Chapter 14.5
Appearances can be Deceiving
Anthea
Anthea frowned as she looked down at her phone's display. Someone had sent her a text from an unknown number. Need your help involves Sherlock Holmes. Anthea bit her lip in anger. Dr. Molly Hooper. She was the only one besides Mycroft and herself that knew that Sherlock was still alive. Anthea had urged Mycroft not to involve her. She was too emotionally invested in Sherlock and couldn't be objective, but Mycroft had vetoed her suggestion. Now, it appeared that his decision may come back to haunt him, much like his brother always seemed to. Mycroft's baby brother, the now infamous Sherlock Holmes, was one of Mycroft's few weaknesses. Despite their constant bickering, and constant posturing in a never ending power struggle, there was a genuine, if not love, then minimally, respect and brotherly concern. Over the years, Anthea had attempted to get the whole story of their difficult relationship, but to this day she only knew bits and pieces. Sherlock Holmes was truly an enigma, yet not nearly as mystifying as Mycroft Holmes. Her eyes drifted to slim gold band on her right ring finger.
The first time that she informally met Mycroft Holmes, he was a senior agent at SIS. He had worked within both MI5 and MI6 moving effortlessly between the two departments and had developed a flawless reputation. She had been an intern just out of University. She had nearly tripped as she stared at him not paying attention to where she was going. He had been stunning; impeccably dressed with wavy auburn hair and dark blue eyes and though his aquiline nose was a bit severe, it only emphasized his regal presence and air of authority. She knew at that first moment with just one look that she was hopelessly smitten. Try as she might, she never saw him again at Vauxhall. He transferred into a high level position in parliament. Though if one were foolish enough to ask what his job involved, his reply would be simple servant or minor position in the British government, though nothing could be further from the truth. Mycroft Holmes soon became one of the most powerful and influential people in all of Great Britain. There were rumors that he was untouchable, cold, calculating, and ambitious to a fault earning him the nickname iceman. Despite it all, she never forgot him though. She worked her way up at MI6 as an agent developing a number of invaluable skills.
It was after the 7/7 bombing's, which left 52 dead and hundreds more injured that their paths crossed again. Anthea had been the lead agent on the counterterrorism unit set up after the incident. They had taken in a number of suspects but were still looking for other encompasses. As she was looking over one of the many crime scenes in central London looking at the remains of the bomb that was used, he had appeared taking her completely by surprise. "Four total consisting of homemade organic peroxide-based devices in backpacks." The posh accent screamed public school and Anthea had been ready to tell the onlooker off, but when she turned around the words died in her throat. It had been years since she had seen him in person, but he still made her heart race. Mycroft Holmes stood before her. "Elizabeth Anthea Coulter, I'm familiar with your work." His appearance had been flawless, as always. He was perfectly put together in a bespoke suit, designer shoes and carried a custom umbrella. Anthea nodded stiffly still at a loss for words as her heart continued to race. Before she could respond, his attention was stolen by the frantic voice of a dark haired Sergeant in hot pursuit of a tall, dark haired man with mop of riotous curls and silver eyes heading right towards them.
"Sherlock!" The sergeant shouted. "Bloody wanker! I swear if you interfere with this investigation, it'll be the last crime scene that you'll ever see. Mycroft sighed loudly as he glared at the two men quickly approaching them.
"Sergeant Lestrade, good to see you again." The Sergeant nodded and glanced at the dark haired man who was frowning deeply at Mycroft who then looked in his direction and addressed him. "Another case cracked, how very public spirited. Though that's never really your motivation, is it?" Mycroft asked the man in a sarcastic voice causing her to frown in confusion. The dynamic between them was hard to describe.
"What are you doing here?" The man retorted with a sneer at Mycroft.
"That should be obvious. This is a matter of national security. That, and I knew you would show up. I couldn't allow you to run wild over this investigation. I'm also concerned about you." Mycroft replied.
"Yes, I've been hearing about you concern." The man snapped with a glare in the sergeant's direction who flushed under the scrutiny.
"Always so aggressive. Did it ever occur to you that you and I belong on the same side?" Mycroft inquired with a sigh.
"Oddly enough, no." The man answered sharply.
"We have more in common than you'd like to believe. This petty feud between us is simply childish. People will suffer and you know how it always upset Mummy."
"I upset her? Me? It wasn't me that upset her Mycroft! Try not to start a war before I get home you know what it does to the traffic." The man snapped before turning his back to them and stomping away angrily.
Anthea's eyes widened in shock. Mummy? Brothers? It couldn't be. "He's always been so resentful." Mycroft murmured under his breath with a glance in her direction. "That, never ending problem, was my brother, Sherlock William Scott Holmes." Mycroft clarified. Anthea merely raised an eyebrow unsure of what was expected of her. "I could use someone with your unique skill set under my direct employ. Are you interested?" He asked looking directly at her as his eyes slid over her quickly and silently assessing her. He seemed confident in her answer, as he looked her over clinically.
"I would relish the opportunity, Mr. Holmes." She replied with a professional smile and it was true this was a once in a lifetime offer and she was not about to turn it down.
"Excellent, Ms. Coulter. May I call you Anthea? It offers more anonymity." He asked. She nodded wondering just what she was getting herself into.
Anthea was pulled from her thoughts as her phone buzzed with another text. Anthea was unsurprised when she saw Mycroft's number.
The package is in transit. Retrieval may be necessary.
Copy, please advise. Anthea answered deciding that if fieldwork was necessary. This time she would insist on accompanying Mycroft Holmes.