''Barton did it'' you concluded

''I also found this in the room we investigated'' Sherlock said and held up a golden ring.

''It has a name written on the inner side. Gretchen Stewart. There is no one relative to the victim with that name. I already announced in the newspaper that we found a ring. Someone will come to pick it up'' he finished.

''Mr Holmes, there's someone looking for you'' Nanny said as she stormed in the room, ''Should I let her in?'' 

''Yes, do let her in'' 

''See? She's already here'' Holmes said, turning to you.

After a few minutes, an older lady entered the room.She was nervous, and she was rubbing her hands anxiously.

''Good evening ma'am. I guess you're here for the ring, am I right?'' you asked.

''Oh, yes. I'd like to have it back'' she said.

''Yes, of course'' you said and gave her the ring, ''Would you like to-'' but she didn't wait anymore and left.

''Well, that was rude'' you pouted and crossed your arms over your chest.

''I'm going after her'' Holmes said and took his coat on, running to the window.

''Wait, why are you-'' you started only to be cut off again.

''No time, Y/N!'' he said and jumped through the window.

Why the hell was he following her?

You decided you should wait, he must have a reason to run off like that.

You changed into a long, beautiful night gown and sat on the couch, reading a book.

----

It was already past midnight, and Holmes didn't return yet. To be honest, you were a little worried. What if something happened to him?

You were still reading when you heard a noise downstairs.

Carefully, you took the revolver that was on the coffee table and sat up.

Hearing footsteps heading your way, you took a step forward and watched carefully. To your relief, it was just Holmes.

''Was I away so long that you forgot how I look?''he joked and took his coat off.

He had a busted lip, a bleeding nose, not to mention the bruises on his forehead.

''What happened to you?'' you asked as he sat down.

''I followed that hag the whole day. She took a cab, and did I, telling the driver to follow her cab. Then she jumped out of the cab and began walking. I jumped too, and I ran here and there, but she was nowhere to be find. She just... vanished'' he explained.

All the time he explained you cleaned his wounds.

''So, why is your face looking like you survived the war?'' 

''Oh, I may have fell on the street in process'' he replied, wiping some blood from his nose.

''So, you are telling me that Sherlock Holmes was fooled by an older lady?'' you asked stiffing a laugh.

You took a bandage and wrapped it around his head, his fluffy hair tickling your hand.

''Old woman be damned!'' he commented.

''Poor devil!'' you laughed and gained a 'Are you serious' face from him.

''I wouldn't have to patch you up right now if I would have been there with you'' you speak softly

''But it could have been dangerous. I... uh, Mrs Hudson would be very sad if something happened to you'' he said, avoiding eye contact.

You place a hand on his face, cupping his cheek softly.

''You know I'm not a child anymore, right? I can take care of myself'' you said caressing his cheek with your thumb.

''Yes, but still...'' he trailed off.

''Still, what?'' you asked expectantly.

He suddenly sat up.

''Thank you for taking care of me, dear'' he said and kissed your knuckles, ''Good night'' he winked and walked away.

What a charming man, you thought as you watched him leave.

-------------------------------------

Word count: 753