A New Mystery at 221 Baker Street

Chapter 60: Old Habits

Episode Transcript provided by Ariane DeVere/Callie Sullivan

The chapter speaks of substance abuse. If you or a loved one is having issues, please call the Drug addiction/abuse hotline

US: 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) https://www.usa.gov/mental-health-substance-abuse

UK: 0300 999 1212 https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/

CAN: https://www.ccsa.ca/addictions-treatment-helplines-canada

***

John was jolted out of his sleep by the pounding on the door.

"I know it's early," Their neighbour cried as soon as the front door opened. "Really, I'm sorry,"

"Is that Kate?" Mary asked as she tied her dressing gown.

"Y- yeah, it's Kate," John answered, still standing at the door.

"Invite her in?" Mary suggested.

John broke out of his shock and invited Kate inside. The sobbing woman stepped inside and Mary walked up to hug her.

"It's all right," Mary soothed Kate, who was sobbing on the couch, before turning to John who had put two mugs of coffee on the table. "It's Isaac,"

"Ah, your husband,"

"Son," Mary corrected.

"Son, yeah," John corrected himself.

"He's gone missing again. Didn't come home last night," Kate explained.

Mary let out a sympathetic sigh and looked at John. "The usual,"

"He's the drugs one, yeah?" John asked, causing Kate to break into tears again.

"Nicely put, John," Mary whispered sarcastically.

"Is it Sherlock Holmes you want? Because I've not seen him in ages," John inquired, his left-hand twitching.

"About a month," Mary remarked.

"Who's Sherlock Holmes?" Kate asked,

"You see, that does happen,"

"There's a place they all go to, him and his... friends. They all do whatever they do... shoot up or whatever you call it,"

"Where is he?" John asked, getting straight to the point.

"It's a house, a dump. I mean, it's practically falling apart,"

"No, the address,"

Shortly after, John and Mary arrived at the rundown house that Isaac and his friends used to have their fun. John got out of the passenger side and pulled out a tire lever from the back of the car.

"Why do you have that?" Mary asked.

"'Cause there are loads of smackheads in there, and one of them might need help with a tire. If there's any trouble, just go. I'll be fine,"

"Er, wait, John," Mary said as she got out of the car "It is a tiny bit sexy,"

John smiled and looked at his wife. "Yeah, I know,"

John turned back and swiftly walked over to the desolate building. "Hello?" He said, banging loudly on the door.

The door was opened by a scruffy young man. "What d'you want?"

John forced his way into the house and walked down the hall. "I'm looking for a friend. A very specific friend. I'm not just browsing,"

"You've gotta go," The young man said as he followed John. "No one's allowed 'ere,"