Disadvantageous

Chapter 34

"Sherlock will really hate to know that we're doing this without first consulting him," Mary warned as Lydia climbed into her car after being assured that Mrs. Hudson would watch Willow and Rosie while she and Mary went out.

Lydia glanced over at Mary and shook her head, "Sherlock wouldn't let me go anywhere near this if he knew about the text and he would only put himself at risk. I have to know who it is that sent the message and what they want from me, I can't cower in the shadows any longer. Besides, you are a master assassin, I will be safe with you watching my back."

"And if it is the Rose Foundation?"

"Then we formulate a plan to take them out."

"We take them out? Lydia, do you hear yourself? You're not a killer, I'm not going to let them make you into one."

"You have no idea," Lydia muttered under her breath, picking at the skin on her palms.

Mary glanced over at her and her gaze softened, "actually, I do. I know you were the Rose Killer, Lydia. And I also know that it tore you apart and took you quite a while to recover when you were finally extracted. I won't make you take another person's life again. If someone needs to die, then it will be my finger that pulls the trigger."

The rest of the ride to the mansion was silent, both Lydia and Mary knowing that they were walking right into a trap. But Lydia had faith in Mary to protect her and Lydia needed to do this in order to protect Willow and Sherlock. Once Mary had parked the car, she gave a nod to Lydia and loaded her gun, slipping out of the car and sneaking into the mansion first. Lydia took a moment to take a breath then followed her friend inside, taking uncertain steps as she gripped her own weapon tightly.

"Ah, Lydia Evans, thank you for showing," a woman spoke, emerging from a door to one of the side rooms. Her black hair was smoothed back into a tight bun and she wore bright red lipstick that made her presence quite intimidating. But what truly made Lydia uneasy was the confidence with which she moved. She was in control and there was no denying that fact. "Though I do think that I asked you to come alone."

"And you would have been a fool to think that I wouldn't bring some protection," Lydia growled, trying to show that she would not be intimidated by this woman.

But she only smiled at this remark, "of course, but I had rather expected it to be your lapdog, Sherlock Holmes. But it is an honour to finally meet the great Mary Watson, or should I call her Rosamund?"

"So you know about her, do you? Can't say I'm surprised, I seem to be a popular figure amongst the remaining scraps of the Rose Foundation, you probably have detailed files on all of those whom I interact with."

"Oh, we certainly do," the woman remarked, her voice filled with unspoken threats.

Lydia took a step forward, refusing to cower under this woman's power, "what do you want from me?"

"Nothing much, just assurances that you and your pet will stay out of my way. Thought I might extend to you an olive branch."

"I'm listening."

Excitement flashed through this woman's eyes, causing Lydia's stomach to churn. She really did not like that look, but did her best to conceal her discomfort with a neutral expression.

"You know that I have evidence that it was indeed you who was the Rose Killer, evidence that could easily send you to prison for life, ripping apart this wonderful family that you've established. Now, I would love nothing more than to see you behind the very bars you sent me, but I'm afraid I'm also very pragmatic. Having you and Sherlock as protection would be worth much more than what mere vengeance can provide."