Mycroft slumped uncharacteristically in his high-backed leather chair wincing as the sound of the door slamming, followed by the loud growl of a frustrated Alpha departing, echoed through the Diogenes club. His brother and respective mate were going to cost him an ungodly amount in fines at this rate. At least John had restricted himself to only slamming the door once when he arrived, and he at least apologized. He steepled his fingers beneath his chin as he considered what had transpired today and the actions that resulted.
He couldn't really blame Sherlock, not even his Alpha for breaking the lamp….and the table it sat on, considering what they sprang on him. Telling an Alpha that his Omega was being sent out of the country at the last minute to train combat bound medics was never going to be an easy sell for anyone. Mycroft at least had the advantage of age, experience, and equivalent intelligence to aid him in facing Sherlock. He was certain that Sherlock did not buy the story completely but failed to challenge him outright over it, his position as Pack Alpha for their family still held sway. He didn't believe Sherlock would leave it be however and made sure the teams doubled their efforts to cover John's trail and sabotage any attempts to track him by his erstwhile mate, or Moriarty either for that matter. He hoped Sherlock would see the logic of the move, as they tracked Moriarty John's safety would be paramount to his ability to focus. Which is what brought them to this point. Mycroft considered once more the chain of events set off by a certain phone call, starting with John's sudden visit this morning.
{*} {*} {*}
Despite knowing he was coming, Mycroft was brought up sharply as the door to his office was slammed open by his brother-in-law. In truth he had never seen John Watson quite like this. He noted that it was not the demure doctor who came to his office but the war hardened soldier, efficiently scanning his surroundings for any threat even as he entered. He rose to greet John and sent Anthea, still hovering in the open doorway, away silently with a wave. "John….how may I assist you today?"
"I'm..sorry, Sorry Mycroft! I shouldn't have...that is...I didn't mean to open the door so hard! When was the last sweep of your office?!" When informed that the sweep had just cleared the office again this morning John continued, "There just isn't any time to waste! For the sake of your family, I am going to require your not inconsiderable influence and assistance!"
Mycroft could not believe how focused John seemed even as his appearance indicated a great deal of internal conflict, clothing askew as he worried his hands in the fabric and his hair stuck up in all directions. He simply could not imagine what might have happened to bring John to this state but Mycroft's Alpha began to respond to the sheer amount of anxiety radiating off of John in waves, needing to calm and soothe the Omega. "John come here and sit down. You must settle yourself if we are to get anywhere. I'll get us some tea and you can tell me everything." He buzzed Anthea and requested the tea service be delivered, though looking at John again he thought the man might need something stronger. "Is it Moriarty? Has he done something new?"
John shook his head as he took a seat in the chair Mycroft offered, "No….well….yes, but no he hasn't done anything yet. It's what he could do that is the problem."
Mycroft nodded as he took the chair across from John, "Perhaps you should start from the beginning John."
John opened his mouth to start, then closed it again. He stared at his hands for a few moments before taking a deep breath and giving himself a sharp nod, "I'm pregnant, Mycroft."
Mycroft found that statement brought out a rush of emotions he did not typically indulge in; surprise of course, profound happiness for his brother and John, and a uniquely pleasurable feeling as he contemplated becoming an uncle. But the fear and determination in John's eyes, reminded him of the grave implications of that statement.
"I believe customarily one offers congratulations at such an announcement, and I do indeed congratulate you, however it must be said that the timing could not be worse."
John nodded solemnly, "Exactly."
"Does Sherlock know?"
"No. He was out on a case and I came straight here after the call." That seemed to spark another thought, "Mycroft, I need the record of a phone call to my mobile wiped, all possible traces or back up recordings, and my medical records sequestered….everything, I need it all off of the grid completely! I need it done….Now! Moriarty can not find out anymore than Sherlock can." When Mycroft had not moved to act John grew impatient, "I mean NOW Mycroft, there is no time! We can't give Moriarty even a sliver of a window into this information! You know what he can do! If he thought he could use me to destroy Sherlock, what do you think he will do with me AND Sherlock's child?! I will not lose this child Mycroft, not by any form of carelessness, let alone at the hands of a psychopath out to destroy my mate at any cost! I don't care what I have to do, this baby will be safely born even if it kills me!"
Mycroft was shocked by the forcefulness John directed at him, the fierce gleam in the Omega's eyes would rival even the strongest of Alphas. He saw the wisdom in not antagonizing the soldier before him and readily pulled out his mobile to enact the orders John thought were so vital. While he was doing so, the tea arrived and both men remained silent until the servers departed. Mycroft began to pour the tea as he addressed John, "Perhaps you should tell me what you are thinking John. You seem to have a plan in mind so let us begin our discussion there."
John sat back into his chair with a sigh, "Fine Mycroft. But you may want to call Anthea back in here, I think we may need her skills as well as yours."
Mycroft raised one eyebrow sharply at that but reached to summon Anthea to join them. Once she had locked the door they sat for tea and John began.
