The Unfinished Case// A Sherlock Story

XX

"So what is the plan?" Billie asks as he walks into their makeshift base.

Max knew what was going to happen on the faithful day and she knew all of what was about to happen was designed specifically for her. It was obvious and she knew if she told Billie then he would be in serious trouble as well. She couldn't do that to him.

"We wait," she says sternly as she makes her way to the monitors. She sits down on the chair and closes her eyes. The constant battle in her head throbs as she is left with the numbness of the after-mass.

She wasn't ready.

But she had to be.

"Wait? I don't understand. What is going to happen tomorrow?" Billie questions, confused and scared at his mentor.

"Nothing you have to worry about. Billie you are no longer needed. You can leave now and this envelop should have enough money for you to start off again," Max says, sliding a crisp golden envelope towards her right.

Billie hesitantly took the package and opened it to see a good amount of pounds that can last him a few months.

"Max, I don't understand," Billie asks scared.

"You don't need to. I already erased any data that can be tracked back to me and you can finally start off on a clean slate again-"

Billie begins to sheepishly chuckle, earning the attention of Max.

"Any other old goon would take the money and go but not me. You're right, you saved me from the streets and you gave me the opportunity to start over again. I am your friend now whether you like it or not and I will not leave you," Billie growls angrily. Max turns around to face the monitors, a few tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"I don't feel the same way. I only saved you, not because of pity, but because I knew you would give me your loyalty," Max says with a straight face. No emotions slipping through whatsoever.

"thAT'S YOUR PROBLEM! YOU PUSH PEOPLE OUT WHEN THEY GET TOO CLOSE. I GET IT YOU'VE BEEN HURT BEFORE, I SEE IT ACROSS YOUR FACE. I SEE THE HORROR IN YOUR EYES, I SEE REGRET, FEAR AND SO MUCH AGONY. BUT YOU HAVE TO STOP THIS BULLSHIT!" Billie argues.

His words hit Max like daggers. She knew he was saying the truth but she can't let him in. She built up these walls around her and her heart is frozen from the ice.

"I'm not pushing you out but letting you free"

"I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE YOU! LET THAT GET THROUGH THAT THICK ASS SKULL OF YOURS!"

"weLL I'M NOT GIVING YOU AN OPTION! YOU ARE FIRED!" Max shouts. The room falls into an eery silence as each person attempts to catch their breath.

"Fine." With that he left. He left the girl who was scared to be alone. He left the girl who's past haunts her memories.

He left the girl who is about to die the very next day.