Alone

CHAPTER I

Walking through these corridors always left him in a daze. A maze. Yes, that was what it was. A maze. A crisscross of corridors that led to God knows where. He mused at the idea of how easily someone can get lost in here. He thought of the first time he had been here. It was a while back. Actually, it was quite a while back. It is true how one does not notice how fast time flies.

The heel clad woman leading him seemed to know her destination well. She looked determined. The clicking of her heels and his muffled footsteps were the only sound heard. It ricocheted off the walls. She held herself with a grace and confidence few can muster. Her white shirt and navy blue pencil skirt highlighted her lean figure.

It was when she slowed her pace that he realized that they were there. She stopped in front of the glass double doors and swiped her ID in a slot next to the doors. The small screen lit up. She typed a pin on the screen and hit enter. A dialogue box appeared which read "ACCESS GRANTED". The clicking of locks was heard and the doors slid open.

They walked through the doors into the conference room. A long table surrounded by two dozen or so chairs made up the only furniture in the room. An ultra modern looking projector adorned the ceiling along with numerous LED lights.

She motioned for him to sit and announced in a very secretary-like tone, "He'll be with you in a moment sir."

Without waiting for a reply, she strode off. The doors closed behind her and he heard the locks getting back in place.

Wonderful, he thought, taking a seat.

It was a few minutes before the doors opened again, letting in a man, followed by the secretary. He was middle aged, of average height and carried himself with pompous pride. He showcased a level of dignity that was generally only seen in the very elite, reserved class of British. Every inch of his expensive tailored suit and trousers screamed high class English.

He did not stand up as the man entered. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long", said he, offering a fake politeness.

"What is it this time, Mycroft?" The man at the table asked, not hiding his annoyance.

"Back to business then, shall we?" Mycroft Holmes asked, to which the man at the table rolled his eyes.

Mycroft took a small remote from the table and pressed a button pointing at the large white screen. The projector illuminated to life.

The eyes of the man at the table shot to the screen. On the screen was the photograph of a woman in her early twenties. Short, dark brown hair framed her oval face. Her blue-grey eyes seemed to hold the secrets of cosmos.

Hmm. The man thought. Not overly beautiful. But lovely and gorgeous. And definitely stunning.

"Sarah Elizabeth Parker. We've been keeping tabs on her for some time now. American citizen. The Interpol is also quite interested in her. Not much of a trouble maker, if you ask me. But definitely not on the clean list either." Mycroft briefed.

"What is my role in this?"

"She has been very normal since moving to London, but we are curious. We would like you to keep an eye on her."

"As if you're not keeping enough."

This invoked a smug smile from Mycroft. He handed over a pen drive to him. "Everything you need will be in there."

"And that's it? Just keep an eye on her?"

"For the time being, yes. Further instructions will be provided when necessary. Meeting over."

The man stood. Mycroft motioned to his secretary, "Anthea, if you please."

The secretary, who was on her phone looked up at the mention of her name. "Right, this way sir." She led the man from the conference room.