Epilogue

Ben's father, Joe, had been one of the four men killed at the warehouse. The boy had been in the care of a grandmother until she died when he was almost age three, at which time he had gone with his father. No other relatives were found. The adoption process had been lengthy but relatively smooth, thanks in large part to Doris's efforts.

Mrs. Hudson, to no one's surprise was beside herself with joy over Ben's arrival; smothering him with affection (and food). He took it in good part always happy to trot downstairs to her suite when his fathers were called out on short notice. This occurred less often than before, because Sherlock especially, disliked leaving Ben for any length of time.

"He's fine with Mrs. H," John would say reassuringly, to which Sherlock would respond, "Hmmmm. I thought he was a bit quiet at breakfast this morning. We'd better get back to check on him, just to make sure."

Mycroft eventually unbent enough to announce, on one of his infrequent visits to the flat, that there had been a great-uncle Benjamin in the family who had been a noted theologian. Sherlock, about to emit a derisive snort at this, hadn't, after catching John's eye. Mycroft, disconcerted by his brother's unusual reticence was temporarily silent. Ben had smiled politely and moved a little closer to Sherlock on the sofa. Uncle Greg was by far the favourite.

For the most part, they found the outcome was better for everyone if John did the talking at parent−teacher interviews. Not that this made a great amount of difference for a silent Sherlock could be as intimidating as a talking one, if not more so. There had been one notable occasion however, when a school principal had unguardedly made the comment that they should not expect a great deal, as "…children like Ben, usually didn't amount to much".

As John's right hand had bunched into a fist, Sherlock had stepped in with a coldly dismissive "Yes, thank you for your input," before turning John to the door (here it was Sherlock's turn to thank God, this time for the handgun being safely locked in a gun-case back at the flat, rather than easily accessible under John's jacket). They'd finally decided on a small neighbourhood school where Ben had settled in nicely.

Ben was a happy child, although initially he had been withdrawn at times and prone to nightmares. But these episodes became less frequent over time under the loving care of his two fathers. He was firm friends with Lestrade's youngest son, who was only a year older than himself and who had Lestrade's kind and easy-going nature. He was protective of Ben and well able to ensure that no one bothered his younger friend.

Life was good at 221 B Baker Street.