Chapter Text
“I just spoke to your brother.”
“How is he?”
“He’s a bit shaken up that’s all, she didn’t hurt him, she just…locked him in her old cell.”
“What goes around comes around.”
“Gimme a moment boys.”
“Umm…Mycroft, make sure he’s looked after. He’s not as strong as he thinks he is.”
“Yeah, I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks Greg.”
Mycroft had been home for only a short time before he found himself, without planning to, systematically checking every room in his home to ensure that there was no one hiding in wait. He checked every exterior window, making sure each one was double locked. He took his handgun with him. After exiting each room, he closed the door firmly and activated the state-of-the-art electric locks (with built in backup power supply) using the app on his phone, written exclusively for his use alone. Mycroft took his time, reducing the possibility of any unpleasant surprises to the slightest degree possible. He hovered in his bedroom for a bit but decided there was no point trying for a little sleep yet. He knew it would be a long time before he’d be able to relax enough.
For a little while, he tried to focus on work, going though emails that had gone unread while he’d been his sister’s prisoner on that island. He was far too distracted however to concentrate and in the end was obliged to contact Anthea in order to have her handle any issues that couldn’t wait, as well as clearing his schedule for at least the next few days. He knew that he would have to reveal to his parents the secret he had been keeping the next morning. The fallout was likely to be intense and time consuming.
“I’ll take care of it sir.” There was a pause, Anthea continued. “Sir, perhaps I should come over there…”she trailed off uncertainly.
Nonplussed, Mycroft asked, “Whatever for?”
“You’ve been through quite an ordeal sir. Your brother told me that Eurus tried to manipulate him into choosing between you and John Watson.” There was another pause before she added, “Sherlock said you tried to goad him in to shooting you. To make it easier.”
Sighing, Mycroft grumbled. “Sherlock should learn to be more circumspect.”
“Yes sir.” After another awkward pause Anthea said, “Mr. Holmes, I-“
“Yes?”
“I’m so sorry. And I’m really glad you’re still with us.”
“Thank you Anthea.”
“I could be there in twenty minutes. I...I’d rather you weren’t alone just now.” The hesitation in her voice was so uncharacteristic, it surprised him more than her offer to stay with him.
Mycroft had to admit he was touched. Although he had an extremely close working relationship with his second in command, it rarely crossed the line in to personal areas. But he couldn’t bear the idea of having to deal with another person walking on eggshells around him, looking at him, knowing what he’d done. He needed more time to prepare himself for that.
“Sir? Are you there?”
He cleared his throat to try to banish the lump that had formed. “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I’m just about to turn in,” he lied easily, “get some much needed rest. Which you should do as well. It’s been a long couple of days. I just needed to make sure everything is set for the next few days first. Could you please get in touch with my parents this morning and ask them to meet me here? Please send a car for them as well.”
“Certainly, sir. What time shall I say?”
“Eleven. Please arrange for a delivery of groceries and a small prepared brunch for 10:45.”
“I’ll take care of it. Please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything. Anything at all.”
“I will. I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you do for me. How greatly I depend on you.”
“Thank you Mr. Holmes. I do know, but it’s nice to hear.”
“Anthea, I thinks it’s high time you call me by my given name when it’s just the two of us, as is often the case. As long as you don’t ever shorten it in any way, I see no reason why you shouldn’t.”
“Thank you Mycroft. I’d like that.”
“I meant what I said. I couldn’t manage half as much without you.”
“In that case, shall I arrange a pay rise as well?” He could hear the slightly teasing quality in her voice and was relieved that the awkwardness had passed at least.
“I shall give it my most careful consideration,” he replied glibly.
“Please take care of yourself Mycroft.” Her concern for his wellbeing was clear.
“I shall do my best. I’ll speak to you in the morning.” Ending the call, Mycroft was surprised to realize he actually felt better. Not a lot, but he’d take what he could get. The whole experience had been terrifying and quite humbling. He spent the next half hour or so rethinking his stance on sentiment only being found on the losing side. This view clearly needed serious revision. Like many things in his life, Mycroft better understood now how almost anything could become a double-edge sword if taken to extremes. It would be the height of irony if he was actually made weaker by his solitude.
As he drifted into the kitchen to make a small pot of tea, he followed this line of thought and came to the conclusion that his avoidance of human connection, while making him less vulnerable in many ways, also resulted in making him less able to cope with the truth about his youngest sibling. Perhaps this is why, when his phone rang a few minutes later as he sipped his tea, and he saw who was calling, he did not hesitate to answer.
“Hello Inspector.”
“Mycroft! You’re awake. That’s good.” Lestrade sounded a bit off.
“Is it?”
“Ummm…you’re home, right?”
“Yes.”
“Excellent. Could you open the front door please?”
“The door,” he repeated, curious.
“Yes, the door.”
“Just a moment.” Moving towards the front hall, Mycroft opened the security app on his phone and brought up the feed from the camera above the front entrance, to see the DI waiting outside his home. Entering his brand new security code as he approached the foyer, he registered surprise, bewilderment and pleasure at this development in equal measures. Opening the door, he took in the sight of Gregory Lestrade standing under the small portico holding two large carry bags.