Trust in Sherlock: Book 2

Chapter 34- Maggie's POV

"You're quite lucky, Miss. Jones. That bullet could have done much more damage than it really did." Doctor Wilson, as printed on her nametag, said.

I stood in the main lobby, having had my stitches and given my statement of the situation to the police-aka Lestrade. Sherlock and John were giving their statements as I spoke.

"Try to take it easy for now until it heals and we have your stitches removed." Doctor Wilson said.

I nodded. "Thank you." I replied, silently hoping that she would just leave and spare me of speaking any longer. What I wanted most in the world was to sleep.

When she lingered, I quickly pulled out my phone and said, "I need to call my landlady. Thanks again."

She nodded and turned on her heel before walking away from me. I dialled Ms. Lancer's number, seeing as I really did need to know if she was home or not. She answered on the third ring. "Hello?" Her voice was soft.

I had never been so relieved to hear her voice. "Are you alright?" I immediately asked.

There was a brief pause before she said, "Of course I am. I just got home a few moments ago." She paused, "What did you do?"

I nearly laughed, but was too focused on the utter relief that washed over me in waves. "Nothing. It's all over now."

It wasn't until I said those words that I realised that it really was over. Kathy was dead and I no longer had to fear for my life. I was safe for the first time since I was 13 years old. My knees felt weak and I found myself slumping down into the nearest chair, earning a few questioning glances from a middle-aged woman that sat in the chair next to me.

"Margaret? Are you still there?" Mrs.Lancer's voice came through the speaker, crackled and worried.

I cleared my throat. "Yeah, I'm here." I paused. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Mrs. Lancer laughed. "Yes, I'm sure, My Dear. I've got tea if you want to come over and catch up. I know you've been busy and all, so there's no rush."

"Of course. I'll be there tonight." I replied, feeling guilty for not keeping in contact much with my landlady.

I could hear the smile in her voice as she replied, "I'll see you tonight then, Margaret."

I nodded even though she couldn't see me. "Goodbye, Mrs. Lancer."

"Goodbye, Dear."

I ended the call and flipped my phone around absent-mindedly in my hands.

I knew it was dangerous to have high hopes. It seems that each time I find myself being happy, it hardly ever lasts. This, however, was different. I felt lighter and no longer anxious or frightened. I was free from her.

"Maggie?"

I looked up from the floor to see Mary approaching me, Evangeline in her arms. She smiled and I returned it. Mary raised an eyebrow. "For someone who just got shot, you seem to be in high spirits."

I laughed, possibly the first genuine laugh I've had in quite some time. "I guess I am." I replied. Then, I asked, "What are you doing here anyway?"

Mary glanced around. "John called me and told me that you were here. I came as soon as I could. I couldn't find my husband though."

I nodded towards the front doors. "He's being questioned by Lestrade and his men. Sherlock said they'd be back here within the hour."

Mary nodded in understanding before sighing and looking around the waiting room once again. "Would you mind holding Eva? Pregnancy has done me no favours in the bladder department." She joked.

I nodded reluctantly and held my arms out to take Eva. Mary carefully passed her to me, making the child's bright eyes shoot open and a confused whine escape her small lips. I shifted her in my arms until she was cradled comfortably. Mary smiled. "You two are simply adorable together." She said before walking towards the restrooms across the room.

I looked down at Eva as I sat back down in my seat. Blonde tufts of hair had begun to grow and her blue eyes seemed to twinkle in the harsh lights above us.

"This is your second time in a hospital and you're not even a year old." I muttered, my eyes flickering over her smooth skin and innocent expression. "Let's hope that you don't get used to it."

Eva grabbed at my shirt and seemed enchanted by the material. My lips twitched into a small smile as I watched her. It was quite a change to see so much innocence in one being. She had yet to be corrupted by society.

Now able to relax, I leaned back in my chair and kept my eyes locked on Eva. Even now, I could tell that she would look more like John as she got older, yet still maintain Mary's feminine features. I smiled down at her. "I know just the science kit to get you when you're older." I said thoughtfully.

The sound of familiar footsteps caught my attention and I lifted my gaze off of Eva. Coming through the hospital doors, Sherlock and John looked around the waiting room until they caught sight of me. Sherlock instantly strode over while John hesitated briefly in surprise when he spotted Eva in my arms.

"Is Mary here?" John asked once he reached me.

I nodded. "She went to the restroom just a little bit ago. She should be out in a minute." I stood from my seat, balancing Eva carefully, and faced Sherlock and John. "So, I guess my case is finally solved." I offered a weak smile.

Sherlock sighed. "Finally. It was getting a bit old. I need a new case to work on. One that doesn't involve my friend."

I scoffed. "I could say the same thing; however, it seems that you're involved in every case. It's exhausting, really."

Sherlock raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to take a holiday?"

Just as Mary exited the restroom, I smiled at Sherlock and said, "Never."