VettelFerrari -Once again, another awesome request! Thanks to you I have a few new obsessions ;) Again...sorrynotsorry it's so freaking long...i'm a mess

"Tragic really," Harry commented as he walked past Doyel, stepping into the room of the crime scene, "I hear the Duchess population is starting to go extinct."

Doyel rolled his eyes. "Do try to show some respect. Duchess or not a woman was killed here."

Harry walked around the other police staff taking blood samples and crime photos. "Good thing we got here when we did. Looks like the chef will have to let us in on this case."

Doyel nodded. "As it would seem."

Harry pushed his hands into his pockets as he walked up to the window that looked out onto the busy city road. turning he nodded to the disheveled room. "So what exactly happened?"

Doyel walked over to join him, crossing his arms. "Duchess Margie was sitting in her room, according to her servants, when suddenly there was a loud shout and bang and they found her dead on the floor, chest shot and no trace of the assailant."

Harry nodded. "And are we sure this was a murder? No vengeful husband or greedy former acquaintance or corrupt family member wanting to cash in on her large stash?"

The doctor turned author shook his head. "There was no sign of a struggle or of anything missing. But it's too soon to say if this was a family affair. But it is definitely a murder. She didn't shoot herself in the chest."

Harry pursed his lips and nodded. Turning to his friend he clapped him on the arm. "I have a show but I'll meet you at the chef's office once it's over."

Doyel gave him a pointed look. "Please tell me you haven't forgotten about dinner tonight."

Harry gave him a winning smile. "How could I forget. I told Kingsly I would show him how to take his thumb off. Very important lesson." He backed out of the room doing the thumb trick, winked and left.

Doyel shook his head and smiled. But then his smile fell; his sister was coming to visit soon. He gazed out the window and watched Harry rush to his own show. Hopefully, the two of you will get along well enough.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Year Earlier

You pulled at the sleeves of your dress hiding the film of your hidden camera hidden in a pin on your collar. You weren't one to go to magic shows but this was for an article that will, hopefully, start off your journalism dream. If you get proof of one of Harry Houdini's tricks. A supposedly impossible task, but men thought women having international jobs would be impossible.

You stood in line for an exclusive little 'after the show' show that you paid for, waiting calmly as women crowded you to see the man of the hour. You could see him, Houdini, strutting about on his little stage, smiling down at the sea of mostly women. He raised his voice and complimented them all on their beauty and for being there for him, making his day. You rolled your eyes and grit your teeth. You better get that India story.

You watched him do a few elementary tricks, slowly making your way closer to him, waiting to capture the truth behind his tricks. A few times you weren't sure if he was looking at you, moving on to someone else once you smiled. Maybe you were making it a bit obvious. But you really didn't care what he thought, you just need to catch one of his tricks. Soon you found yourself close enough to take decent pictures. So, carefully, you turned on you little, hidden camera and started taking pictures. You smirked as you started to imagine your pictures outing some of his tricks and ticketing you to Inda.

After the little exclusive ending show, Harry stood outside to get a breath of air. All throughout his show, he had trouble keeping his eyes off of you. there was something about your face and demeanor that seemed familiar. You were no doubt beautiful and probably already taken, but Harry just couldn't get your face out of his mind. He's not one for 'love at first sight', but he was wasn't exactly in control of how fast his heart beat.

Suddenly, Harry heard harsh voices in an alleyway by this theater. Curious, he walked over and peered over the corner. There stood you, talking animatedly with a person clad in a trench coat and hat. With a few more gestures you stomped off, obviously angry. You came out onto the street, not seeing Harry until he reached out and took your arm gently pulling you away from a passing car.

You jumped and leaned against the body that saved you. "Thank you. Forgive me, I wasn't in my right mind."

Harry chuckled. "I wouldn't be thinking clearly if a cloaked person decided to have a secret conversation with me in an alleyway either."

You pulled away from the man, knowing who it was. You looked at him and made a show of brushing yourself off. "Egocentric and nosy."

"Don't forget devilishly handsome, talented, and intelligent."

You scoffed, raising your eyebrows. "Barely." You looked back to where your correspondent left, anger bubbling up inside you. With a huff you straightened your shoulders and gave Harry a nod. "thank you for saving me there but I must be on my way."

Harry stepped forward, not eager to see you leave. "More cloaked men to meet?"

You shrugged. "Perhaps. I was hoping lavish Indian princes but it looks like I'll have to stick with you English lot."

Harry was intrigued. "Indian Princes? Don't tell me your raptured attention in my performance was not the invitation for me to ask  you out on a date."

You nearly laughed out loud. You giggled instead. "Oh no. To tell you the truth I was eager to capture one of your tricks." You weren't sure why you were telling him but he seemed nice enough. Besides, you weren't going to India anymore. "Boss said if I could get proof and make a story on the great Houdini then I could go on the next trip to India."

Harry took another step forward, glad you didn't step away. "And did you get what you were looking for?"

