "A history together with Jim. I can distract him that way or have him...well...trained the gun on me. To be honest, if I enter that mansion again, seen by the wrong person, I WILL be killed. At least if I'm recognized," Shay turned to Sherlock.

"No offense to John, but I have a little more recent experience scaling buildings than John. The poor man would throw his back out," then to Mycroft, indicating to her ankle chains, "I know I'm a little of a risk, but I promise I won't run after this. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that I have more than a little interest in this. I know this mansion like the back of my hand. Except of course for the mansion safe. No one but Moriarty and Moran are allowed there."

Drawing her attention Shay pointed to the sketch of the basement. "This is an old bomb shelter. If Alex isn't in her room, she'd be hiding here. This is where Jim and Seb hide out when there's a risk, of course their snipers getting rid of the risk. The basement is heavily protected, the password is Alex's birthday, Seb thinking that no one else would of course guess."

Well, no one would. Alex didn't have a birth certificate or record of her birth at all. Her mother had been locked up in the bunker for about two weeks around the time Alex was born to confuse any enemies. In fact, Alex had been born in the bunker, Shay screaming the whole time to be brought to a hospital. Never would she forget struggling on the medical table by herself, screaming for help while Jim sat there, staring with his cold dark eyes as he waited.

In the end, Moran had been the one to help her deliver her daughter, Shay knocking out into a coma from blood loss. Sometime later she had woken up in the end with a bundle of blankets next to her, her beautiful daughter, the first time she truly fell in love.

"Finally this time it worked! Who would have thought modern medicine would have muddled it up the first time, the ol' natural way to work out even better, fun for the both of us... well the three of us really."

"Jim, take me to the hospital… Please... I can't do this... I shouldn't be bleeding this much."

"Wonder who will the father be… won't you take a bet Seb? … Ugh fine."

Shay shook off the memory.

"Being her mother of course, I know her birthday. It's May 3rd, 2013. But we'd have to cross that bridge when we come to it. It was only a few days ago."

"Extensive knowledge of the house and the skills of trained killer and theif-"

"Absolutely not," Mycroft cut into Sherlock, "I will not allow it."

"But Mycr-"

"I said no."

"You are being ridiculous-"

"Outside, now!"

Rolling his eyes, Sherlock walked out with Mycroft and John, leaning against the hallway. Of course, Mycroft would want to interfere, to have it his own way.

"Ms. Rhine is too much of a risk, if she is with you too it might be a trap. Think Sherlock, it's simple. In exchange for her daughter she lures Moriarty and Moran's most wanted enemies, the detective and army doctor," Mycroft sighed.

"I do not believe Shay is lying, no indications she might be and her skills are more important to the risk. It is all basic strategy and if you really want to keep an eye on her why not inject a tracking device within her somehow, just in case," Sherlock sulked not looking to him with his arms folded.

John was quick to put in as well. "If she was trying to lure us in, why would she be opposed to my scaling the walls, Mycroft? Listen, there are two people who will suffer if anything goes wrong. If anything happened, you would catch her and she'd get the death penalty for hurting us. Don't lie. I know you would," John pointed out as the government man opened his mouth in protest.

"Think about it Mycroft. You have plenty of ways to make us have the upper hand here if she is lying," he said, indicating towards a camera.

"The last time I let Sherlock take on such a complicated case, off on his own, he was fooled by a woman. Risked her life and everyone else's," Mycroft said coldly.

"Addler was rescued because of me," Sherlock snapped and his hands balled up into a fist, "She's alive!"

"And when was the last time you heard from her?! Hm? And this time you have John and more importantly Hamish to think about. I do want have to worry about being admitted into a hospital roo-"

Within an instant Sherlock's forearm had been pressed against Mycroft's chest and pinned into to the wall.

"You shut your mouth. Right. Now. I already considered the risks. And we can protect him, better than before!"

"I can't afford to have you blood on my hands Sherlock, not again," his older brother replied quietly, staring back at him.

"You forget, Mycroft, that you aren't the only one who is invested in your brother's safety," John stepped in and wrestled Sherlock's arm off Mycroft, "We can take the investigation from here. We need an injection of a tracking device, and the keys to the chains please, " He said, staring the much taller man down and turned to Sherlock, "Darling it's going to be alright." He said quietly.

The voice of reason, John's voice, suddenly made Sherlock calm and he relaxed. Somehow his partner had that affect over him, knowing if he let his temper get to him it might further upset John and he really did not want that.

"Yes...alright..."

"Look... let me consider it. I'll talk to her," Mycroft brushed off his jacket, "Just... wait out here..."

