When the Past Returns - BBC Sherlock Fanfic

Chapter 7 - Carl Powers

Mycroft was almost caught by surprise as he walked into his office and saw Penny sitting in his chair, but he had been expecting this visit. He knew why she was there.

"Ah, Miss Morris. How can I be of assistance?" He questioned, ushering her our of his seat. Penny rolled her eyes as she complied with his silent request, moving round to the chair on the other side of the desk.

"You know why I'm here Mycroft so cut the crap! Why didn't you tell me?" Penny's hands shook ever so slightly, a mix of anger and fear taking over. She tried to keep her emotions under control but they were winning.

"Why didn't I tell you that he's here? Well, there's an obvious answer to that but you already know it. I needed you here, working alongside Sherlock, if I had told you about him there was a chance that you would have run," Mycroft began.

"You think? You brought me in to babysit your little brother and forgot to tell me that maniac is in London? Of course I would've run Mycroft, you know what he did to me! You know who he is!" Penny's voice trembled as she spoke, remembering every detail of the man she truly feared.

"But I needed to here," Mycroft repeated, annoyance growing in his voice.

"Why?"

"Sherlock."

"What about Sherlock? He's a big boy, I'm sure he can take care of himself. I don't really think he needs me running around after him, he doesn't seem to be enjoying my company anyway," Penny folded her arms, leaning back in her chair, getting just as annoyed with government member sitting opposite her.

"You know about his obsession with Sherlock, you know he will stop at nothing and Sherlock has no idea what is coming for him. I needed you to be here to protect him, help him," Mycroft softened a little. Penny always loved when Mycroft showed sentiment and love for his brother. It was a side of him that not many people got to see, not even Sherlock. No matter how many times she would tell Sherlock how much his brother cared, he would never believe it. Sherlock meant a lot to both of them and of course she would try and do all she could to keep him safe, even though she was mad at him. She knew this day would come, the day that she would have to face him again, but she thought she would have more time.

"What do you need me to do?" Penny looked up at Mycroft, noticing a hint fo worry in his own eyes.

"Stay with him, mention nothing of your involvement," there was almost a small smile that made its way onto Mycroft's face but his cold and icy demeanour quickly returned. "Now, I have work to do and so do you. Good day Miss Morris," Mycroft returned his attention to his paperwork as Penny goes to leave the room.

"Oh and Penny," she stops, her hand on the door know. He never calls he by her first name, let alone Penny. She looks over to her friend. 

"I am truly sorry," Penny nods with a smile and makes he way out of the room. As she's leaving the building, her phone buzzes. A little chuckle escapes her mouth as she reads the message.

Baker Street, Now!

SH

He never was good at manners. She shook her head and hailed a taxi. As she climbed inside, another text cam through:

Please

SH

She laughed as she gave the address to the driver.

* * * * 

Penny walked into 221b, the faint smell of freshly baked biscuits wafting out of Mrs Hudson's flat. She couldn't help but notice her belly rumble as she climbed the stairs. She couldn't remember the last time she ate. Maybe the boys would have some food though she didn't hold out much hope. She came into the living room to see that Sherlock had shut himself away in the kitchen and John was just pacing the room. Penny glanced down at her watch, five hours to go. She could feel John's worry radiating off him. He jumped when he sawyer standing in the doorway.