Mid-July

"Maybe next class, could you not reference your cases, Sherlock? You made it awkward for me and uncomfortable for the other couples."

"I am sorry, Love, I will endeavor to reduce detective talk during the Birthing Class."

"Good, because the last thing I want to be thinking of when I'm birthing our child is murder or kidnapping." Adelaide puffed, walking briskly down the street despite her pregnancy-induced lack of balance.

Sherlock was close at her heels, letting her take the lead if only to keep her from going into a meltdown over how their second Birthing Class had gone. She had been a rockstar, although he admittedly had made everyone uncomfortable when he brought up his cases. It was partially because he was way out of his element but that wasn't much of a valid excuse to the woman carrying their baby girl.

The brunette sensed when it was alright for him to catch up and walk alongside his wife and slipped his hand tightly through hers, "I'm sorry, Angel. It won't happen next time."

"It's fine, let's just get home shall we?"

"Of course." He pulled her closer to him and flagged down a taxi, knowing her legs and feet were almost unbearably sore. It was almost impossible for him to get her to slow down and rest despite her being within two months of the due date. She refused to, arguing that she was perfectly fine and wanted to get as much done as possible before she took maternity leave. Thus, the most he could do at that point was to do what kept her happy and therefore healthy.

When they got home they played with Teddy for a while before Adelaide took to the desk and resumed working on reports for the ZSL. Sherlock made tea for both of them and scrolled through his inbox of cases before having to take Teddy to the groomer's, pecking a kiss on Adelaide's cheek on his way out, "We will be back soon. Would you like me to pick up anything?"

"I can't think of anything other than more dental treats for Teddy. I'll text you if I come up with something." Adelaide replied quickly, sounding eager for him to go. He paused, surprised and hurt by her sharp tone. It wasn't the first time she had behaved like that.

It had happened several times over the past few weeks since her birthday. He'd be getting ready to leave for something and she'd be anxious to have him out of the flat. Sherlock had deduced it was connected to whatever had made her upset on her birthday- which was still unknown to him. He had asked about it a few times but each time she'd gotten more aggressive, and he didn't want to make her feel threatened or that he didn't trust her, so he'd given her space.

But the longer this goes on, the more I worry.

Sherlock pursed his lips and decided to brush her tone off, capturing her lips in a deep kiss before harnessing Teddy and taking his leave. His only consolation was that she didn't give off any signs that she didn't want him or that he had done something- her reciprocation proved as much. But it was still minor compared to his growing concern for her.

Adelaide sat stiffly at the desk until she knew Sherlock and Teddy were well on their way to the groomers before letting out a breath of exasperation and cupping her face in her hands. A pang of guilt stung her heart for yet again having acted so coldly towards Sherlock, but she was relieved. Now I might actually be able to dispose of that card so that he won't realize anything's out of place. After all, it's been weeks. Surely they don't mean to make good on their claim if they haven't tried to by now.

After all, they aren't geniuses or bold.

Adelaide massaged her temples and powered off her computer before standing up and stepping over to her chair. She reached for one of the small toss pillows and lifted it up, unzipping the side to expose the plush white filling. I feel bad for having hidden it, but I don't want to deal with any of their drama as we're getting ready for our baby girl.

She fished out an envelope from the cushion, refluffed the stuffing, and zipped it back up, placing it back on the chair. The envelope held a small, plain card. One she wanted to be rid of so that she could go on with her life and forget it ever came. But she couldn't just chuck it in the rubbish bin- Sherlock would sniff it out in no time. So she grabbed her jacket and purse, slipped on some flats, and headed out for a walk, tucking the card of ill omen in her pocket.

Adelaide made it to the end of the street and turned a corner onto another, less busy. She spotted a bin and extracted the card again, tearing it up as she walked over, "Let this be the end of it. They have no right to make such claims anyways," She dumped the shreds in the bin and wiped her sweaty hands on her jacket, "There. Out of sight, out of mind."

She inhaled an almost cleansing breath and then reversed directions, heading back to 221B Baker Street. Unaware that Mycroft's spooks had watched her every move and informed the British Government of her curious behavior.

When she got back to the flat and checked her mobile since she'd left it there, she had two texts in her inbox. One from Mycroft and the other from Finley. She opened the former's first.

What were you doing unaccompanied and without your mobile!? -M

I was just on a short walk, Myc! I didn't need my phone for a less than ten-minute stroll in a familiar area. I'm fine, don't worry. -A

I have informed Sherlock. You can expect a message from him shortly, and likely a lecture when he returns from the groomers. -M

Seriously? I'm fine, Myc! I don't want to make him more worried than he already is! -A

Sherlock's text came through then and she had to respond to his frantic chain of questions before she could finally get to Finley. His text made her blood run cold.

Sis? I just had the freakiest encounter with this guy on the Tube. And I think he's following me. -Finn

Adelaide's heart dropped and as if sensing her distress, the baby flipped over as well, leaving her breathless as she responded.

Is he still following you?! Are you okay?!! -Ada

No, I lost him. But I'm still pretty creeped out. -Finn

What did he look like!? Did you call the police?! -Ada

He answered that he hadn't and supplied the characteristics of the stalker. Adelaide read them and whimpered, wishing she'd read the list wrong. But she hadn't.

In a fit, she raised her fist and brought it down hard on the desk, would-be tears stinging her now stormy eyes.

This can't be happening!! Why is this happening?!

Thank you all for reading! Love Y'all!! 😘

Stay tuned!!