I am sorry is been forever! I have been super busy. The play I was in just wrapped up and we got a new puppy who doesn't like to leave my lap (which makes typing on my laptop problematic). I have also been working on my movie a lot, but here is a longer chapter than normal and a fun twist at the end :D Hope you guys like it!

Mycroft straightened the knocker as he entered the building. He nodded to John, who was clearly leaving, and received an annoyed huff in return. He was just wondering what his brother had done now when a horrible stench met his nostrils.

"What have you done now brother mine?" Mycroft asked trying not to breath any more than necessary.

"Well, I was conducting an experiment on the rate of decay of human flesh in an enclosed environment-"

"Does 'enclosed environment' by any chance refer to that pickle jar over there?" Mycroft interrupted.

"Of course, it is airtight and impervious to most external conditions, excluding temperature. As I was saying-"

"Was it in the refrigerator?"

"Yes. The basis of my experiment was temperature differences. There is another in the cupboard. But then John-"

"Have you ever thought to mark your experiments, so that things like this wouldn't happen?"

"Well, no, but-"

"Sherlock, You are living with another person. If you want him to stay around it would help to be considerate at least once in a while."

"But-" Sherlock was silenced once again, this time by an icy glare.

"While all of this is… Fascinating, This was not why I came here. We have a problem."

"Oh, so you have finally realized Ainsley is working for Moriarty?"

"And how long have you known this?"

"Oh, just a couple of days." Sherlock stated offhandedly, though he was clearly pleased he knew something his brother hadn't.

"You didn't think to tell me because…?"

"It is far more fun to see you come to your own conclusions brother." Sherlock smirked, "Have you figured out who her mark is yet?"

"No, I am afraid I haven't."

"Well lucky for you, I have." Sherlock said excited as he walked over to the table where his laptop lay. He quickly turned it on and opened one of the folders on the desktop. In it were photos of Ainsley and a man he didn't recognise. "Clarence Mitchell. Small-time smuggler and fence. He recently came into possession of some Vermeer Sketches. Moriarty has tried to buy them, but he said he wasn't selling, so he is using Ainsley to get them." Mycroft flicked through the photos and files contained in the folder.

"Not bad Sherlock. I guess we don't have to worry about them trying to take over England just yet."

Ainsley and Clarence had now been on a total of five dates. They had all gone very well and Ainsley expected to get her hands on the sketches any day now. She figured that he would have the Sketches on display somewhere in his house, she just had to get there, drop some hints and they would be hers. Suddenly her mobile went off.

Hey -C

Hey :) -S

I was wondering if you wanted to come over later? I can fix you dinner. Show off my excellent food ordering and arranging skills. -C

Haha sounds fun. What time? -S

7 work for you? -C

It's a date! -S

Ainsley smiled to herself. She would have the sketches in no time.

Going to his place tonight. -AH

You should wear the light wash jeans and the dark blue blouse with the buttons. -JM

Did you go through my closet? -AH

I like to know EVERYTHING about my employees -JM

Slightly creepy, but I expect nothing less of you. -AH

As you should. -JM

Ainsley rolled her eyes and set down her mobile on the table as she went into her room to get changed. She put on the outfit Jim recommended and quickly twisted her hair into a simple braid. She touched up her makeup and glanced at the clock, she still had a good 30 minutes before she had to leave. Killing time she tidied her already spotless flat and checked her email. She left her flat and went out to the street to hail a cab. Quickly one pulled up and she stepped inside, but before she said the address he was already taking off down the road.

"I didn't-" She started, before realizing it was Jim driving. "Oh, hi"

"Hello Ainsley. I hope you get those sketches tonight. It has already been two and a half weeks, I can't wait forever you know." His tone of voice suggesting that something very bad would happen should she take much longer

"I know." Ainsley replied calmly, "I plan to get them by tonight, tomorrow at the latest."

"Good girl."

Clarence was showing Sarah around his flat, as their dinner hadn't arrived yet. She seemed pretty impressed by the place, but he was saving the best for last. As they walked last room he studied her face intently. He saw it light up the second she entered his private gallery. He had a pretty good collection, and he remembered her mentioning a love of Vermeer, which is why on the far wall were some framed sketches of his with large bows plastered on them.

It was far easier than she had thought. She had mentioned a few time her love of Vermeer, but thought she would have to work a little harder before he handed them over, yet here they were with bows on them.

"I remember you said you liked Vermeer and I recently acquired these, so I thought you might appreciate them more." He said with a grin on his face.

"They are amazing!" She squealed and went to kiss him.

"I figured you could take them home with you tonight, or tomorrow morning."

"Oh I can't stay the night, I have to go into work tonight."

"Oh. What time do you have to leave?" He asked, looking a little disappointed.

"I have to be there by ten."

At around 9:30 she left Clarence's and started for Moriarty's place. He wasn't driving the cab this time. When she got there she quickly picked the lock and entered his house. She didn't see him, but there were some… odd noises coming from a door down the hall.

"Jim?" She called out. After a few moments Jim exited the room covered in blood.

"Don't worry it's not mine." He said with a smirk.

"Don't really care, brought you a present." She pulled a box out of her bag. He went to reach for it. "Jim, you are covered in blood, you might at least want to wash your hands."

"Good point." He said, walking into a nearby room. "Feel free to take a seat, I will only be a minute."

"Okay." She responded going over to the living room. She heard the sound of a shower running and decided to poke around, just repaying the favor after all. He had an excellent collection of books, a box that appeared to contain a collection of petrified ears, and a few other gruesome nick-nacks. She grabbed a book at random and sat down to read it, when she heard the water stop. She opened the book, figuring she still had a few minutes.

"What are you reading?" Jim asked from behind her.

"A book called Goose Girl. You really have a thing for fairy tales don't you?" She asked turning to look at him, finding him only wearing a towel.

"Oh yes, now where are my sketches?"

"In the box on the table." She stated, not letting her surprise show on her face. "Do you need anything else, or should I go?"

"Do you find me attractive?"