And then there was three; a Sherlock Fanfiction

Thirteen

Sherlock, Lilly, and John all stood on the pavement in front of the rather long winding driveway of 238 Hundley Lane. Many lights were on in the house, so they assumed that the Ashworths were home and awake.

John and Lilly watched as Sherlock began to walk up the driveway, taking long determined strides.

"Sherlock, what are you planning on doing?" John hissed, catching up to him.

Lilly followed from behind hesitantly. Something about the situation just screamed danger to her, and she wasn't too eager to jump head first into something without some sort of plan.

Jogging a bit to catch up to both Sherlock and John, Lilly matched pace with the two, "figured out how we're getting in there?"

"Just follow my lead," Sherlock answered vaguely as they reached the front door, "would you like to do the honors?"

Sherlock gestured to the doorbell, offering Lilly a light smile.

Reluctantly, she took a shaky breath and, against all better judgement, rang the doorbell.

•••

The front door swung open, revealing a disheveled Simon Ashworth to the visitors. He slouched a little, leaning on the open door. His tall, somewhat lanky frame was dressed in a navy suit, but his tie hung forgotten around his neck, untied. His body language hinted fatigue, but his eyes were alight and wide awake. His light brown hair was a mess from his hands running through it and he was in need of a shave. The remains of cologne hung to him, and the slight breeze carried it outside to swirl around the three intruders.

Lilly was surprised that Simon answered the door himself; she'd expected to be met by a maid, or housekeeper, not the Simon Ashworth. Sherlock's hesitation, although it only lasted milliseconds, caused Lilly to guess that he hadn't expected it either.

"Simon Ashworth, we're with the police," Sherlock flashed him a badge, "we were wondering if we could have a minute to speak to you and your wife?"

"Police?" Simon said, looking at each face, confused, "what could the police want with us?"

Sherlock started to answer, only to be interrupted by Simon, "Wait, your that detective, aren't you? Sherlock Holmes, isn't it?" He shot Sherlock a suspicious glare "What are you doing here?"

Sherlock was caught off guard. He stuttered to try to try to come up with an answer but was beat to it.

"Um hi, my name is Lilly Harper," Lilly said, pushing her way to the front. Simon's eyes landed on her, and softened a little.

She stuck her hand out to shake, "sorry about Mr. Holmes, he can be a little dramatic sometimes," Lilly ignored the irritated look she received from Sherlock and smiled brightly at the man in front of her, "sorry about the timing, you can also blame Sherlock for that one."

Simon shook her hand, "I'm sorry, I think I'm still a bit confused. Why, exactly, are you here?"

"Yes, sorry. We're here on business, and were wondering if we could speak to you in private?"

Simon hesitated, but then nodded, opening the front door wider, moving to the side so they could enter. Lilly led the group into the dimly lit hall while Simon closed the door behind them. He asked kindly if they would remove their shoes, then he passed to the front of the group, telling the three that he'd lead them to his private office.