AN: Hello everyone! An Update so soon, I know it's a shock. I'm sorry about the delay, life is really pushing my writing time. This chapter is dedicated to a lovely reader SleepInTheGarden. Please leave a review or a PM?!
Remember, Percy has a Facebook page, the link is on my Profile page, come and talk to her, she's really quite friendly.
Disclaimer: I own nothing affiliated to the ACD estate or the BBC, this is non-profit and no copyright is intended. Angie belongs to Naturerocs and I own Percy.
Chapter 44 - Reconnecting
I was sat on the sofa idly scrolling through Facebook when I noticed an alert for birthdays of the day. I may have decided I didn't want to go to work and told Mycroft to leave me alone or I'd set Jim on him. I was graciously given one day. I clicked on the link and Sherlock's name appeared. I smiled. I felt a pang of guilt that he wasn't at home. He and Angie missed and they really did love each other; they should be together not forcing constant worry on each other. I put down my iPad and grabbed my iPhone, yes I'm an Apple junkie; I flicked through my contacts and tapped on Sherlock's name. He answered after two rings.
"Happy Birthday Sherlock." I said enthusiastically into my phone.
"What? Oh, is it the 6th already? That explains Mycroft's text." Sherlock dismissed. I rolled my eyes at his nonchalance.
"Yes. You should be at home so I could bake you a cake and you could spend the day with Angie." I chided playfully. Honestly, it had only been a few weeks since I'd seen him, but I missed him.
"I'm busy." He retorted. I knew he wanted to be home really.
"That maybe so, but it's still a special day." I countered. Was it too much to ask for a miniscule amount of emotion?
"I've never really celebrated my birthday." Replied Sherlock quietly. He almost sounded wistful.
"Not you too, Mycroft doesn't, Jim doesn't, you don't, is it just Angie and I?" I groaned. It was ridiculous. John would be happy to be presented with a cake and a pint. Angie and I tried to celebrate, well, Jim always spoiled me rotten and I would spoil Angie, much to her annoyance.
"I don't know. When are your birthdays?" Sherlock asked. I was surprised by his question.
"Angie's is May 22nd and mine is February 14th." I replied with a smile.
"I can forgive you not knowing mine, but you lived with and dated Angie, how did you not know when her birthday was?" I probed. It was amazing what Sherlock was ignorant of.
"It never came up." He dismissed again.
"You're hopeless." I sighed.
"Don't blame me because she never mentioned it." He countered stubbornly.
"John would've known. You could've asked him." I replied. I got no response, just silence. "Men!" I seethed. They were an alien species.
"If it was really that important to Angie, she would have said something." He bit back, obviously annoyed and confused with my ire.
"Like you would've listened. It's not your fault Sherlock, it's not on your radar to know, so why pay attention?!" I exclaimed. I loved my brother, but God, he was infuriating at times.
"Exactly, so stop getting upset with me. I don't think I ever told Angie when my birthday is either." He snapped and sighed. I felt really bad. I was taken out my frustrations on him.
"I'm sorry, forgive me?" I asked quietly.
"Of course. I'm used to how women over-react." He said, I could almost see and hear the smirk on his face.
"You've not seen me over-react, it's far messier and someone usually ends up missing a limb." I admitted. It was true to a certain extent.
"I'll take your word for it." Sherlock chuckled.
"You may witness it one day, I hope not though." I warned. I would really hate for anyone else to see it. Jim was good at handling my moods, like I could handle his, but not even Angie or Mycroft had seen me really lose it.
"I saw you successfully removed Hunter. Well done." I congratulated wryly. If I made too much out of it he would clam up.
"Couldn't have done it without your help." He replied.
"Ah, I was barely involved, you did all the hard work." I brushed off. I had only done what any sister would do for her older brother.
"You got me in, though. It would have been much harder if you hadn't helped." He said appreciatively.
"Think nothing of it Sherlock, I was happy to help. We're family after all, I'll do anything for my family." I smiled.
"So, has Angie figured out that the money is from me?" He asked.
"I'm not sure. I did try to convince her it was Mycroft." Sherlock's answering chuckle made my smile widen.
"She knows Mycroft wouldn't do that. It's fine if she figures it out, you gave me the idea anyway, something to let her know that I'm alive and well." Sherlock said casually.