You smiled sadly. "It appears that the one thing I can't control is stopping me from reaching that goal. Despite my consent reassurance that my shots were good and my story will be amazing."

"Ah yes. Beauty comes with a price."

You rolled your eyes. "Hardly. But apparently being a woman it does."

Harry shook his head in confusion. "I know of a female constable. What's wrong with a female journalist."

You shrugged. "I would apparently slow down the trip. Men have a stronger constitution after all."

Harry chuckled. "Flattering. But what if you, let's say, weren't a woman. At least to them."

Intrigued, you nodded to him. "Go on."

So for several hours the two of you talked on how you could crossdress your way into getting your job. Harry was finding himself quite enjoying your conversation. You were a breath of fresh air compared to the other woman he has met. Besides Stratton. But he liked you a bit more. You were soon feeling the same about him. You liked how he thought and he wasn't as much of an arse compared to what others thought. He gave you hope and a chance at the dream you wanted.

It was nearly midnight and you had to get back home and start planning for your trip. Harry saw your eagerness to leave and smiled. "Just don't forget me when you make it big."

You laughed. "I think it will be hard for anyone to forget you, Houdini." You turned to go.

But Harry reached out. "Wait! I didn't get your name."

You gave him a cheeky smile. "Emily Do Lye." And with that, you turned and practically ran home your smile never fading.

Harry never forgets a face and with your name, he was sure to keep tabs on you. Hopefully, you get to India. Hopefully, when you get back you will go on a date with him. One day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Present Day

Mary and Kingsley were restless and Arthur knew why. Even after Houdini had arrived and shown them a few tricks they couldn't stay still. Harry stood by Doyle and crossed his arms, nodding to the children.

"What's got them going?"

Arthur sighed. "It's my sister. She sent a telegram saying she was coming sooner than we had planned. Kingsly got to it before I did and so now I'm sure they will stay up all night and wait for her if they have to."

Harry raised his eyebrows. "Huh. And this sister is exciting because..." he left the question hanging.

Arthur chuckled. "She has a way with children. And that includes exotic gifts from various places."

There was knock at the door and the children went running.

You walked into the building and smiled at the sound of your name being called.

"Aunt (Y/n)! Aunt (Y/n)!"

You knelt down and opened your arms. "Mary! Kingsley oh how good it is to see you again!"

You caught up with them a bit and showed them to their respective small crates of gifts from various places. You kissed the tops of their heads and smiled before leaving them with their new toys to go speak to your brother.

Arthur smiled when you found him and his friend in the dining room. He opened his arms and held you to his chest in a warm embrace. "Welcome (Y/n). I trust your travels went well?"

You pulled back and smiled wide. "Oh yes. I have so much to tell you but I am actually here on urgent business. I-" your words died on your lips when you saw your brother's friend. Of course, they would be friends.

Harry's eyes widened and his arms fell to his side. "Emily!"

Arthur shook his head. "Emily?"

You smirked. "Dear Harry, do you believe everything you hear?"

Harry looked to you and to Arthur. Then in dawned on him. "You changed it. Your name. But your last name, Do Lye, you just switched the letters. Why?"

You turned and spotted a plate of food on the table and assumed it was yours. You sat down and the men joined you. "After you gave me the idea to crossdress, which worked like a charm, by the way, I decided right then and there to change my name. I go by Em." You tucked into your food.

Harry sat back in his chair in awe. "So you made it to India."

You nodded and took a drink. "Oh yes, I did. But I can tell you about that later. Ironically India may be the clue the two of you need to solve your case." You continued to eat.

Harry turned to Arthur. "How does she know about the case?"

Arthur shrugged. "I told her. She tends to knows how to get information. And with Stratton out of town, we will need her."

Harry let out a breath. "Fine, but on one condition."

You set down your utensils and clasped your hands under your chin. "And what will that be oh mighty Houdini?"

"You write a very nice piece on me that makes it international."

You smiled wide and stuck out your hand. "Deal."

Surprised, Harry took your hand and shook, his heart beating wildly. But you took your hand back and sat back in your chair eagerly, trying to hide your own reaction to his touch.

"Now. The case. What do you know?"

Arthur pulled out a notebook. "Duchess Margie was shot in her apartment three nights ago. We have evidence by photograph from across the street that this person had left around the time it happened." He slid the photo across for you to examine. "But the thing is we don't know much about her and it seems like she doesn't exist."

You half winced half smiled. "That's because she doesn't. Margie is, was, no duchess." You pushed the picture pack to him. "And that could be anyone."

Harry looked at you, almost smirking. "Who was Margie then?"

You folded your arms across your chest. "She was Sarah Groves, the wife of a very successful opium trader who died three months ago. I was doing a piece on her when she got the news. Instead of leeching off of her and using her to further my story I told her, and her daughter, to run. We were in Egypt at the time and there were many people who wanted her husband's money. And now it was all hers."

