Chapter Text
Iris’s smile was completely and utterly forced. It was so obvious to my trained eye, it was as if her sorrow was jumping out of her face. As soon as our wonderful Japanese friends were out of our line of sight, her eyes became misty, and her smile wobbly.
“Well… I suppose we should make our way to the train station. Would you like to accompany us, Mr. Asogi?”
The poor boy’s eyes were distant, as well, and his reaction was slow. “No, I’ll… I’ll stay behind a while longer.”
Judging by Iris’s silence, she was barely holding herself together, and getting a public train ticket would be foolish. So I put in for a private car, and within half an hour, we were climbing in together.
I wasn’t sure how to approach the subject. I’d worried she would fall apart the moment we entered the room, yet here she was, still trying to keep a straight face for me.
“Iris…” I began carefully. She wouldn't meet my eyes, I noticed. “It’s alright if you’re upset.”
“But…” Those poor little eyes welled up with tears, “But you must be upset, too.”
In all honesty, I could hardly even process my own loss, too concerned about hers . “I am.” I admitted quietly, “But… you are my priority. I can deal with my own feelings on my own time.”
She sniffled once, twice, then looked up at me as tears began to well over. I opened my arms, and she moved across the car to tackle me with a considerable amount of strength.
It always broke my heart to hear my strong little girl cry. I was so thankful that she was in my arms, or else she would’ve seen my own tears I fought so desperately to keep behind.
I had myself together much earlier than she did, so by the time she began to speak, I felt confident enough in my voice to respond. “They’ll come back, right..?”
“I’m sure they will.” I lied. If Yujin was willing to leave me so quickly, the likelihood of seeing any of them here again was low. It seemed more likely that Mr. Asogi would return to Japan.
But by God, I’d buy Iris and I tickets to Japan if it meant making her happy.
“They love you, Iris.” I reassured her, rubbing circles in her hair, “And no amount of distance can change that.”
She nodded weakly, although she still didn’t seem completely convinced. After another moment, she finally broke the hug to wipe her poor little face. I couldn’t help myself, I took out my handkerchief and cleaned it for her, doing my damndest to fight my own.
“It’s gonna be awfully quiet at home now, isn’t it?” She asked with a forced smile, and while I knew it was forced, I could tell she wanted to move on, so I played along.
“I suppose it will be…” I postulated, “Although, I believe we should pursue Mr. Asogi. He’ll be lonely now that everyone’s left. It seems like the perfect time to make friends.”
“He didn’t seem enthusiastic about it…”
“He may have just needed some time. Much like we do, right now, yes?” She nodded, “And perhaps Mr. van Zieks, as well. You did make him that birthday present, after all.”
“I did, yes…”
“Maybe we could invite Gina over tonight. And what about that coroner lady, what was her name..?”
“Hurley.” She interrupted, her smile dropping, “ Daddy. ” That little correction brought tears to my eyes that I couldn’t fight. “I think I want to be alone tonight. Just us.”
I nodded, “Of course.”
To my surprise, she laughed with misty eyes, “You really like when I call you that, huh?”
“You’ve always been my daughter, Iris. I’m just… relieved that you agree.”
~~~~~
The first few days were difficult to say the least. I would find Iris stress cooking, stress writing, or on very bad days, doing absolutely nothing. I did my best to help her where I could; I created opportunities to leave the house, do something exciting. I took up my old hobby of going to the orchestra (and occasionally, the theatre), just to give her something to do. And thankfully, she quite enjoyed the whole process, from getting dressed up to go out, to trying new restaurants afterwards.
One evening, I stepped out onto the balcony to smoke while Iris made supper and spotted none other than Gina Lestrade, her furry companion Toby, and Dr. Maria Gorey across the way. At first I wondered if it was mere coincidence, but they were very clearly looking the direction of our door, speaking amongst themselves as if they were afraid to come in.
Oh, fine.
I went inside and stomped my way down the stairs, shouting to Iris, “We’re about to have company!”
“A client at last?” She asked with uncharacteristic disinterest.
After I left our flat’s door and made it to the front door, I swung it open, finding the girls in the same spot they were in moments ago. “What are you doing just standing out there in the cold? Come in!”
