The Sonata that Soothed the Sociopath's Soul (Sherlock Holmes x OC)

1 - Anacrusis

Anacrusis- a note or notes that precede the first full bar

Elizabeth Everett chewed at her bottom lip and looked at the front door of 221 Baker Street. She'd heard of the address well before it was given to her officially, and since had done further research about it's occupants. With a deep breath she adjusted the straps of her backpack on her back, pulled slightly at the hem of her sweater—or 'jumper' she corrected herself in her thoughts—and took the remaining few steps towards the door, straightening the knocker and tapping it against the door several times.

An older woman answered and immediately Elizabeth smiled, the woman just seemed warm and kind. "Hi there, Mrs. Hudson?"

"Hello, you must be Ms. Everett?"

"I am! I'm here about the basement flat you're renting out?"

Several minutes later, Elizabeth had been shown into Mrs. Hudson's own flat and sat at her kitchen table while she prepared tea.

"Now, dear, while I am thrilled at the idea of finally renting out the basement flat, you seem so nice, I feel the need to warn you of who else lives here," Mrs. Hudson said as she brought over a tray with two steaming mugs.

"It's alright, Mrs. Hudson. I'm well aware that Sherlock Holmes shares the house. Your flat was recommended to me by—" The younger woman paused only a moment—having rehearsed what she was to say, "—One of my employers. He informed me of the other resident, and I've since done some research." Elizabeth smiled encouragingly at Mrs. Hudson.

"Oh? And who would your employer be?"

"I have several employers, ma'am. I will answer your question, but it's my duty to tell you—I have to use discretion in my job. I can't divulge the companies or organizations that hire me to just anyone. I'm a contractor—I do work for hire for some rather significant clients and have security clearances that keep me from revealing very much. But I do have permission to divulge one of my clients to you, to satisfy the requirement of proof of employment. Mycroft Holmes recommended your apartment to me."
Mrs. Hudson's eyes went wide. "Really? Mycroft suggested you rent my flat? Well, I suppose he is becoming a bit more soft since meeting our dear Sophia." Elizabeth smiled at Mrs. Hudson's revelation—she knew more of Mycroft Holmes transformation than she was ready to reveal quite yet. Mrs. Hudson continued, "And in regards to your job, as long as it's not illegal dear, I don't care what you do. And even then, we're a bit loose around here with Sherlock running around doing who knows what. I just felt you should know... he's quite..."

"Eccentric?"

"Well, that is certainly one way to put it, dear."

"It's fine. I can be a tad bit eccentric myself at times, Mrs. Hudson. It's one of the reasons I thought your flat might be perfect. I figured if you can handle Sherlock Holmes, my quirks would be minor in comparison."

"Well, as long as you know what you're getting yourself into."

"Mrs. Hudson, as long as there aren't rodents or spiders, I can deal with just about anything."

"I have the place regularly checked for pests. We had to have a recent... renovation... and everything was remodeled and cleaned up as well. In fact, now that you mention it—it was Mycroft who assisted financially with some of the improvements—including ones made to the basement apartment. "

"Mr. Holmes appreciates being prepared for any eventuality, it seems. Would it be alright if I had a few additional modifications made to the flat on my own? Nothing major—perhaps a new door, and some security measures."

"That sounds just fine dear, any improvements are welcome—but if they aren't standard necessities they'll have to be out of your own pocket."

"Of course, I'll handle everything."

"Very good then, I'll just get the paperwork."

Elizabeth Everett smiled wide. "Excellent."

Mrs. Hudson went over to her desk across the room. "It must be very exciting, moving from the States to England."

Elizabeth took a deep breath. "I am excited. It's been quite a dream of mine—since college." The older woman handed her the paperwork and she began to look over it. One of the first items she noticed was the current place of employment and job title. She bit her lip. "Mrs. Hudson, I hate to seem paranoid, but may I ask what you do with this paperwork?"

"Well, if it doesn't work out, it's shredded and put in the bin. If it does, it's locked up with other files in my desk."

"I understand. I've already mentioned my need for privacy when it comes to my employers. I know they are siblings, but could I ask you not to share with Sherlock who my employer is?"

"I promise you he won't learn from me. But I can't promise he won't figure it out on his own. He's quite good at figuring things out."

Elizabeth had begun filling in the paperwork and smiled as she did so. "So I've heard. The 'Science of Deduction' and all that. In good time, as you said, I'm sure he'll figure it out, or be told by myself or Mr. Holmes—Mycroft, I mean. I'd just prefer it to be in my own time."

"Of course, dear."

Just before she began to sign the contract, she paused and looked back up at who she hoped would be her new landlady. "I almost forgot. Mrs. Hudson, would it be alright for me to play the piano? I have a full-size electronic keyboard, it's one of my most precious possessions. I sometimes play with my headphones on, but it's nice to not have to."

"Oh, that should be fine. Sherlock plays his violin at all hours, I can't imagine your piano playing being any more disturbing."

Elizabeth smiled at the new piece of information. "He plays the violin?"

"He does. Rather well, too."

"Well," Elizabeth said, her smile going even wider as she signed off on the agreement. "Very good then."

"Very good indeed, I'm so thrilled to finally have that apartment rented out, and to such a sweet girl as yourself. I'll take care of checking your references right now, and if everything checks out, I'll call you very soon."

"I've told them all to be expecting a call, so you should have what you need sooner than later, I hope. I'd love to move in as soon as possible and get out of the hotel."