Secrets and Revelations

Part 2

 

 

Mary was exhausted, she couldn't help but fall asleep in the chair, and Watson was unable to sleep now the morphine had worn off and the pain had become unbearable.  He tried to sit up but that proved difficult; he wanted to call out but found he didn't have the strength. He looked at his sleeping wife and found little sympathy, I know it's my own pain making me feel this but how can that dammed woman sleep when I am in agony!! 

 

He reached for her hand and squeezed she woke and looked around forgetting momentarily where she was, looking down at John is all came back. She yawned. "I'm sorry I am keeping you awake! Perhaps you'd rather leave. Where is Holmes any way HE at least was concerned about me!"  His whispered shouts cut through her like a knife. She glared at her husband, yet remained calm. "I will assume it is the pain that is talking. And for your information your precious Holmes has gone out, where I have no idea!   I will help you if you just calm down and tell me what it is that you need."  She was composed though there were tears in her eyes.

 

Watson tried to turn his head away but the pain got the better of him and through gritted teeth he managed to ask Mary for morphine. "John I don't know how to give an injection." 

 

Watson sighed impatiently; he was about to explain to Mary how to give the morphine when from no where Holmes appeared.  Watson sighed with relief. Holmes came to where Mary was standing and all but pushed her out of the way, plucking syringe from her hand he expertly injected Watson who smiled gratefully.

 

"There you go" Holmes patted Watsons wrist. "Soon you'll be blissfully unaware". Holmes winked at Watson who managed a genuine smile. Mary looked at him; she hadn't seen that smile for a long time. How can he smile like that now, surly the drug hasn't taken effect so soon?  Is it Holmes?  She gazed at Holmes in wonder.

 

"Thank you, I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along just then" She looked miserable and felt insignificant.

 

Holmes smiled, "It was nothing, I think we should let him sleep though, would you care for something to eat? I can have Mrs. Hudson prepare us some supper, I don't think Watson shall be joining us this evening" He ushered her out the door and closed it behind her.

 

Mary surprised Holmes by hugging him tightly. He stood there entangled not knowing what to say or do, This is most uncomfortable, and I have to detach myself from this grasp! That would be most rude, I can hear Watson admonishing me. There's only one thing to do. Holmes returned Mary's hug; he rubbed his hands along her back in a soothing manner and then slipped from her grasp as expertly as an acrobat. Shaking off his discomfort He managed a weak yet polite smile.

 

"I think my dear that after supper you should return to your home and gather some of Watsons belongings as he is going to be here a while."  He could be so charming when he wanted.

 

Mary had just sat down in Watson's chair when Holmes cooed the news to her, her jaw dropped open and she sat in stunned silence. Who does he think he IS! First he pushes me from Johns bedside and Now this? I wonder what's next?  Mary regained some composure before attempting to speak. "I realise John will be here over night, what gives you the idea he shall be here longer?"

 

"The doctor said that it would be unwise to move him for at least a week"

 

"You have got to be kidding! What am I supposed to do while he is here?"

 

Holmes shrugged. "I couldn't say."  He moved to the mantle and the Persian slipper where he held the tobacco.  He reached for his pipe and lit it. "You may ask the doctor when he comes to check on Watson tomorrow. It's all on the up and up I assure you." He puffed at his pipe; the smoke encircled his head like an obscure halo.

 

"Rest assured Mr. Holmes I will." She rose from her chair and crossed to the bedroom where Watson lay, peering in she made sure he slept comfortably before she left.

 

"I shall decline the offer of supper Mr. Holmes and will return later with some of Johns belongings, I am sure you wouldn't mind if I also stayed the night, to ensure my husband gets a good nights rest you understand. That way I can talk to the doctor myself. Until later then."  She turned before Holmes could protest was out the door.

 

 

 

Once At home Mary went to the bedroom and chose a few items for herself, then set about packing a case for John. I don't know where that courage came from. A few months ago I never would have dreamt of questioning Mr. Holmes. Perhaps it's you my little one. She sat upon the bed and rubbed her stomach. I know you are in there, I wonder when I will feel you?  She smiled as she lay down and happily fell asleep.

 

 

"Papa. Where are you?  I want my Papa..  Where are you?"  The little boy ran up and tugged at his mother's apron. "Mummy I want papa, where is he? Is he coming home today?"  Mary looked down at her son and hugged him. "Darling little Arthur" He hugged her tightly  "Mummy I want papa. Is he coming home?"  Mary knelt down and cupped his face in her hands. "You know papa is not here. I don't know when he will be back"

The little boy cried and cried nothing Mary did consoled him, then suddenly HE appeared.

 

"Come now Arthur, dry your eyes, it will do you no good to cry" Mary watched as her son ran to the tall man and smiled, hugged him and went happily off with him without so much as a word.  "STOP please Holmes  please.don't take my child too, you took John.. I beg you not to take my son too."  She began to cry. "Please don't take…"

 

"My baby" Mary sat up and wrapped her arms about her, she was shivering. A dream! Thank god. But what a strange dream, Am I paranoid or are my fears justified and are these shades of things to come?  I best get back to John. I will so much better then.  Mary got up and got dressed, and made her way back to Baker Street.

 

 

Holmes had gone back into his bedroom after Mrs. Watson had left, he re seated himself in the chair by his friend's side. He sat there just watching him sleep. Watsons even breathing and occasional snores gave comfort to Holmes, despite the seriousness of his injuries Watson had not blamed him At least yet.   Holmes traced Watson's face with his hand, letting a finger linger over the luscious lips. He ran this finger down his neck and stopped at the wounded shoulder.  "I am so sorry, I should have warned you there could be danger.  I thought you would be safe. I didn't involve you with THIS case for this very reason. "

He re retraced along the same line. This time when he paused above Watson's lips, his fingers were met with a hot wet tongue and Watson licked Holmes fingers.  Holmes gasped with surprise.  "Can't a man get any sleep around here, with all the confessing your doing you'd think I was a priest rather than a doctor."  They shared a laugh and quick kiss.

 

Watson shifted uncomfortably, "Holmes please help me sit up, I have been lying down for I don't now HOW many hours, and I will likely have to be in bed for a few days." He winced as Holmes shifted the pillows and pulled him to a sitting position.  "Thank you. No morphine until later.. I think I can cope at least until it wares off completely." Holmes put the case down and kissed Watsons cheek. Watson patted the bed. "Come and sit "

 

Holmes smiled and snuggled under the covers and into the same sitting position Watson was in, only he made it so Watson could lean against him. And rest.   Gingerly Watson backed into Holmes. "Mmm this is nice.. This is all the medicine I need. Watson began to drift to sleep when a knock came at the sitting room door.  Carefully Holmes got up and eased Watson back on the pillows just as Mary walked into the room. Holmes glanced at her and ran his hand though his dark hair. This is going to be one hell of a week.