Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed this story and for all the story alerts !! I am thrilled you are enjoying this story !!! Well as promised here is Chapter Three !! So with out further ado, let the story continue !!
Chapter Three
Holmes entered the darkened rooms. Anstruther had drawn the curtains and turned down the gas. Slowly and hesitantly he made his way to the chair next to the bed and sat down wearily into it. He took in the still form of Watson, the spasms had appeared to have stopped for now, Watson was warm and snug under the layers of blankets that had been put on him. But Watson was not comfortable in his sleep. His face was haggard and drawn with the pain of the broken ribs bothering him and the drugs still slowly working its way of his body. Holmes sighed and picked up Watson's hand. It was cold and clammy, but Holmes held it in his, he would not rest until his Boswell was well again. To his surprise, Holmes saw Watson open his eyes and stare at him. Holmes got up and turned up the gas a little, to allow Watson to see him.
"Holmes…" cried a weak and pain filled voice.
It was only one word, but for Holmes it meant everything and he rested his hand on Watson's forehead and smiled.
"It's alright Watson, I am here, you are safe now, back home". Replied Holmes softly.
Watson blinked and looked round his surroundings and coughed as his dry throat bothered him. Holmes poured out a glass of water and lifted Watson's head, supporting him as Watson drank thirstily. Once he had drunk, Watson slumped back on to his pillows, looking at his friend with a mixture of concern and amusement.
"I don't feel safe…criminal décor staring at me… " said Watson in a tired and ragged voice.
Holmes let out a soft laugh as his Boswell teased him and clasped Watson's hand and squeezed it tightly.
"You look tired Holmes…you must rest…." Watson's flow was cut off as a sudden spasm wracked his body and he clutched at his torso, biting back the pain.
Holmes reached out and supported Watson holding him down until the spasm passed.
"My dear Watson, it is you who needs rest, physician heal thy self!" Muttered Holmes unsteadily as concern of his friend mounted. He knew the spasm did not bode well and was a precursor to what was to come.
"What happened?" croaked Watson unsteadily.
Holmes brought his chair closer to Watson, dreading the news that had to be told. Holmes quietly related to Watson what had happened and how his investigations had led up to finding Watson. And then Holmes told him of the extent of his injuries.
"They beat you severely breaking your ribs, but that is not the real damage. My dear fellow, they injected you with cocaine...they did so over and over again. If I had not found you in time…-"Holmes choked back tears as he could not finish his explanation.
Watson's face drained of what little colour there was and stared at Holmes, before closing his eyes recalling the enforced confinement. Watson had fought off the first attempt to drug him, lashing out as best as one could with manacles chained to his wrists. But it had been a battle fought in vain as his captors beat him into submission and then forcefully injected the foul substance. And then there was the sudden rush of warmth that engulfed his body and Watson felt the room spin and himself sink down and down, unable to save himself from drowning into a whirlpool of oblivion. Again and again he had fought. He lost track of time, only remembering the pain and wanting to go back into the whirlpool once more.
Watson opened his eyes once more, tears running down his face and one word penetrated the silence that has engulfed the bedroom
"Nooooooooooooo" cried Watson choking back the mixture of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.
Watson did not need his extensive medical knowledge to be reminded of the consequences of even just a few days of prolonged abuse. Holmes gripped Watson's shoulders in reassurance as Watson assimilated what Holmes had told him.
"Watson, look at me, we will fight this together, you and I. I will not abandon you, my precious friend"
Holmes continued to grip Watson, as if channelling all of his strength into Watson. A soft groan was released from Watson as another spasm of pain stabbed like knives. Watson clutched at Holmes's arm. He knew the spasms were becoming more painful and stronger as time went on. Fighting the spasms he called out in desperation to Holmes.
"Holmes…please…I don't want to lose you…am frightened…" Watson was cut off as the increasing pain was too much to bear and he lost consciousness.
Gently Holmes lowered Watson back against his pillows and clutched Watson's hands in his. Watson's last lucid statement chilled Holmes to the bone. I will not lose you Watson; I will fight your demons with you. You will not be alone.
Oh no !! Poor Holmes. Hands up anyone who thinks he is in for some sleepness nights ! What will happen now? How will they cope as they both face the battle that lies ahead? TBC !!!!
