Chapter 6: Eyes for Edgar

John is going to work today. He makes tea earlier than usual and packs a lunch. Before he goes, he pulls Alice aside.

“Keep an eye on him, alright?” John asks. Alice tilts her head, mutely asking him to elaborate. John presses the heel of his palm to his temple. “He gets… well, you know how he gets. Just… try to keep him ( Read more... )

Chapter 5: Alpha

Alice decides, after a great deal of thought, to name the fish Alpha. She feeds him every day, even though he can eat the plant. She cleans his tank. She talks to him every day and tells him that he is a pretty fish, a smart fish.

Or, she does, until Sherlock kills it.

~~~

Alice and John are coming back with the takeaway when she ( Read more... )

Chapter 4: Going to the Yard

John makes a phone call after they eat. She listens from the sofa.

“He actually came?”
…
“Yes, well, it’s Sherlock.”
…
“Ah, yes. That makes sense. You’d think he’d at least call.”
…
“Oh, right. I forgot. Shall I bring her by this afternoon?”
…
“Well, before lunch would be best.”
…
“Oh, will it really take that long?”
…
( Read more... )

Chapter 3: Sleeping

She doesn’t sleep in the bed.

John knows that she didn’t sleep in the bed that night. She heard him check on her in the morning. Heard the sharp intake of breath. The uneven footsteps leaving the room. The panicked strains of conversation. The even steps and the open-and-shut sound of the front door. Alice crawls out of the ( Read more... )

Chapter 2: The Flat

Sherlock unlocks and throws open the door. “Mrs. Hudson!”

“Coming dear!” Alice hears a clink (teacup being set down?) before a woman bustles into the hallway, muttering something. Alice only manages to catch “… impatient, just like my husband,” before the lady notices her.

“Oh, hello there. And who might you be?” the woman coos ( Read more... )

“You can’t stay with the - with Sherlock, sweetie,” Donovan said gently. The girl - Alice - pouted.
“Why not?” Alice turned her dark eyes to Sherlock. “I’ll be quiet. I won’t make a mess. Just feed me, I’ll be fine.” Sherlock rolled his eyes and began to turn away.
“You just can’t, sweetie,” Donovan said. “He’s no good with people, let alone little ( Read more... )