I race down the stairs and out the door, waving goodbye to Missus Hudson on the way. Mycroft has already stepped into his sedan, leaving the door open. I duck in and settle back against the seat, buckling up as he twirls the top of his umbrella, "It appears that you are exceeding at this post, Miss Susanna."

"I am glad to be of service, sir."

"Mycroft please." I nod.

"Yes, Mycroft," A few moments of silence pass and I clear my throat, "Thank you for the ride, Mycroft."

"I make a point of calling in favors." I nod once more.

"Of course. Favors. I understand those." Of course I do. I have siblings and many friends. It's not uncommon for me to do something in return for a favor, but it's usually small.

"Sherlock seems to be challenged by you."

"Challenged?"

"Yes. Not in the sense that he cannot deduce you- that is easily enough accomplished- but you are not easy to mould."

"Manipulate you mean?" He says nothing but I know I'm right, "Yes, I suppose so. I'm used to it, grew up being in situations where people would try to manipulate or influence me."

"Yes. You are also more difficult to predict. John is a creature of habit, tried and tested so much that his responses are easily deduced. You prove a challenge."

"Really?"

"I have deduced that the major factors for this anomaly is that you have american heritage, which renders you a wild card to us."

"Hmm."

"Miss Susanna, why haven't you been speaking with your father as of recent?" I clench one fist, "Not that I wonder out of concern for familial relationships. But it has been affecting your father's performance."

"We had a disagreement. It'll be resolved soon enough." I answer. My Dad, in truth, was being a royal jerk and I told him off about it, so we're taking a breather. Mycroft grunts.

"You disagree often?" I sigh.

"Every once in a blue moon."

He tilts his chin upwards, "My brother and I are the same way, only we disagree quite regularly. He's always been so resentful towards me."

"So I've observed."

"Miss Susanna, I am going to call in a favor of you."

"Shoot," I respond, garnering a confused gaze. I clear my throat, "That means go ahead, Mycroft." He nods.

"I want you to devote special attention to Doctor Watson. We are drawing close to a... sensitive time of year for him that I believe you will be able to help with."

"And?"

"Rosie's first birthday and his would-be anniversary." He clarifies. I nod.

"Of course."

"Excellent, then. Here you go." We stop in front of my flat complex and gestures for me to disembark. I nod.

"Thank you for the ride, Mycroft."

"Do not mention it, Miss Susanna. Oh and do not inform Sherlock of our discussion. In fact, keep a close eye on both of them."

"Yes, Mycroft." He nods and I gently close the car door. The sedan quickly veers off and I walk into the building.

My cell vibrates and lights up. I take it out as I step onto the elevator.

Why did Mycroft take you home? -SH

The message was sent from John's cell. I shake my head as another text arrives.

If he offered you money to spy on me, take it. We'll split it. -SH

I ignore it for the duration of the ride to my floor, where yet another is delivered.

I have your bike in my custody. I will not return it unless you explain to me why Mycroft took you home. Also, I am locating the vandals who targeted your bike. Bored. -SH

I laugh as I reread the text. After I get back into my flat and have seen to Barney, I open up a new message to Sherlock's cell. Laughing, I articulate my response.

He wanted to start storing up favors for the future. No money involved. Did mention that you resent him though. Kindly release my bike or I will involve him in this. -SM

Thank you for reading!!