Printed // Sheriarty AU

5

* sherlocks POV *

I arrive back at the flat around an hour later from the time I had left. I was greeted with Mrs Hudson once again holding a tray of tea and biscuits.

"Oh Sherlock you scared me! Have you been out? You're never usually up this early!"

"I just walked for a bit. I came across an interesting bookshop." Mrs Hudson follows me up the stairs.

"A Bookshop? I never thought I'd hear you say that! You usually read on those kindles or whatever they are called. Did you buy anything?" Mrs Hudson places the tray onto the coffee table and takes a seat in John's chair. I proceed to take off my coat, scarf and gloves and I join her.

"No I just went in to browse. Although, I do suspect I will be returning. The books looked very...interesting." I pout tea into a mug and I take it into my hand and rest it in my lap. Mrs Hudson proceeds to do the same.

"Who thought it eh? Sherlock Holmes a bookworm! You're usually too busy to be reading these days. Investigating crimes and what not. Why don't you learn to play the violin again? You were magnificent when you were younger!"

"Parents didn't seem to agree."

"Yes well, your parents weren't exactly great parents now were they. It took them years to accept Mycroft and you for being gay. I just wish I said something to my sister to have helped her see who you are, not who you are attracted to."

"Hey, you did help! If it wasn't for you and your support, Mycroft and I wouldn't have coped! And I know my parents were pretty shit parents, but you were there. You're like a mother to me."

"Oh sherlock you are Sweet!" I smile cheekily at that statement, taking another sip from my tea.

Mrs Hudson and I are soon joined my John and Mary. We have discussions about the past, and how ridiculous we all were. Mrs Hudson even tells us about her ex husband the drug dealer! It brought out a few laughs from me, but my mind became too preoccupied to really listen to what they were saying.

Soon, my phone pings. I look down at the illuminated screen to see a text from Eddie. Relief washes over me. Finally we can begin. I open up the message and it reads:

' Sherlock. The department are talking. They say that Jim must be in a specific circle within London. The circle overlaps baker Street,  so he must be close to you. That's a start hey! Tonight, after I finish work, come round to my flat. We can discuss our plan and get it under way. As long as you're still up for this of course. ER '

I read the text again, making sure to memorise the instructions. Finally Eddie and I can begin. The thought terrifies me though, that the police have somehow targeted Jim's whereabouts to only a small circle within London. I need to warn Jim. If the police have somehow found him, then something has gone wrong. If he has a team with him, one of them must have said something. Given the police a clue, because the police aren't that clever.

I need to protect Jim. I need to save him from his fate.

___________________________________

The day somehow passes extremely quickly.  Soon enough, it's 5 o clock, and Eddie should've finished work by now. The news is on but no new I formation about Jim is being said. They didn't seem to say anything about the circle, so the police obviously want the element of suprise.

Mary and John went to see their house as the renovations had completed a few hours before. So now, it seems like they're moving out again. It's going to be quiet around here, and I don't know how I will cope.