"I'll just tell her its you." I said. It was easier than trying to lie to her when she knew something was already up.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Are you alright otherwise?" I asked. I couldn't help but worry about Sherlock. The people he was after, they are so dangerous. Not even Jim could stop them all. I stood up form the sofa and casually walked into Jim's office. I swallowed the lump that rose in my throat and opened the filing cabinet. I flicked through the files looking for something that might help Sherlock, to keep him one step ahead.
"I'm fine." Sherlock replied, his quick fire, standard response. I barked a shot laugh.
"Good, remember if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." I told him.
"I know." Sherlock agreed. I found a file containing only a picture with the eyes scribbled out. Ah, so this man was on Jim's naughty list. The only word was Baltimore. I didn't recognise the man, so I wouldn't be much help, but maybe Sherlock could uncover more.
"In case you're wondering, I heard Baltimore has some interesting people." I replied casually.
"Noted." Answered Sherlock, I could hear him typing in the background.
"I'll send you some more clothes and money, it'll be waiting for you at your hotel." I offered. I would book his hotel for him, and help with the costs.
"Thank you."
"Of course."
"So Angie and John aren't getting on that well?" Sherlock asked. He surprised me again with his questions.
"How did you know that? No they aren't, John thinks Angie's delusional. John and I aren't speaking." I replied bitterly. I thought back to John's scathing words, I felt my heart clench just a little.
"Yes, Angie told me."
"When did John become do judgmental?" I asked.
"How should I know? I haven't seen him since...well, you know." Sherlock replied awkwardly.
"I suppose so." I agreed. Still feeling angry. "I just hate not speaking to him, but if he can't accept my life then tough." I paused and took a deep breath. Sorry, it touched a nerve." I apologised. It did feel better to talk to someone about it all. I knew Sherlock didn't approve of my relationship with Jim, but he still accepted it and let me make my own decisions.
"It's fine. He must be acting testy lately if Angie's so aggravated with him. And then she takes it out on me, of course." Sighed Sherlock. He sounded frustrated.
"What?! How does she take it out on you?!" I asked bewildered.
"I thought you would have noticed her using your phone." Sherlock observed.
"Been a bit busy here. I'm helping Angie on a case. Anderson and Donavan got to meet Jim, which was fun." I replied quickly. I never even thought about Angie using my phone, if she asked, of course I'd lend it to her.
"Sounds like it." Quipped Sherlock.
"I'll send you the case file when we're done, Greg lets me keep copies." I offered.
"Only if you want to." Sherlock sounded hopeful. I think he was curious at Angie and my abilities to solve a crime.
"I'm just a second rate replacement. Angie is a brilliant detective; she's learnt so much from you. I thought you might like to see what we've been up to. Give us a day or two and it should be done, I'm waiting on forensics. They are slow, and dull." I replied lazily. I was so bored of waiting for Anderson's team to catch up with my brain.
"Well, what do you expect from Anderson? Usually, I take care of that myself, but Angie doesn't care for the science." Sherlock agreed.
"I expect little, that and a harassment law suit. He might turn up dead but the end of the week, Jim hasn't decided. Yeah, neither Angie nor I are quite as talented as you on the science front. I know who the killer is; I just need DNA to back me up." I huffed frustrated.
"Well, I'm sure the results will still turn up more quickly than they've been used to the past few months, since Lestrade hasn't been able to use outside help. Doesn't want to get in trouble with the Superintendent again." Sherlock assured me.
"Yeah, I might have got Mycroft to make an exception to the rules, when you get back, you can have your job back." I grinned.
"Really? They should be grateful, me helping them for nothing." Sherlock sounded surprised and smug.
"They should, I tried to wangle you getting paid, but realised you'd be subject to protocol and boring things so no, you won't get paid." I rambled and added. "Anyway what are sister's for?!"
"No, I don't want to be bothered with protocol and rules. That's one reason I work as only a consultant, so I don't answer to anyone except myself." He stated. I smiled at his self-assurance. I just wanted him happy and safe.
"That's what I thought. I could pay you, but that would mean being paid by a Moriarty, which you won't accept." I quipped sadly.
"Of course not." Dismissed Sherlock.
"I have more money than I know what to do with, can't I pay your rent or contribute something useful?!" I begged. I really didn't know what to do with all of it.
