When the Past Returns - BBC Sherlock Fanfic

Chapter 6 - The Game in On

The four raced outside and caught the next cab. As they all climbed in, an overwhelming silence took over as they made their way back to 221b. John kept glancing between Penny and Sherlock, he knew that Sherlock was less than impressed that she had tagged along. All he could say was that he wasn't Mycroft because he was sure that he was going to get an earful once this was all over.

They pulled up outside and Sherlock was quick to exit the cab, rushing inside followed by John and Lestrade. Penny rolled her eyes and paid, apologising for her companions.

"Not very gentleman like, getting the lady to pay," the driver said handing Penny her change.

"Tell me about it, good thing I only work with them," she laughs, thanking the driver before making her way inside. Once she enters the flat, she sees Mrs Hudson coming out of her own flat carrying a set of keys while the three men waited at the door of 221c. It looked like a scene from a cheesy comedy, Penny couldn't help but to chuckle slightly. 

"You had a look, didn't you Sherlock, when you first came to see about your flat," Mrs Hudson mentioned, handing Sherlock the keys.

"The doors been opened recently," Sherlock said bluntly, unlocking the door.

"No, can't be, that's the only key." Mrs Hudson's expression changed from her usual happy and bubbly self to anxiety and worry. The thought that someone had broken into her house and was none the wiser. You could tell it frightened her. Penny felt sorry for the lady. Surely having someone like Sherlock as your tenant wasn't the easiest thing in the world, not to mention the safest. The type of work Sherlock did and the kind of people he cam into contact with every day put her in direct danger. Penny made a mental note to keep an eye on Mrs Hudson, though she was sure she could take care of herself if the need arose, but just to be safe. 

The three men rushed down the stairs into the flat, completely ignoring Mrs Hudson as she rambled on about her first marriage and black mould. As Penny passed, she gave Mrs Hudson's hand and squeeze and flashed her a quick smile.

"I'm sorry for their lack of manners, thank you for your help Mrs H," Penny smiled before going to follow the others, but the landlady didn't let go.

"You are so kind Penny but it's okay, I've already got a list of things I need to questions Sherlock's mother on. Maybe some of your good manners will rub off on them," she said with a wink. Penny laughed, letting go of her and and heading down to the cold flat below.

When she finally reached the others, they were all stood in a room that would've been the living room. It looked just like the picture except it wasn't empty, there was a pair of trainers in the centre of the room. They all stood there for a few moments just staring at the shoes.

"Shoes," John said, breaking the silence. Sherlock went to move closer before he was stopped by someone holding his arm. He looked over his shoulder to see Penny gripping his coat.

"He's a bomber, remember. You may be an arse but we don't want you blowing up." Penny let go of his coat as he got closer to the shoes. Penny tilted her head slightly as she watched the consulting detective lay down on the floor and inspect the footwear. The inspection was interrupted when a phone started ringing. Everyone took out their phones but none were the source of the ringing. Sherlock then pulled out the pink phone, looking down at the unknown number. As he answers, the group could hear the voice of a woman on the other end of the phone, sobbing, clearly distressed. As the conversation went on, Penny's heart dropped. She was putting the pieces together, this poor woman was sat god knows where covered in explosives and the only person that could save her was Sherlock Holmes. She didn't know whether to be relieved or concerned about this about this fact. Either ay, she knew that he would solve it, but would he solve it in time? The bomber had given him twelve hours to solve the puzzle.