Sherlock story

Deleted Memories, Chapter 67

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.

"They say that genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains," he remarked with a smile. "It's a very bad

definition, but it does apply to detective work." ~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Evening

Present Day

Donovan and one of the officers were trying to pick up the child and carry her to the trolley in the waiting ambulance.

Little Katie did not want to be moved and was screaming angrily at the officers.

One officer decided enough talking was done and was about to force her up.

She screamed and swung wildly, hitting the officer with her fist.

"Stop… Now!" Sherlock said in a low voice with a dangerous look in his eyes.

Sherlock took a few breaths and swallowed. He lowered his voice and tried to plaster a smile he did not feel on his face.

"Leave her alone," Sherlock said slowly and clearly. "Please," he added gently.

Everyone was suddenly quiet including Little Katie. All eyes were on Sherlock.

Sherlock studied her for a moment, curiously.

Sherlock very slowly approached the bed, "May I," he asked for permission to sit on the bed.

The child nodded looking warily at Sherlock.

"I'm Sherlock, by the way. Ms. Katie I presume."

Again, Katie nodded.

As he sat, the unmistakable pungent smell of old urine, assaulted his nose and senses. He quietly looked at her an immediately knew the problem.

"We do need to get you out of here, don't you think?"

Katie hesitated mortified, "I… I had an accident," she whispered so only Sherlock could hear, her face was flushed red with embarrassment.

Sherlock was silent for only a moment.

"It happens to the best of us," Sherlock said simply then smiled.

Sherlock stood up now, and then reached down extending his hands.

Katie studied him for a minute then a faint smile came on her face as she allowed herself to be pulled up into his arms.

Sherlock studied the child for a moment, and then asked, "No tears?"

"Well… maybe a little, but just a little." Katie seemed proud of herself.

"Finally, a woman after my own heart." Sherlock smile widened.

Katie burst out in a fit of giggles. Sherlock raised an eyebrow then chuckled back. She was not sure at first; the man had looked so serious. Now as Katie looked into his eyes, she realized that she liked him. He had kind eyes, and he was funny. He reminded her of her uncle Eddie.

Katie's smile faded. "Can you save Uncle Eddie too please?" Katie locked eyes with Sherlock.

Sherlock was rarely at a loss for words, but was at one now. He did not directly deal with children, especially without John nearby.

Sherlock looked into Katie's eyes and saw strength there. It reminded him of himself as a child. He decided gentle honestly was the best course. He was not one for lies anyway. They always seem to stick in his throat.

"Katie I will try, we'll try our very best. That, I promise you."

Katie looked at him for another few seconds then put her arms around his neck and laid her head on his chest as she stifled a yawn.

He nodded to Donovan.

"Now Katie, this nice lady will take you outside to an ambulance. They will take you to the hospital so they can look you over; your Mum will be there."

Katie eyes flew open as her arms tightened around Sherlock's neck chocking him slightly.

"Will you take me outside?" Katie asked in a whispered.

Sherlock cleared his throat slightly and dismissed the emotions.

"Well then my lady, your carriage awaits."

Katie's grip loosened as she laid her head back down on his chest and giggled. Sherlock grinned as he slowly ascended the stair ignoring all stares and any discomfort the slight exertion caused.

Sherlock decided all children were not little aliens. If he was sentimental, which he was not of course, he would even go as far as saying that he liked little Katie.

Katie yawned again.

Yes, Katie decided as she allowed her eyes to close finally feeling safe, and protected, she definitely liked the man with the funny name, Sherlock.

**Stretcher is another word for trolley. **