"I wouldn't want to be dependent on a Moriarty, either, even if you are my sister. Why don't you donate to some charity or whatever? That's what rich people usually do, isn't it?" He asked, like he didn't know.
"I do already. It's fine." I sighed. "Although, I do want to help you with your cases. That is if Mycroft doesn't keep asking me to do things for him." I added.
"You don't have to say yes to him." Sherlock told me.
"You have met him?! I don't have much choice in the matter." I retorted. I wish it was as simple as saying no.
"Just because he orders and doesn't ask doesn't mean you have to comply." Sherlock argued.
"Its way more complicated than that, and yes I do. I'll try and explain it to you one day." I said sadly. I would never explain it, not unless I really had to. I just couldn't have my loved ones find out my sordid past.
"So, you'll text me the details for when I arrive in Baltimore?" Sherlock asked.
"Yeah, just finding who and where now. I'll book you a flight tonight. It'll be paid for, just collect your ticket and board a plane." I said quickly. I heard the front door open and momentarily panicked. Jim knew I was helping Sherlock out, but I still felt as though I was betraying him.
"Alright." Acquiesced Sherlock.
"I'll text you later, husband's home. Bye." I rang off quickly. I hurried out of the study to greet Jim.
"Hello darling, you're home early." I smiled.
"Well, the boss let me go, said I needed to spend more time with my wife." Grinned Jim.
"Did he now? Lucky me. Remind me to send a note to your boss." I smirked playfully.
"A note is that all? No token of affection?" He asked wrapping his arms round my waist. I gently entwined my fingers round the back Jim's neck. I breathed in his unique smell of cologne, mint and old books. It was divine.
"What sort of affection does your boss like? I'd hate to make you jealous." I said innocently.
"Simply a kiss from a beautiful woman." He smirked.
"I think that can be arranged." I said quietly and closed the small gap between us. Kissing Jim with all the passion I had. We parted breathless and grinning like fools.
"I'll come home early more often." Jim sighed. I giggled in response and kissed him again.
Our kissing escalated and a trail of clothes was left behind us, we only made it as far as the sofa.
We lay on the sofa dozing the afternoon, now evening; I glanced at the clock it read quarter past seven. Our blissful haziness was interrupted by Jim's incredibly annoying ringtone.
"Leave it." I growled darkly into Jim's chest. Recently, phone calls had been interrupting everything from meals to sleep to other less convenient moments. I felt Jim shift underneath me; he stood up, put on his boxers and padded over to the living room door to retrieve his suit jacket. I looked at him.
"I swear to God James Moriarty answer that phone and I will burn all of your suits." I threatened.
"Ohh. You're a bit grumpy." Jim mocked in that awfully patronising singsong voice he reserved for things he was playing with.
"I'd be less grumpy if that damned phone didn't keep going off every time I get to spend time with you. In fact it woke me up three times last night. It was the first I'd been bale to fall asleep for a week." I griped. I was close to accidentally, deliberately throwing the phone into the Thames.
"I'm busy at the moment. Work is work. You know that. I'm at a crucial point in a job; people need Daddy's approval every time they breathe. It's tedious." He replied as he sat next to me on the sofa. He handed me his shirt and I wrapped it round myself.
"I know, but we discussed not bringing work home, either of us." I said quietly. We'd had quite a heated row about work and life balance. I wasn't faultless by any means, but it was getting to be a bit much.
"I am rather important you know?" He smirked.
"I know. I fell in love with a psychotic criminal mastermind, it's my own fault." I said sarcastically.
"You did." Jim smiled, not picking up on, or ignoring my displeasure. His phone went off again. I rolled my eyes and sighed. "I think they need me." He said jovially. I nodded and left the living room, picking up various items of clothing as I made my way upstairs.
I got in the shower, turning the water up as hot as I could stand. I was fed up. I was annoyed with work, with life and to a certain extent even with my family. I just wanted some normality and quiet. Is that really too much to ask? I wonder if I could run away to Cornwall for some time to myself and spend some time being an artist. Just escape it all? No spying or crime, just the sea and tranquility. I heard the bathroom door open, I tired not to be more annoyed, but I wasn't in the mood to deal with Jim at this precise moment.