They were mildly surprised, but heeded my invitation, Gina mumbling, “Only if it ain’t no trouble…”
“It is no trouble whatsoever, my dear madam. Do come in, make yourselves comfortable.” I led them up the stairs to the door to our flat, then informed Iris of our new company.
She came scrambling out of that kitchen, and practically tackled Gina in a hug. “Ginny!!! It’s so good to see you!”
“Uh-yeah, yeah you too.” She said only a little awkwardly, though Iris didn’t notice, or perhaps just didn’t care.
Once she backed out of the hug, she looked up at Dr. Gorey with a bit of hesitation, “I hope you’re not still mad at me…”
“Oh. how could I be? Gina’s told me lots about you, you’re a very sweet girl, and very smart, too! A fellow Doctor!”
Iris positively beamed and blushed at that, and I couldn’t help but swell with joy at seeing her so happy. “Well, thank you. Dinner’s almost ready; I’ll make sure Hurley can’t have any seconds so everyone can get some!”
She left the room before anyone could say anything, though Dr. Gorey tried to say, “We don’t need anything to eat; it’s okay!”
“One of Iris’s favorite activities is feeding people.” I explained to her as I plopped down in the green armchair, “You’re going to eat.”
“Hurley!!!” Iris called.
I groaned, “I just sat down!”
“Oh, boo-hoo! Come help me with plates, pretty please?”
How could I possibly say no at a time like this?
Iris and myself brought out plates of food for everyone, and then, once we were seated, conversations began.
“Do you have somewhere to stay, Ginny?” Iris asked, and I briefly wondered if she was wanting her to take the place of Mr. Naruhodo and Ms. Susato in the attic.
“Yeah, Ria’s lettin’ me stay wiv her.” She admitted, almost a little bashful about the fact.
An interesting duo, those two. Nearly polar opposites in everything but attitudes. “Have you heard news about your status as a detective?”
“Nuffin yet. But I doubt they’ll be nice to me. Didn’t you have to twist some arms to get me in there?”
“If I could do it once, surely I can do it again.” I reassured her, “And even if I couldn’t; you could always work for me. ”
The scrunched face she made in response sent me howling with laughter. “I just liked havin’ a badge, is all!” She clarified with a red face.
“No, I understand, I understand.”
“What have you both been up to? Any new, exciting cases?” Dr. Gorey asked politely.
“None as of yet.” I grumbled.
“We’ve gone and seen the orchestra, though! It’s really pretty, all those talented people in the same room at the same time, playing the same song, but different parts. It doesn’t sound impressive, but when you’re there, it really is! ”
I know we aren’t blood related, but I so desperately want her to inherit my love for music.
“It truly is. We should all go together sometime!” Dr. Gorey suggested.
“Yes! They said there was one tomorrow; are either of you busy?”
Naturally, they were not, so we all met up the next day to see the orchestra. It seemed Dr. Gorey had either bought, made, or given Gina a dress, a quite charming emerald green. I was surprised she’d even agreed to wear one; the girl seemed entirely averse to the idea of wearing women’s clothing.
Thankfully, with the extra company, Iris still had just as much fun, insisting on dinner afterwards, and then a friendly game of cards.
The ladies were very fun company, but after they departed, I couldn’t help but think of the fellows we had yet to hear from. Poor Mr. Asogi, who had just been abandoned by his mentor and adoptive father, adoptive sister, and his partner. And van Zieks, who had just learned of the truth behind The Professor, and his brother’s involvement, assisted suicide, and “orphaned” child, Iris. Quite a lot to throw on one bloke at a time. I should check up on him.
The very next morning, I made the journey to his manor, where I was greeted by a woman. “Oh, Mr. Sholmes.”
“Indeed.” I studied her face for a moment, “I believe I recognize you from the gallery…”
She nodded, “I am Lord Barok’s head servant, Agatha Simms, but I’ve been a family friend for years. So I was allowed to attend.”
“Speaking of the fellow, how is he holding up, do you think?”
“He is holding up.” She responded vaguely, looking behind her, “But I don’t know if he’d want visitors. I’m sure you could understand.”
“Certainly. I was merely concerned about an old friend. But if you see no reason for concern, I will take my leave.”
“Trust me, I’ve been doing everything I can to keep him safe.”