{*} {*} {*}
John shouldered his old duffel bag as he stepped off of the boat now docked at the Limassol Port in Cyprus. The startling blue of the Mediterranean was stunning and the breezes blowing off of the sea soothing, but John would not be joining the other tourists in their exploration of the island. He was a man on a mission. He felt uncomfortable without his gun tucked safely at his back but it wasn't possible to travel with it. He contented himself with the knowledge that it would not be for long. It had been easy enough to book passage with the tour bound for Cyprus and blend in with the tourists, remaining unobtrusive and anonymous for the duration of the voyage. It was one of those loosely organized tours with a set itinerary, travelers could drop out of and rejoin the tour at any of the set points thus allowing for their own explorations or visits to family or friends. With luck John would rejoin the group in a couple of days, in the meantime he made his way out of the port in search of the bus to take him to the garrison headquarters in Episkopi and the person of Bill Murray. His closest comrade in the RAMC, they had truly shared everything when they served together. Bill had been the only one to know John's secret and despite being an Alpha guarded it closely. It was Bill who managed to get John to safety and provide the emergency care that gave him a chance to live after the sniper's bullet tore through him. Beyond Sherlock, he was the only other person in the world John trusted enough to go to for help
While John had been invalided home, Bill had continued his military career and was now stationed in Episkopi with The Yorkshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion. The unit remained on high alert for action in this part of the world, able to move out within forty-eight hours if required. They were highly trained experts in dismounted close combat and John envied Bill just a bit, but he knew at this stage he would never trade his life with Sherlock or the child they had on the way for anything.
He actually hoped Bill would be available as he had not given him any warning of his visit. They had not deemed it safe to contact him through any conventional channel. John would meet up with him in person and arrange the contacts he would need with the appropriate discretion required. Arriving at the command headquarters, John flashed the Interpol ID badge Mycroft had arranged in addition to his military ID and requested to speak to the commander. It hadn't been a problem for Mycroft to secure the badge as he had long ago obtained clearance for John due to the international and often sensitive work Sherlock did. Considering the fact that John had also been on suppressants and in hiding during his entire military career, the badge helped ease the way when his scent clearly identified him as a bonded Omega now. After a brief security check and wait, he was allowed to speak to the commander. Styling himself as an old army buddy just dropping by to see a friend while traveling through for a couple of days, John was able to use his unassuming charm to win the commander's confidence. Bill was on duty but completed his assignment this evening and would then have a pass for a couple of days. John left the number to one of the burner phones Mycroft had given him with a hastily written note entrusting it to the commander's care before departing to find a place to stay.
John found a room in a small hotel not far from the barracks. Paying cash for a couple of days, he deposited his bag in the room and went to find dinner and a few supplies. He at least enjoyed the idyllic scenery during his short walk around the village and while eating at a small family owned café. There was very little reason for John to feel threatened here but he remained alert just the same. Knowing it would be late this evening before he would even hear from Bill he returned to his room determined to get some sleep. Rest was going to be even more important now, both to keep him mentally alert and focused, as well as for the baby.
It was after midnight local time when the phone woke John instantly from a sound sleep, all those years of military training proving to be a godsend now.
"Hello?"
"John Watson, you bloody bastard, why didn't you let me know you were coming so I could get more time off to show you the sites," the cheerful voice rang out, "What brings you here anyway?!"
John couldn't help but smile at Bill's exuberance, he honestly had missed his best mate. Sadly there wouldn't be much time for catching up on this visit. He knew Bill would understand. "I need you mate. I need you to stand by me, protecting my weaker side."
Bill voice lost all trace of good-humor. The phrase a long-sworn oath between them, a relic of John's Scottish heritage, and Bill responded without hesitation, "On yer right man. I'm here. What do you need?"
"We need to talk in private, could you meet me for breakfast?" Bill readily agreed. John gave him the address of the hotel where he was staying and ended the call soon after claiming the need for sleep. In truth it took John a long time to fall back to sleep. Laying on the bed, resting his hands over the small life making all this necessary, he thought carefully through his plans and prayed they would be enough.
{*} {*} {*}
Sherlock was furious, more than he had been in a long time. He had gotten home to find a short letter from John telling him that Mycroft asked him to take a medical training assignment and he was leaving immediately, with the length of the assignment unknown at the moment. That was all, no discussion, no thought to Sherlock, just gone on an assignment. A quick check found John's old army duffel missing as well as some clothing and toiletries. His gun however was still safely tucked into their nightstand. You couldn't point out that it was exactly what Sherlock did to John all the time, that was simply beside the point. He was crashing through Mycroft's door at the Diogenes club as fast as the cab could get him there and now stood toe-to-toe with his big brother demanding answers. He faced an implacable stone wall however, one that he could never deduce completely accurately. He didn't believe for a moment that Mycroft needed John for this assignment and his brother did not pretend that that was the truth either.
Instead Mycroft brought out the latest information about Moriarty and his activities, pointing out his movements and actions for the past week all focused largely around he and John. Appealing to the Alpha, he pointed out that it was far safer for John to be out of the line of fire considering Moriarty's stated plans to use John against him. The Alpha did not take kindly to the implication that John would be safer without his care and growled a low warning to his brother. Mycroft bristled but did not retaliate, knowing exactly the buttons that this situation was pushing for Sherlock's Alpha.
Sherlock couldn't explain to his brother the anxiety he felt about John being away from him. Regardless of the threat Moriarty posed he needed John at home with him. "Bring him home Mycroft! Bring him home now! Get in touch with whomever you need to, turn his transport around and get him home!"
Mycroft sighed, actually regretting that he would have to do this to Sherlock, but consoling himself that it was for the best. Besides, John had insisted on having his way, giving Mycroft limited control over the plans execution. "I can't do that Sherlock. John wanted to go…..he insisted. He thought you could focus more clearly on the case if he wasn't here being a target and a distraction. And I can't contact him at all while he is in transit. He will contact us through secure channels once he is settled. I am sorry Sherlock. It's what John wants and you will have to accept it."
