A/N: I wrote this randomly one day, and it's been sitting in my documents for ages, so I uploaded it here - nothing better to do with this, I suppose. Hope you like it and if you feel like it, R&R

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I.A. –

It has been a fair amount of time since we last spoke; if my memory serves me correctly on the top of the incomplete Tower Bridge. At that point, I had decided that even if I vowed to stop chasing you and your criminal activities, I would inform you on some of the cases that I have received – and who knows, it might even be useful for your findings in the future.

Dr Watson, the other man who has been my most faithful companion for the better part of 2 years has now left me in favour of marriage to a lady. You must not mistake me – I do not feel lonely or any kind of strong feeling now that my rooms at Baker Street are now inhabited solely by me, but it could be said that my life has now lost some of its convenience, especially when it comes to cases. Inspector Lestrade is ever simple-minded yet reliable at the same time, and he will never really be a replacement for Watson, nor you. Luckily, Watson's anticipation and excitement for my affairs often gets the better of him, and he joins me (albeit reluctantly) on a number of things.

It only remains of me to ask you a few questions. Why have you remained in London and not taken the next ferry back to New Jersey? Undoubtedly you would suit the society of those parts more easily than in the variable parts that comprises London. I am sure there are many reasons as to that – perhaps your employment has not quite been terminated as of yet, and as a result that requires you to remain in the capital. I have also noticed that there have been no articles that incorporate your signature – it astounds me that you have kept your word and possibly have reverted to a life free of crime.

If you are still in London by the time you receive this letter, then you will have kept your old rooms at the Grand Hotel; expect me to call upon you later this week to discuss certain points that a client has brought forward to me. Of course, we shall also have to discuss other matters that you are in no doubt aware of. If you could wire Mrs Hudson, my landlady as soon as you get this correspondence, then I will leave as soon as I am able.

You have confided in me on a number of occasions that you fear for my life – well, my dear Irene, I fear for yours also after our experiences together. Be vigilant and be prepared for anything all the time, as our adversary is so great and so numerous in his strengths that even I am not entirely sure how I am able to deduce his methods.

However, I do not doubt you. You have proved me wrong on many an occasion, and that itself warrants my respect and my deep admiration for you. Please do as I have said before, and we shall hopefully persevere through this time of great endurance.

I remain sincerely yours,

S.H.

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:D