A New Mystery at 221 Baker Street

Chapter 21: Another Agreement

AN: Episode Transcript provided by Ariane DeVere/Callie Sullivan

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Sherlock sat at the table beside John, who was eating one of the scones Alice had baked that morning.

"The photographs are perfectly safe," Sherlock said to his brother, flipping the page of his newspaper.

"In the hands of a fugitive sex worker?" Mycroft asked in disbelief. He stood in the middle of the boys' living room.

"She's not interested in blackmail. She wants...protection for some reason."

"So, blackmail," Alice commented, looking up from her laptop. "I take it you've stood down the police investigation into the shooting at her house?" She asked, directing her question at Mycroft.

"How can we do anything while she has the photographs? Our hands are tied," Mycroft turned to look at Alice, who was sitting in Sherlock's chair.

"I did warn you. That camera phone is her 'get out of jail free' card. You have to leave her alone." Alice said.

"Treat her like royalty, Mycroft," Sherlock said.

"Though, not the way she treats royalty apparently," John remarked. Alice let out a laugh, appreciative of his quick wit.

Just then, the sound of a fervent female moan came from Sherlock's phone; making everyone in the room look over in its direction.

"What was that?" John asked, surprised at the sudden noise.

"Text," Sherlock said, nonchalantly folding his paper.

"But why does it make that noise?" John asked again. Sherlock ignored John and walked over to pick up his phone.

Good morning, Mr. Holmes

"Did you know there were other people after her too, Mycroft, before you sent us in there? CIA-trained killers," Sherlock asked his older brother.

"Thanks for that, Mycroft," John sarcastically added.

"A disgrace, Mycroft, sending your little brother into danger like that," Mrs. Hudson scolded, carrying in a plate from the kitchen and placing it in front of Sherlock, who was back at the table. "Family is all we have in the end, Mycroft Holmes,"

"Oh, shut up, Mrs. Hudson," Mycroft frowned.

"Mycroft!" Sherlock reprimanded.

"Oi," John yelled at the same time.

Alice promptly stood up and smacked the back of Mycroft's head.

Mycroft's scowl faded as he held the back of his head and looked around the room. He shuffled his feet before changing to a more professional stance and pleasant expression. "Apologies,"

"Thank you," Mrs. Hudson replied.

"Though do in fact shut up," Sherlock said to his landlady as she walked into the kitchen. Another moan came from Sherlock's phone

"Oh, it's a bit rude, that noise, isn't it?" Mrs. Hudson said while standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

Sherlock ignored her and looked at the new message.

Feeling Better?

"There's nothing you can do and nothing she will do as far I can see," Sherlock said, putting his phone down.

"I can put maximum surveillance on her," Mycroft suggested.

"Why bother?" Alice commented, "The CIA is already watching her. But if you are desperate to know what she's up to, feel free to follow her on Twitter. Her username is @TheWhipHand,"