Trust in Sherlock: Book 2

Chapter 35-Maggie's POV

(A/N): Finally. Updated. Sorry for the wait. But this one is slightly longer and pretty darn cute at the end if you ask me. *wink* Only a few more chapters to go!
-JJ

After a brief phone call with Mrs. Lancer, I was joined by Sherlock, John, Mary, and Evangeline on my trip back to my flat. Mary had brought the car, so we all piled into the vehicle. This was particularly difficult for myself, as Eva was still comfortably nestled in my arms. Well, comfortable for her.

Once the uncomfortable car ride came to an end, I was the last to manoeuvre out of the vehicle. Sherlock led the way to my front door and knocked, knowing that I didn't have my keys with me.

There was muffled movement on the other side of the door and I heard the lock click as it was disengaged. Mrs. Lancer opened the door and widened her eyes as she took in our unnatural group. "Maggie, don't you ever carry your keys anymore?" She finally asked, her keen eyes landing on me as she spoke.

I shrugged. "Won't happen again, Ma'am." I said.

She 'tsk'ed in response before letting us inside. Soon, we were gathered in Mrs. Lancer's living room with biscuits and coffee mugs filled with steamy brown liquid.

I sat on the couch next to Sherlock, the two of us clutching the warm mugs in our hands with our legs tucked up to our chests in an identical manner. John leaned against the wall, his hands stuffed in his pockets casually and eyes glancing longingly at the biscuits every so often. Mary occupied an old rocking chair that Mrs. Lancer had dragged into the room. She cradled Evangeline in her arms, quietly rocking back and forth in a comforting manner.

Mrs. Lancer reentered the living room, her own cup of tea in her feeble hands. As she entered, I noticed her breathing was quicker than usual and her hands were shaking ever so slightly. I frowned and looked to Sherlock for confirmation. His look of concentration showed that he was paying no attention to those around him.

"Now, would anyone like to tell me what exactly you three were up to that was so important that Margaret called?" Mrs. Lancer questioned as she sat in her floral patterned chair that matched the couch I was currently situated on.

The four of us were silent, the only noise being Eva's soft coos and giggles as she played with the fabric of Mary's shirt.

"Can't I call and check on my lovely land lady every once in a while?" I asked, innocent as I could possibly muster.

Mrs. Lancer looked at me, a doubtful look on her face. She pursed her lips together and raised her cup to blow away the hot steam rising from the tea. "No." She said simply. I frowned and she narrowed her eyes slightly. "Don't frown. You'll get wrinkles like me. We wouldn't want you to lose such a beautiful face."

"Actually, wrinkles aren't something to be ashamed of. Society-" I elbowed Sherlock sharply, telling him to just drop the subject. He fell silent, looking confused and hurt at my response.

"We finished a particularly difficult case today. We just thought this called for a celebration." John said, looking down at my landlady with a polite grin.

Mrs. Lancer nodded in understanding. "It's that Larose girl, isn't it?" She asked, raising her cup once again to her lips.

All eyes shot to Mrs. Lancer, other than Eva's, who was trying to reach for Mary's hair. Mrs. Lancer noticed the sudden silence and looked up from her cup. She grinned and set it down on the coffee table in front of her. "I'm old, Dear, not blind." I raised an eyebrow at her, waiting for more of an explanation. She locked eyes with me before her gaze drifted to Sherlock.

I turned my head to follow her look. "You told her?" I questioned disbelievingly.

Sherlock shrugged. "Your landlady makes wonderful banana bread."