"Percy?" He asked. I ignored him. I turned off the shower stepped out from behind the frosted glass and grabbed my purple fluffy towel. I wrapped it tightly around me and grabbed a smaller towel for my dripping hair. I stood resolutely in front of the mirror wringing the excess moisture from my hair.
"Are you going to ignore me?" Jim asked.
"Probably." I replied quickly.
"Why?" Jim pushed.
"Because you're irritating me and I don't want to have another argument." I replied flippantly.
"Is this because my phone rang? You know I'm busy. Crime doesn't commit itself." Jim sniped.
"Really it doesn't? Who knew?" I bit back sarcastically.
"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit Percy." Jim replied irritably.
"Whatever." I sighed and brushed passed him to get dressed, I was bored of being in my towel.
"Are you going to behave like a petulant teenager all night?" Jim asked tiredly. I spun round facing him, only dressed in my underwear. For a second, I was sure Jim's mind was elsewhere. Men!
"No. I'm trying to avoid arguing, again, but you seem fixed on hashing this out. So come on then, what is so important that I haven't seen you properly since before Christmas." I started.
"That isn't my fault. You went rushing off to help poor needy Sherlock." Jim retorted.
"Stop Press! Siblings that actually like each other help one another out. Scandalous. Seriously, what's going on?" I pressed, trying to suppress the sarcastic comments.
"Its just work. Same as it always is. Why is it such an issue? You're barely here as it is." Jim said hurt, but before I could reply he added. "Its not as though you need to work, we have more money than we know what to do with. You could start painting again or designing, or anything. You could do your dream job or stay at home and do whatever you wanted."
"You mean I could be a house wife? I like working, I like having my independence and I always have." I replied flatly. I didn't want to some kept woman in a gilded cage.
"At least as an artist you don't run the risk of being shot or pimped out." Jim said angrily.
"I run the risk of being shot at purely by my association with you. I told you, that chapter of my life ended before I met you and isn't going to happen again. Don't pretend to be okay with it Jim, I know it disgusts you."
"The idea of my wife being used as a diplomatic prostitute, funny it does irk me a little, yes." He snapped sarcastically.
"Now who's being sarcastic?" I quipped.
"Don't." He spat angrily. Jim started pacing. "You know this syndicate doesn't run itself and it takes over at times. You've known about this from the beginning Percy, why does it still bother you?" He asked confused and little exasperated.
"It bothers me because it takes you away from me. If you were married to your work, why did you let me in?" I said sadly.
"I love you. That's why I let you in, but you know I need to work; I've got to stave the boredom off. I need to keep my mind sharp." He explained sharply.
"I get that, but the work feels more important than I do. I might be selfish, but I feel sidelined. When I get home I want to spend time with you James, not Moriarty the crime boss, I want my husband, my best friend, my lover. I know they are all parts of the same person, but up until recently you've nearly always kept them separate at home." I replied passionately.
"It was simpler before. There weren't any distractions." Jim said darkly.
"What distractions?" I queried.
"Sherlock Holmes." He answered quietly.
"Please don't tell me that this marriage is starting to rip apart because of your obsession with him?" I asked astounded. Since I'd found out about my family heritage and I'd met Angie and John again, sure life had changed, but they were my friends and loved ones. It hurt when they fought and tried to destroy each other.
"MY obsession? He wants to take you away from me. They all do." Jim raged possessively.
"So what if they do? I am not a possession. If I ever wanted to walk away I would, but nothing they can say or do will change my mind. You're the only person who can push me away Jim. Only you have that power." I replied earnestly.
"I have to keep you safe. Mycroft is just trying to control you. Why can't you see it? You trust him so blindly but you tell me nothing." Jim's words hurt. I told him everything I could, it wasn't that simple, and it never was.
"You know why I can't tell you certain things. Mycroft isn't trying to control me. He cares about me, he's family Jim, and he always has been."
"Just stop working for him."
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
"Excuse me? I am not one of your lackeys. If I want to work, then I will work for whom I want and where I want. I'm not a possession Jim. You can't just order me about like a child." I snapped acidly. I swept back into the walk in wardrobe and pulled on a pair of charcoal grey suit trousers and a black shirt. I grabbed the first pair of black heels and my suit jacket. Jim just looked at me imploringly. He didn't say anything to my tirade he just let me go. I looked at him coldly and went downstairs, picking up my bag and slipping on my heels and coat as I left for work.
