12 Chapter 07

Two days had passed since Jonathan visited Henry Blackwood with Sherlock.

Despite his best efforts, he could not find anyone or any clue related to the puppet master behind the scene.

Elisabeth had reached out to the few associates she still kept in touch with from that side of the world but even they had not heard of anything regarding the Blackwoods. 

Unhappy about his slow progress, Jonathan returned home to devise a better plan with the wisest advisor he knew.

"You can be proud of your efforts, Jonathan. Jacob Blackwood's plan revolved around him maintaining his anonymity. You've essentially derailed his plans. This should give us some time before he strikes again." Elisabeth stated

"I understand but trying your best only to reap no rewards is quite frustrating."

"I feel the same but we mustn't lose sight of our victories and goals. Every step in the right direction, regardless of size, is still progress."

"You're right. I was clouded by my own frustrations. I apologise."

"You do not need to apologise, Jonathan. Everyone loses their way every now and then. You are lucky that you have me to set you right" Elisabeth smirked

"Believe me. I pray everyday that even if all this is a dream, I never wake up." Jonathan agreed, unabashedly

Shocked at his genuine and heartfelt reply to her teasing, Elisabeth blushed slightly with embarrassment.

How he was able to say such words without shame was a mystery to her but she would be a liar if she said she didn't enjoy his compliments.

"Enough of that. What do you wish to do next?" Elisabeth asked after calming down

"Well, since he has remained hidden, I believed that Henry Blackwood would be the key to finding him but he was hung and laid to rest yesterday. Whereas Mr. Holmes has been taken recently by his more... eccentric projects."

"What happened to the man you said escaped the night of Lord Blackwood's arrest?"

"Lord Coward. A evil man who understood Lord Blackwood's true intentions but in this circumstance, he is innocent. Aside from being a cultist and not believing in the dark arts like Henry Blackwood, they have no other similarities"

"So all your leads are either dead or useless. This is not good"

"Unless a miracle falls into our hands, I believe we will just need to wait and s-"

*Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock

 Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock!*

Jonathan, cut off by the loud knocking at the front door, stood up with a frown and went to greet to annoying person who didn't understand door knocking etiquette

*Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock!*

"What in God's good name could drive someone to be so irri-!"

As the door swung open, Jonathan initially annoyed, became silent at the poor sight of John, bent over while trying to catch his breath.

His short brown hair which was usually neatly styled, matted to his forehead due to intermixing with the alarming amount of sweat he was producing. His clothes were dusty, an uncommon sight for the "Always-Tidy" war veteran.

Whatever had brought him here must be important enough for someone as strict as John to pay no mind to his current state.

"Surely, even the End of the World wouldn't warrant such a sorry sight? You look terrible, John. How have you been?" Jonathan joked before hugging John

"I've been well, Brother. I'm sorry for causing such a scene but I reached out and you weren't home. Mr. Avery said you might be here. By the way, you have a lovely home, Lady Ashbury."

"Thank you, Dr Watson. Please do come in. Would you like a cup of tea?"

"I would love one, thank you"

While Elisabeth left for the kitchen, John turned to Jonathan with a serious look in his eye.

"Something has happened that we cannot explain yet. Holmes said that you offered him your help should you ever need it and I believe he is ready for a favour, Brother"

"Slow down, John. First let's sit down and you tell me what happened"

"Well, It all started a few hours ago..." John began

*************

(Flashback)

[221B Baker Street, London]

"....It's nothing to do with me but I advise you to Leave. The. Case. Alone"

"Well I may not have a choice. After all, I'll be paying the rent on my own soon, thanks to you" Sherlock replied, pointing his violin bow in John's direction

"Get that out of my face"

"It's not in your face, it's in my hand"

"Get what's in your hand out of my face" John snapped with a glare

Before anything else could develop, a familiar voice called out from behind the door which both John and Sherlock knew well.

"Mr. Holmes!" The man yelled

"Ahh, Clarkie. Do come in."

"Sir, Inspector Lestrade asks that you come with me at once. I have the Mariah ready downstairs to escort you to him" Clarkie spoke, unable to calm down as he fidgeted in place.

"What's he done now? Lost his way to Scotland Yard?" Sherlock joked, earning a smirk from John

"Watson, grab a compass. You means Us."

"No, Old boy" John replied "You means you"

"It's Lord Blackwood, Sir" Clarkie intervened "He... uh... well. It appears that... he's risen from the grave, Sir"

"Hmm... most engaging" Sherlock replied, intrigued.

