Protect Her

Chapter 4

During the cab ride back to Baker Street, Sherlock fiddled with his phone reluctant to make a call to his brother. He already sent a text to Billy informing him to watch for any suspicious activity of people around Bart's and Molly's flat. After several minutes, Sherlock swallowed his pride and dialed his phone. 

"Ah, Sherlock, how nice to hear your voice as always," came the cold smooth tone on the other line.

"We can skip the sarcasm," Sherlock huffed back. "I have a proposal for you."

"Are you sure you won't be proposing to a certain pathologist?"

Sherlock should have known that Mycroft was already aware of everything. He always seemed to be one step ahead, no matter what. However it was because of this Sherlock needed his older brother's help. So he ignored the comment and held back his annoyance.

"I know you have the ability to keep an eye on Molly. I need you to ensure no harm will come to her."

Mycroft would assist his brother, but he still loved to make things difficult. "And why can't you get some of your homeless network to do that?"

"I have, but there's only so much they can do," the detective said flatly.

"Yes, the dispossessed, alcoholics can be so unreliable."

"They are more efficient than the police," Sherlock stated shortly, a bit offended. He reflected that he too could fit this description. For a short time in his past, he was living on the streets, before his brother got him help.

"Either way, I will have my best eyes and ears out to monitor her safety," Mycroft finally agreed. "But Sherlock, I hope you know what you are getting yourself into."

"I've already told her and made all the precautions-," Mycroft cut him off and shifted the subject.

"I'm not talking about security. I'm speaking of this new relationship. It's not going to be like John, dragging her around all over. And you might find Miss Hooper is not as forgiving," the older Holmes brother stated with the same cunning tone with voice always carried.

This was something Sherlock really didn't need to hear. He was doing everything he could, to keep Molly safe from others, but controlling himself was another thing. Even Mycroft was worried for his little brother messing up this chance at a romantic relationship. Mycroft was the last person Sherlock wanted to talk to about it, so he covered up his distress by humoring himself with his brothers own annoyances.

"Well at least I know you'll forgive me."

"What did you do now?" Sherlock smirked at his brother's question. He could practically hear Mycroft rolling his eyes.

"Mary had her baby shower the other day and brought me over the rest of the leftover chocolate and strawberry cake. Not really my flavor so I dropped it off at your house. I hope you don't mind?"

A sigh came through the phone, "Have a good evening, Sherlock," Mycroft said in a raised voice.

"Goodbye, Mycroft."

Sherlock hung up the phone and returned to twirling it in his hands. He knew he could trust Mycroft would follow through to help him. Nevertheless his comments were just as effective. Had Sherlock not already been worried about hurting Molly, he might have disregarded his brother. But that was not the case. He pondered upon them the rest of the drive.

Once Sherlock was back at his flat he took a bath. Clearing his head, he let himself relax. He put all the information from the case he was on in one room in his mind palace and shut the door. His work didn't need to interfere with the evening ahead. It didn't take long for him to decide what to wear for his battle armor- a dark grey button down shirt and black slacks would be fine under his coat.

Mrs. Hudson was in the kitchen when he emerged from the bathroom. Sherlock didn't think about her. He sighed knowing that she would make a fuss over everything. However he was fairly eager to tell someone. Reasoning that if everything went well tonight, Molly would be visiting more often and his landlady would catch on at some point.

"Do you want me to fix you up something to eat, Sherlock?" she asked in her sweet everyday caring voice as she wiped off the counter.

"No, I'm going out." He took a seat and began filing through and unstacking the papers his landlady had just organized into a pile.

"I should have known. Always busy, running all about catching killers."

"Not tonight, Mrs. Hudson. I've got a date," surprised at how easily the words flowed out.

Raising her voice intrigued by the unusual news she replied, "Oh, who's the lucky gentlemen then?"

"What? No... It's not-uh," he rambled shaking his head. "Well- it's actually Molly Hooper."

A huge smile appeared on the old woman's face. She clapped her hands together in excitement. "Really! That's fantastic!" she said with an innocent joy to her voice. Sherlock grinned as she put her arm around his shoulders rubbing his back. She pulled away from him and asked, "Have you told John yet?"

"No, I'm going to tell him later in the week. Make sure everything goes off okay."

"I'm sure it will. Where are you two going to go?"

"Having dinner as a little restaurant and bakery near where she lives. Lestrade gets pastries from there all the time."

"That sounds lovely! I want to hear all about it tomorrow." Giving Sherlock another quick hug, she collected her things and started to make her way out the door. Sherlock heard the old woman giggling to herself and saying, "I knew it! I knew it!" as she made her way down the stairs.