'Who exactly are you?'
'Irene Adler, dominatrix known as 'The Woman'. That's all you need to know.'
John was confused. Sherlock was all over this woman and that's all he needed to know?
'No, actually. Sherlock is infatuated with you. Why? It's not because of what you do because he isn't interested in that, he isn't interested in any of it. You aren't really smarter than him, nobody is smarter than Sherlock Holmes.'
She ignored the question. Instead she simply sat down in Sherlock's armchair, fully dressed, John was glad to note. He poured tea from the pot before them for them both.
'What about you, doctor? Do you find me attractive?' She leaned forward conspiratorially.
'No. I'm not interested in women like you.' He sipped his tea as if to prove a point.
'Liar. I bet I could find out what you like.'
'No thanks,' he said coolly. 'Fortunately, I have kept my head about this entire thing, which Sherlock hasn't. He's gone to pieces. He's writing sad music. I have to keep it together because he can't understand what you're trying to do.'
'And what would that be, doctor?' Irene smirked. John was unnervingly reminded of Sherlock.
'You're trying to defame him. You work for Moriarty, don't you? Why else would you be after Sherlock Holmes?'
'Oh John, have you seen that face? He'd make my career-'
'If you can call it that.'
'-If I could get past the cold exterior and make him feel something, the great Sherlock Holmes… people would come flocking to my door.'
'Oh I bet they would, but I'm here to keep Sherlock out of trouble. And to warn you to stay away.'
'What can you do about it, John?'
'I was a soldier. I killed people, Irene. Don't think I'm past it just yet.'
She ignored him, instead setting the cup down and standing up to kiss John on the cheek.
'Thanks for the tea.' She winked and walked out.