Sherlock couldn't believe what he was hearing. John…..John wanted to leave him. He thought he was a distraction, thought Sherlock couldn't work the case and keep him safe at the same time. He struggled for words to refute his brother's words but came up dry. And the Alpha? The Alpha had had enough, he was being denied his mate, told his mate willingly left, and it was implied that he couldn't even fulfill the instinctual need to protect his mate properly. The expensive lamp shattered readily as the Alpha raged, but it wasn't nearly satisfying enough. Breaking the heavy round clawfoot table to pieces proved soothing enough for Sherlock to regain control and leave the office…..but just barely.
He had walked all the way home trying to calm his thoughts and focus. He needed John here with him and he knew how to get around his brother. By the time he got back to Baker Street, he knew what he had to do. He applied himself to finding where John had gone, to tracking him. He hacked everything he could, bypassing most of Mycroft's security measures. He poured over CCTV footage trying to get a glimpse of John, tracked his mobile records, but found nothing. Everything seemed to have disappeared, erased or blocked beyond his means. He didn't stop to consider that he himself had actually taught John just how to hide, how to evade surveillance, how to cover his own trail. By filling John in on his own actions during his absence after the Fall, he had given him all the tools he needed to disappear. He called all their friends, asking if John had been in touch but he had spoken to no one except Mycroft. He kept it up well through the night and into the next day, still with nothing to show for his efforts. As the second night fell, his phoned chimed with a text alert. Hoping it was John he snatched up his phone eagerly.
"When you have exhausted your efforts brother dear, get some sleep. Then come see me. The sooner we deal with Moriarty, the sooner John will be home."-MH
His phone proved to be the next victim of the Alpha, shattering against the fireplace from the force of the throw. Sherlock clutched and tore at his hair with both hands, roaring his anger and frustration to the world before attacking his efforts anew.
Watching on the monitor before him, Mycroft sighed heavily as he arranged for a new phone to be sent to Sherlock.
It was going to be a very long few months.
{*} {*} {*}
The port in Ancona, Italy was much larger than the one at Limassol, the surrounding town well-developed and filled with the kind of amenities that would appeal to the tourists flocking to the beautiful coast for holidays. Though such a crowded city could do well as a place to hide, John would not be lingering here at all. Bill had been exceptionally understanding, helping John arrange things quickly and discreetly. Bill would handle any packages or mail that John needed to send or receive through Mycroft via military mail. He would be the sole secure contact for both men. It would be a round about way to do it but it made it even harder to track anything directly to John.
John was now headed to meet a cousin of Bill's for the last leg of his journey. He only had to make one brief contact before then, leaving the port he made his way to the Arco di Traiano. He mingled with the other tourists looking over the site, keeping himself well obscured. After ten minutes of this he finally saw his contact, a well muscled, tan man with military bearing carrying a small black duffel. The man was dressed casually, taking photos and looking over the landmark just like any of the others here, he would not be recognized as anything other than a tourist. John however knew the gaze carefully scanning the crowds was searching for something particular. John had maintained the same gaze this entire trip, constantly scanning for threats, but this man was the contact Mycroft had arranged to arm him once he was in country. Slowly moving through the crowd, John angled himself towards the man until their eyes connected briefly before sliding away from each other. The barest incline of the other man's head seen peripherally by John, directed him toward the Harbor wall. John wandered casually over to gaze out over the blue vista of the harbor, paying no more attention to the man. After several minutes John was aware of the solid presence beside him, the small bag dropped heavily between them as the other held up his smart phone taking pictures along the harbor. His contact made an excellent show of his photography, even having others snap a picture of him against the scenic background before appearing to get distracted by a pretty female and walking off in apparent pursuit. The bag remained beside John, who himself took out his phone and appeared to take a few shots as he moved closer to his prize. John let a full ten minutes pass before he picked up the bag, tucking his phone into it for effect and slung it over his shoulder with the larger duffel. The small bag had a definite weight to it but John carried it easily as he made his way to San Domenico and the Piazza del Papa where Bill's cousin waited with a car.
{*} {*} {*}
In London Mycroft's alert went off, he read the incoming message and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Target in the open. Package delivered."
John had made it safely to Italy and collected his weapons. The secure contact with Captain Murray had been made and verified and John was on his way to an out-of-the way place to hopefully lay low for a few months. He would presumably contact Sherlock once he was settled via the secure access Mycroft had given him. So far so good and there had been no movement on Moriarty's part thus far
to worry them. Still they remained vigilant, both John and his unborn child were too important for them to be lax in any way.
{*} {*} {*}
John liked Bill's cousin right off. Marco was a big, bear of an older man and gregarious in his hospitality to say the least. He was friendly, open, and honest as well as very astute. A bonus being that he spoke English well, as John's Italian was practically nil. He reminded John immediately of Angelo and he was comforted despite himself. Bill had only told him that John was an old army friend who needed to get away for a while. However, even though John spoke little, it only took the length of the drive for him to figure out that John was essentially hiding from someone. Not only that but he also knew John was pregnant. John blushed furiously when the older man made the observation so casually, mumbling, "I was trying to keep it a secret as much as possible." He hadn't even told Bill, not wanting anyone to have the information beyond Mycroft, Doctor Johnson, and he.
