I'm dedicating this chapter to Mattsloved1, who over the last couple of days has overloaded my inbox with 130+ reviews for this story - thank you honey, you made my Bank Holiday weekend...so I thought I'd better give you some more to read!
With the smoothness of a well-rehearsed military manoeuvre five people left through the front door of 221B, but only one returned.
Once more wearing his lenses, John tapped his way back past the bomb-damaged entrance to King's Cross Station, and on to the old railway arches where Sammy and Kallie were sitting, talking to the ever fluid groups of homeless people.
"Doc John!" Sammy spotted him first and scrambled to his feet.
"Sammy." John acknowledged the boy. "Kallie here?"
"Yeah doc." She rose to join them, and moving them out of earshot Kallie lowered her voice.
"So, you can see then Doc?"
"Kallie I'm sorry, the deception was for everyone's safety."
"And all the running we did for you…..?"
"Was vital Sammy, trust me. I couldn't have worked without your help."
"So, what do you need?" Kallie asked.
John reached out for her hand.
"To give you these, and to ask Sammy to do one more job for me."
"These…..?" Kallie looked down.
"Are the keys to 221B. Mrs Hudson will still be there, but Sherlock and I need to lay low for a while. I'll be happier knowing you can access shelter, food and basic first aid if needed."
"What job?" Sammy asked.
"I need you to meet me tonight at Clapham Junction station, ten o'clock, and bring this bag."