Sherlock raised an eyebrow as he received a text.

From: EA

He will meet you in Miami. We need him back after two days. EA

To: EA

Thank you. I appreciate your help. SH

From: EA

Sure thing, stalker. You still haven't told me how you got my number? EA

To: EA

I have my ways. SH

He then proceeded to start a new message.

To: Molly Hooper

OK to talk? SH

From: Molly Hooper

No. Busy and covering for someone. x M

To: Molly Hooper

Talk later? SH

From: Molly Hooper

No. x M

He put his phone away and sighed, watching as Rosie waddled around the VIP waiting room.

"Did we really have to tell Mycroft?"

John gave him a look. "We did. Unless you want Big Brother's army tearing up London looking for you. Plus, it's got its perks." He replied, taking a sip from a mild martini.

"Hmm," Sherlock replied, closing his eyes. "Rosie, your father's deliberately getting himself drunk so I'll have to deal with you during our long flight."

Rosie looked up and smiled as if to say 'bring it on'. "Up," she settled for.

Sherlock opened his eyes and lifted the infant into his arms before allowing her to ruffle his curls. "You're the only woman allowed to do that, you hear?"

The child tilted her head teasingly as she did it again, this time with both hands.

"And of course, someone else but you already know who that is."

Rosie gave a nod as if she understood before starting to fuss that she wanted down. Sherlock placed her back on the plush carpet and watched as she quickly waddled away to her father's legs.

"We will board soon."

John nodded. "Until then, I'm going to need another glass..." He mumbled, watching his daughter pick at a loose thread on his jeans.

...

John swatted the air, holding Rosie in his other arms as Sherlock tackled their bags.

"Damn, it's bloody hot!"

"Indeed, Watson," Sherlock mumbled, trying to spot where their travel was. "Black Mercedes. Keep an eye out."

Watson nodded and turned to face his best friend from under his sunglasses. "Are you hellbent on wearing that Belstaff? Jesus, Sherlock it's a thousand degrees out here!"

"Don't exaggerate, it's a mere 35 or so. And I'm comfortable."

"Comfortable whilst burning like a sauna? Take it off."

Sherlock almost whined but relented, slipping his favourite coat off and slipping it through the handles of his travel bag on top of the zip.

"Happy now?"

"I will be once you've had a shower to remove those sweat stains. Told you-"

"Don't finish that sentence," Sherlock grumbled.

Ten minutes later, their ride finally arrived and George exited, putting their things and Rosie's buggy into the boot. "Mycroft's got a nice little safe house by the beach." George was saying as John strapped Rosie in her car seat and Sherlock waited impatiently inside the car. "Your associate is there already."

Sherlock nodded and retrieved his phone.

To: Mycroft Holmes

Made it safe and sound. And get rid of George. He talks a lot. SH

From: Mycroft Holmes

Jesus, Sherlock. Leave the poor man alone. However, I will be having words with him regarding your presence. MH

To: Mycroft Holmes

Fine. This conversation is over. SH

Again, the phone ceased to exist in his hands and he finally felt the car move and George's conversation starters quieten down.

Sherlock frowned when he felt someone nudging him. Opening his eyes, he frowned at John who had Rosie in his arms.

"We've made it."

"Oh." He stepped out of the car and stretched. "Must have dozed off."

John nodded, retrieving Rosie's buggy from the boot as George got their luggage.

"It was an hour and a half trip."

Sherlock nodded, recording the time in his head as he entered the house before them, taking his time to observe every nook and cranny.

"Is it safe?" John joked, placing Rosie in a play pen.

"Safe indeed. Hence, the name 'safe house'." Sherlock muttered. "I haven't checked the pool."

Watson gestured outside further, near the sea. "Seems like our associate's there."

And there he was. A man looking out to the ocean as he threw shells, hoping to get them skipping.

Sherlock opened the back door and stepped onto the deck before making his way down the steps and onto the sand. He hoped that none of the annoying sand got into his shoes. He was wearing socks and socks and sand was not a good mix.

"Mr Hodgson."

Rhys stilled, his arm in the air as the shell was tightly gripped in his hand. Slowly, he brought it down and turned to smirk at Sherlock.

"Took your time,"

"I do appreciate this."

Rhys shrugged. "Well, Emilia said it was important. What's this case about, exactly?"

"Disappearance of a man and his two children. His wife is back in London, worried out of her wits."

Hodgson crossed his arms. "Was it a holiday gone bad?"

Sherlock shrugged, coming over to stand closer to the tide. "I honestly don't know."

"Fine." A glance towards Holmes. "Will you visit the mother of your children?"

"I have to."

"Not willingly then. Great..."

Sherlock frowned. "I want to see her. She's the reason why I came in the first place but something involves her that I must let her aware of."

Rhys nodded slowly, still not quite believing him. "Sure..."

"It honestly is. I didn't have to take the case. It could have been an international matter."

"You're right."

"Oi, Sherlock!"

Sherlock turned around, seeing John wave him over. "What, Watson?"

"Oh, hi Rhys! And Sherlock the room down the hall's yours. Last come, last served."

"Don't care," Sherlock mumbled. "I need a cigarette."

Rhys chuckled, heading back to the house. "They're-"

"You don't have to tell me."

...

Molly followed Emilia into the staff room, gratefully accepting the cup of tea that was already made for her.

"So, Rhys had a family emergency in Miami?"

Emilia stilled from stirring her tea. "Yes. A great uncle or aunt, I wasn't really paying attention."

Molly replied with a simple nod, taking some biscuits from the tin. She placed a hand on her stomach and patted it lightly.

"They're moving,"

Emilia gave a bright smile. "Do you want to find out what they are?"

"I'd rather keep it a surprise. If I knew then I would have to let him know."

The blonde clicked her tongue. "Ah."

"I know it sounds cruel but I want it to be a surprise, you know? My life's been full of surprises so what's another?" Molly replied happily. "Then we can have a gender neutral baby shower."

Emilia clapped her hands in glee. "Which I am organising! Have you thought of names at all?"

"Yes but that seems like something we both should do. I don't want to steal away that choice for him."

"So you do plan on having him at the birth?"

"Of course!" Molly exclaimed, almost breaking her biscuit in the process. "I mean, he's the father. He has to be there."

They both looked up when there was a knock on the door.

"Tom, what are you doing here? You're supposed to meet me at the bakery," Molly frowned.

Tom smiled, handing her a bouquet of flowers. "The bakery was closed due to familial matters. I decided that our little meeting should take place here."

"How did you even get in?"

"Thomas. Great guy."

Emilia rolled her eyes, taking a plate of biscuits and standing up. "I'll be in the conference room, if you need me."

Molly knew that her friend didn't like Tom. Hell, she wasn't so sure she did either. But she had to humour him whilst she wasn't with Sherlock.

"So... Let's start talking," Tom grinned.