The Woman Who Counted (A Sherlolly Tale)

Chapter 18

            Molly was a wreck for a week. She kept expecting to be suspended from work, but it never happened. She never went to Sherlock, and she almost didn’t talk to Tom at all. She started becoming herself again after that week, and nothing happened to her, so she assumed that whatever Magnusson wanted her to do, she was doing it.

            Soon enough, it was John and Mary’s wedding day.

            After the ceremony, Molly and Tom stood inside the venue. Molly was repeatedly kissing Tom’s cheek, as a way to apologize for being so silent lately. Even after Molly started to behave like she normally would after Magnusson’s visit, she and Tom still hadn’t talked much. He always had a reason to get out of the house. Business trips (as usual), shopping, visiting his parents; he was always doing something and Molly never went with him.

            A photographer approached them and started taking photographs. Molly brought Tom closer to her and place her cheek against his, smiling wide for the camera. After taking several pictures, the photographer left and took pictures Mrs. Hudson and then moved on to a lonely Lestrade. Molly looked behind her, continuing to smile.

            Across the room, Sherlock was standing. He had his eyes locked on Molly and Tom. She gave him a look, and he just stared. Molly turned to walk to him, but the maid of honor walked up to him and started to talk. Molly couldn’t tell what they were talking about, but she assumed he was making deductions of the men in the room for her. She looked impressed, and disturbed all at the same time. After Janine left him, he continued to stare at Molly and Tom.

            “Um, Tom?” Molly said.

            “Yes?” He said.

            “I’ll be right back.” Molly stepped away from him and walked to Sherlock. His eyes followed her as she walked.

            “Hello Molly Hooper.” Sherlock said, a faint smile on his face.

            “Sherlock?” Molly said.

            “Hm?” He hummed.

            “Why the hell are you staring at me and my fiancée?” Molly crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at him.

            “Just…observing.”

            “Observing what?” Molly demanded.

            “How’s your engagement, Molly?” Sherlock asked.

            “It’s fine Sherlock.”

            “Are you sure?”

            “Yes! Why would you think…?” Sherlock held up his hand to stop her talking. He looked over to where John and Mary stood. They were looking at the door of the venue, where a scarred, uniformed man had just walked in. John let out a disbelieving laugh and left Mary who was smiling widely.

            “It was lovely to see you Molly.” Sherlock said, and he walked away from Molly and went to stand with Mary. Molly looked after him.

~         ~         ~         ~

            “Pray silence for the best man.” The master of ceremonies said. Sherlock stood up as the man stepped away from the table he, John, Mary, and the bridesmaids sat at.