The Woman Who Counted (A Sherlolly Tale)

Chapter 15

Author's Note: This is an edited chapter. xxx -OH

         Sherlock walked through the mortuary doors the next morning in a rush, which was no usual then any other day, and said, "Hello Molly."

"Oh, hey Sherlock," Molly said, elbows deep in a corpse, "Here to see a body?"

"No, I'm here to ask you a question."

"Okay," she stepped back from the body, holding her bloody gloved hands up, her arms bent at the elbows, and turned to him. " What do you need?"

He looked confused, as if he'd already forgotten why he was there.

Molly raised her brows. "The question, Sherlock."

"Oh, right," He said, shaking his head. He looked like he hadn't had much sleep recently. Molly assumed he was on a case. She'd rant to him about the importance of a good night's sleep later. "Do you like cats?"

"What?"

"You like cats, don't you?"

"Um, yes. Why?"

"John found a kitten in an alley this morning. Mary wouldn't let him keep it, and I can't take care of it, - John says I can hardly take care of myself. I'm more of a dog person anyways. So, would you like it?"

Molly thought a moment. She knew her landlord wouldn't be happy about a surprise pet, but he had told her that she was allowed a pet at one point. She assumed she still was. Tom wouldn't be happy either, but it's Molly's flat so if she wants a cat will get one.

"No," Sherlock assured her, "It's fine. A little malnourished, maybe. It's ribs are prominent, but that's the way any abandoned cat will be. It just needs some care, is all."

"Alrighty then," Molly smiled, "I'll take it."

He gave her a half smile. "Great."

"So, when should I get him? Should I pick it up or will you bring it 'round?"

"Baker Street. After work, at whatever time will be convenient for you."

"Alright, thank you, Sherlock." With that he left the morgue, allowing Molly to resume removing the corpse's liver.

• • •

After work, Molly felt as if she smelled strongly of iron as she and she had a bit of blood that made it onto her scrubs, so she took a shower at her flat before going to a pet shot down the street and picking up some cat stuff.

Food, treats, litter box and litter, toys; Molly really had no idea what all she needed but she assumed that those were the basics that a cat could survive on at the least. After leaving the shop she got into a cab and headed to Baker Street.

Upon arriving she couldn't help the smile on her face as she stepped out of the cab, just beginning to realize that she was getting a cat. A cat! She wondered how Tom would feel about it but almost immediately pushed aside the thought that he may not like it.

Mrs Hudson let her into the building and she walked up the steps to Sherlock's flat, knocking on his door. He answered almost immediately and greeted her with a little smile.

"Hello Molly."

She smiled back at him. "Hello Sherlock."

Sherlock took a sidestep, allowing her to enter and then closed the door behind her.

"So, where is it, then?" she asked, voice bubbly with her excitement."

"It's sleeping in John's chair." He gestured toward the sitting room. "Please."