The Holmes Legacy - ON HOLD

Chapter Two~

He smiled at her, knowing how she may react. He was prepared for the worst, though he hadn't dealt with children much in his time as a consulting detective. Regardless, he should have expected this type of predicament when he first fell in love with Irene. She had been the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. The first time they had spoken, he was left speechless. She was breathtaking and, for the first time in his life, he was left utterly vulnerable. Their first battle of wits had proven to him that they were meant to be. She was the most devious person he had met; when they would meet, he would feel an epiphany of joy.

He looked back at this girl, Holly. She was the spitting image of her mother, yet she seemed to be quite clever. Perhaps that was a shared trait between the two of them, or had she gained her mother's devious nature? Either way, he would be dead before anyone lay another finger on her.

"Holmes... HOLMES!"

"Hmm?"

He had gotten lost in his train of thought. She was still standing there, probably trying to figure out what he could possibly be conjuring up in his head.

"I think we should go. My wrists are going to become quite a problem unless we head out."

"Oh yes. We should probably have Watson take a look at that."

He stood up and brushed himself off, having been so preoccupied with Holly's safety up until now. He walked toward her and took her hand, making sure that she would be safe until they reached the boat outside. She took it without a word and they walked out onto the bank of the river Thames. They took a moment to appreciate the sunrise and breathe fresh air, as Holly hadn't done so in quite some time.

My, it's so beautiful. I've never been this far out of the city before.

He looked at her as she stared in amazement, as if this was the first sunrise she'd ever seen. He smiled to himself and looked out on the river, searching for his vessel.

"Ah, here we are."

He pointed out to a steamship and motioned for her to follow him. She did. They ran at a steady pace making sure not to tire themselves out. When they reached the ship, Holmes let go of her hand and climbed onto the deck. Sitting down on a little bench, he picked up a shovel full of coal dust and began to prod something.

"Wha-? Oh, it's you. Did ya find the lass?"

"Aye. She should be climbing aboard any moment now."

Holly looked up and saw Holmes nod in her direction. She took his cue and began to climb onto the boat, making sure to find secure footing. The last thing she needed now was to fall into the river and at this moment, she was quite glad that she had been wearing pants when she was kidnapped. As she began to grow accustomed to the rocking motion of the boat, she sat down next to her father. She was exhausted by what had happened and she wanted to lay down and take a nap. She couldn't.

"Aye, so this be the lass you came for... well, she's a beauty, I'll give ye that!"

"Indeed. Tanner, this is Holly Adler. Surely you remember our little escapade with her mother, Irene?"

"Of course! I couldn't forget that lass if I tried. Now then, shall we be off?"

He looked right at Holly and she simply nodded. She wondered which escapade they had been on and quickly dismissed the thought. She could ask her when they reached their destination, which was most likely Baker Street. As the ship began to move, she grew more tired. The serenity of sleep drew her in until she couldn't resist it any longer. She put her head onto Holmes' shoulder and let her dreams swallow her.

~

He couldn't help but wonder what must be going through her head. She must be thinking about her mother and about her newfound father. Father. Holmes couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of guilt wash over him at the thought of that word. He had never been there for her, and as a result she had dismissed the idea of having a father completely. He wanted to let her in, but he had no idea how to begin. They were both unaccustomed to having one another, so there would have to be a learning period for the both of them. This fact comforted him, as maybe she would grow to care for him in that time.