One last glance to his brother, he opened the door and slid inside, clearing his throat as he looked over Ms. Rhine. Ah, Rhine... the crafty girl that on numerous occasions tried to pull the wool over his eyes and furiously frustrated him. This girl- well- woman, he corrected himself.

"You want in?"

As soon as he entered Shay watched him, leaning over. Mycroft Holmes was a man who seemed personally invested in taking out anyone associated with Moriarty with good reason of course. But something that bothered Shay was she happened to be the person with a nickname from the press, which meant she was more high-profile. So of course she ran into the older Holmes brother often.

"Yes, I want in on the operatives. If you could just let me in, I promise I'll go in, do my job and come right back here where you seem to think I belong, in jail. And women's prison is no fun trip," she looked down at the table, at the map she drew, "Or, I could get a pardon. To my understanding, you could give me a pardon, yes? If you did that, my daughter and I would get a cottage in Dublin and never be seen again. I wouldn't keep a single gun in the house." Shay was going on a whim here but what else could she do?

"Please, let me be pardoned for my crimes? I know I did some terrible things. But I think I could make it right by setting a better example for my daughter, to show her that there is life after doing such terrible things. If you could do this, I would be so overjoyed. I need to be a part of my daughter's life. Especially since I didn't have anyone there for me."

Still standing over Mycroft studied her over, centimeter by centimeter. Ms. Rhine. Rhine, Shay, Shay. If Addler was Sherlock's woman then Shay was his own. 'O goodie,' he thought to himself and continued to frown at her. Then it flashed in his mind for a fleeting moment, the day he was sitting in the Club in his private room going over papers. It was a telephone call from Lestrade and remembered that his younger brother regularly dealt with this man before in all the cases.

Answering politely and wondered what business Scotland Yard would require, maybe Sherlock did something ridiculous again, another drug bust. Then Mycroft heard the words, comprehended the message, and just hung up, sitting in the utterly quiet room. There had to be more to it, it was all too simple. Worse the papers had called his little brother a 'Fake Genius' and concluded he was fraud. The answers would never find their way to him until a whole another three years later.

"Rhine... you listen very carefully," the palms of his hands slammed on the table and he leaned in, "I swear, I honestly mean it, if something should happen to John, Sherlock, or Hamish... you would wish you were back in jail, hell you would wish you were back in Moriarty's mansion as a victim. There are a few places on this earth that only I and one other person know and I will not hesitate to send you there."

Unblinking Shay nodded, leaning closer to him. If he was trying to be intimidating, she had to bite back. To show that she wouldn't fall into his scare tactics.

"Yes, I do know those risks. After all, you could buy the worst form of punishment, couldn't you? It's one thing to imagine a terrible form of punishment, but another thing to have the money for it," of all the government workers Shay did not want to mess with it was Mycroft Holmes. But she also knew he was the person with the most resources.

The morning before, she had turned herself in by walking into the office of Mycroft Holmes, with her hands simply up, saying "I need help." She had been dressed in her sweats and hooded sweatshirt, telling Jim and Seb that she was going jogging. It was in fact true.

The intention was to go jogging, jogging right to get herself arrested on purpose. And here she was now, trying to prove to the most intimidating member of the British Government that she was trustworthy. This is of course after spending ten years of her life building evidence up that she wasn't trustworthy. But it didn't matter. This was about her daughter not living her mother's life. The last thing Shay wanted for her kind, sweet daughter was to live a life like she did, under a spider's web. At all costs she wanted her daughter to be free, something Shay had never truly been.

The situation still did not sit well with Mycroft and he dared not to tear away his gaze, nor even blink if he could help it. Finally after another moment he produced a key and undid the locks that held her.

"I will allow you on the mission for Sherlock's sake, if it means his safety will be more secure and the mission run smoother. As for the pardoning of your crimes there is a possibility, though, I dare you not to dream because I may have my position, but I am not the only one that has a say in your matters. Obviously I do not trust you, never trusted you even when you were young only because people do not change. By appearance they might change on the outside, though deep down we revert what is natural to us."

"So... well you understand the rest, and if anything does not pan out the way I want it planned I might even need to take drastic measures. Do you want me to involve Alex?" This was another criminal, Mycroft kept thinking. People born from the bottom of the heap, scraping their earnings off of others or those who were more unfortunate than them. There were opportunities for Shay to clean up and become an upstanding citizen, to seek help and avoid her difficult situation.

Slightly surprised, Shay allowed Mycroft to unchain her, rubbing her wrists and ankles as she watched him. His opinion of her of course was still low but at least she had a fighting chance to save her daughter. She gazed up.