"Very clever but impossible. I pronounced the man dead myself." John spoke, unconvinced

"What are the facts?" Sherlock asked, curious

"Groundskeeper claimed he saw him walking around the graveyard this morning, Sir."

"Well, Old boy. While this has been fun, I'll leave this in your capable hands." John patted Sherlock before standing "I have an appointment with Mary"

"It's not my reputation at stake here, Doctor" Sherlock commented, stopping John in his tracks

"Don't try that. It won't work" John said before grabbing his coat

"Have the newspapers got wind of it yet?" Sherlock asked Clarkie

"That's what we've been trying to avoid, Sir" Clarkie responded

"Certainly." Sherlock agreed "What's the major concern?"

"Panic, Sir. Sheer bloody panic" Clarkie replied

"Indeed"

"You're not taking this seriously, are you, Holmes?" John asked, incredulous

"Yes, as should you. This is a matter of professional integrity. No woman wants to marry a Doctor who can't tell if a man is dead or not" Sherlock answered with mock righteous anger

(Flashback End)

*****************

"Say what you want about the man but he knows exactly how and when to push one's buttons."

"One of the disadvantages of getting to know the man is that he also gets to know you. A bit too much for your liking." John sighed in resignation

"So have you verified the validity of the reports?" Jonathan asked "I hate to say this but your reputation as a Doctor will be affected, both socially and professionally." Jonathan asked with genuine concern

"I know you haven't seen my skills in action, Brother but I swear on my honour, I have never performed any of my duties or responsibilities without giving my all."

"I know, John. I believe you and I always will but words will not be enough to persuade the masses"

"Then what if Lord Blackwood did rise from his grave and my word is all I have?"

"Then it'll be your job to put in him the ground again and ensure he never rises."

".... That's quite the dark assessment" John said, surprised at Jonathan's stoic response

"Trust me, John. If he truly rose from the grave then he does not belong in the world of the living." Jonathan replied firmly

Right as Jonathan finished speaking, Elisabeth entered with a cup of tea for John. After taking a sip, he looked down in surprise.

"What tea is this? I've never tasted this before but I quite like it. The scent and smooth taste feel calming" John asked, surprised

"I am glad you're enjoying it. It's a herbal tea made from the Chamomile flower. It originated in 1550 BC, Egypt, said to be one of the oldest medically inclined flowers. It's known to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Two things you look desperately in need of" Elisabeth said, smiling

John laughed but he could not respond to her statements as they were true. Even though he had a full night's rest yesterday, ever since Clarkie had visited, it felt as though he had aged twenty years and been awake for double that.

He had never questioned his morals and ethics as a Doctor but this situation had made him start to question whether he truly did his best. 

While in thought, John felt a hand grab his shoulder and squeeze. Shocked by the sudden movement, John almost reflexively attacked but stopped when he saw Jonathan looking at him with understanding in his eyes.

"You did nothing wrong, John. There are times where our resolves and beliefs as Doctors are tested. It's not our job to judge people, only help them. I have no doubt that you did everything to the best of your ability, as per usual."

"Yes, Dr. Watson. If you lose faith in yourself then who else could you trust?" Elisabeth chipped in.

John was grateful for their comforting words. Realizing his mistakes, John quickly sorted out his messy thoughts and Jonathan watched as life seemed to return to him visibly.

The headstrong, confident and loud person Jonathan knew him as had returned which made him glad.

"I'm glad you've found your answer, John but now I'd like you to answer my question. Why were you so dishevelled when you arrived?" Jonathan asked, curious

"OH! I completely forgot! Sherlock is waiting in the Mariah with Clarkie. He asked if you wanted to join us for the investigation. Two eyes are better than one and he doesn't see any problem with having a second opinion present."

"John... There is nothing wrong with your medical skills. You do not need me for a second opinion"

"Hahaha, Thank you Brother but I am fine. Even if I made a mistake, I would just admit to it. Every person makes mistakes, we are human after all. Besides, working alongside you has always been a dream of mine." John replied with a wide smile

Jonathan wanted to respond but was cut off by the sight of Clarkie stepping out of his Mariah with an impatient look

"I believe it is time for you two to depart. If you keep the constable waiting any longer, he might have a heart failure." Elisabeth commented

"Right you are, Lady Ashbury. Thank you once again for the lovely tea"

"You are welcome, Dr. Watson. I'll have Dr. Reid send some over. Please visit again."

"I will." John replied before donning his coat and leaving

Jonathan turned to Elisabeth and kissed her on the forehead before saying his goodbye and following suit.

Dressed in his classic red on black ensemble, Jonathan was ready to start hunting