MARIA - A Sherlock Fanfic

Games

“So, wait,” John said, sitting back in his chair in the apartment. “Because the ‘i’ wasn’t dotted, you realised it was a clue.”
Sherlock sighed. “It was more than that, but basically yes.”
“But-”
“People are essentially lazy,” Sherlock interrupted. “To draw a circle that precise needed concentration and no one would put that much effort into it unless it was important.”
“Ah.” John said, not completely understanding, but knowing that he was as close as he’d ever be to it.
Sherlock tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. What now? He’d solved the clue. So what, another crime? Did he prove himself to her?
His thoughts were interrupted by his phone going off. He contemplated ignoring it, but reluctantly took it out.
‘Private Number’ it read.
Sherlock sighed and opened it. “Mycroft, I-”
“I’m not Mycroft,” a silky voice interrupted.
Sherlock straightened, causing John to give him a look.
“Hello then. Who is this?”
He heard a laugh. “I’m Maria.” She told him.
“You’re Maria?” Sherlock said. John was definitely staring at him.
“Don’t I know it,” she replied. “That was smart. Earlier.”
“Thank you,” he said.
“It’ll be fun playing with you.”
“Playing?”
“The game,” she said, extravagantly.
“The game?”
“Oh yes. Oh!” she said, as if she’d just remembered. “Your prize.”
“My prize?”
“A question. Any question.”
“Who are you?”
She gave a sad laugh. “Oh. I hoped for better. I already told you. I’m Maria.”
“And what is Maria?”
“Shh,” she said. “You’ve already used your question. But don’t worry, I’ll give you the opportunity to win a lot more. I’ll be in touch.”
There was the sound of the phone disconnecting.
Sherlock frowned at it.
“Who was that?” John asked, trying to sound non-chalant.
Sherlock put away the phone. “Wrong number,” he lied and walked away.