Marco laughed heartily at John's embarrassment, "I have fathered four daughters and two sons John. I am well-versed in the little signs of pregnancy in an Omega. We will keep your secret as well, while we can. Our agriturismo is secluded outside of Cortona and we only have a few travelers throughout the year, usually just college kids for the summer or the ones taking their gap year abroad. Even when we need to go into the town proper you won't really stand out. There are quite a lot of native English speakers living in Cortona, you will merely blend in. We will keep you safe John, as much as is humanly possible.
John was touched by the words, this man though a stranger, was virtually an extension of Bill and his commitment to keeping John safe. "Thank you Marco. I truly appreciate it. But I promise I would never put you or your family at risk. If someone finds me, if the threat reaches here, I will leave before I allow harm to come to your doorstep."
Marco nodded as he accepted John's thanks and promise, "I thank you John. I would expect nothing less from Bill's friend. Bill is a very honorable young man and any friend of his can only be the best of men. In fact, I would say you are quite exceptional John. Bill has never asked us to help a friend of his in this way and was quite adamant as to its necessity." The man glanced expectantly at John hoping for further enlightenment. John however, merely smiled at the indirect praise, remaining silent and turning his gaze to the passing countryside. Marco accepted the silence and kept driving.
They arrived at the farm in time for dinner, Marco's wife Elena fussing over John as she settled him into a small cozy room for his stay. John enjoyed the farm-fresh food and the company, indulging in half a glass of a wonderful local wine to celebrate making it this far safely. It was only as he lay in bed that night that he faced the coming months with some melancholy. He slept in one of Sherlock's cotton sleepshirts, wrapping himself in his scent and a hastily packed scarf was tucked under his pillow as well in an effort to soothe his need for his own Alpha.
"Looks like it will just be you and I for a while little one. I wish we could be with your father but he has to try to take care of a very bad man for us to be safe. Then we can all be together again." John rubbed his fingers lightly over his still flat abdomen, "I will have to contact your father tomorrow and let him know I'm safe. He's not going to be happy with me and I have to try to lie to him, which I am never very good at either." He sighed loudly, "Nothing to do but make the best of it little one. Let's get some rest, yeah." John turned over, pulled the blankets over his shoulder as he snuggled into the warm bed. He was asleep in moments, feeling safe for now in this quiet corner of the world.
{*} {*} {*}
It had only taken Sherlock four days of non-stop searching without sleep and barely any food before he crashed and slept a full twenty-four hours. Oddly enough he remembered the room starting to spin as he slumped over on the sofa, yet he awoke in their bed; the pillow he had his face buried in belonging to John and reminding him why he crashed in the first place. He found Mycroft waiting for him in the sitting room. Well….that explained that. Grudgingly he showered and dressed, before joining Mycroft in the black sedan bound for the Diogenes and the start of their efforts to stop Moriarty. There was no further discussion of John, only an intense focus on the Work that had to be done now.
Sherlock joined his brother for breakfast while they looked over the reports he had tried so hard to ignore four days ago. Moriarty's network was still makeshift at best after Sherlock's efforts had taken it to pieces so most of the activity was focused around London at the moment. Small movements seemingly without a larger goal but public enough to draw Sherlock's attention, a slow teasing foreplay if you will for the larger scheme yet to be revealed. Knowing Moriarty's goal was to destroy him outright, Sherlock would tread more carefully in these matters. He had already put out feelers among his homeless network for any information on locations and activities tied to Moriarty. Because John's information indicated that Colonel Moran was closely connected to Moriarty, they circulated his picture to their contacts as well.
They had worked well into the day, barely touching lunch as they spoke with contacts and traced links, even old information was reviewed for renewed activity to track. Both men were so absorbed they almost ignored the ringing of Sherlock's phone. It was on the fourth ring before it registered with Sherlock. Pulling the phone from his pocket he read 'unknown number' and gave Mycroft a nod before answering it. "Hello?"
Mycroft sent the signal that would initiate a trace on the call, but quickly aborted it when he heard Sherlock's voice trying to speak over the low guttural sound made by his Alpha
"John! Where are you? I demand you come home this instant!" Sherlock practically yelled at his mate. "I don't care what you think you're doing, just come home now!"
Mycroft couldn't hear John's reply but imagined he was telling Sherlock he couldn't do that. He knew John would try to stick to the cover story they told Sherlock as much as possible. However Sherlock may not let him. Whatever the reply it did not sit well with the Alpha, a loud growl escaping this time before Sherlock regained his voice. Mycroft was just wondering if he perhaps had kept any of the Alpha tranquilizers from before, fearing they would be required before this call was finished. And just as the thought came he heard Sherlock.
"Look here John, I insist you stop this farce of an assignment and come home! I know what you are really doing…."
For once in his life Mycroft had followed an impulse and kicked his brother soundly in the shin to stop him talking. Sherlock yelped in surprise before glaring at his brother, the Alpha snapping his teeth and growling at him as well. Mycroft could hear John's voice trying to soothe the Alpha as well. The miming of listening ears sobered Sherlock instantly and led to a visible struggle to control the frazzled Alpha. Sherlock's grip on the phone was tight but his knuckles were bone white where he clutched at the table in front of him, his brother beginning to fear for his furnishings again. Mycroft could see him shudder against the Alpha, shaking his head to focus once more and regain at least a modicum of control, Sherlock determined not to play into Moriarty's hands by losing control with John either.
