Ok, y'all. I had to set up with the first few chapters. But as requested... Heeeeeeeeeres Molly! LOL
Chapter Five
The next day, John arrived at the flat early. Sherlock was cleaning up breakfast dishes.
"All very domestic. " John said from behind him, smiling.
Sherlock didn't respond, just put the last dish in the drainer.
He turned and opened his mouth to say something but promptly closed it again.
"You sure you are ok with this? " John asked
"I'm fine. I will be fine. " Sherlock shrugged.
They both walked into John's room to pack up his meager belongings.
"What's this then? " John pointed to the many boxes and bags stored against a wall.
"Things for Laura's room. I just haven't figured how to ...girl it up. "
"Well, I still have time. I'll just call Mary and see if she will be willing to help. "
Three hours later, John's room was completely transformed. The bed was now covered in a white soft pillowy comforter with tiny yellow rose buds covering it. The new canopy attached to the bedposts matched. There was a large doll house in the corner, plenty of book shelves, a desk, dresser and small pretty wardrobe for her dresses. A long white chest held toys was topped with several stuffed animals. Just for added touch, there was a child size table and chairs with a small tea service atop.
Mary smiled.
"You did well, Sherlock. Its a room fit for a... "
"A princess. "
"Yes. Exactly that. But what got all this into your head. " John asked.
"I simply decided I don't care to be the dragon. "
Sherlock picked Laura up at school and immediately took her to the park. John and Mary where still with him. It took a while before Laura did more than stand to the side and watch the children play. John felt a lump in his throat and hoped Sherlock had realised the same thing he did. That poor girl had no idea how to play.
But she was observing. Learning.
Finally a red haired girl about her age came up to her. They talked a moment, before they clasped hands and walked to the see saw.
A small smile cross Sherlock's features. He observed the play and the other children. He watched as it was mostly mothers with them, fixing scrapes and cuddling. Something Laura had never had. He swallowed the lump in his throat. Would he be good enough?
He shook it off just before his cell went off. It was Lestrade.
"Yes, detective inspector. Finally remember my existence? " Sherlock said snidely.
"Yeah, sorry Sherlock. How are things going with the kid? "
"The kid? My daughter you mean? She has a name. "
"Right on then. No need to get nasty. How is Laura doing? "
"She's fine. Adapting. "
"Good. Good. Look, I hate to do this. I was trying to give you time. But... I need your help. "
"Where? " Sherlock asked before he thought.
"Meet me at Scotland Yard. Its a cold case with new leads, but ones we can't decipher. "
"Better be at least a six. "
"I'd say an 8. At least. Will you come? "
"Be there shortly. "
Sherlock hung up and then groaned.
"We are needed at the station...but... "
Mary smiled and pushed John's shoulder.
"You two go on. I you both have been going bonkers waiting. I'll look after Laura. Take her back to our flat. Something tells me she should get used to the place. " She said with no malice.
That statement didn't sit well with Sherlock.
Lestrade sat watching Sherlock do his thing. Finally, he stood up and declared he needed to get into the records at the hospital. It was a murder, of that he was certain. But he couldn't find the source. Or the suspect.
As they drove along to Barts, his tried to concentrate on the work. But he was finding it difficult. He wasn't keen of feeling doubts about his abilities to do anything. Several thoughts entered his mind. He worked, quite often as it happened. Mary and Mrs Hudson would look after her, he'd no doubt. But what happened if Mary was working, or Mrs Hudson wasn't available. What then? He briefly thought of taking Laura with him, teaching her the trade. But she was far too young, of course. But then, she had already seen too much. No. Normalcy. That's what she needed. And routine.
What to do?
They finally arrived, and Sherlock led the charge into the morgue.
"Hello Molly! Change your hair again? " Sherlock said smiling in his way.
"Sherlock! Long time no see. Whats wrong with my hair? "
"Nothing at all. Its suits you. "
Molly looked at him skeptically.
"What do you need? "
"I need to look at some records of an autopsy done seven years ago. An Arthur Goodly. "
"Right. Ok. "
"And Molly? "
"Yes? "
"Coffee, please. "
Molly smiled briefly then went off to do his bidding.
As she always did.
She was always there for him. Taking care of him and protecting him, like after his "fall. " Only once before had ne known a kinder more giving heart.
Sherlock stared after her. "oh... " He whispered.
" Alright then, Sherlock. I will get this information to Mr Goodly's family. Already getting a warrant for the widow. Wonder how they missed this in the autopsy " Lestrad said, shaking his head.
"No one was checking for poisonous herbs that are only poisonous when combined with others. The autopsy was shown it in his supper. "
"Brilliant. Anyway, thank you again. " He said, shuffling off.
Molly stood over a body as the discussion went on around her.
" I know the real reason it wasn't found. " Sherlock said. He was standing really close behind her, and spoke softly into her ear.
Molly jumped at his sudden voice if not the tingle up her spine at the deep familiar sound.
"What? "
"They didn't find it because he wasn't you. You take better care with your work. Superior. "
Was Sherlock Holmes ACTUALLY complimenting her? She scanned his face trying to find evidence he was trying to charm her into something else.
"Th...thank you, Sherlock. Is there something else you need? " She said nervously.
Sherlock put his hands behind his back and started pacing again. Molly just stood and waited.
"Molly, there are few people in this world I would trust with my life. You are one of them. I am in need of someone I can trust with a life that to me is more important and precious than my own. "
Confusion showed in Molly's face. Finally she sighed, resigned to do whatever he asked.
"I'd do anything for you Sherlock. Anything at all. "
Sherlock actually graced her with a genuine smile.
" I know. And it means more than you know. "
"Then what do you want? "
Sherlock came till he was only a foot away from her.
" I need you to be the mother of my child. "
Sherlock caught Molly before she hit the floor.