The Bás I Caillteanas Project

Temporary Accommodation

After my conversation with Sally I was feeling rather uneasy. She filled me in about Jim Moriarty and his games with Sherlock.
Before going to talk to her I promised myself that I wouldn't form an opinion from what she thought, but I wasn't sure now. So I decided, when the time was right, to ask Mr Holmes himself about it.

I returned to the office to find Greg on his own.

"Where'd Sherlock go?" I asked.

"Oh, he got bored and left."

I tutted and Lestrade laughed.

•

"It's getting late, we should probably go." He suggested.

"Yeah, it's pretty eerie around here when they've all gone home. Terrifying." I said, shaking my head.

"You still want my spare room then?"

"Yep...well, if it's still available."

"Of course."

We stepped out into the freezing air. I suddenly wished I brought a warmer jacket.

"Taxi!"

I climbed in first then Lestrade next. We headed back to his house.

•

He unlocked the door swiftly and we shuffled ourselves in.

"Living room is in there, bathroom and bedrooms are upstairs and kitchen is across the hall." He explained,
"If you want to go up right now, yours is the one on the second left."

"Okay, thanks Greg." I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before making my way up to my temporary room.

The hall was cold and untidy. I guess he isn't the cleaning type then, I thought, I'll have to change that.

I opened the door and walked in. The room had an unmade bed at the side and a dirty window. It didn't look like anyone had been in there for weeks. The dust that had settled started to fly around again and it made me have a mini coughing fit.

This could be nice.

I had a look in the cupboard for bed covers then made the bed. I opened the curtains a bit more to let natural light in and wiped down the windows.

"Tea?" Greg asked, handing me a cup.

"Thanks."

"You've done a great job."

"I've hardly done anything." I exclaimed, smiling.

"I hadn't ever got round to tidying. Waste of time if you ask me."

We laughed then went downstairs.

His living room was open and warmer than the rest of the house. There was a fireplace, TV and sofa at the wall.

"Sorry it's not the best or tidiest." He said.

"No, it's good. I'm grateful." I smiled.

•

We spent the rest of the night watching TV and eating takeaway food.

"I think I'll get to bed, I need to try for a job at a practise tomorrow." I yawned.

"Goodnight, Soph."

"Night, Greg."

I got up, putting my leftovers in the fridge and throwing away the junk. I made my way out of the room and up the stairs.

My bag was sitting where I'd left it on the bed. I opened it up and pulled out my toothbrush and clothes.

•

I got into bed and lay there, just staring at the ceiling. I kept thinking about Sally's stories about the intriguing consulting detective and his malicious enemy. Then decided to force myself away from my thoughts and curiosity, before they destroyed me.

I closed my eyes and fell asleep as I heard Greg walking past my door through the hall, heading to his room.

•

I was woken up by the beeping of my phone alarm.

"Auhrghl."

I flopped my tired arm on the bedside table and grabbed my phone.

06:00- 'Get Up!'

I hit snooze and lay in the comfort of my blankets again. I must have dozed off because what felt like 2 minutes later, it beeped again.

06:30- 'You're going to be late now, well done.'

I jumped up, taking I-need-to-be-clever-and-set-alarms lastnight me's advice.

Once I'd got changed and ready, I quietly crept downstairs so I didn't wake Lestrade. I went into the kitchen to make breakfast, my cookery skills aren't the best but theres no harm in trying, I thought. After checking the fridge I realised that I'd have to go shopping.

•

I scrambled across the aisles grabbing what I needed. There were only 30 minutes left until my interview - which Greg contacted his doctor friend to get me. I couldn't be late for this, it's a great opportunity for me.

After getting back, I quickly sat the food on the counter and scribbled some instructions on how to cook them right. I pulled my jacket on and ran out into the cold air. My teeth were chattering and I was shaking as I climbed in a cab.

"Where to?"

•

We'd arrived at the little modern building at the edge of London. I jogged in, panting and pulling hair away from my face. There was a chavvy young girl sitting at the desk. She was reading a popular magazine and chewing some gum ignorantly.

I cleared my throat, "Hello, I'm here for an interview."

She looked me up and down, then went back to reading. I was surprised that she could even read in the first place.

I looked around for a more qualified member of staff and spotted a blonde woman talking to an elderly lady. When she was finished I quickly walked over.

"Excuse me." I said politely.

"Oh hi there, how can I help you?" The woman replied with a happy smile.

"I came for a job interview today, it was actually about 10 minutes ago but I didn't know where to go."

"Oh yeah. Sorry, I completely forgot." She laughed, "come on through."

We went into another room, where a short man with greying blonde hair was sitting. I instantly recognised him, he was John, the man I met in Speedy's cafe the day before.

"Sophie Taylor!" He exclaimed.

"John?" I said, shocked.

The woman chuckled, "Am I missing something here?".

"We met yesterday at a cafe." John informed her.

"Oh, right." She smiled.

I smiled with her.

"This is my lovely wife, Mary." Said John.

"Nice to meet you, Mary." I shook her hand.

"You too."

"So, shall we get this interview started then?"

•••