Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

She continued her life, still under the radar, still quiet with only a few changes to her schedule.  She kept her monthly appointment with Dr. Patric and followed almost obsessively with every suggestion and observation he made. 

By month four she noticed her pants were getting a bit tight.  The first trimester was passed and Dr. Patric didn’t foresee any issues with the pregnancy.  She put on a looser pair of trousers and went to the office.  It was time to tell Mike. 

Her boss stood in front of her, his gaze going from her stomach and face.  She could see him desperately trying to add the months together and continually coming up with an impossibility. 

“Pregnant?”

She nodded.  He glanced again towards her stomach. 

“How long?”

“About four months.  I don’t want to quit or anything, I’m letting you know because in about six months you’re going to need someone to cover for me for a month or two.”

“Molly, you’re allowed twenty six weeks.”

She gave him a look.  “I know but honestly, how are we going to find someone to cover for the entire six months?  I can take two and then be on call for the other four if you like, I don’t want to be a bother.”

Mike laughed loudly.  “Molly, your life is about to be upended and you don’t want to be a bother.  My girl, congratulations.  So…is it anyone we know?”

There is was.  The not so subtle question, trying to solve how she could be four months pregnant nine months after…well.  She smiled and shook her head. 

“No.  It’s just…”  She already had a story prepared.  She didn’t want the looks and the speculation behind her back if she told about going to Dr. Patric.  It was easier to invent someone.  

“There’s this guy I’ve been seeing.  Got a little tipsy one night.  And I realized this might be my only chance.”

“Say no more Molls, of course, whatever we can do to help.  I’ll put in the paperwork and see if we can get a replacement for your leave, no worries.  I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks Mike.  I appreciate it.”  She chucked a thumb behind her.  “I’ll just get back to work, yeah?”

She turned from the office.  That went better than she expected.  Less questions and with her explanation, she knew Mike well enough to know that the gossip tree at the hospital her story would be circulating within the week so there wouldn’t be any uncomfortable questions.   She wondered how far the gossip tree spread now days.

Molly was enjoying some well-deserved time off.  There’d been a murder spree ten days past and she’d been working doubles to get autopsies finished and reports sent out to Lestrade.  She knew that the gossip tree extended at least out to him because the couple of times Lestrade had come to see her for answers, Molly had caught his eyes wander down to her stomach and then move away to anywhere that wasn’t her person.  He’d ask how she was feeling, every time and once offered to fetch her a chair or a stool.  It didn’t matter.  The less people outside St. Barts new or cared to know, the easier it was to pretend everything was fine.  She’d taken to wearing a ring on her left finger.  A small thing really, she’d found it in  a second hand shop.  With her stomach protruding further out now, a fact her over-sized jumpers were starting to have problems hiding, a ring on her finger would stave off any inquiries regarding her single status.  It also kept well-meaning do-gooders off her arse, asking if they could help while making side remarks about being a single mum. 

Her story was intact; simple yet easy to remember even to repeated questioning.  She met a guy.  His name was Tom, he worked in acquisitions which meant he wasn’t always in town, meeting and conferences and whatnot.   But he’d proposed, she said yes.  No they didn’t have a date planned yet; with his job and hers, plus the baby on the way, they wanted to save up enough money first.

A knock came on her door and she looked over from the couch.  Toby perked up an ear but remained curled up by her his on the couch.  The knock came again and Molly’s heart leapt in her chest. 

Climbing to her feet and ignoring Toby’s meow of disapproval, she walked to the door.  She peered through the peephole her hand reaching out for the metal bat leaning against the wall.  A woman stood outside, tall and dark, her hair short and as brown as her eyes. 

“Hello?”  she called out. 

“Molls, let me in,” the cultured, unfamiliar voice called out.  “It’s bloody wet out here, yeah?”

Frowning, Molly opened the door and the woman gave her a wide smile and reached forward. 

“Molls, it’s been ages.  Why didn’t you call me darling?”  the woman practically shouted in excitement, reaching over to give Molly a hug and move past her into the flat.  Molly shut the door behind her, bat still in hand.  Once the door closed, the woman’s happy expression faded. 

“The plan is I’m an old friend from Uni coming to stay.”  She said, extending an envelope.  Molly stared at the envelope for a moment before letting go of the bat and taking the paper from her.  She slipped out the letter as the woman unwound the scarf from her neck. 

Dr. Hooper.

Everything is finally in order.  The woman who presented you with this letter is Dana Morris.  She is to be your live in full time nanny, as you requested.  You can work out the particulars with her on a cover story, I’m sure she already has one planned.

To the matter of your flat, it is much too small for three people so a larger flat had been procured.  Three bedroom, two bath upper East Side, close to St. Bartholomew’s, a good school system, and what I’m told is a niceish park.  There will be movers on the 5^th for transfer everything.  The address is on the card attached to this letter and Dana has the keys. 

As this was a favour you requested, I’m asking for the payment of said favour to be updates on the child, perhaps a photo or two as he or she grows.   My personal mobile number is on the bottom of this letter.  In regards to the child, do not hesitate to contact me if anything is needed.  His or her needs will be entirely taken care of, all you need do is ask. 

Also, should you be so inclined, our parents’ names are Violet and Algernon.

Yours,

M

The woman extended her hand.  “Dana Morris, charmed.”

Molly took it.  “Molly Hooper.”

Dana grinned widely.  “Oh, I know.  So, as the letter mentioned, I’m to be the little one’s new nanny,”  She nodded towards Molly’s stomach.  “I have a degree in education, I’m fluent in multiple languages- Mr. Holmes insisted- and I’m well trained in securities- also a priority.  I understand I’m months early but I figured we needed to get to know each other before the babe arrives, make sure we get along.  This isn’t going to work if we can’t get along and have completely different styles of child rearing.  Also, I’ll need to help you pack your stuff.  Do you know what you’re having yet?”

At that moment, Toby, who’d hopped off the couch and wandered into the hallway to investigate, meowed loudly and stopped right by Dana’s booted feet.  She bent down and stroked the cat. 

“Oh, aren’t you a dear.”

The cat rubbed his head against her leg and purred.  Molly smiled. 

“I’m sure we’ll get along grand.”