DISCLAIMER: The de rigeur. I don't own them, CrossGen does. Well, CrossGen doesn't own _all_ of them, but then again, neither do I, so they might as well. Added Dimensions Pt. II- Gentlemen of the Profession by Kitty Wisdom () Simon paused outside the tiny cabin, allowing his companion a moment to catch his breath. The snow was beginning to stick to the ground and the boughs of the trees, and the darkness was deepening. "Here... Perhaps we could rest a while in here. Certainly we could get directions to the city." He said, approaching the door. "A good fire would be nice..." The man nodded, rubbing his shoulder. "The cold seems to be getting worse. "You have a knack for the obvious, Doctor." Simon nodded shortly. He rapped on the door with his cane. ***** Emma spread her skirt out around her, hoping it would dry quickly. The man had uncovered his darklantern and was now exploring the little shack. There was a sharp knock at the door, obviously _not_ wolves, and Emma sprang to her feet, small nervous hands searching out the steel fire poker. Meanwhile, the stranger threw the door open dramatically, admitting two more men. One of them was "Simon!" The poker clattered to the floor. "Emma!" He took a long step forward, the door closing behind him. He took another, shorter, step back as his assistant threw herself against him. "Oh, Simon, there you are! You worried me..." Her arms remained firmly around his neck. "Yes, I-- I worried as well, Emma. If you wouldn't mind detatching yourself terribly..." Emma sighed, feeling miffed, and moved away from her partner. Meanwhile, Simon's companion had found his way to the fireside. "Halloa, Watson." The taller man greeted, extending a hand. "See you've made it." "Holmes! I must confess I didn't even notice you." "Well, you were preoccupied with the fire. I say, you're freezing! Here, Watson, take off your jacket and I shall give you use of my cloak. It is mostly dry by now." "Oh, no, I couldn't..." He shook his head in weak protest as his friend took his wet coat and blanketed him with the old Inverness cape. "Nonsense, Watson, you shall. I hadn't been wearing it anyway, and I shan't have my roommate and biographer dying of hypothermia." Holmes laughed gently, patting Watson's shoulder. "I'm a doctor, Holmes. I would hardly leave myself at risk of hypothermia." "I am much obliged. You know I am lost without you." The grey eyes were sincere, despite the jesting tone. Emma looked over to Simon, awaiting a similar bit of praise. "Glad the wolves haven't got you." Was all he said. "I think," Holmes began, resting the tips of his long, white fingers together. "That we should stay here until daybreak. Hopefully, the snow will have stopped by then." "Agreed." Simon nodded. "It would be safest. Though, the snow may be too deep in the morning for Emma to make it through in a skirt." "Well, I'm not going without them!" "Perhaps Miss Bishop could remain here, one of us staying behind for her protection, while the other two make the trek into town. A sled of sorts might be procured, and two can make the journey faster than four anyway." "Excellent, Watson!" Homes slapped his knee. "You and I shall find the town tomorrow." "I beg your pardon." Simon interrupted coldly, a sour expression on his features. "But are you certain that you will be able to find the town? Might I suggest that I be allowed to make the search." "I am more than competent, sir. In fact, like yourself, I happen to be a consulting detective." "So I surmised." Simon sneered. The air between Holmes and Archard crackled with tension. "Holmes, I will remain with the lady." Watson volunteered. "The two of you need not argue, I shall be fine. Besides, Mr. Archard is much more capable than I at these things." "Is this... agreeable to you, Archard?" "Yes, quite, if you find the situation compatible." "Most certainly." "Tomorrow, then." Simon bowed in mock cordiality, before hanging up his overcoat. He removed his jacket, folding it into a makeshift pillow. "Emma... if you wish to make yourself comfortable at my expense, I do not wish to sleep tonight." "Simon, you really ought to-- I mean, if you are to be walking to town tomorrow, you--" "Emma, be an agreeable assistant and go to bed." He said firmly. "I wish to remain awake, and I assure you, it will not be disagreeable to my temperment to do so." "No, of course not." She murmured. "Such a thing could hardly be possible."