His Doctor~

Chapter 24

Sherlock and Jo-Ann left for Massimo's villa the next morning, although the doctor had the most trouble sleeping. After all there was only one bed in the honeymoon suite. Plus the old woman there kept winking at her and calling her "Mrs. Holmes"... and now she was wondering if the end of her dream the night before actually happened... it was going to be a very long trip.

Massimo's villa was incredibly gorgeous, located in the countryside and surrounded by vineyards. The Agostini family, however, did not make wine, but valuable antiques. As Jo-Ann and Sherlock neared the house from the nearby road, the doctor noticed Sherlock's mood become more and more agitated. Jo-Ann felt a strange impulse to remain as quiet as possible, which she hated, but couldn't help it. They approached the door and Sherlock stopped a few feet away, letting Jo-Ann be the one to knock. The doctor nodded and knocked on the door. It didn't take long for the door to creak open, but the person standing there was not what either of the guests was expecting.

"Chi sei?! Che ci fai qui?!(who are you?! What are you doing here?!)" An elderly and loud voice erupted from behind the door, making Jo-Ann jump back. An old short woman came out of the house, hunched over with a tan dress and red bandana around her long grey hair. "Sei tu la donna che Massimo continua a parlare?!(Are you the woman Massimio keeps talking about?!)" the woman yelled at Jo-Ann specifically, pointing her disapproving finger at her. Jo-Ann stepped back as the woman moved closer.

"Non c'e modo che io lascilo sposare Massimo!(There is no way I will let you marry Massimo!)" Jo-Ann stepped back so far she bumped into Sherlock, and without thinking, grabbed his arm out of fear. She tried to respond to the shouting woman but she couldn't get a word, Italian or English, in. "Sei anche un buon governante?! Non mi hai risposto, che ci fai qui?!(Are you good housekeeper?! You did not answer me, what are you doing here?!)"

"Nonna? Nonna!(grandma)" Massimo called from the house, quickly running out wearing a black long-sleeve black shirt and apron. "Cosa stai facendo?(what are you doing?)" he asked gently as he put an arm around his mother. He looked up at Sherlock and thought he was the only guest. "Ah! Mr. Holmes, Welcome! Where is Jo-Ann?" he asked.

"Here…" Jo-Ann squeaked, peaking around from behind the tall detective, looking a bit frightened. Massimo gave a hearty chuckle and welcomed them inside.

"Sorry about my grandmother…" Massimo apologized as he gave Sherlock and Jo-Ann their coffee. "She can be uh… over protective sometimes." He laughed. Sherlock remained silent as Jo-Ann nodded and laughed as well. "I asked you to come here to meet my little brother, he should be here soon."

"Where's his room?" Sherlock said suddenly. Such a request was not unusual to the doctor, but Massimo looked confused.

"Uh… upstairs, second door on the left…" Massimo hesitantly replied. Sherlock set down the coffee he didn't take one sip of and left for upstairs immediately. Jo-Ann sighed as he left and silently apologized to Massimo.

Upstairs, Sherlock slowly climbed the steps, taking in all the possible details.

Worn wood on railing, suggests heavy pressure applied on a regular basis. He lightly jumped in place on the steps, and then pressured his foot in certain areas. Weak spots near railings, alternating pattern with each step. Normal for an old house but pitch and tone suggest recent cause. First spot on the right side of the step, right legged. The weak areas, worn handrail, means a tired party using this staircase constantly in a slow and tattered fashion. Sherlock reached the top of the stairs, peaking around the corner and proceeding with attention. He ran his hand along the wallpaper, dragging his pale fingers across. Small blood stain, barely noticeable so it happened long ago or blood was passed through a barrier or cloth. Sherlock noted as he noticed the faint red smear. He opened the door to Deangelo's bedroom, sniffing the air as he did. Antibiotics, sweat, soothing candles. Sherlock noted as he fully entered. He peaked around the room, finding things that were common for a teenage boy. But under the bed, he pulled out a metal box. Opening it, its contents were that of a first aid kit. Sherlock lifted the disinfectant bottle, twirling it around in the light. It didn't have much liquid left in it, but there was a significant amount of bandage wrap left in the box. Other bandages were scarce. Items used to treat clean wounds. Less antibiotic, more wrap, wounds were not bleeding to an extent of excessive bandage but required disinfectant. Wounds previously treated, however poorly. Re-treated when arriving home. Fewer small bandages so that means many small cuts. Sherlock concluded and closed the box. He stepped towards one of the candles and picked it up to examine it. Lit nightly. Used not only to eliminate odor but to sooth the body after a strenuous event. Multiple candles means desperate to relax. Sherlock sniffed and set down the candle. He started up the laptop on the desk, which didn't take long to hack. He browsed through internet history, or the lack there of. Deciding he gathered enough data Sherlock exited the room and made his way back downstairs. But upon entering the living room, he grumbled to himself.