"Sorry John. What? Oh...no just bumped into something. I..uhm….I know you'll enjoy the time away and the...training. I would just rather have you here with me. You know how I get when you're not home."
Another moment of silence as John responded then, "I understand. I'm glad you've arrived safely. I will keep myself busy with work so the time will pass more quickly. I miss you….I love you too John. I will look forward to your next call. Stay safe. Good-bye."
Sherlock was quiet, his grip on the table not easing as he slipped the phone back into his pocket before turning to face Mycroft again.
"I am sorry brother. We can't know everything that is being observed or heard and we can't have all our cards on the table as it were. I know you want John as safe as he can be, just as I do."
Sherlock only nodded speaking shortly, his jaw clenched tight, "Best get back to work then." And that was it, no childish tantrum would change things. He threw himself into the task at hand reassured that John was safe and well for now.
{*} {*} {*}
John found himself enjoying the small Italian farm a great deal. The initial call to Sherlock had been hard but they got through it well enough. John had promised to make contact at least each week then cut the conversation short. It shouldn't be possible to trace the phones Mycroft gave him to use but he was taking no chances.
Now he spent his days helping around the farm, preferring to stay busy. He helped Marco feed the goats and lambs, even trying his hand at the milking. Marco laughed at him a great deal and John took it in good humor imagining Sherlock's laughter would be even worse. He decided the milking would take quite a while to get the hang of and left it to the experts.
He helped with any of the harvesting around the farm, selecting carefully only what Marco had shown him was ripe enough. When he wasn't feeling queasy from the pregnancy, he found he had a very healthy appetite. He attributed it to plenty of fresh air working around the farm and being able to enjoy so much fresh food.
After spending his mornings helping Marco outside, he spent the rest of his day in his favorite place, in the kitchen with Elena. John enjoyed cooking himself but Elena was amazing. They would spend the afternoons preparing the food for dinner, John taking in every tip and hint he could. Pasta, ham, salami, fresh cheese and yogurt, olives, and lamb all prepared in an endless variety of soups, stews, antipasto, and entrees. Elena was jovial and wise, joking with John and sharing her own extensive knowledge of pregnancy and childbirth and found he really appreciated it. He had been able to have an emergency consultation with Doctor Johnson, off the books of course, to explain the situation and his necessary absence from regular care before he left. He had brought the pre-natal vitamins he needed and Doctor Johnson had given him standard pregnancy information as well as warning signs that would require he get to a doctor as soon as possible. Elena helped ease many of John's fears and worries as the pregnancy proceeded. He often found he wished he could share these moments with Sherlock but vowed he would bring them all here to visit when the baby was older. In the meantime he would make sure Sherlock got the benefit of all he learned from Elena during their time in the kitchen each day.
The first weekend at the farm had been a bit of a shock for John. For a man with very little family, mated to a man with the same, the descent of all of Marco and Elena's offspring was daunting. All the children and their families came for a large dinner every weekend. Elena explained it was how the family kept close and stayed involved in each other's lives. Despite busy lives with school and work, they would all show up each and every weekend, just to be together. John could only stay out-of-the-way that first weekend as the daughters and daughters-in-law bustled about the kitchen with Elena and Marco sat on the veranda chatting with his sons and sons-in-law. Everyone welcomed John and made him feel at home despite being a stranger and he likewise did his best to remember the many names of the people he would be seeing each week. They all asked after Bill as most had not seen him in some years which only led to John sharing some of his favorite stories of serving with Bill, often to gasps of awe or howls of laughter. John greatly admired this family and determined to let Bill know just how grateful he was for him sending him here. It was the perfect place for John to be right now.
The days kept him busy enough to occupy his thoughts but the nights left him alone and missing Sherlock in the bed beside him desperately. He resorted to talking with the baby more and more as his source of comfort. He told the baby stories about his father, about how they met, the work they did, how hard his father could be but also how funny, how brilliant he was and how much he loved even when he had trouble showing it. Sometimes it left him only feeling lonelier but usually it was very soothing rubbing his slowly expanding stomach and talking to the baby.
At the end of the month Marco took John to the ferry for the trip to see Bill. He would return in four days to meet John once more. He and Bill had agreed on visits once each month just to relay information to supplies as needed and they would alternate those visits for greater security. So John made the trip back to Limassol to meet Bill this month. He carried a box of treats Elena insisted on sending as well as some notes and photos from his cousins. Bill smiled at the surprise before tucking it away to focus on John. Bill brought John a small box of supplies from Mycroft which John would open later. Otherwise there was little information to share. Mycroft had detected no movements toward John or Bill so far. Bill agreed, no unusual people had been around the base nor requests made regarding either he or his family connections. John breathed a sigh of relief, everything going well for now. They shared lunch before parting. Bill joked with John that Elena's cooking was expanding his waistline and John just laughed along, telling him he was sure he sent him there on purpose to ruin his figure. He was still keeping the pregnancy from Bill, but he didn't think he would be able to hide it by next month. Bill walked him to the ferry after lunch and they made plans to meet in Ancona next month. John warned him to expect Marco as well. His cousin wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to give him a huge bear hug when he was so near. Bill laughed out loud, thanking John for the warning. Then John was headed back to Ancona, to Marco and the farm, still secure and confident in the plans they had in place.