Our argument the night before wasn't over the following morning. Well, I finished getting dressed and stormed out. I went to the only place that I didn't associate with home, work. I walked to the office. How I managed to walk nearly two miles in five-inch heels is still a mystery, but I did. My fuming temper numbed the pain. How dare he accuse me of being career driven and not being committed to him?! He was such a hypocrite. I really wanted to slap that smirk off his face. As much I love Jim, he really could bring out a violent and angry side of me.
I swiped my ID card and grinned at Fred the night watchman. Fred was such a sweetie; we'd sat with hot tea and chatted the night away on several occasions. I enquired after his daughter; apparently she was about to graduate from Edinburgh University having read history. I called the lift down and pressed the number 6, the top floor of the building. Of course Mycroft had to be on the top floor. I swiped my ID card again to gain access to the office. I actually liked the office when it was quiet although, it was never truly empty. There was always someone working away or monitoring a situation. Maybe I should explain what Mycroft's office actually does. It's actually above and beyond both MI5 and MI6. Mycroft and his team are there to anticipate. They watch and learn and out manoeuvre the other side. Mycroft brokers deals and liaisons. He really is the power behind the government. Quietly clearing up the messes created by officials and MPs. He does have to answer to the Prime Minister and the Queen, but otherwise he's a silent spectre wielding more power than any one man should.
Angie, you're probably still wondering what I actually do. It's probably time I told you. You've met Anthea, she's Mycroft's secretary, PA and general right hand person, and she's the little bird that tells him what he needs to know. I am his eyes and ears in the field. It is my job to get his allies, clients, and contacts to co-operate; basically I am there to sweeten the deal. I am a taster of the prize the West could offer or a whatever 'they' want me to be. I am good with puzzles and people, so I crack them and hand them to Mycroft. For all intense and purpose I am spy, a honey trap a decoy, choose any noun you like. I am Mycroft's aide at parties and a distraction in tricky situations. He literally hand picked and trained me himself.
One day you'll find out, although I hope you don't, the reason why Mycroft has such a claim on my life, but that is a nightmare to explore when I'm long dead.
Before sitting at my desk, I slipped into Mycroft's office and poured myself a very large whiskey. Not a drink I particularly enjoy, but that was my only option. I needed something to take the edge off. I took a large gulp and reveled in the burn as it slipped down my throat. I topped up my glass and potters back to my desk. I looked at the clock on the wall it read 2am. I booted up my computer, entered my username and password and started to catch up on the work I'd been neglecting for the last couple of days. Being in a foul mood helped me plough through the mountains of data.
I only noticed the change in light and time when Anthea greeted me with a strong black coffee. She was a saint. Mycroft obviously knew I was here. Not surprising it had even stopped being unnerving. I'd been staring at this code for a while. I simply couldn't see the key. It wasn't numerical or symbolic. It was letter based, but not necessarily Latin letters. I sat there going through the various languages I spoke, not German, French or Russian or Latin. Perhaps in Greek or Arabic? I wasn't a skilled cryptographer by any stretch of the imagination, but I was good at spotting patterns. I sat back and sipped the coffee; hot, sweet and strong, just how I like it. The steam fogged up my glasses.
I removed my glasses and rubbed my eyes. Living off a liquid diet of alcohol and coffee really wasn't doing me any good. I could feel my brain slowing down, even with the caffeine hit racing though my blood. I stretched up and my spine and shoulders gave a loud and resonating pop. Gary, who sat at the desk opposite me looked at me.
"That sounded unhealthy." He commented.
"That's nothing. My hips and knees make worse sounds. This job will cripple me." I smirked. Gary smiled and nodded knowingly. He'd broken one of his legs and lost another in the line of duty, which landed him a desk job with Mycroft, he was a brilliant strategist, but unable to serve in the forces anymore. Gary was actually one of the only people who ever spoke to me, or was worth speaking to. The were a considerable number of people in the office who were too suspicious for their own good and also too clever, sadly it came with an arrogance that made you want to punch them. With Sherlock or Mycroft you just knew, even if it was annoying, but they didn't need constant validation from others, my co-workers could be incredibly fickle and needy; a little too ordinary for my tastes. Then there were a few, like Gary and Anthea that had something special and were genuinely nice people.
