Homeless Network

Dylan and Piper

My blond hair whipped against my face as I hurried along the sidewalk. I was in a bad part of London so I tried to reach my destination unnoticed.

"Hey sweetheart!" called an obviously drunk man, "What's a pretty thing like you doing here?"

I picked up my pace and so did the guy. I broke into a sprint and turned into an alley. I'm almost there! Once I reached the door I pulled on it but it was locked from the inside. I banged on it as hard as I could. I could hear footsteps getting closer.

"DYLAN! Open the door, hurry!"

Just as I saw his shadow the door finally opened and I was yanked inside.

"You okay?" asked Dylan.

"NO I am not o-fucking-kay! That creep was chasing me!"

"Shit," he said eyes going wide "he didn't touch you did he?"

I sighed "No but it was a close call."

"Well since you're okay how much money did you get?" he said going back into his cheerful mood. He can be so annoying sometimes. Me and Dylan would go out on separate days and walk around busy streets pick pocketing people. Every other day we would switch so someone could watch Piper.

Piper was a red-headed 7 year old full of energy. We usually didn't take her with us because she drew to much attention.

When I ran away from home I was already half dead on my feet. I collapsed outside the abandoned brick buildings door hoping to die in peace when Dylan and Piper saved me. We're like family now.

"Not so much," I said so sleeping Piper wouldn't hear. "We aren't going to be eating again tomorrow." He sighed running his hand through his brown dirty hair.

"You tried. Lets get some sleep."I could tell he was disappointed. I was too.

So we laid down on the floor on either side of Piper. The blanket was barely big enough for all of us.

"Oh and I almost forgot!" he excitedly whispered "Darlene said Sherlock Holmes was looking for a girl to do a job for him. He was offering big money. She recommended you and you need to go over to his place at 221B Baker Street at 10:30 tomorrow."

Oh. My. God. I had never actually met Sherlock before only heard stories from Darlene, a friend of ours. If we got enough money we could buy new clothes, and shoes, and food without having to worry.

"But wait," I whispered sitting up too excited to sleep "what does he need a kid for? And what if he doesn't like me and gets someone else to do it?"

"Who cares! You basically already have the job. I mean you're a fast runner and super smart. Perfect for the brave Sherlock Holmes!"

I blushed at the compliment and laid back down. I was worried so much I didn't get to sleep for a few hours.