Jessica, why didn't you tell us that you were in trouble? Her mother by her side, Jessica was now relatively calm. She was still upset, but she was coherent again.

she said solemnly, you know I don't like asking for help. Mrs. Welch couldn't stop an exasperated sigh, but Jessica was unfazed. And before you ask, Dad - Beth figured it out. I didn't say anything before yesterday. Mr. Welch closed his mouth with a click, deciding that his daughter didn't need an argument at the moment. Both Holmes and Lestrade stood quietly on the sidelines, occasionally bouncing ideas off each other.

Paul was also witnessing all of this, but his mind was otherwise occupied. He was wondering why one of his best friends since childhood hadn't contacted him before now. He had always had a bit of a puppyish crush on her, but he didn't recall saying anything that would make her detach from him completely. He wasn't even sure if she felt the same for him as he did for her. After watching as Paul stared at the same spot on the wall for nearly four minutes, Holmes took it upon himself to wake the young man.

Is there something wrong, Paul? Have you found something? Paul looked almost frightened, as if he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't have. He would never admit it, but Holmes loved having that affect on people.

I said, is something the matter? You appear preoccupied.Well, it's just that I was trying to figure out why someone would go after Jessica like this. She hasn't done anything to deserve this, you know. She's one of the sweetest people I've ever known. His tone was level and steely, but the whiteness of his knuckles betrayed him. Holmes had to bite on his cheek to keep from laughing, so he simply nodded and looked over at his client.

The girl was still trembling with fright. He was sympathetic towards her and her current plight. He had seen it many times in prior cases. The other Yardies had finished their investigation and found one item unaccounted for. An item that had been in a compartment in the wall of Jessica's bedroom.

Excuse me, miss? One of the constables, a burly Scot with a contrastingly gentle voice approached Jessica and her parents.

Do you know what was kept in the compartment in the bedroom?W-what compartment? I don't know what you're talking about, she answered in shock.

There's evidence that a secret compartment was built within your bedroom wall. Lestrade said, dismissing the poor constable with a curt wave. Upon hearing this, Mr. Welch's face fell in shock. He finally started to understand the extent of the trouble and danger his only child was in. Before he could recover from his surprise, Jess was pinning him with her best You-Want-To-Tell-Me-Everything-Right-Now-Or-I'll-Go-Nuclear look.

Dad, do you know what they're talking about? Her father just let out a long sigh with his wife looking on in dread. She also had realized what was happening.

Well baby, when we first helped you move in, I found the hidden wall-space and put a locket inside. A family heirloom, you see.What was so different about it? Holmes asked as aridly as if he were chatting about the weather, a pastime he never indulged in.

Back in the early part of the 21st century, a very powerful and advanced computer chip was developed. It was part of a weapon. The one responsible for the creation of the chip was my daughter's namesake, Jessica Marie Welch I. Like my daughter, she was born with multiple physical disabilities. But she was extremely bright.

She had gained employment with a company located in the States that made microchips and other computer-related components. It was completely by accident, she was just making a common chip. Anyway, she figured it would be used for all the wrong reasons. She decided to hide the chip in something that she could keep close by. She received a locket for her 25th birthday and hid the chip in that. Your grandma gave me the locket when you were little.Didn't you trust me? I would've kept the locket and the chip safe! Jess was shouting, practically spitting. Paul and her other two friends came up behind her quietly, prepared to hold her back in the event that she went after her father as she had done earlier.

Take it easy, Jessie. I'll bet your dad has his reasons for not telling you. Paul began, gently.

How would you know? Her father no longer the object of her fury, Jess wheeled around to face Paul.

A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for all the reviews! SO SORRY this was late! Meant to put it out by X-mas! Oh well, you know what to do. Hit the review button!