{*} {*} {*}
Moran entered the darkened office quietly. Always attuned to the moods of his boss/sometimes lover, he knew to tread carefully at the moment. He simply stood near the desk and remained silent, waiting for Jim to speak. He knew Jim had been searching for traces of Doctor Watson, furiously ranting about his plans to destroy Sherlock Holmes, his interfering brother and that damn Doctor Watson who seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth. He had appeased himself by sending taunting texts to Sherlock asking if he had lost his little pet, lamenting all the fun he was waiting to have with him once he returned from wherever he was, sometimes throwing in a few vivid details for effect. He had been rewarded with a few bursts of temper from the Alpha and several shattered phones but nothing as spectacular as when he last had John Watson in his hands. It had been a month already without any trace, not even a hint of Watson's whereabouts. He needed to find the blasted Omega. At the moment Jim was leaning back in his chair with his feet crossed on the corner of his desk, slowly sipping a tumbler of whiskey while he stared into the darkness.
Long moments passed before something seemed to strike Jim and he cocked his head to look at Sebastian. "Maybe I have been going about it all wrong. Between them Mycroft, Sherlock, and John will have thought of every avenue to block, every trail to erase to try and keep the little Omega pet hidden." He needed to forget about the electronic trail, even the paper trail, and do some actual legwork. Well have his operatives do it. "Seb, you served with Watson did you not?"
"Sir? Not with him per se, I was an instructor when he came through sniper training. I worked with his squadron at that time, yes."
Jim nodded, still sipping the whiskey. "That's good enough Seb. You military types can be pretty closed-lipped, especially to outsiders. I want you to get in touch with any contacts you have still in service. See if you can find any intel on Watson, any particular buddies he had during his service, anyone besides his usual circle that he would turn to for help. Watson is out there and I'm gonna find him, even if we have to go out of our way to do it."
Moran gave a nod, "Yes Sir, shall I get on that now sir?"
"Certainly Seb, see what you can get going quickly. But do try to be done in time for dinner, Daddy's in a good mood suddenly. I think I'll take you out Sebby."
Jim gave him that half-mad smile and he returned it easily. Jim may be certifiably insane, but aside from the money and power he wielded so perfectly, he was also the best fuck Seb had ever had. The edge of danger ever-present with Jim only heightened the experience. He left quickly to get on his assignment as 'Daddy' didn't like dawdling about when there was work to be done.
{*} {*} {*}
His second month at the farm passed much as the first, in peace and pleasantness. John's talking to the baby had progressed from at night in bed to all the time around the farm. He had also begun to try out names for the baby. There hadn't even been time for an ultrasound before he left and it was too early to tell the sex then anyway. So he tried all kinds of names for his unborn child. Elena would chuckle to herself when she heard John groan about his back followed by, "I suppose you think it is perfectly alright to abuse your dad this way Young Mister Holmes? Typical. Just like your father." Marco had to stifle a laugh when John let out a sudden belch at the table after a hearty dinner. Apologizing profusely to his hosts for his bad manners John then addressed the baby once more, "Marie Collette, I would appreciate it if you did not cause your dad such gas, however, in future I do expect you to be remembering your manners young lady." John was so serious in these discussions with his child and Marco and Elena found it endearing, though they fought not to just laugh out loud at some of the conversations. John saw them anyway and took it all with good grace, even addressing the baby about that as well, "Do you see Michael Hamish Watson? Your dad is a laughing-stock for all around. Does this mean your dad is funny or a fool? I hope you will find it to be the first and not the latter myself….at least until you are a teenager of course, then all bets are off."
John's formerly flat abdomen was definitely rounded now. He had already had to use a button extender for his pants and leave his tops untucked and he knew that he would not be able to hide it from Bill at this months meeting. He supposed he would need to figure out what to do about shopping if his stay continued. The thought of delivering the baby here without its father sobered him. He was going to have to contact Mycroft soon or send for word on proceedings as far as Moriarty was concerned. They could convey very little in the weekly phone calls as to what was really going on.
Still the month passed quickly and John found himself once more in the car on the way to Ancona with Marco to meet Bill. They were chatting companionably when John's mobile began to ring. The shock of it freezing John for a moment. Few people had the number to use and even then it was only for an absolute necessity. John recognized Bill's number as he raised the phone to answer the call. "Tell me."
Though Bill spoke quietly there was a suppressed urgency in his voice. "I've got a tail John. I've seen the same guy at the barracks, on the ferry, and now in town, always at a discreet distance but I know it's a tail. Military bearing and armed if I am judging him correctly." What do you want to do?"
John hesitated only a moment glancing at Marco. "I'll meet you as planned but have Marco stay behind. We need to deal with it now, if they have found you to follow they will just keep coming. Just keep act normally, sightsee until time to meet up. We'll be in town soon." John ended the call and turned to Marco whose face was already one of concern. "There is a threat. Someone following Bill all the way from Cyprus. We can take care of it but I don't want you anywhere around. I don't want them to see you to be able to trace you back to your farm and family. Do you understand?"
Marco nodded quietly. He had only seen the quiet, charming, unassuming John during his stay. Now he saw quite obviously the soldier that Bill had served with, he knew to leave the two men to their job. He drove the car to the Piazza del Papa where they had first met and let John out. John already had his gun at his back but went to the trunk to get another weapon and clip for Bill. Once he was ready to depart Marco spoke, "John, I will do some shopping for Elena and the farm while I am here. Be safe and call me when it is over."
