Sherlock was leaning against the wall outside the station next when John emerged, cane in his right hand. "Captain."

The man turned to look at Sherlock and showed recognition on his face. "Sherlock, isn't it?" Sherlock nodded slightly. "Are you following me?"

"I tend to get like that when someone pins me up against a wall."

The man paused. "Did you mean it to sound like that?"

"Sound like what?" Sherlock took out a packet of cigarettes and offered John one.

"Evidently not." He waved his hand. "I don't smoke." Obviously.

"Neither do I." Sherlock took one himself and held out the packet again. Leaning quite heavily on his cane but hasn't made any attempt to shift his weight or lean against the wall yet.

This time the man took a step towards Sherlock and then took the cigarette with a sigh. "I suppose it doesn't really matter either way." That confirmed it for Sherlock.

"Captain," He took the cigarette back from him. "I want to help you."

"What is the point in persuading me to have a cigarette if you're just going to take it back?"

"Captain, I have just moved into a flat in Baker Street and I can't manage the rent on my own." Sherlock lit his cigarette and looked the man square in the eyes as he blew smoke out. Still leaning to one side.

"So? You can't smoke right outside the door." The man pointed to a very obvious 'no-smoking' sign on the wall beside them.

Sherlock ignored that pointless piece of trivia. "Well I was thinking of a flat share?" Obviously.

"With me? But you don't even know me?" Exactly the response that Sherlock expected and he could have groaned with frustration.

"I told you in the hospital, perhaps you don't remember, I know everything there is to know about you, Captain, just by looking at you."

"Well, I don't even know you?" This was more like it.

"Give me half an hour in my flat to try and convince you."

"You really need to work on how you phrase things." The man let out a laugh and then looked to the side slightly confused. Is he actually confused by his own laughter?

"Half an hour and then I will leave you to your plans. What do you have to lose?" Sherlock reached out the cigarette he had withdrew from the man.

"Half an hour?" The man took it. "You think that you can change my mind about killing myself in half an hour?"

"No, I think I can persuade you to let me try to change your mind about killing yourself in half an hour." It wouldn't take that long.

The man paused, seemingly holding his breath as he looked at Sherlock. He took a slow blink and exhaled. "Fair enough. When?"

"I have to see an old friend just now but tonight?"

"Tonight." The man gave a curt nod, looked down as he took the lighter Sherlock offered him and lit his cigarette before handing it back. "What time?"

"Six? It's 221B." The man just nodded again while inhaling. "Captain, promise me that you'll turn up… Alive?"

"I will."

"Promise."

"I promise?" The man shook his head slightly as if he was wondering why he was even going along with this.

"I don't think you will. Promise me… On your honour." At this the man looked up, slightly irritated.

"I promised didn't I?"

He was indignant at the suggestion and that was exactly what Sherlock wanted. He pushed away from the wall and walked away.

The rest was up to the Captain.