Sherlock stood in New Scotland Yard next to his best friend, who was now cradling his infant daughter. While he was overjoyed that the situation had come to such a swift resolve, the consulting detective couldn't help but feel a crushing sense of guilt. This was now the second time that monitor strapped to his ankle had prevented from being of service to a friend. When Lady Smallwood and the Lords present at the hearing had imposed the ruling that he not be permitted to leave London, he thought nothing of it. London, in his not so private option, was the only place in the world worth being in. But now that it had inhibited promises to his friends, Sherlock began to feel the true weight of his punishment. As he looked at John, he felt he should apologise for not being of more assistance, but decided that seven times was probably enough. Besides, last time, John had threatened to punch him in the face if he apologised again.

At that moment, Mary came in running straight to her husband and daughter. The look of panic and worry on her face quickly dissolved into joy as she clutched them both. Sherlock looked away as tears began to stream down the couple's faces. He continued to find the plant in the corner very fascinating as they talked.

"Where is Camilla?"

"Finally agreed to go to hospital, now that we have our little girl back. You should have seen her. She was brilliant."

"Remind me to give that girl a raise. And what about our Sherlock, then? Still upset he missed all the fun?"

Sherlock turned to see the couple smiling up at him. In that moment, nothing else mattered. Not the ankle monitor, not the ruling, not Moriarty. All that mattered was this family. His family. And keeping them safe at any cost. John began to laugh at his wife.

"I'm not sure that I'd call it fun, dear."

"Yes, you would."

Sherlock spoke with a half smile, causing his blogger to smile in return. The three fell into giggles as Lestrade entered the room.

"Well, I see we're all in better spirits! You must have heard what karma had in store for our three kidnappers, then."

"What are you talking about, Greg?"

Sherlock looked at John with confusion at the name he used for Lestrade, but thought it best to leave it be.

"They were all in custody when all three became violently ill at the same time. The medics had to be called and the cells blasted clean. Completely unheard of. Almost as if they'd all eaten something horribly bad at the same time. Absolutely disgusting, but very well deserved, I must say!"

John and Mary exchanged a look that only Sherlock noticed. He knew Mary had been delayed for a reason. Sherlock fought the urge to congratulate her on her particular brand of justice. The four began to laugh until the sound grew so loud as to upset the baby. Lestrade began to move toward Sherlock as the couple calmed their daughter.

"We swept the whole house, looking for anything we could find. The only thing out of the ordinary was this book which was in the middle of the crib."

The Detective Inspector handed him a children's book; "Goodnight, Moon." On the inside cover and in large red letters was the word "consequences." Sherlock closed the book and handed back to Lestrade, making sure that John didn't see it. Lestrade's face was wracked with concern as he whispered to his consulting detective.

"This is the third one, Sherlock. What is it they say? Two's a coincidence, three's a pattern? And now it's involved a baby! What is going on?"

Sherlock's heart was beating into his ears, but he dared not show it. Every fiber of his being screamed as he kept his exterior perfectly calm and collected.

"Trust me, it's being handled. And I promise to bring you in as soon as there is something to bring you in on. But for right now, let's just enjoy this."

Sherlock made his mind push all concern aside as he looked on at the happy family before him.

End.