Around 1pm a ripple of whispers flittered through the office. I paid it little attention; office gossip was generally banal and tedious. If it was important and work related Mycroft would call me into is office. At some point I heard the whispers of 'got around security' but again I ignored and it kept working. My attention was only caught when a slight cough came from behind me. I looked up and turned round. There was Jim, dressed in an Armani suit. It was a charcoal grey. Underneath he wore a crisp dark blue shirt and his McQueen tie embellished with silver skulls. He looked drop dead gorgeous, he was Mr. Sex. He gave me an impish smile as he saw my lingering gaze. He bent low and whispered into my ear.
"I'm kidnapping you." His voice was low and seductive. God. He knew how to make me submit. I forced myself to surpass a shudder of pleasure. I nodded minutely, grabbed my jacket and handbag. Jim grasped my hand tightly in his and whisked me into the lift and down thought the lobby and into his familiar waiting black Bentley.
"Why am I being kidnapped?" I asked as the driver pulled us into the busy traffic of Central London.
"I knew you wouldn't eat otherwise and I wanted to apologise." Jim answered sincerely. I forgave him instantly. He really did have a ridiculous power over me, but I knew I had the same power over him. I knew he cared and genuinely worried about my well-being, just as I did for his. We may argue a lot, but we always pulled through.
"Thank you. I'm sorry too." I said leaning over and kissing his cheek. Just as I was about to ask where were going we pulled up in front of the Ritz. I felt slightly underdressed. When I mentioned this, Jim kissed me and told me stop worrying.
When we first started dating, this was date number three; Jim brought me to the Ritz for dinner and cocktails. So picture an eighteen year old me, yes, I was terrified and had already started to fall for Jim, and a twenty-three year old Jim on a date, at that point he'd had a tab and was already well known at the hotel. Yeah, it was a slight shock. The staff even knew me fairly well by now as we dined there quite regularly, and entertained there too. Even so, I wanted to look my best, not in my slightly crumpled suit.
Jim strutted into the hotel like he owned it. It wouldn't surprise me if he did.
After our very lavish lunch, which included us polishing off a bottle of Bollinger, we decided to go for a walk around St. James' Park. Both merry and relaxed we strolled hand in hand around the green oasis. The sunshine graced us with it presence, even if it was still bitterly cold. I was informed as we left the hotel that I had the afternoon off. I just grinned and realised this was Jim begging Mycroft to retaliate. I wasn't going to argue. We laughed and chatted as we wondered until someone bumped into Jim.
"Watch it...Adelena?" Jim started, but his demeanour changed when he realised whom the person was. She, was a rather attractive woman, average height, but with striking green eyes and dark auburn hair. She was pale and had flawless skin. The woman looked up shocked and about to apologise, but smiled as she recognised my husband.
"What a surprise to see you." Jim said happily.
"Jim, darling, fancy bumping into you." The woman replied flashing him a flirtatious grin. Was I invisible? Apparently, yes, as the woman embraced Jim closely.
"It's been years, how the devil are you?" The woman asked. She ignored me, her sole focus on Jim. I looked at her; I wanted to know everything about this woman. How dare she look at my husband like that? Worked in the city going by her clothes and nails. She worked in either banking or law going by her leather briefcase and laptop bag. She knew Jim personally, must be personal to embrace him from his past. I surreptitiously took out my phone and carefully snapped a picture of her. I sent a text to Mycroft. I wasn't taking any chances.
Information please. Personal and urgent. P x
"Oh you know, been doing this and that. Keeping busy. Little Ade, of all the people. This was the only person who kept half way sane at Uni." Jim replied casually. I listened as he spoke.
"Jimmy dear, that's far to vague an answer and you are still a flatterer. You mean I kept the flat clean whilst you were neck deep in equations." She cooed. Jimmy? Who the hell did she think she was?!
"We should go for a drink and catch up. Oh look my schedule just cleared. What about yours?" Adelena asked batting her eyelashes. I could swear she cast a look at me. I was stood just behind Jim, but half hidden by him. Before Jim could answer, my possessive side reared up. I took a step closer to Jim and curled my arm around his and entwining our hands. He looked at me and smiled.
