The Labyrinth of Fragile things

Chapter III - A new player in the labyrinth

The first flakes came drifting down as the sun was setting in the west. I always loved the snow, even in my childhood. Mycroft loved the snow too, but not as much as he loved rain. He used to run out into our small backyard, and jump in the puddles. He always laughed when he splashed me, which was constantly. The only time he didn't run out into the rain was when Mother scolded him, yelling that he'd get sick. As he became older he found a way to make it rain in the house. That way I received the scolding, and still became wet from him jumping in puddles. He always did love the rain. Thankfully, I much prefer snow.

As I walked into Scotland Yard I deduced that Lestrade would be in the parking lot. It was 10.06 am, and at this time he would usually take a break from all the challenging work he had done in the last hour. Many a time had I seen him just twiddling his thumbs, lighting a match for a smoke. Two years later, and it was still no different. To my lack of surprise, Lestrade was the only person around, surrounded by only a few vehicles. Smoke escaped his mouth when I said,

"You said you would stop lighting those things?"

He froze at the recognition of my voice, the cigarette in his hand, trembling. I came out of the shadows and approached him with a smirk.

"You bloody bastard.." He muttered, though a smile threatened his lips.

"I'm-" I immediately stopped talking once his arms were around me. I was more than taken aback at Lestrade's sudden sentiment, my body stiffened at his touch. I cleared my throat. Perhaps if I began talking he'd let go. "I'm sorry that I never clearly said goodbye... or informed you on what was happening in the past two years."

Thankfully I was right, Lestrade let go of me, and looked me in the eyes. "S'okay. Just glad you're back. What's been going on in the life of Sherlock Holmes? Obviously, dying wasn't fun," he smiled, his rotted teeth showing.

"No. Dying was boring. Tracing all of Moriarty's networks, ah, now that was fun." I wasn't lying. Though my living conditions were one's I wasn't accustomed to... and John's company was amiss, I still enjoyed finding and destroying Moriarty's networks. It was different from the usual crime.

Lestrade nodded whilst I explained further. "Glad you did that. No way my division would have done it."

"Yes, clearly out of your depth. Speaking of, do you have any information on John?" Despite my clear anger over the police and how quickly they gave up on John's case, it was for the best that I work on it alone. They still might have some information, without even knowing it.

Lestrade bite his bottom lip, appearing uncomfortable. "Uh, I don't have any information on John's case, if that's what you're asking." Why was he being so uncomfortable? He was acting as if John's a lost cause. "Before he went missing, John was quite distant. I hadn't expected him to leave, though." His eyes didn't dare match my gaze. I confirmed that he was feeling guilt.

"Hmm. Well, I've already made one or two deduction, but I can tell you that John is in no danger." After living with me, I'm sure he's prepared for anything. "I'll start interviewing people, going to the places John last went to..." I smiled as I thought about the case, the little clues that are yet to be discovered. "I'll be on my way. Good seeing you, Lestrade." I left the parking lot, leaving a confused Lestrade.

As I searched for Molly's lab, I couldn't help but notice a few familiar faces. Two belonging to Anderson and Donovan. I walked straight past them, taking note that they've been spending more time at each other's houses.

I finally found Molly's lab, shutting the door behind me. She looked up from her work, her long hair whipping violently as she jerked her head up. For a time, she just smiled. I gave a small smile in return. It was refreshing for someone to already know about my 'death'.

"I wanted to thank you.. for helping me with Moriarty and everything." I hated how little I knew about interacting with others. The odd occasion would come around when I wanted to show gratitude, and it usually made people more awkward around me. Molly deserved my gratitude, that much I knew.

Her lip curled up, creating a dimple on her right cheek. "It's alright. I'm just glad you're back."

I explained to her about Moriarty's networks and how I shut them down. Repetition became tedious, irritating me slightly. I rested my back on the wall, folded my arms as Molly talked about her life in the past two years. I was surprised to find myself smiling once I heard she had a boyfriend.

"I'm sorry about John.."

She was the first person to say that. Sorry. She's the only one who realised what this case actually meant to me. "I've started working on the case. John has crafted quite the mystery."

She smiled at that. I scolded myself when I realized I was too.

"I, um.. I could help you. If you want. With the case. And other cases."

"It's fine. I should be able to solve it in a number of days." I appreciated the offer, but I can't imagine solving cases with anyone other than John.

When I turned my attention to Molly, she was lost in thought. "I just remembered something about John.. I'm trying to think of her name." Her name.

"Who's her? What does she have to do with John?"

"John spent his last three months with... Mary Morstan!" She smiled proudly once she remembered, but the name held no meaning to me.

"John never spoke of a Mary Morstan." I thought back to past conversations with John, none involving this Mary.

"They used to go to the same high school together. I think they even might of dated.." Her voice trailed off as she reminisced.

I suddenly felt very awkward, out of place. I thanked Molly for the information, my mind searching for a Mary Morstan.