Paths Woven

Numbers

Scarlet pushes me into into the flat, then collapses suddenly. I rip off the the gag and call for Sherlock. He comes running down the stairs.

"She brushed her arm lightly and fainted. I suspect an injury she didn't get treated." I tell him. "I'll wheel myself in so you can get Scarlet. I'm a bit useless without my legs."

He nods briskly, stepping out of the way. I zip in, turning so that he can grab his niece and drag her upstairs.

"John! Elly needs help to get up the stairs!"

My uncle bounds down two steps at a time, notices Scarlet, double takes, blinks, shakes his head, and proceeds to push my wheelchair up the stairwell. I burst out laughing, holding my sides. John looks at me funny. I try to explain but nothing will come out of my mouth but lilting giggles.

Sherlock sets Scarlet down on the couch, massaging his temples. "How is it that you two always manage to get into the most trouble?"

"I have no idea." I shrug.

John chuckles. "Maybe it's just bad luck?"

"No such thing, John. The universe isn't like that. It has a reason for everything."

"Do you really believe that?"

"As much as I believe that coincidences are nonexistent. The universe is rarely so lazy. More likely they're being targeted, in a way."

John shakes his head, pulling out his mobile. He speed dials someone's number. I suspect Mary. He's most likely canceling a date of some sort with her so he can stay here to help take care if Scarlet.

"Hey, Mary," he greets her. "Could you come over? They found her. Yes, she's alright. Elly is fine as well. Alright. Love you. Bye."

I smirk, but quickly console myself. He wasn't canceling a date. Well, there's always something. I wheel myself around the flat, seeing how far I can go into small spaces without getting stuck. It's not the most entertaining thing I've ever done. Then again, it's better than getting bored and shooting something. Or someone. I accidentally knocked Sherlock out when I got my hands on some sleep powder darts... yeah, let's just say that he wasn't exactly happy when he woke up.

I wheel myself to the table, grabbing an apple as I whiz past. I eat it silently in my corner where the wheelchair fits just right. Scarlet mumbles something in her unconsciousness.

"Jim - 555, 567, 8973..."

She keeps repeating these numbers. Sounds like someone's cell. I don't dare call it just yet. Sherlock is sitting on his chair, fingers steepled underneath his chin. He opens his eyes and Scarlet repeats the numbers again.

"A cell number. That one is... to somewhere dangerous, I believe. I wouldn't call is right now, Elly. Whoever it is most likely has got a tracker to whoever calls."

"Hmm. Yes, you're right. But how would I call him anyway? I couldn't steal your cell if I wanted to, and John is a veteran from Afghanistan. Very hard to take something from him without him noticing something."

"What about your cell, then?"

"I don't have one."

"Oh, right!" He smacks a palm to his forehead. "I forgot to give it to you. It has a tracking device so I can find you whenever I need to."

He stands up and rummages through some boxes. He pulls out a brand new cell phone box. He tosses it to me. I catch it easily. Inside, a simple black phone rests. It's just right.

I quickly send a text to Sherlock.

This should prove to be useful. -EHW

He almost immediately responds.

Of course. Can't have the little Watson getting lost again. -SH

I was NOT lost! I was kidnapped! -EHW

Whatever. -SH

I roll my eyes at him. He ignores this, fiddling with his scarf again. That's Sherlock for you. I shake my head and continue eating my apple. I text John's number even though he's just in the other room.

Hello, John. Sherlock got me a cell. -EHW

What is it with you two and texting even though the other person is literally eight feet away from you? -JW

Says the man who responded instead of talking. -EHW

NOT funny. -JW

I smile myself and choose not to respond. Scarlet moans very softly. I look at her. She doesn't seem very comfortable and I think Sherlock wants his couch back.

John, can you help me take Scarlet down to 221c? -EHW

... fine. I'm guessing you need help as well? -JW

No, I've figured out how to get down myself. -EHW

I'll get her in a second. -JW

I wheel myself out of the door and try my idea. I put one wheel on the slope of the railing base. The other hand I hold against the wall. I get all the way down without killing myself. I zip into 221c and rest in the corner, my phone in my lap. John brings Scarlet down a few minutes later.

He sets her down on the twin bed, and leaves me with her. I roll myself over to her.

"Scarlet, if you want to leave when you wake up, I won't stop you. Your choices are your choices. I just hope you can see who is right and who is wrong."

I slip the other phone - the box had two - into her coat pocket. I already set up the phone to have my number on speed dial.

Choose wisely. -EHW