~~~~~
It was only a few days later, after Gina came bursting through our doors with the good news that she’d been re-hired as Jr. Inspector, that I thought to simply swing by the prosecutor’s office, even just to see if it was in working condition again. I tried to stop by van Zieks’s office, but the reception wouldn’t even allow me past the lobby, and I didn’t feel like scaling a government building that day, so I just wrote them both a letter and let them know they were welcome in our home at any time.
Several days passed where Iris got herself back into writing, I took up a few mundane cases, Gina dropped by, and yet, we heard nothing from them. Not even a written response, though I saw Mr. Asogi briefly at a crime scene, and he seemed in well enough spirits and health.
~~~~
“Daddy!!!” Iris’s yell tore me from my sleep, far too loud and shrill to be her normal morning wake up call. She burst into my room and threw my curtains open with no regard for my poor, unfocused eyes.
At my cries, she only jumped up on the bed, “Daddy, look!!!” She thrust an envelope onto my face.
With a slight groan I peeled it off, my blurred eyes at first struggling to read the writing, until I realized I didn’t need to read it to recognize it; that’s Yujin’s handwriting if I’ve ever seen it!
“Runo and Susie sent one, too!” She bounced on her knees with two other envelopes in her hands.
I pushed myself up with a newfound energy I hadn’t felt in some time (since their departure, really.) “Let’s read yours first.”
The first one, she unfolded and read,
Good afternoon! How’s everyone doing at Baker Street?
We’ve arrived in Japan safely, if you discount Mr. Naruhodo’s new tendency to develop seasickness. At present, he’s cramming to get his degree to practice Japanese law, and I am fighting to become a proper Judicial assistant. The only problem is that Japan does not look as kindly upon women as London did.
In truth, we’ve only been back in Japan for a week, so not much has happened to write about. But regardless, we still wanted to write to you.
Also, one of those envelopes is just for Mr. Sholmes, and the other is for Kazuma-sama. We weren’t sure where to send it, so we thought we’d send it to you.
Mr. Naruhodo, Father and I all send our absolute best wishes to you. We all miss you dearly.
Love, Your Family from Afar
Iris’s eyes were welling up with tears, but a bright smile was on her face, “Isn’t that so sweet?”
“It certainly is.”
“Read yours!” She commanded.
“I believe it’s best if I read mine in private.” I said carefully. “I’m afraid it may be meant just for me.”
“I suppose so.” She jumped off the bed, “I’m gonna go start writing my response right now! ”
She ran out of the room without even closing the door, leaving me alone with a letter that I’d been waiting for.
I took a deep breath, then carefully opened it.
Dear Herlock,
I feel I must apologize for my abrupt departure. I’m sure it pained you just as much as it pained me, but I feared the Japanese legal system would be in shambles with Jigoku convicted of such atrocities, and I’m afraid to admit I was correct.
Young Naruhodo is up to his ears in work already, and he’s still a student. The government is pushing for him to graduate by next week so he can help the dozens of government officials who seek his advice. He’s become quite famous, if you can believe it.
Herlock, I must be honest with you, I already miss you dearly. You’ve grown so much since I last saw you, in every way imaginable, and only for the better. I was very pleased to see for myself that cocaine was entirely off the table. I couldn’t be more proud of you for that.
I do hope we can see each other again soon.
Kindest Regards, Yujin Mikotoba
I must admit, it took me several moments to regain my composure on reading that letter. All my doubts were gone, replaced only by a bottomless pit in my heart. But… I’d wait another decade for him, if I had to. No one else would provide for me what he did.
Once Iris went to bed that evening, I set about writing my letter.
Dearest Partner, Yujin,
Your words are some of the most touching I have read in a very long time. And I must say, I’m happy to see how much you yourself have grown; you’ve even gotten a bit of a belly! Seeing you happy and healthy has filled me with immeasurable relief and comfort.
Iris and I have been a bit lonely by ourselves. We’ve reached out to Mr. Asogi and Mr. van Zieks, but have been swiftly ignored. It seems they’re working themselves to the bone, too, with all this political and judicial instability.
I’m happy you’re doing well (at least, as far as I can tell.) I also hope we can see each other soon, and I’m sure we will. We’ve always found a way, haven’t we?
