You See But Do Not Observe

PUZZLE

CHAPTER SIX : PUZZLE

Her office wasn't the most interesting of buildings. In fact, it looked almost identical to the one next to it.

Serena swiped a pass at the entrance and held the door open for them.

"I work on the third floor. We can take the elevator."

"What are the first two floors used for?"

"Alcohol and drug rehabilitation." Serena said, and she pressed the button for the elevator. They stepped inside, and she pushed the button.

"There are some unstable people here." Serena said warningly as the doors opened.

"Serena, babe!" A loud voice said, and Sherlock could see her back stiffen a fraction. A man came around the corner. His blond hair was tousled; he probably raked his fingers through it the moment he saw her.

"Hi, Daniel." Serena sounded resigned.

"Who are these men? You aren't replacing me, are you?" Daniel said, but he sounded far from serious. His brown eyes were laughing.

"We are with Scotland Yard, in a matter of speaking. We are investigating the recent suicides. I need to see your patient files." Sherlock said quickly.

"Darling, we both know those three were some of the most unstable. We may have thought they were getting better, but obviously not. I understand you're upset, but it's time to let go. I can help you, if you want." Daniel said, placing a hand on her arm in a way that Sherlock doubted very much was just a comforting gesture.

Serena shrugged off his hand in one swift movement. "The police believe otherwise. And my name is Serena, not darling."

"Whatever you say." Daniel shot a glance at John and Sherlock, and he smirked.

"The files?" Sherlock said.

The air was ripped apart by a scream of terror. Serena's head turned toward the sound. A little girl pointed at Sherlock, utter fear on her face. Her mouth was stretched wide.

"Kayla, what is it?" Serena asked.

The girl's finger trembled. "H-h-he h-has a g-gun..." She stuttered, her voice hoarse.

Serena whirled on Sherlock. "You brought a gun!" She hissed.

She looked so furious that Sherlock wasn't sure what to say. "I-I always..."

"You do remember that a lot of these patients are traumatized, don't you?" She said, spinning on her heels and walking to the girl, now frozen in place, staring at Sherlock. She scooped up the girl in her arms.

"Kayla, look at me. Not at him, me." The girl tore her eyes away from Sherlock and stared at Serena, who smiled kindly. "That's right. Take deep breaths. This man isn't going to hurt you. He's a friend. It's okay." Serena stalked away.

"Help them." She said over her shoulder as she walked down a hall.

"Right this way, gentlemen." Daniel gestured to an office, and Sherlock and John followed him inside.

"Take a seat." Daniel sat behind the desk and laced his fingers together.

"So, you need the files." He said, and he pulled out a stack and tossed them across the desk. John picked them up, and Sherlock stared at Daniel carefully.

"What do you know about Serena?" He asked.

Daniel chuckled. "Less than I would like to, if you know what I mean."

"No, I don't." Sherlock said.

"Look, all I know is she came in here with no credentials and only a degree in psychology about a month ago, but she got the job anyway. She's great with the patients, great at her job. I don't understand why she cares for them so much. They're all liabilities on society. I'm just here for the money. Pays well, you know."