To Holmes' relief, they reached the Moriarty's villa at the dawn. Due to their misadventures, he had to carry Sebastian Moran at his back almost for whole journey. Blood covered their clothes and the detective could only guess, which belonged to him or to the colonel.

As soon as they were seen, orders were shouted and a quiet forest changed in one huge human traffic like in the Central London at noon. Doctor acted automatically and soon Moran was put at the nearest table.

Holmes was sited near the door, having a clear view for all action around Moran. He was given a water, but the a sudden nausea didn't allow him to keep the cup in his hand. With a thud, it rolled around the floor and hit Professor's shoe. As the whole house was alarmed, it wasn't surprisingly that a frustrated Moriarty came in a mere minute after their arrival. Sherlock exhaled loudly. His state was not so bad as Moran's (not counting a 5 hours walk in Alps and he could barely feel his fingers), but detective really didn't want to talk to Professor now. Yes, they should have taken more people, check the weather and made sure that their guide would not disappear in the half of the way.

Oh no, here he goes...

He mentally prepared himself for a hit, but to his astonishment Moriarty passed him and stopped near colonel's makeshift bed. Holmes blinked. (After the Switzerland, Professor promised that he would spare the life of both Watsons as long as the detective would do his biddings. It was a devil's deal. The criminal restricted his freedom as much as it suited him. Therefore, Holmes' first cases were supervised by his deputy - colonel Sebastian Moran. Also, every day included a personal visitation and a report. Sherlock didn't get used to this abnormal attention quickly, but he hardly had any choice.) On the one hand, he was glad for a break, but on the other... it was so strange. The Professor didn't even glance at him.

"How is he feeling?" Moriarty asked the doctor.

"Mr. Holmes said that he lost the consciousness two hours ago. He received a shot into his abdomen, I doubt that it hit one of main organs, but it's possible that his wound was infected."

"Keep me informed about the situation and let me know when he will wake up."

"Sir..." the doctor started worried. "His head doesn't look better. And his right hand...we will try, but... please bear in mind that to safe him, we may need to amputate it... I have seen a similar cases, most people die after a few days."

"Doctor, I leave you to your patient." Professor took everything with a stoic calmness. "But, I'll choose what my employees can or can't." he turned around and left the room.

As no one seemed to pay attention to him, Sherlock was sure that he would have to take care of his wounds alone. It was a pity that lovely Lucy (a nurse, who liked him much more than other soldiers in the villa) was currently preoccupied with the colonel. He carefully stood up, but then...

"Bring Holmes to my office!" Professor told his huge bodyguard.

"Report." the mastermind ordered, when they entered his office.

"I'd like to say that I'm injured as well. I feel pain in every part of my body and there are places, which I wasn't even aware. A doctor would be nice. By the way, thank you for a chair..."

"You can speak so you are clearly not dying!" he shouted. "Moreover, I don't care if you bleed to the death. I want to know what the hell has happened!"

"The cottage was a trap." Holmes said slowly. "They expected us. I don't know if someone else from our team survived."

Moriarty hit the furniture with a loud thud. Holmes, and the bodyguard behind him, flinched.

"Can we expect an attack?" Professor asked, when he calmed down.

"I don't think so."

"What about Lord Rivers?"

"Well, here I have a good news." Holmes said cheerfully. "I found his body during the retreat. It seems that he didn't manage to hide himself before the fight."

"At least we have time to move to other location. Good, that would be all."

"I could have left him there." he said looking straight in devil's eyes, knowing perfectly well what he was risking. "but, I didn't."

The atmosphere in room changed drastically. Even, the bodyguard stopped in the half way.

"Mr. Rogers, as you can see Mr. Holmes doesn't understand the meaning of dependability" he spoke deadly serious. "I'm sure that a gentlemen like you, will gladly explain him the mistake. With a help of your two colleagues, perhaps."

Sherlock' throat felt suddenly very dry. The bodyguard caught him by his arms and started pushing him to the door. The detective struggled, but the tiredness and a long walk took their roll. Soon, he was in the corridor and an other bodyguard happily joined them. (Holmes promised himself that next time he would try to be a nicer for Moriarty's employees. Especially, to these muscular ones.)

"If he survives, let the doctor know that he has a second patient. " Moriarty added from his desk.

Holmes prayed that Rogers heard that comment.