The next few weeks passed by without occurrence. John had moved back into 221B and Rosie was at Mycroft's house. After much debate, they made the decision to allow Mycroft and Lestrade to provide around the clock protection for Rosie and Charlotte at Mycroft's. Molly volunteered to stay there as well; finally using her considerable vacation days to take up a room with Rosie.
Sherlock kept himself busy with case after case, spending many nights pouring over papers, contemplating, and writing. He wouldn't elaborate to anyone what he was up to, and John watched Sherlock in frustration wishing there was something he could do for him. Mrs. Hudson brought them tea regularly, and John was able to occasionally pry Sherlock from his work to eat out or visit with everyone at Mycroft's.
Mycroft, meanwhile, was using every possible resource at his disposal to try and find Moriarty, but it seemed as if he had slipped back into the grave he had arisen from and vanished from the world yet again. Charlotte was still not speaking, but seemed to be in good spirits, helping take care of Rosie, and starting her studies with a tutor. However, nighttime brought with it the horrors of her past in dreams she could not express in words. There were too many nights to count where Mycroft was awoken by Janine for assistance in calming Charlotte down after another nightmare. Mycroft was the only one who seemed to be able to calm her when she was at her worst. "I wish I knew how to help her", Mycroft candidly told Janine one night while drinking in front of the fire. "I just wish we knew what happened to her to make her this way". "Knowing Ethan and what he was capable of, my mind can't help but wander to the worst of possibilities." And Janine assured him, "You couldn't be there for her then, but you're here for her now, and that's what matters. It'll work out in the end. You'll see." Yet Mycroft couldn't help but worry as to whether he was doing the best he could for her. Her tutor also assured Mycroft that Charlotte was doing well in her studies and was very bright and insightful. To both Sherlock and Mycroft, Charlotte seemed to possess an almost extrasensory ability to sense their thoughts and emotions. She always seemed to smile at them lightening their hearts when they most needed it.
And the days rolled on, until one day there was a knock on the door of 221B Baker St. and a tall man with dark brown hair and piercing hazel eyes entered. Sherlock was standing at the window looking out when the man entered the room. "Mr. Holmes, it seems you've been wanting to meet with me for some time now", he stated. Sherlock took a moment to comport himself before turning, "Ah, Yes. Emmanuel Telford. Please have a seat." Mr. Telford sat down, and Sherlock brought tea in, setting it on the table in front of him. Sherlock glanced up for a moment to study his guest from top to bottom: cigar smoker, extremely loyal, ex-special forces, art enthusiast,...psychopath.
"I'm surprised you wanted to meet with me, Mr. Holmes, as you and your father were far from close? Or is that why? To find out more about him?", Emmanuel curiously asked. Sherlock sat down across from Mr. Telford, "Actually, I was wondering what kind of relationship you had with him?". Mr. Telford's eyes squinted harshly as he responded, "You know, he kept an eye on the two of you constantly. He kept every newspaper article about you and even read your blog. He was proud of you despite everything". "I'm sure that's all very touching", Sherlock coldly replied, "but you have not answered my question". Mr. Telford sat forward setting his tea cup down before responding, "I grew up with Ethan. We were best friends,...no closer than that, we were family. If you must know Mr. Holmes, there was nothing we wouldn't do for each other...nothing." "So..., Sherlock interrupted, "...his murder must have been quite hard for you." Emmanuel's face tensed up, and then softened again, "Yes, I suppose you could say that." Sherlock looked directly into Mr. Telford's eyes. I would like to know more about Ethan's relationship with Charlotte and in return I will grant you what it is that you want. "And what is that?", he smirked. "The name of Ethan's killer, of course", Sherlock smirked back at him. "You do want to find his killer, don't you?", Sherlock continued. Mr. Telford lit up in anticipation, "Mr. Holmes, it seems we have a deal".
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Sherlock Season 5: No More Secrets
FanfictionBegins two weeks after the events of Season 4.
