Sherlock story
Deleted Memories, Chapter 42
Warning: post Reichenbach spoilers. Hope you enjoy
*As always thanks for reading, a special thanks to all of you who take the time to review, comment, and favorite. LoL (Lots of Love)
"We are not only our brother's keeper; in countless large and small ways, we are our brother's maker." Bonaro Overstreet
Present Day
After a moment of comfortable silence, Mycroft continued.
"Ajaj is being taken into custody as we speak. We are trying to persuade him to cooperate and tell us where his superior, Nidal Ayyad is currently located."
"Edward Green the younger?" Sherlock asked.
"Gone, when we reached the hotel we found an abandoned room. Green left in a hurry. He was using an alias, of course. It's almost as if he knew we were coming," Mycroft said.
Mycroft smile shifted. Mycroft still had a smile, but this smile was the one that men trembled under.
"Could Mrs. Green have alerted him?" Sherlock already knew the answer was no.
"We took her immediately into protective custody as you suggested," Mycroft answered.
"Leak." Both the Holmes brothers said at the same time.
They looked at each other surprised then returned their gaze straight ahead again.
"Soooo… you thought you would discuss matters of national security in a park with me," Sherlock smiled a little at the thought.
A moment of silence passed.
"How is John?" Sherlock asked suddenly, his smile dropping.
"Worried about you," Mycroft responded.
It was Sherlock's turn to change the subject.
"Really Mycroft, it's a wonder England have not been overthrown." Sherlock's eyes glanced in the direction of a tall man in a black suit, and white shirt. Casually walking at a distance.
"Oh… Thomas. Actually, as you know, he is quite good. I wanted you to see him. In your present state of mind, you might have broken his nose or shot him with his own gun. Getting blood out of a suit is a nightmare," Mycroft said flatly.
Holding on to his ribs Sherlock chuckled at Mycroft's rare display of wit.
Mycroft raised an eyebrow then smiled.
A comfortable silence passed.
"You need to allow me to put you in protective custody, Sherlock," Mycroft looked at his umbrella from tip to handle as he raised it. Suddenly, he seemed fascinated with it.
"No," was Sherlock's simple reply.
"I could force you." Mycroft pushed the umbrella to the concrete, looking very uncomfortably at the ground.
Sherlock sighed looking Mycroft in the eyes, "Don't you think I've been forced enough?"
Mycroft cleared his throat. He knew Sherlock was trying to get him to change the direction of the conversation by making him uncomfortable. He would allow Sherlock this victory, for the moment at least.
Sherlock looked almost disappointed that Mycroft let him get away with the manipulation, John wouldn't have.
Mycroft spoke, "Sherlock you cannot save the world, nor are you responsible for the bombings. You've stopped four planes and one building from exploding, in fact. You cannot right all wrongs committed by troubled and wicked men."
Mycroft continued.
"You're still a little boy trying to right all things terrible, to save everyone… to save her," Mycroft finished quietly.
"Someone had to," Sherlock never regretted speaking his mind, until now.
"Mycroft I…," Sherlock stated but Mycroft held up a hand to stop him. Mycroft sighed then spoke.
"It's not that I didn't try Sherlock; I suppose I found it hard not to be the obedient son. I know father was… harsh at times… but, I admired his … accomplishments." Mycroft said slowly searching for the words.
"You mean you loved him Mycroft, I suppose it is considered normal for a son to love his father. Mycroft, try not to choke on the word love if you should ever have the need to say it, will you."
Sherlock added immediately.
"I hated him." They both knew Sherlock, did not mean it.
Mycroft lip formed a tight line. Mycroft sighed then said, "You… loved him too Sherlock, that is why his behavior hurt so much," Mycroft dared Sherlock to deny his words.
"I found it hard not to be obstinate." Sherlock countered.
"Maybe if you were more… diplomatic, played along… waited for the right time…."
"We both know diplomacy and timing are not one of my strong suits. It's not in my nature to just sit by, and let things happen." Sherlock said.
"I know I was seven years your elder, I did try to guard you both, I'm sorry." Mycroft opened his mouth to say something else then closed it. Mycroft looked almost… lost.
"You were so young," the truth of Sherlock's own word soaked into his heart as he said them.
"You were just a child," Mycroft said.
"We both were I suppose," Mycroft added looking back at Sherlock.
"I did try to protect you, you're my little brother," Mycroft whispered roughly.
"You did at times." Sherlock looked at his brother.
"And failed many more times," Mycroft said and smiled sadly.
"Yes," Sherlock returned the sad smile.
The sun was about to set.
Mycroft looked at Sherlock from head to toe and made a quick deduction. From what he observed and what John described to him. He believed he knew what was wrong. It happened once before when Sherlock was a child, a year after he first created his mind palace. But it was never this severe.
"Something is wrong with your mind palace," Mycroft stated.
Sherlock said nothing but looked at his brother with a pained expression.
"I see, "Mycroft said while thinking, "It is time we move, it's getting dark, I'll feel more comfortable in your flat."
Mycroft barely nodded and several people in the park scattered.
"All for me?" Sherlock smiled.
"Only the best dear brother." Mycroft said but his face took on a serious expression as he seemed to scan for threats and potential danger. Sherlock looked as well.
As Mycroft walked Sherlock to the curb, a taxicab appeared.
"Not your usual black on black, impressive." Sherlock entered the cab. Once entered, Sherlock melted into the seat. He began to think of how best to apologize to John.
His brother was talking to Anthea, not her real name Sherlock realized long ago, and two other men. Sherlock recognized one as Thomas the agent stationed outside his flat, the other was unfamiliar.
He sent his limousine away with Anthea in it. Two other cars Sherlock had not noticed drove off.
Mycroft got in the cab next to Sherlock.
"Mind if I join you Sherlock?" Sherlock knew Mycroft enough to know it was not a question.