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?I gave a short laugh, one that removed the layers of tension that had sat on my heart for the last two days. “I couldn’t do anything that would go against the ‘Canon!’ For Sherlockians it is sacred.”
?He laughed as well. It was masculine, but at the same time full and deep. “That's what makes our jobs so difficult. We have to write a new story that won’t in any way conflict with what has been written.”
?We began to talk—honestly talk. I pointed out several things I loved in his books, and he told me of moments that were his favorites in mine.
?We each ordered another drink and moved to a table that offered a little privacy as we spoke about what we liked and disliked about Holmes stories.
?He became animated as we spoke, and I could tell that Holmes wasn’t merely an interesting character or a way to sell a book, but one of his passions, like it was for me.
?“How did you ever come up with that plot twist at the end of Casual Crook?” I asked.
?“Well, that was Susie’s idea and she was—” He stopped cold.
?“Are you all right?” I asked, confused by his sudden change.
?“Forgive me,” he glanced away, his eyes wet. “I guess you know…about my wife.”
?He had such pain in his eyes I couldn’t bear it, and I looked back at my drink. I spoke quietly, “I heard she…passed away.”
?“Yeah, and I was surprised that this is the first time in two years I forgot about it for a moment.”
?I couldn’t stop myself. I reached out and took his hand in a comforting gesture. “That must have been a tremendous loss for you.”
?He exhaled. “It was a loss for the stories as well. I haven’t written a word since. Well, not a word I would show to anyone.”
?“You will. You have to let yourself grieve.”
?“What about you?” He changed his tone, wanting to move to something safer, and he let my hand go. “I understand you’re divorced—and I’ve heard it was rough.”
?Suddenly, my anger flared again. “I suppose Candy told you all about it.”
?“What?”
?I felt my face grow hot. “And you had a good laugh on me, the pair of you.”
?“Whoa, slow down, Sheryl. There you go again—”
?“What does that mean?” I could feel my jaw grow stiff, as if to ward off a blow.
?“You’re jumping to conclusions! I heard about your divorce from Jon Kane after you told me about Candy and your husband.”
?“Ex-husband,” I spat, and then I realized he was telling the truth. The first time he’d heard about it had been from me. I took a deep breath and looked to the exit. “You’re right! There I go again. Maybe I shouldn’t have sat down with you.”
?“You could always have a drink with Allen Alexander. As of yesterday, he’s your biggest fan.”
?I pointed my index finger in his face. “Don’t say that, even as a joke.”
?“Sorry,” he confessed, and I could see he was.
?“He’s insane,” I added.
?This made Mark snort. “Don’t I know it.”
?I lowered my voice. “Add to that, he has been trying to get in my pants even before the divorce.” I gave a shudder. “Ew, just the thought makes my skin crawl.”
?Mark turned to me and fixed those kind eyes on me. “I honestly didn’t know about Candy and your ex-husband.”
?I was ready to let it go, but I felt I was owed one more dig. “Yes and you slept with her. I can’t really expect you to listen to my side—”