"Darling, we had plans to attend to at home." I said in a sultry voiced saw a flicker of passion ignite in Jim. If I had to lure him back to a hotel room or home or wherever then I would. This woman really had no idea whom she was dealing with. No one flirts with my husband and gets away with it, especially not in front of me.
"Oh who's this?" She asked. I don't think she was interested.
"How rude, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Persephone, Persephone Moriarty. I'm Jim's wife." I replied coolly.
"Jim you got married?! How was it not announced? And where was my invite?" The woman gushed, ignoring me blatant claim.
"Sorry love, my manners appear to have vanished. Ade, this is my wonderful wife Percy. She keeps me out of trouble." Jim replied proudly, I felt a flicker of clam; maybe I was being too harsh? They we friends, he'd married me. He wasn't a philanderer.
"We are going for a drink, no arguments, we have so much to discuss, and I think an impromptu celebration is needed." She decreed and linked arms with my husband. For a moment, I was sure Jim was silently asking for help, but I dismissed that idea quickly as he spoke.
"I have a spare hour or so. Fancy a drink Percy?" Jim replied.
"I'm fine, thanks for the offer. You two have fun and catch up." I half smiled. Jim turned to me, kissed my cheek chastely and left with that woman. She just batted her eyelashes and he went with her every whim. Had I fallen into some parallel universe? They were both laughing as they walked off. As though no time had passed and they were back being students. When had I become so paranoid and jealous?
My phone pinged. I had an e-mail and a text. I read the text first as it was from Jim.
I'll see you at home. Won't be long.
That was it? My temper spiked. Well, he wouldn't see me at home. I was going to see Angie. I tapped open the e-mail and it was file on Adelena O'Malley. I found a bench and sat down. I began to read. She was 31. Irish national. Mother, Father and two brothers. She was the middle child. 2001 she got married to some Texan oil heir. In 2004 they had divorced, it was a public and messy divorce, and she had gotten the lot. She'd grown up in Wicklow, Ireland. So that explains how Jim knew her. She was clever, had won a place and full scholarship to Cambridge. The same year Jim started at Cambridge. I scanned through more mundane information, her favourite colour and banal stuff. She read Mathematics whilst at Cambridge. Received a first. I scanned through her extensive dating history, man after man until I spotted a name, one particular name that made my stomach clench. 1999-2001: on/off relationship with James A. Moriarty. I felt sick. Wait, why was this affecting me? I felt the tremors start and my chest feel tight. I felt too warm despite the frigid temperatures. I could feel the stinging in my eyes of tears that wanted to fall. I hit number 2 on my speed dial.
"Mycroft?" I breathed.
"Percy, are you alright?" He asked worried.
"I don't know." I replied honestly, my voice shaking.
"What's happened?" He asked again, his voice still urgent.
"The women that I asked you check out, she's just sort of stolen Jim." I answered.
"What?" Mycroft exclaimed.
"I don't know. I am a bit drunk and I'm panicking. They used to be a couple." I rambled. I could feel my emotions and the alcohol working against any normal brain function.
"Used to being the operative words. He's married to you. He's not stupid Percy." Mycroft consoled.
"You saw her, she's stunning. She calls him by a nickname. Should I be worried?" I asked hurriedly, the panic rising in me again.
"No, and as much as I am not one of your husband's biggest fans, he's loyal and sticks to his convictions." Mycroft replied calmly. He was right I was just being crazy.
"I'm over-reacting aren't I?" I stated, as much to him as myself.
"Yes, you are." He confirmed. "Why are you drunk at two in the afternoon?" Mycroft added, sounding just like my Dad.
"That would be the bottle of champagne we had over lunch. Jim took me to the Ritz." I explained. God, when did I become the psychotic jealous wife?
"Yes, his stunt was most amusing, make sure he doesn't do that again. Go home, calm down and I will see you tomorrow." Mycroft instructed. I smiled, he really did know how to sort me out, every time.
"Of course, sorry. Thank you Mycroft. You're always there when I need you." I said sincerely.
"I wouldn't be much use if I wasn't." He chuckled and ended the call. I leaned back against the bench for a moment and sighed. I really was being silly. I would have to encourage Jim to stay in touch with his friend; normal people were good for him, maybe I could get to know her too?