BANG
Pain.
Pain the likes of which Sherlock had never felt before. Not even the agony of withdrawal could top it, not even the pain of (-no-dont-think-about-that-no-no-dont-cant-wont-).
Darkness.
He awoke.
Sherlock struggled to make sense of his situation, but the pain made it difficult. He was on his side, lying on cold cement. He was wet. He hurt.
What had happened?
Oh yes.
The pool. Moriarty. The bomb.
John!
Where? Where was he? John?
Sherlock tried to get up, to call out, anything, only to find he couldn't move. His body, treacherous thing that it was, refused to respond.
There was someone there. Someone was talking.
"Bloody hell! I can't believe the crazy bastard actually did it!"
Who? He didn't know that voice.
With some effort, Sherlock managed to open his eyes. His vision was blurred and dark at the edges, but he was able to make out two people, standing not too far away.
"Jay-sus. Would ya look at this mess. Never thought I'd be glad to run outta Semtex," the voice continued.
One shadow knelt down, their back to Sherlock.
"How's it look? Boss still breathing?"
If the second person replied, it was too soft for Sherlock to hear. But he must have, because the first continued.
"Goddamn, we should be so lucky. Best get outta here mate, there's no telling when the coppers might show."
The first person looked around the pool.
"Hey, Moran!. Look over there!" He pointed right at Sherlock. "I think the crazy bastard's still alive!"
Another quiet moment as the second man answered, again too quiet for Sherlock's ears.
"What do you mea… hey wai-"
BANG
The man fell backwards and didn't move.
The second man came closer, moving on silent feet, looming over him like a shadowy Grim Reaper.
He couldn't see the man's face.
For a moment, the grey form was still, then something, a booted foot, came down on his outstretched hand.
Somehow, Sherlock found the strength to scream in pain as the second man's heel ground down on his fingers.
Finally, the pain lessened, and Sherlock opened eyes he hadn't realized he'd shut.
He still couldn't make out the quiet man's face, but the gun aimed at his head was fairly clear.
The click of the hammer being drawn back was almost deafening.
"SHERLOCK!"
BANG