Ice - A Mycroft Holmes Love Story

Chapter One

A bleak midwinter's weather took over the general atmosphere of London this Monday morning. Clouds were heavily scattered, rain threatening to pour at any minute, with the usual winter breeze and biting cold everlasting.

The cold wind instantly hit her face as she exited the house. Fastening her coat she approached the black Mercedes and climbed through the open door held by her driver.

"Good morning, madame" Greeted Alfred, her personal driver, as he climbed into the driver's seat.

"Good morning Alfred" She replied impassively. He just smiled at her through the mirror before driving towards her workplace. By now Alfred had gotten used to his employer's antics. At first he'd seen her mainly as a supercilious woman, someone who deemed themselves better than everyone else. But as time passed and actions were made his original impression was altered and changed entirely, and now he has become quite fond of her.

"Care to make any stops Miss Graham?" Alfred inquired as they neared Café Néro.

"No thank you Alfred. I'll just have Philip stop by later today" She replied politely, still, remaining impassive and mastering a stoic expression. The rest of the ride was spent in comfortable silence.

Soon enough they reached the building where her private office was and once they pulled over, Alfred hurried to open the door for his employer. She thanked him as he bid her goodbye and continued to walk towards the entrance.

Julia Graham was a graceful woman, as graceful as they come. Towering over most at six feet, she maintained the figure of an ex-model, even despite her obsession with cake. At thirty four she still possessed the striking beauty she was always known for. She was dressed in a white stretch cotton bust shirt and black blazer that hugged her upper body, along with a knee-low black pencil skirt that complemented her figure nicely, plus the long coat she had managed to wear upon realising how cold the weather actually was. She entered the building through the large double doors, her head held high, her serious and poised expression unwavering.

"Good morning Miss" said Katherine, the receptionist at the desk not far from the doors, to whom Julia nodded in acknowledgement and reply.

Julia made her way towards the elevator and just as the doors had been closing, familiar dark blue eyes locked with her own and in one swift movement a black umbrella rose and the elevator doors opened once again.
"Thank you and good morning, Mr. Holmes" She greeted politely and collectedly.

"Good morning to you, Miss Graham" He inclined his head, managing a serious expression quite similar to her own.

Mycroft Holmes, also known as The British Government, stood next to her. Though he claimed in front of many to maintain a small position in the government, nothing more. Only few knew what his true capabilities were. He was not much taller than she was, towering at 6'1" with a nice figure, dashingly handsome with dark blue eyes colder than ice and a demeanor the bravest would cower upon encountering. He was dressed extravagantly as usual, in his brilliant expensive black striped suit and a bordeau-coloured cravat, his signature umbrella ever so present at his side. Mycroft Holmes feared no one, and frankly, cared for no one. With a nonchalant snap of his fingers he could wipe someone off of the face of the Earth if he wanted to, thus everyone tried to remain on his good side.

The elevator dinged as the doors opened, indicating their arrival to the twenty-fifth floor. He gestured for her to exit before him to which she muttered a quiet 'thank you' and walked out. Mycroft and Julia silently walked next to each other towards their respective offices, receiving multiple greetings from various employees on the way.

Upon arrival to their offices which were opposite each other, a silent and unspoken good bye was exchanged between them as their eyes met then each retreated to their office, but not before their eyes locked once more as both turned to close the doors.