John clapped a hand firmly on his shoulder in parting, "I promise Marco, we'll both be safe. We're used to this." Marco merely nodded and drove off. John checked his map, took his bearings and walked off toward the Calamo Fountain to meet Bill. They would find a small place for lunch as usual and go from there.
When Bill spotted John he made a beeline for him. They gave each other a fierce hug as Bill quickly whispered in John's ear. "Approximately five meters back, to my left in the doorway of a shop, dark hair, sunglasses, wrong clothes, definitely armed, I've been watching through windows when I could." They stepped apart and John still gripped Bill's forearms for a minute. "We'll head to Passetto, find a café and have our lunch, just as we planned. We'll discuss more there." Bill nodded in agreement and started to follow John. Just as they turned, something caught Bill's attention and he gripped John's elbow causing him to stop and turn expectantly.
Bill couldn't stop the blatant gaze he was now directing at John's abdomen. "John...you're…." shaking his head briefly he tried again lowering his voice to a whisper, "John are you pregnant?" John only gave him a sharp nod as his eyes jerked toward their mark. Bill took the hint and started walking though he still held John's elbow firmly. "Are you crazy John?! You shouldn't be here doing this! We should have come up with another plan!"
John snapped back at him, "This child is the reason I am here at all Bill! Keeping this child safe is my highest priority! Now I am as fit as ever and can still fire a gun! We will deal with this man before he can report much back to his superiors!" He hoped word hadn't made it all the way back to Moriarty, certainly not about him or his pregnancy. If anything perhaps the tail had only notified his local support, waiting for the capture to contact the big boss. No point looking like a fool if you weren't successful after all. "I will probably have to leave here anyway if they have managed to connect me to you." His voice softened at the last, he truly would hate leaving because he had been so content here. But he meant his promise, he would not bring danger to Marco and Elena's door.
They ate their lunch at the small café, both men hungry but without appetite considering the watchful eyes of their follower. Bill gave John his package as usual, John managing to slide the extra gun and clip across as he accepted the package then they carried on just as before. About halfway through the meal John lowered his voice, "Look Bill, he doesn't want me dead. It won't help Moriarty's plans if he kills me, not to mention it will shorten his own life expectancy considerably if I know Moriarty. And I am not going to rule out him having back-up around here somewhere. I know you won't like this but I am going to have to let him catch up to me, think he's got me." Bill immediately began to protest but John silenced him with a wave of his hand. Indicating the gun now hidden in Bill's trousers he spoke again, "I won't be alone Bill. I will walk you down to the ferry, make like I'm saying good-bye and then head back toward the Piazza. Give him time to follow me, then you back me up. I will follow the straight path back but I'm sure once he catches up he will try to pull me into one of the quiet side streets or alcoves. Try to stay where you can maintain eyes on us at all times, yeah."
Bill still didn't like John putting himself at risk like that, not with the baby to consider, but the plan was sound otherwise. They couldn't very well get the drop on the man right now when he was watching their every move. Finally he gave John a sharp nod in agreement. With a plan in place both men became focused, finishing their meal and moving forward to neutralize the threat to John as soon as possible.
Twenty minutes found John alone after presumably saying good-bye to Bill, he knew his tail was still following. He kept catching glimpse of the man in shop windows, and he was getting closer. John kept himself relaxed and loose, knowing what was coming. At last the man made his move, John felt the hard press of a gun barrel in his back as the man leaned in close. "I'd appreciate you not making a fuss Captain Watson, it would do me no favors to have to kill you."
John couldn't resist snorting at the man as he was herded into a narrow alley behind a currently closed shop, "You mean you won't get your bounty for finding me if you bring me back dead."
"Precisely," hissed the man as he pushed John up against the wall, one hand against his shoulder, the other holding the gun steady. "The boss was most exacting about collecting you alive and unmolested," the obvious Alpha leered at John. "Seems he wants the pleasure all for himself and I just made the coup of the year as far as he's concerned." The man's eyes narrowed as he ran his gaze over John's belly, "You see, finding you will get me that bounty. But this…" the cold gun slid over John's abdomen causing his breath to hitch and hands instinctively jerk to cover and protect the baby. The man only laughed darkly at the action, "You just made my job a lot easier Captain. You see that little surprise you are carrying right there. The surprise no one seems to know about. Well that will earn me the biggest bonus you have ever seen. And you will do anything I tell you to, to keep that baby safe. Makes transporting you back even easier. Now we will just wait here for my back-up to arrive with transportation and then we will be off. Boss will be simply itching to see you."
The man's use of future reward for finding John and the baby at least confirmed his thoughts that he had only called his local support which eased some of John's fears as well as making it easier for he and Bill. John remained silent and passive, letting the man talk while he watched for Bill. He had slipped quietly into the alley just moments behind them and was inching up slowly, gun drawn on the man. When the gun traced John's abdomen, Bill's fury rose and his finger tightened on the trigger, only the barest shake of John's head stopped him. He looked at John, puzzled but kept his gun trained on the man still.
