My Mr.Holmes

Chapter 4: Sherlock

Sofia's POV:

It had been a short while since Enola was taken, and I'd decided to keep myself busy at the store to stop myself from feeling so guilty.

"Good morning, Thomas! How are you today?"

"I'm well, dear, just waiting on news from my daughter."

"Oh, right—I forgot. I hope it goes well. I'm sure you're excited to be a grandfather."

"Oh yes, I am. It's incredibly exciting. But I have something to tell you, Sofia."

"Yes? What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing's wrong, dear. It's just that I feel I haven't spent enough time with my daughter, so I'm planning a holiday for a few months to stay with her. I know what you're thinking, and yes, the store will be closed during that time. But I'll pay you handsomely today, and we'll reopen in a few months. I'll write to you."

"Oh, Thomas, I was starting to enjoy my schedule—but no matter. As long as you'll be back soon, it's fine. And besides, it means I'll get to spend more time with my brother."

"Yes, of course, dear. Now hurry along and pack up—I'll be leaving today."

"Alright, I'm ready. Goodbye, then, Thomas. I'll see you soon, and congratulate Lily for me."

"I will, dear. And goodbye. Have a lovely holiday."

It felt bittersweet, the store closing. I knew I'd miss Thomas, but I also knew I'd get to see more of Flower.

When I arrived home, he was waiting for me with a serious look on his face. After he told me his plan, I realised why.

"You cannot be serious, Flower. What if it all goes horribly wrong and you get caught? Then what?"

"Don't worry, Sof. You're not getting rid of me just yet, alright? I just need you to trust me. It'll be fine."

So here I was, shoving my brother into a basket and shipping him off to Enola, praying the plan would work.

While I waited, I found myself sitting at a bar, drinking—which was something I would've never done back home. I heard the bell ring but minded my business and kept drinking.

"Tough day?"

"I suppose you could say that," I shrugged, not bothering to see who I was speaking to.

"Hmm... because the fact that you're drinking alone during the day with a solemn look tells me you've had a traumatic experience recently."

I turned my head to get a glimpse of the idiot who thought he knew me—and was surprised to see Enola's brother. Sherlock.

"You do not know me well enough to make that assumption, Mr Holmes."

"You know who I am?"

"Of course I do. I read the paper. You're that silly detective who gets lucky every time." I smirked, knowing I'd struck a nerve.

"Wow. You're very funny, Miss..."

"Sofia. My name is Sofia."

"Well, it's certainly been odd meeting you."

"Oh, and why is that, hmm? Because I'm a woman who doesn't fawn over you, sir? Or is it because I think you're a rubbish detective? Because walking into a pub and telling me I'm sad isn't exactly clever work—everyone in London could see that I'm unhappy!"

Unfortunately, my little outburst led to me getting removed from the pub, and having that awful man follow me out.

"Listen, miss, I'm not fond of your attitude, but I'll be a gentleman and walk you home. You certainly can't be trusted."

"Oh, and what does that mean, Sherlock? Just because I've had a few drinks doesn't mean I'm incapable of walking home, you absolute fool!"

I was too embarrassed to look at him after that, so I ran off, hoping that Enola and Flower would finish their part of the plan soon enough.

I ended up waiting outside our home, knowing that flower would end up there, praying they were alright, when I heard gunshots.

It had taken me a while to get back, and already everything was falling apart. Still, I found myself walking towards the sound, hoping Flower and Enola were nowhere near it.

When I entered the estate, I saw my grandmother standing opposite Flower and Enola, who both looked dreadful. Enola signalled to me, to stop my grandmother, and then it all clicked.

I quickly tied my scarf around her wrists before running over to make sure the kids were alright.

"Oh my word—I was so worried when I heard the gunshots. Please tell me you're both okay."

"We're fine, Sof, although Enola seems a bit scratched up."

"You're right. Come on, Enola let's go. I already called Lestrade before I left London. You're safe now. We all are."

My grandmother was arrested for the attempted murder of Flower and the murder of my father. I couldn't believe I'd spent my whole life loving that woman when she turned out to be the reason behind all my sorrow.

—————

Flower was doing well, and today, he was about to become a lord. Mother, Uncle and I stood outside, helping him get ready for the event, when we spotted Enola approaching the gate.

I let the lovebirds have their moment.

My mother offered Enola quite a lot of money, which she refused—predictably. I missed seeing her around. She had become a little sister to me, but I assured her she was welcome any time at my new home, right next to Flower's.

Mother had allowed me to live in London to keep an eye on him, but I bought the house next to his, as we both wanted our own space.

I still work at the bookshop with Thomas, who finally returned from his holiday, with drawings of his beautiful granddaughter, Anna.

He allowed me to spend more time at the store and paid me more, so I could afford my home without relying entirely on my brother.

"Goodbye, Enola. Please meet me soon for lunch."

"I will definitely take you up on that offer sometime, Sofia. Goodbye."

I watched her walk away, then signalled for Flower to make his way inside and finally become a lord—just like Father.

He looked so much like him. It was nice.

This finally felt like a new beginning for us, and it was wonderful.