Sherlock story

Deleted Memories, Chapter 143

Warning: post Reichenbach spoilers. Hope you enjoy

For all those of you, who have taken the time to review and comment, thank you.

Thank you to those of you who just started to read and post, welcome.

*To those of you that I communicate with on a regular basis, and leave detailed post, I appreciate you.

**Again, thank you for your comments this last week it kept me going.

A/N: I completely rewrote these chapters as well as the others, again. I hope you enjoy. Tell me what you think.

Love and Lots of Tea, Zacha

"The devil's agents may be of flesh and blood, may they not?"~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The television crews were on their way. Mycroft had been able to delay them but someone leaked the information to the press. Mycroft sighed as he and Anthea walked to the front of the building. He glanced as he pulled out his chained watch before securing it again back in his vest pocket. As they drew close to the front glass, it was clear that there were people who did not quite belong there. Their guns pointed at the chest of Mycroft Holmes gave away that fact.

Anthea had put her phone in her suit jacket pocket and raised her hands. Mycroft did not change his expression or even raise his hands. Mycroft in fact looked bored. He stopped short of the door. Several agents outside drew their guns and automatic weapons and took aim at the criminals.

Someone, who was presumed to be the leader came forward with a mobile phone. "Mr. Holmes, come in you have a phone call."

"No," Mycroft said evenly, "Release them first." The leader looked smug and smiled as he glanced to the soldier next to him. "What's to prevent him from forcing you in this door physically?"

Mycroft looked the leader up and down deducing him. He stared him in the eyes. He then looked pointedly at his chest. When the leader looked down, he saw several red laser dots on his chest. The smile left as he said, "You could still be shot."

"Yes, so could you." Mycroft stepped closer to his gun. The soldier frowned and almost backed up but held his ground.

"There, feel better even you could not miss at this distance. Let them go. If I try anything unwanted, you can have the distinct pleasure of shooting me. Of course that pleasure will be, shall we say… short lived."

Anthea's face was unreadable. Her eyes traveled, as she seemed to be almost examining the men visual while saying nothing.

The leader frowned as he considered the proposal. He then spoke something to a man close by. "Only the children."

"There's someone pregnant, it would be much less trouble for you when you let her go that if she stays and begins labor, maybe even give birth. Consider it an act of good will," Mycroft added. His expression told the leader that this was not a point of negotiation. The soldier hesitated for a moment as his frown deepened. He wondered how this man in front of him could know so much. He spoke again and a different soldier ran off.

Seventeen minutes later, forty-two, children exited the building. Some walked quickly with a look of shock on their faces. Two girls walked slowly holding on to each other while looking around as if they were unsure of where to go. They started running when they spotted an agent shouting directions and waving a hand. The rest was already running toward the two agents that had lowered their weapons and were waving them on while shouting directions and encouragement.

Another seven minutes passed and a very pregnant teacher walked out with a very frightened and crying little boy in her arms. She walked slowly as she softly spoke words of comfort to the crying child. Her legs were shaking as if she would collapse at any moment from both the exertion and fatigue. A man whether he was an agent or an officer, it was unclear; was by their side in a minute. He scooped up the child from the relieved teacher. One arm held the child that had a death grip on his neck. The other arm was under the pregnant woman, supporting her as they made their way as quickly as possible. Her hand supported her enlarged abdomen.

The television crews arrived just in time to see the mass exit and a man and woman in the distance by the door.

"Happy now, I have kept my end of the arrangement, Mr. Holmes." The soldier looked at Him now.

"Overjoyed, this is my happy face," Mycroft said flatly. The soldier stared strangely as Holmes walked on his own accord into the building with Anthea following.