Harry sat up. "So that figure," he nodded to the black and white photograph, "could be anyone."

You shrugged. "Perhaps. But I think the best place to start looking is where her funds are being held. She was smart and had it all taken out so she could physically look after it."

Arthur sagged in his seat. "So now it's a treasure hunt."

You grinned, stood and stretched. "Oh come on brother. You may surpass me in years but I know you wouldn't pass up an opportunity to go look for hidden treasure."

Harry smirked. It was you. You were here and as beautiful as ever. And helping him with a case no doubt

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You raced after the cloaked figure, the light of the moon and street lamps being your only source of light. You were almost upon them when you heard a bang and felt a searing pain in your arm. You gasped but kept running. They discarded their weapon, having no time to reload, and ran down an alleyway but it was blocked off. A dead end. Perfect.

You stood between them and freedom and all you had to do was think of something to distract them so Harry could get there with Arthur and a constable. But your bleeding arm may not give you that much time. And the figure knew that too.

Harry ran as fast as he could in the direction he remembered seeing you go. He told you to wait but you still ran after them. Alone. The sound of a gunshot pushed him faster. After a week of searching and research and backtracking and night watches, they found where the figure was staying. But when the three of them got close, they bolted. You, being you, ran after them.

The two of you had grown alarmingly close. Arthur could attest. But Harry found it exhilarating. He had always been a 'no strings attached' kind of guy. But he wanted strings, all of them if it meant making you smile and laugh and be around him every day. He was growing attached and he feared you weren't.

Harry heard your voice scream in pain as he neared a dead end alleyway. There on the ground, he saw two forms fighting on the ground. You were on the bottom and it wasn't looking so good. Harry's blood boiled as he ran forward and tossed the cloaked figure off of you. They went flying, landing in a heap by a bin of trash.

You laid there on the gross floor breathing deeply, closing your eyes in pain. Forgetting about the heap, Harry rushed over to you, picking you up gently so you were somewhat in his arms. He stroked your hair back.

"Are you alright? I thought I told you to wait. I can't do real magic and save you from anything."

You smirked and winced at the same time. "You just did. But you want to know something else."

Harry nodded. "Sure, if it means that shot I heard didn't hit you."

You ignored what he said. "I know who they are."

This piqued his interest. "Who?"

"Her daughter. Sarah's daughter, Eliza. She heard she wasn't to get anything from her father's death so she killed her mother. But even then she wouldn't get a dime. She's a girl. Despite dressing like a man." You winced again.

Harry chuckled loudly. "What an absurd notion."

You cracked a smile. "Right? Who would have imagined a woman dressing like a man to get what she wants."

Harry smiled as he picked you up in his arms. "Completly illogical and inefficient."

Arthur and a few policemen raced over and Harry nodded to Eliza in a heap, knocked out. Harry made sure you were awake and breathing as he held you close, your head resting under his chin. 

You closed your eyes and leaned against his warm chest as he took you to a waiting ambulance. "Completely."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You kissed the children's heads one last time before hugging them close as well as you could with one good arm. "I love you both dearly. I promise to come back and visit more often."

Harry caught your eye when you said that and he smirked. Arthur came in from outside and gave you a gentle side hug.

"Your things are in the carriage. Are you sure you want to leave now? You can always stay here until you are healed properly."

You smiled and patted his arm. "And here I thought you were an author." You winked. "Don't worry brother. The sooner I tell them who gave them their best stories the better. That way I can come back and recover while they decide if they want to fire their best journalist over what's between her legs."

Harry snorted and Arther rolled his eyes before practically pushing you out the door. "Leave before you corrupt my children anymore."

You smiled and kissed his cheek. "Say hi to Tooie for me. I pray for her each day."

Arthur smiled sadly. "Thank you."

You walked over to your carriage but before you stepped in a hand grabbed your arm, just like a year ago. But this time your heart was beating wildly for a completely different resaon. You turned to look at Harry as he stepped forward.

"I'm glad you made it to India."

"I'm glad too."

Harry nodded to your arm. "Be sure to come back so he can look at that. Would be a nasty place to get an infection."

You smiled weakly. "As opposed to anywhere else."

Harry nodded distractedly. The both of you just stood there asHarry searched your face. You did the same, wanting to remember the one man who didn't make you mad for being a woman. Neither of you were sure who moved first but soon your lips were pressed to his in a much-anticipated kiss. Harry reached out and held you to him as you reached up and cupped his cheek with your good hand. The two of you embraced for just a moment before pulling away. You bit your lip and looked down. Harry smirked as he opened the carriage door for you.

"I'm glad we met again."

You took his hand as he helped you in. He kissed your knuckles and you grinned. "I'm glad too. Goodbye Harry."

"Until again (Y/n) Do Lye." He winked

NO I AM NOT SORRY FOR HOW LONG THIS IS! Please watch Houdini and Doyle if/when you can. I have been binge watching it all week. If only they would make a second season...