Do let me know how you’re doing once this reaches you, and give me more details! I have no idea if you’re working in labs exclusively, or still doing lectures at the university! Don’t keep these things from me, or I’ll telegram the university and ask.
Love, Herlock Sholmes
~~~
The very next day, around lunch, we took an excursion to van Zieks’s office, Iris carrying a basket of goodies, and myself carrying the letter for Mr. Asogi.
Of course, I didn’t bother to knock on the office door before I flung it open. I made sure to catch van Zieks’s reaction, which went from surprise to irritation in a matter of split-seconds.
“Goodness, it’s quiet in here!” Iris complained, “And dark! You should turn on some lights.”
A mischievous smirk appeared on Asogi’s face as van Zieks pinched the bridge of his nose, “Is there anything in particular you want..?”
Iris froze for a second, clearly believing his irritation was directed at her, so I stepped in, “Well, our dear friends from Japan have sent Mr. Asogi a letter, but sent it through us.”
Iris recovered quickly with a nod and a bounce on her heels, “And since we already had to come by, I thought we might as well bring lunch!”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the sheer horror on van Zieks’s face at the prospect of sharing lunch with a little girl. “I assure you, Iris is a fantastic cook.”
“I didn’t really even cook for this; it’s just sandwiches and tea.” She argued, sitting the basket down on the round table, then looked around at the frozen men. My eyes then caught the empty wall where Klint van Zieks’s portrait used to hang. So he took it down. Interesting. “What? Don’t tell me you’ve already eaten. It’s not even 12!”
Van Zieks looked down at his paper, then back up at us. With a heavy sigh, he put away his quill and rose, “Thank you, Ms. Wilson. You are too kind.”
If he wasn’t trying so hard to be genuine, I would’ve laughed. Instead, I focused my energy on Asogi, who actually turned back to his work.
“What do you think you’re doing, young man?” I asked as I tossed the letter down for him.
“Finishing work.”
“Not without eating lunch, you aren’t.” I smacked him on the shoulder and cringed as he tensed. I should keep that neck injury in mind .
“Come along, my dear fellow, there are plenty of sandwiches to go around!”
I must say, it was one of the most awkward luncheons I had ever participated in, and considering my track record, that’s quite impressive.
Asogi was stubbornly refusing seconds and eating slowly, whereas van Zieks was trying to taste everything she had made so he could compliment her on it. At least he was trying to make an effort, even if it was forced upon him.
Iris was in good spirits as we left, so I took that as a success.
~~~~~~~
I was in the middle of some miscellaneous work when I saw the afternoon edition.
Klint van Zieks a Secret Murderer?! The ‘Reaper’ Reveals All!
As soon as it caught my eye, I took off to his residence, alarmed by the amount of attention near it. At first, I just knew it was the police and that they were investigating his death, but I soon realized they were private guards, at the closed, locked gate to the entrance to his manor. My carriage driver hesitated, but at last pulled up, and I opened the door, and sprung out. The fellows reached for their weapons, but I gave it no mind.
“Good afternoon, fellows! I am a dear, dear friend to dear van Zieks; Herlock Sholmes, I’m sure you’ve heard of me?”
They shook their heads, and the one in the middle spoke, “You are not on his list of allowed entries.”
“Well, I haven’t spoken to him in a while, is all!” I argued, “I swear, I mean him no harm whatsoever.”
“May I ask why you’re carrying a gun, then?”
To be honest, I’d completely forgotten about it. I took it off of my belt and held it out, the officers immediately re-aiming their weapons at me, “Here, you can have it until I have finished my conversation with my dear, dear friend.”
They all glanced among each other, and then the one in the middle motioned up to the driver, “This is a public carriage service, yes?” The driver nodded. “I will go ask permission. You will stay in the carriage, within sight.”
“A fair compromise.” I conceded, handed in my weapon, and went ahead and paid the driver before I got in, “Oh, and tell him I’m not going anywhere until he speaks to me.”
It was probably a solid 20 minutes before he returned, and wearily gave the signal to open the doors. The driver took me through, and then I was led through the guards at the front door, front entranceway, and at last, the sitting room, where the man himself sat.
