Disclaimer: This fanfiction is not written for profit and no infringement of copyright is intended. Not beta-read so all mistakes are mine.

~ EPILOGUE ~

The Strand Magazine, July 1898

Article by K. Reilly

A NEW DOCTOR IN BAKER STREET?

It has come to our attention, dear reader, that a new denizen has arrived at this hallowed address. Matthew Hooper, head pathologist at St Bartholomew's Morgue, has apparently agreed to share rooms with the Great Detective, Sherlock Holmes, so familiar to readers of this magazine, though he will not be joining him in his crime-solving.

Hooper, whom Holmes met through his work, is notoriously publicity-shy but Doctor John Watson has confirmed that this pathologist will be moving into his old rooms in Baker Street post haste. Well known suffragette and political activist Mrs. Mary Watson has likewise confirmed that her old friend has a new living companion, though she has asked the press to respect this newcomer's privacy as they once respected hers-

"Respected hers, my arse," Sherlock mutters, folding the paper and pushing it away from him. "They chased her for months- It became so intolerable that Mycroft had to intervene-"

"That was because Mary was, well, Mary," Molly says soothingly, pulling off her wig and stepping over to him. Curling in his lap on the sofa.

With a grin he pulls off her moustache and then kisses her, like, well, like a fiend.

Given the sharp way she tugs his hair, he can tell she has no complaints.

When they have to pull apart she grins at him, bright-eyed and happy. So different from the woman he first knew. The woman he first fell in love with. The last years have been a gift for them, they truly have, and he finds himself grateful for it.

Tomorrow the press will be a pain, and the past will still be a bad memory, but for the here and now he's happy and he knows his Molly feels the same.