When the Past Returns - BBC Sherlock Fanfic

Chapter 10 - Connie Prince

The next morning, the trio sat in Speedy's Cafe, awaiting the next case. Through, it was easy to see that these cases were starting to take their toll on all of them. The bags under John's eyes grew darker and his eyes grew heavier, he was doing everything in his power to say awake and eat his breakfast. Sherlock looked a little more gaunt than usual. It was a known fact that the detective didn't really eat or sleep while on cases but it was rare that a case carried on for this long. John was starting to worry about his friend's health but no matter how many times he tried to get Sherlock to eat, he always stuck with coffee. Sherlock sat, staring into nothing while the pink phone rested on the table in front of him, just waiting for the next call. Penny, however, had her head rested on the table, her arms acting as a make shift pillow as she silently slept. Her hair falling in her face slightly. Sherlock glanced over at her and went to wake her up but John intervened. He gave his friend a confused look.

"Don't, John said simply. "This is the first time she's been able to sleep in days, let her rest." Sherlock nodded as he retreated his hand, smiling slightly as he looked down at her. He looked back up at John who had almost finished his full English.

"Feeling better?" John nodded.

"You realise we've hardly stopped for breath since this thing started? I mean, look at Penny, she's exhausted," John said, finishing the few left over scraps.

"Has it occurred to you..."John started but was interrupted.

"Probably."

"No, has it occurred to you that the bomber's playing a game with you? The envelope; breaking into the other flat; the dead kid's shoes. It's all meant for you." Sherlock smiles at his friend's question.

"Yes, I know."

"Is it him then? Moriarty?" At the mention of his name, Penny's eyes flash open and the pink phone beeps a message alert. John and Penny look at each other, not sure if they're ready for it all to begin again. Sherlock opens the message and they're met with three beeps and a picture of a smile middle aged woman. Penny furrows her eyebrows, knowing she had seen this woman somewhere before. Sherlock turns the phone to show John. 

"That could be anybody," he sighs yet a smile grows on John's face.

"Well, it could be, yeah. Luck for you, I've been a little unemployed." Sherlock looked confused which seemed to be a common theme that morning. John rolls his eyes. "Luck for you, Mrs Hudson and I watch far too much telly." John stood and walked over to the counter, picks up the remote and changes the channel until he comes across the program he was looking for. Penny's eyes widen as she remembers who the lady was.

"Connie Prince," she mumbles under her breath.

"What?" She goes o answer Sherlock but the pink phone begins to ring. Penny's heart skips every time she hears it. With every ring of that phone, there is some poor person sat on the other end. She wiped the sleep out of her eyes and trued to focus on the conversation. John sat back at the table and he could tell something was wrong. There was something about this one that was different from the rest. He could see it all over Sherlock's face.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked, looking directly at John. His face looses it's colour as he hears the reply. Penny could've sworn she saw a flicker of emotion in his eyes. He lowered the phone, returning it to his pocket. 

"Sherlock?" Penny placed her hand on his arm which he quickly shrugs off. "What happened?" She tried to get his attention but failed as he looks up at John. 

"Come on, round three has begun," he said, seemingly forcing a smile on his face. He turned his attention to the tv once again, seeing the news report on Connie Prince's death. "And I know where to start." Sherlock rushed out of the cafe, John and Penny following close behind. They all climb in a taxi and head to St Bart's.