"I'm going to need a few items. Well, Sherlock and I will need them and whoever you send with us. I personally would like to be armed with a bullet proof vest for each of us. I know this is silly but I'll need some candy or something. Knowing Jim, every moment I'm gone, he's spoiling the girl, calling her his 'little princess' and shit like that. I need to get her to come with me. In a way it's kidnapping. But if I have the support of the British government it doesn't count as kidnapping, right?" she said, grinning.

As it set in Shay realized she was going to save her daughter, she thought, her hopes rising. She turned, the map around, listing other things she and the others could possibly need, handing it to Mycroft.

"I know you don't like spending money of the 'dregs' of society, but this is a matter of national security, remember? When you spend the money, just lie back and think of England," she stepped towards the door, "Was it Queen Victoria who said it? I wouldn't know. My parents didn't give me the money for book learning?" She mocked and stepped back, as if it was a revelation, "Oh right... I never met them. Almost like I was a dreg of society." Walking out of the room, a swell of pride filled her chest, feeling wonderful at taking a stab at the British government. Not too far she found the couple, walking to where Sherlock and John were sitting.

"I'm free you guys. Thank you."

"Excellent!" Sherlock sulking immediately switched to joy as he hopped up, "I'll make sure Mycroft goes grocery shopping for everything that we will need, I can't have him forget anything of great importance."

The case seemingly became better and better as the minutes ticked by. There were so many factors to consider, so many angles that it allowed Sherlock to use his mind to full capacity. A challenge, a goal! To add the more he thought about it, he felt slightly more invested on the idea that Alex was nearly Hamish's age, picturing once more of that imaginary play date. The fantasy of Hamish would like a new friend.

"Great to know my child's situation is a celebration to you," the mother stated deadpanned, sitting next to John, who put his hand over hers.

"Hey, it's going to be okay," John said quietly, giving her a small smile. Shay tried to force a smile back, but felt a sense of dread to this mission.

"So, where am I staying until tonight?" She asked, knowing full well she couldn't very well stay anywhere normal of course. Snipers were all over key locations in London she was sure, ready to get her at any time. Slowly a deep breath was taken.

"I could really use that bullet-proof vest soon," Shay noted. Truth was, even if she was released to Sherlock and John's custody, she was scared shitless. The worst thing that could happen at this point was that she was struck down before she even tried to save her child. Wishing to forget such thoughts she quickly turned to John.

"After this job guys, how about a play date was Hamish and Alex? What do you say?" Shay asked and John nodded gently.

"We'll think about is," was all he said and stood up, "Well now, let's get some lunch while we wait for Mycroft. How about the Hot Pot?" he asked as Shay stiffened.

"Can we stay here instead?" She asked. John looked over.

"Why?" Shay shook her head, looking to Sherlock to explain.

"Because if she is spotted she will be killed on the spot, no doubt Sebastian's deployed his little disciples around the city," Sherlock explained, "We could just order take away, that's fine with me.

John nodded. Of course, it wasn't rocket science that Shay was a key target right now but he forgot. He took out his phone. "Want you do guys think of a good curry?" He asked.

"I love curry," Shay said, nodding. Of course Moran would be after her, the jealous bastard. He was so jealous of her for giving Jim what he couldn't. The first time Shay had been sent to Jim's bed for a little 'fun' Sebastian stabbed her hand with a butter knife the next morning. The main difference between her and Sebastian was he was in love with Jim. Shay just hated him, but she could tempt Seb in some way.

The takeaway came quickly, as soon as John ordered them, he picking up the steaming plates and passing them to them.

"Did we get one for Mycroft?" Shay asked.

"Yup, he's got one," John had gone over to Mycroft's office, 'Mycroft, come eat lunch with us… please? ... Fine.'

"Oh god, I thought he just ate off a silver platter," She noted.

"Shay, don't be rude. He could stick you right back in jail you know."

"Just. Come. On!" Sherlock kicked open the door pulling the handle of an umbrella as a Mycroft Holmes was dragged in holding the other end of it, "Must eat."

"Oh, I must eat! Please Sherlock, acting like a child!"

"But John ordered it special for all of us! It's curry, eat it! You like it!"

"No I don't!" Mycroft protested and almost fell backwards when Sherlock suddenly let go, grinning.

"Yes you do," Sherlock pushed and Mycroft rolled his eyes, settling to sit down to amuse his brother, grumbling.

"From your food and eating habits I know you will like it, just try it My," Sherlock happily took some from John.