John's own fury burned white-hot in his gut and he intended to make the man pay dearly for even the slightest hint of a threat to his child. With back-up in place John now took action. His right hand pushed the hand away from his shoulder at the same moment as the left hand grabbed the wrist with the gun. A sharp chop to the elbow and a savage twist of the wrist, broke both sending the gun clattering to the pavement and it's owner to his knees in pain. John continued to hold the broken wrist in his left hand, a firm squeeze continuing to inflict pain as his right hand yanked the man's head back fiercely. The sleazy, leering smirk he had worn only moments ago now replaced with fear and confusion. John bestowed a small tight smile upon the man, a smile that had made lesser men cringe. "You know, if you are going to spend much time in this business, you really should learn to study your target and know whom you're going up against before you start. You thought Omega and saw pregnant and thought I would be weak….putty in your hands. I believe you are now aware of your mistake, yes?" The man whimpered in pain and nodded shakily. "Very good, I'm glad I could teach you a little something while we are here." Bill continued to cover him, but there was no danger of John losing this man. He knew he should bring him in for Mycroft's men to interrogate, but he had threatened his child and John simply would not stand for that. "It really is a shame, however, that little secret….you are correct by the way….nobody knows. And it is truly a shame that your boss will never get that message….shame for you." The man's eyes widened in fear. John thought of nothing but the baby as he dropped the wrist and used both hands to snap the man's neck cleanly before dropping him to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Bill checked for a pulse while John leaned against the wall, rubbing his belly soothingly and calming his breathing. It wasn't just that his military training allowed him to compartmentalize his actions, John would simply have no remorse for ending a threat to his child.
Bill looked him over carefully. "I always knew you could be a scary fuck John but Damn! Don't ever let me get on your bad side."
"No danger of that, mate," John chuckled lightly, "best keep a look-out. He said he had back-up. I've got to contact Mycroft. We'll need clean-up on this and I'll need to move on. At least I can collect my things and say good-bye to your cousins." Bill went to watch the mouth of the alley while John sent off a coded text.
{*} {*} {*}
Sherlock barely looked up when his brother's text alert went off, being used to his brother's job by now. They were working at the flat today so that contacts via the homeless network could come to Sherlock more readily.
Mycroft excused himself and went to the kitchen to read the message.
"Clean-up. Ancona. Threat neutralized. Extraction may be necessary. Plan B."-CW
A second text arrived immediately after giving a street address in Ancona. CW…...Captain Watson, the sign off John was using to throw off hackers looking for JW. Mycroft fought the sudden sense of panic rising in his throat, "Sherlock, you will have to excuse me. I have to go and deal with this matter. It's quite urgent."
Sherlock merely waved him away assuming it was government business. Mycroft hurried down the stairs and to his waiting car, anxious to contact John. He hadn't made it to the door when a third text came in.
"Safe. Protected. Murray present."-CW
Mycroft breathed a sigh of relief, hastily texting his contacts in Ancona. He had maintained a couple of men in the area just in case it became necessary. He would get them on this because he needed to get John away from the crime and not tied up with the local authorities. Once he had notified them, he sent another text to John.
"Clean-up in route. Return to safe place with Murray and prepare for extraction."-MH
The reply was concise, but quickly followed by another message.
"Understood. Waiting at farm."-CW
"Package waiting. Consider a gift."-CW
Mycroft as well was brief.
"Clear."-MH
He sighed, at least John would be back home now…...sort-of.
{*} {*} {*}
John wrapped up things with Mycroft while watching Bill tie the back-up that had arrived. The man was still unconscious from the blow Bill gave him but he would live for interrogation. Bill had him trussed and gagged in no time, sitting beside his dead partner awaiting pick-up.
John had texted Marco to meet them back at the Piazza, and was now just waiting for Bill. He was still leaning against the wall, rubbing his belly when he felt a small bubbling sensation in his abdomen, similar to gas but different. His child was making its presence known once more. The first time he felt it he had cried himself to sleep when he could not share it with Sherlock, but now he was accustomed to the little presence. Rubbing softly he spoke, "What's that little one? Hungry? How can you be hungry after I just had lunch?"
Bill was watching John with an odd expression, not sure what to make of his behavior, but he remained silent as John kept talking.
"OH….craving! Oh yes! What do we want little one? Pickles? Yes, pickles and…..and...grape jelly?! Now that is just disgusting baby, Daddy can't do that. But pickles and strawberry jam?" John rubbed his belly in excitement now, "Mmmmm...that sounds delicious! I bet we can find some at that market on the way back to the piazza!" John smiled broadly and looked up at Bill, "Come along Bill! Clean-up is on the way and we have to meet Marco. Besides, baby wants pickles and jam!" John exited the alley and turned toward the Piazza walking quickly.
Bill shook his head and chuckled surveying the damage they had left behind. He couldn't quite reconcile the two facets of his dear friend he had seen today. The killer he was used to, the smiling, pregnant father to be was still a bit unsettling. Nevertheless, Bill followed his friend, catching up quickly. They soon found the market stalls with both fresh dilled pickles and strawberry jam, John buying both and opening the jars where they stood. John ate the pickles then scooped up globs of jam with his finger and slurped away since dunking the pickles didn't work out. Bill declined when John happily offered to share only causing John to shrug and continue eating. They reached the Piazza del Papa and found a seat on the steps to wait for Marco. John sighed in contentment, rubbing his belly again as he spoke, "Mmm...that's good isn't it baby? Happy now? I should really save some for later….but you want some more huh? Well Daddy will do his best to make you happy you know." John looked up, saw the expression on Bill's face and laughed out loud before grabbing another pickle.
Bill resigned himself to a long ride, certain he would never forget the smell of dill pickles and strawberry jam.