So, here I am! With a different kind of story this time. Never have I written something like this, so go easy on me. It's a little slow to start, but it's only because I have to set the story. Inspiration? RDJ of course ;P Anyway, no point doing a disclaimer since I obviously haven't created any characters... except Dr. Voisin & Susannah Clark. Enjoy =]

: :Clockwork: :

Chapter One: An Unusual Request

It wasn't much of a night to say the least; a strong storm was raging its full force down upon the dark and damp streets of London and people everywhere were doing their best to keep out of it. Even the usual beggars and wenches kept off the streets tonight. It was odd but not unusual on a night such as this.

Now, whilst most citizens were tucked up in their warm beds, or down at the local taverns, one was not. Again, odd but not unusual either, except for the manner in which the man arrived at Baker Street to visit none other than Sir Sherlock Holmes.

Holmes was sitting in his usual chair by the window, although not facing the world outside it, seemingly oblivious to the storm which was raging against his window. He did not appear to hear the hard tapping at the door either. Or the bell, as its rope was pulled so it could ring out its sweet tinkle sound.
The door to his quarters opened but with the racket outside, one would never hear it. But in an instant, Holmes rose from his chair.

"Good evening, Doctor", he said with a wave of his hand, gesturing for the stranger to have a seat by the fire.

"How did you know I was a doctor?" the man asked, standing in the doorway hesitantly for a moment.

"My dear fellow, my colleague is a doctor. You all move in a remarkably quiet yet stiff manner. I also saw the carriage in which you took to get here; that was what gave you away. See these mirrors?" He said, motioning to the large one opposite Holmes' chair. "From the angle in which I sit, and the position of which this mirror is place, I am able to get quite a clear view to the world outside. I duly noted that your carriage bared the words 'St. Ive's Mental Asylum'. Finally come to take me away have you?" Holmes finished with a hint of amusement.

The doctor looked at Holmes with a look of disbelief. "Well, yes, I am a doctor. Dr. Ferdinand Voisin, Mr. Holmes", he said, taking off his glove to shake his hand. Holmes did so pleasantly but abruptly and returned to his seat. The doctor took his seat in which he was offered.

There was a pause in which Holmes noted the doctors' appearance. He was a very tall man and carried himself well. Though his hair and features were still handsome, his face showed the lines of age and the roots of his hair were hinting a slight silver colour. Judging by the finely tailor cut clothing which he wore; he was a well to do man money wise. He smiled at Holmes whilst he looked around the room.

"Quite a… interesting set up you have here, Holmes", he said, inwardly smirking to himself.

Without beating around the bush, Holmes cut to the chase. "What brings you here on such a horrid evening, doctor?".

"Ah, yes… I wish it could be on better terms… quiet embarrassing really, what has happened…"

Whilst the doctor travelled off I a mumble jumble of his own thoughts and words, Holmes relaxed into his chair a little more, closing his eyes.

"I come to you regrettably, for assistance, Mr. Holmes. You see… well, it's quite a blunder caused right under my very nose. I saw to the people involved-"

"What is it exactly, Doctor?" Holmes said, opening one eye slightly, wishing the doctor would get on with it already.

"One of my patients has managed to escape from the asylum", he said, looking down for the moment, his expression an unreadable one. He continued onwards. "Her name is Miss Susannah Clark. A young girl who's been at the asylum for quite some time now. She escaped two nights ago and since then, we've had teams dispatched to find and return her but alas, to no avail".

"And you want me to bring the girl back?" Holmes said, raising an eyebrow, knowing there was more to this case than meets the eye. But Voisin gave nothing away in his tone, nor his expression. Even his body language was very much the same as it was when he first entered the room.

"Yes, exactly that. Anything you wish to assist you we shall do our best to provide. You will also be paid a rather generous sum upon the return of the girl. And expenses in the mean time shall be covered", he said, handing Holmes papers from the breast pocket of his coat.

Holmes flicked through it, then looked back to the doctor. "A rather… generous sum indeed. Just to return a mere girl?" he said, lightly pressing the doctor for more information.

"Yes, exactly that", he said, not giving any more information.

"I see. Well… I have a few cases I am working on… but since you came out in such weather and have spiked my curiosity, consider the girl found".

"Excellent", said Dr. Voisin rising to his feet, fixing his coat before heading towards the door. "It's been a pleasure to meet the infamous Sherlock Holmes. I bid you-"

Holmes cut him off. "Excuse me, dear sir. But, you said the girl escaped. I am to understand that the asylum is under high security?"

"Oh indeed it is. Especially patients like Miss Clark. She is regarded as a threat to society and herself and for that reason, she's a highly dangerous and therefore highly guarded patient".

"And yet she escaped?", said Holmes with a raised eyebrow.

"It seems so. And it's my duty as her doctor and one of the founders to bring her back to the asylum. Our reputation is on the line… and so is mine".

"Indeed..."

There was a very awkward pause in which the men both stared at each other. Holmes had a strange feeling about this man. Something he noted in his thoughts to investigate further.

"Will that be all?" Dr. Voisin said, rocking on his heels ever so slightly. Holmes saw this slight movement and knew that the doctor felt uncomfortable being in his presence.

"Yes sir. That is all… oh, I trust I shall be able to have free reign of the Asylum?", Holmes threw in casually.

Voisin's eyes shifted for a mere moment, a cold feeling which Holmes could not entirely pick up on. But he knew he got to the man, if only for a moment. "Of course, anything you desire. I shall be on my way now. A very good evening to you, Sir Holmes".

And with a tip of his hat, he was out the door and off into the night. Holmes watched as he entered his carriage and it took off into the dark streets of London. The storm, still raging on; yet an even more complex one raged on in the man's mind.

Holmes couldn't help but wonder about the doctor. Surely, it seemed there was more behind his seemingly normal motive of finding the girl. There had to be something more to her than that. Something that made her most important to find. Something so important that the good doctor would seek Holmes' assistance on a night such as this…

It was clear Holmes had a lot more to find out, seeing as this Voisin character seemed a tough one to crack. But as there could be little headway made at this time of night, he decided to return to his chambers and attempt to get some rest. First thing tomorrow, he would dive into this unusual request...

Okay so... there you have it! Part one =] It's not very interesting at the moment, but it'll come. The story just needs to be set after all. Please read/review =]