"Oh watch out Sherlock, The tin foil might dirty your brother's fingers," Shay snarked.

"Seriously now, He could throw you back in jail," John warned.

"Come on My, you would try things if Mummy asked nicely, even when the maids cooked a dish that was smelly or looked funny you would still clean your plate if Mummy asked," Sherlock smirked at his brother's reddening ears and continued on in a high pitch voice, "Oh Mycroft! Won't you be a darling and finish your dine dine? They worked so hard to cook it and feed it to us, be a shame if gone to waste."

"Sherlock, stop it." John said sternly. Shay trying not to laugh. But now, even Shay was thinking Sherlock was laying it on too thick and looking to Mycroft, suddenly seeing him as a little more...well...human, seeing him picked on by his little brother was satisfying.

"Just keep it quiet Sherlock... Sherly," Mycroft picked up his head and smiled as Sherlock completely missed a helping of rice into his mouth, falling back onto his plate.

"I hate that name..."

"Then don't call me My and leave me to my dinner," he shook his head and sniffed at the meal, "Seems ok."

John tried not to laugh at his husband.

"Okay? You've never had curry, have you," Shay asked. She rolled up the Nann bread, filling it with rice, "Here, you do it like this," she instructed, taking a bite, "I'm sorry. This is my favorite." She folded up another one, stuffing it with rice.

"Here, for you. And wrapped and ready," she said, passing it to Mycroft. He stared at it before taking it and when his eye caught Sherlock smiling smugly at him, Mycroft glared back and began to eat it.

"Thank you... Ms. Rhine," finally he took a bite, then a few more, and finished the rest chewing carefully before silently making himself another one.

"See Mycroft, not too bad," Sherlock said to Shay, "Though even with delicious food as this, I doubt it would curb his fetish for cake. Loves the stuff, cannot get enough of it. If I happened to walk by the kitchens as a child, I would peek into the kitchen and find him stuffing his face in the fresh baked goods when the maids walked out temporarily."

"Sherlock please..." the government man buried his face in his hands, "Stop being ridiculous and just eat."

Shay was trying not to laugh at Mycroft being teased by his brother but it was just so silly to see a grown man like Mycroft being teased. The two bickered some more and finally settled down when Mother John became cross at them and scolded. During part of the meal, Mycroft would begin to relax, though when he noticed that Shay noticed him, he would straighten his back and clear his throat or scratch his neck. Part of the meal was interrupted when one of his men came in to drop off a bullet proof vest for Shay.

"Don't you think Moran might be suspicious if they discover she has one on?" Sherlock asked, licking his finger.

"This, is something new. Newly engineered for the soldiers of the future, see how slim it is," Mycroft held it up and it was a thin material. The fibers were strong and in the shape of a simple tight t-shirt, it would easily hide under a shirt and jacket or even a hoodie.

"Technology like this has not even been announced to the world, not at all on the market, and so far not the black market."

Shay tried the bullet proof vest on in the bathroom, surprised it fit to her so well. In fact, it felt as comfortable as a tight t-shirt, as if someone took her favorite shirt and made it bullet-proof. She looked down at herself, seeing herself as if she was going back into a 'job' mode. But this job of course was different. This was for her baby.

She put her shirt back on, walking out of the bathroom, looking like she didn't do anything new. She looked over at Mycroft, genuinely surprised he would take such measures to keep her alive. Honestly she didn't think he liked her at all. Maybe he was intrigued by her just because of his investigations but he would never like her at all, at least not enough to want to keep her alive.

"This is amazing. Way better than the stuff I'm used to. The worst is when you have to be on your stomach in a bulletproof vest. It was horrid when I was pregnant with Alex. I always had to pee then." The last sentence was more to herself, remembering how she still had to work when she was pregnant, even if she could have died. She looked up at Mycroft, genuinely grateful. Why was he being so nice to her if she possibly was going to die tonight?

"Thank you. Really, thank you." She said. She watched his face, wondering why he would take these measures at all. John finally cleared his throat, filling the space. Shay snapped her head to look at him,

"So, are we going to be good to go?"

Shay nodded. "Yea, ummm, at around midnight would be a good idea to go in." She put in.

"John, you better sleep, I need to go think," Sherlock hopped up, leaving behind his mess, "All must prepare in our own way."

"Yes Sherlock, we all know you are going to your Mind Palace, just be ready and down here by eleven," Mycroft looked at him sternly and Sherlock just mimicked his serious face before leaving, "But he is right John, you should rest, I'll gather up everything here."

John nodded in agreement and he walked out, leaving the remaining two alone.