And then there was three; a Sherlock Fanfiction

Three

"My name is Amelia Brown," she turned back to Sherlock, "and I need you to solve a murder."

Sherlock raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. John leaned back, waiting for her to go on. Lilly sat stiffly, keeping her eyes trained on the back of Amelia's head.

Amelia cleared her throat softly, preparing to continue. When she spoke, her voice wavered slightly, "it happened a week ago...

I was on my way to my sister, Gracie's house after work; she'd borrowed one of my books, so I was going to pick it up. Anyways, when I got there, the entire home was on fire. I called the fire brigade but it was too late," she choked back a sob, two tears streaming down her face, "the police said it was an accident, grease fire, but I don't believe them. I know my sister was murdered," her features twisted in anger, and she stared straight ahead at a point only she could see.

"Why?" It was the first time Sherlock spoke since the client's arrival.

"Excuse me?"

"Why are you so sure she was murdered? Cooking appliances are the most common cause of accidental house fires. I don't see any reason not to believe it was an accident. Sounds a bit dull really," Sherlock raised his eyebrows, as if to challenge Miss Brown.

She looked insulted, "I have not told you everything yet Mr. Holmes!" She took a calming breath and resumed her story,

"Gracie has always had... problems, with money. She couldn't hold a job; I'd loaned her so much money, I couldn't do it anymore. But then, a couple months ago, she got this job. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but she was so happy I didn't really care to ask. She started paying me back, had money to spare even. It was going so well, until two weeks ago." Her entire demeanor changed at this point. Her face looked dark, and serious, "Me and my boyfriend went over to visit, and she was so... Paranoid. And when she talked she was very, distant. I didn't think much about it until the night before the fire."

She shifted in her seat, uncomfortable. Her small audience waited for her to continue, "She was completely out of it when I got there. Gracie had all the doors locked and blinds drawn. When she finally let me in she was so distracted. More so than before," She turned to Sherlock, "Mr. Holmes, my sister knew she was going to die," she took a shaky breath, "I need to know who killed her."

"Paranoia?" John asked aloud.

"No no." Amelia shook her head fervently, "She wasn't afraid of anything. Smartest one in class, she was. But she-she had a bit of a gambling problem, and didn't really care much for the rules."

"And what was your sister's name again?" Amelia turned around quickly, surprised by Lilly's presence. Sherlock looked at her in the same manor; he must have forgotten she was there.

"Gracie," she answered after a minute, "Gracie Brown."

"And you have no idea where she worked?" Lilly continued. John and Sherlock said nothing, surprised by Lilly's sudden businesslike manner, and not to mention the fact that she was taking charge of their case.

"No, I didn't think to ask,"

"And you believe that this job may connect to her killer?" Lilly pulled on her coat as she asked this, standing up from the sofa.

"Well, yes, I guess it could be connected," Amelia stood up as well, looking back at Sherlock, confused, "I'm sorry, who is this?"

"Nobody." Sherlock stood as well, pulling on his coat and wrapping a scarf around his neck. He followed Lilly out the door and down the stairs, while John and Amelia scrambled to keep up.

When she reached the bottom of the stairs, Lilly shoved open the front door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. She paused to wait for the others, turning to face Sherlock.

Her pushed past her, attempting to hail a cab, without luck. He muttered under his breath, ruffling the back of his hair in frustration.

Lilly stepped forward, raising an arm to signal the closest cab in the way only a New Yorker could. Sherlock watched as she climbed in, slightly put off.

"Well? Are you coming?"

Sherlock snapped out of whatever he was in and climbed in beside her. Amelia followed, creating a cramped situation for the other two. John tried to follow but Sherlock reached over Amelia, slamming the car door swiftly. Explaining to John that he could get the next cab as he did so.

Amelia gave the cabbie the address and they pulled away, leaving 221b and an extremely agitated Dr. Watson behind.

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Oh my I'm exhausted! It's exam week at my high school and it's been hard to find time to write. Truthfully I should still be studying, but I think the 3 hours I spent on biology and modern business were enough for tonight.

Laters
M