A New Mystery at 221 Baker Street

Chapter 53: It Changes People

Episode Transcript provided by Ariane DeVere/Callie Sullivan

***
Greg Lestrade had been working on the case for over a year, bank robberies were normally open and shut cases but these robbers have been extremely hard to catch. Just as he was about to arrest the culprits, he received a worrying text from Sherlock Holmes.

HELP.
BAKER ST.
HELP ME.
PLEASE.

Lestrade ran away from the crime scene, leaving Sally Donovan in charge, and sped through the streets of London. "Back-up. I need maximum back-up. Baker Street, now!" he said into his phone as he drove. He raced up the stairs and into the living room. "What's going on?" Lestrade breathlessly asked.

Sherlock sat at the table with his laptop open, his fingers pressed into his temples. "This is hard,"

"What?" Lestrade asked nervously. If a case was hard for Sherlock, it was near impossible for him, but he'd be there regardless for the detective.

"Really hard. The hardest thing I've ever had to do," Sherlock picked up the book that was lying beside him and showed it the Greg. "Have you any funny stories about John?"

"What?" Lestrade asked again.

"I need anecdotes. Didn't go to any trouble, did you?"

Greg couldn't help but stare at Sherlock in absolute exasperation.

Alice was shocked to see police cars, a helicopter, and an ambulance outside their flat. She had just returned from the tailors with her dress. Fearing the worst, she ran up the steps. "What happened?" she asked, still trying to catch her breath. Lestrade's face said everything. "Sherlock, what did you do?"

***

Mrs. Hudson smiled as she watched Sherlock waltz in the living room with an imaginary partner. A recording of Sherlock and Alice's composition for John and Mary played in the background.

"Shut up, Mrs. Hudson," Sherlock said as he saw his landlady walk in with a tea tray.

"I haven't said a word,"

Sherlock sighed and stopped dancing. "You're formulating a question. It is physically painful watching you thinking,"

"I thought it was you playing,"

"It was me playing," He said as he picked up a remote control and turned off the music. "I'm composing,"

"You were dancing," Mrs. Hudson corrected enthusiastically, setting the tray down on the table next to John's armchair.

"Why are you here?" Sherlock demanded as he put down his pen.

"I'm bringing you your morning tea," Mrs. Hudson stated as she poured some milk into a teacup. "You're not usually awake,"

"You bring me tea in the morning?" Sherlock asked as he sat down in his chair.

"Well, where d'you think it came from?"

"I don't know. I thought it sort of appeared," Sherlock responded with a little wave of his hand.

"Your mother has a lot to answer for," Mrs. Hudson said, handing him a teacup and saucer.

"Hmm, I know. I have a list. Mycroft has a file,"

Mrs. Hudson laughed and sat down across from him in John's chair. "So, it's the big day, then!" she said excitedly.

Sherlock took a sip of his tea. "What big day?"

"The wedding!" Mrs. Hudson said as if it were obvious. "John and Mary are getting married,"

"Two people who currently live together are about to attend church, have a party, go on a short holiday, and then carry on living together. What's big about that?"

"It changes people, marriage,"

"No, it doesn't,"

"Well, you'll understand soon enough. You and Alice are getting married next,"

"Yes, but nothing will change between us. We are already living together and will continue to do so."

As if on cue, Alice walked into the living room in her dress and heels. Her engagement ring proudly visible on her left hand. "I have to head out. Sherlock, I'll see you at the church," Alice gave Sherlock a quick peck on the cheek before leaving the flat.

"Marriage changes you as a person, in ways you can't imagine," Mrs. Hudson said, continuing their previous conversation. "Alice's grandmother was one of my bridesmaids,"

"Aren't there usually biscuits?" Sherlock asked, attempting to change the subject.

"I've run out,"

"Have the shops?" He questioned, motioning to the door.

"She cried the whole day saying that it was the end of an era,"

Sherlock gestured to the stairs. "I'm sure the shop on the corner is open,"

"She left early that night. I mean, who leaves a wedding early, so sad,"

"Biscuits," Sherlock said sternly.

Mrs. Hudson got out of her chair. "I really am going to have to have a word with your mother,"

"You can if you like. She understands very little,"

"Well, maybe Alice can help,"

Sherlock closed the door and headed to his bedroom. He looked at the morning suit hanging on the open door in front of him. "Right then," he said as he took off his dressing-gown "Into battle,"

****

Alice beamed with joy as she watched John and Mary exit the chapel as man and wife. Sherlock and Janine, the chief bridesmaid, walked out after them.

"Congratulations!" The photographer said "Okay, hold it there- I wanna get this shot of the newlyweds,"

John and Mary stopped per instruction and the rest of the wedding party stood behind them. Sherlock still stood by Mary's side, oblivious to the instruction.

"Sherlock?" John asked as he gestured for him to step back.

"Oh, sorry," Sherlock said as he walked out of the shot.

The photographer proceeded to take more photos of John and Mary, the wedding party, and some of Sherlock and Janine. Alice stood with Mrs. Hudson and Lestrade while Sherlock had his photo taken.

"The famous Mr. Holmes!" Janine said as the photographer finished taking their photo. "I'm very pleased to meet you. But no sex, okay?"

Sherlock winced in surprise. "Um, sorry?"

"You don't have to look so scared, I'm only messing," Janine laughed. "Chief bridesmaid and best man, it's a bit traditional,"

Sherlock looked down in distaste, "I should let you know that I am in a happy relationship with the other bridesmaid. But if that is the thing you are looking for..." Sherlock turned his head to one of the wedding guests. "...the man over there in blue is your best bet. Recently divorced doctor with a ginger cat, a barn conversion, and a history of erectile dysfunction." He paused for a second. "Reviewing that information, possibly not your best bet,"

"Yeah, maybe not," Janine took his arm "Mr. Holmes, you're going to be incredibly useful."

Sherlock looked down at her and frowned.