He looked terrible. I could tell, from the awkward way his clothing folded and twisted, that he’d just thrown them on to speak to me. His eyes indicated he hadn’t slept in at least 24 hours, though I suspected much longer. His hair had clearly been combed carelessly, and looked a little greasy, as well. He sighed, “I was wondering if it was actually you, or some imposter.” He rose and motioned for me to follow him, adding to his guards, “I know this man, he is safe. Please allow us privacy.”
He led me up an impressive stairwell to his personal study, where he half-mumbled to pull up a chair, and collapsed into the desk chair. “What do you want, Sholmes?”
I ignored his request about the chair, instead taking a look around at what kind of books the man filled his room with. Lots of law books, several forensics and sciences books, a few medical books, some strange trinkets, and a few empty photograph frames where I have a feeling some photographs of his most recently deceased relatives were previously kept.
“I wanted to check up on my daughter’s Uncle, of course.” I said casually.
“I assume you’re not happy about the publication?”
I shrugged, “The truth is important. I understand that. But the truth to Iris could only cause her harm. And there’s no point in that while she’s still a child, don’t you say?”
“I’d prefer if she never knew.” He mumbled, and when I looked back at him, he’d slumped even further in his chair.
“So would I, but I don’t believe that’s realistic.” I added, finally pulling up a chair once I was satisfied with my perusal, “How suicidal are you feeling today?”
“I beg your pardon?” He asked, his voice lacking the ice that I’m sure he wanted it to contain.
“I wouldn’t blame you if you were. I was suicidal after the death of my brother, and I couldn’t stand the bastard.”
He clearly wasn’t sure if he was supposed to take me seriously or not, so after a moment of the cogs turning behind his eyes, he closed them and massaged his forehead, “The affairs of my mental state are none of your concern.”
“I won’t allow Iris’s sole remaining blood relative to die.”
“I thought you didn’t want her to know.” He retorted.
“Not anytime soon. But you are related, and you should see her. Do you have any interest in being in Iris’s life?”
He scoffed and rolled his eyes, “I only cause pain to those I am close to.”
“I think your head servant would disagree. As would Mr… what was his name? The scientist with the hair.”
“Albert Harebrayne.” He stated dryly.
“That’s the one!” I clapped my hands together, “They would likely disagree with that sentiment.”
He shook his head slightly and sighed, “I don’t know what to tell you, Sholmes. I don’t want to drag down the life of an innocent child, or put her at risk for targeted attacks.”
“So you plan to isolate yourself for the rest of eternity?”
“What if I do?” He finally looked me square in the eyes, a burning self-hatred coming off of him in waves.
“That would be a very foolish decision to make.” I answered with equal confidence, “Why deny yourself happiness?”
“I am not capable of happiness.”
“That is far from the truth, and both you and I know it. In university you were the most giddy boy I’ve ever seen-”
“That was over 10 years ago, Sholmes. Some people change.”
It was clearly meant to be some sort of instigative statement, but I took no offense. “For the worse?”
He clenched his jaw, but said nothing, “Iris has been quite worried about you. And she’s been very lonely; you’re aware Mr. Naruhodo and Ms. Susato lived in our attic. They were dear friends of ours, and to a 10 year old, them going across the world is the same as a death sentence. She needs company right now. And now you are aware that you are her uncle.”
“Do you really think I would be good company for a child? ” He asked.
“Iris likes challenging company.” I countered, “The harder it is to break their shell, the more fun she has.”
He shut his eyes and leaned his head against the back of the chair, “I have no choice in the matter, in other words.”
“You are a grown man. You can refuse her. Just know you’ll be adding a stone to the pile of reasons Iris Wilson has to be sad and lonely and-”
“Fine.” He snapped, looking down, “Once things blow over, I will come to Baker Street for tea.”
I smiled, “Excellent. And you’re sure you’re alright?”
“I am fine. ”
“Ooh, most fine people don’t respond that way.” I cringed, “But you have people looking out for you. And I notice you aren’t carrying any weapons… I wonder if that’s for a reason.”
To that, he properly glared at me. “If you’re going to belittle me, I am going to have to ask you to leave now .”
“Oh, no, that’s not my intention. I am merely making observations. But that being said, I believe it’s time I left of my own accord.”