Author's note: Thanks again to all those who continually read and review! Reviews are the fuel to the writing engine!


Chapter 9

It was easy to slip from the bed without waking her. They had been up late last night; he'd planned it that way so he could be gone before she awakened. Sherlock silently pulled on a black t-shirt, jeans and shoes in the early morning light, then he paused to look at her. Her skin was washed in the pinkish radiance of the new sun, a glow that seemed to make her even more lovely, if that was possible. He didn't know if leaving her here was the right thing to do; but it seemed better than the alternative of taking her into danger with him. She would just have to understand.

Once downstairs, he sat down in front of the computer and looked over the information for the museum-floor plans, exits and the like. Then he composed a note for Joan.

Moriarty's here.

I'm sorry. I could never put you in danger.

I'm sending Gregson to protect you. STAY HERE!

I will always love you more than I can say.

SH

With that, he grabbed his coat. He briefly toyed with taking his pistol with him, but decided against it. There would probably be metal detectors at the museum anyway. He went upstairs and left the note on the bedside table. He couldn't bear to look at her again, knowing he might change his mind if he saw her sleeping face.

As he walked to the subway, he texted Gregson:

From: SH

8:49 AM

Going to meet Moriarty.

Go to the flat and watch over Joan.

She doesn't know yet.

From: Gregson

8:55 AM

No. Let me send someone. Don't do this alone.

From: SH

8:56 AM

You can't stop me. Already on my way.

GO NOW. Do NOT let anything happen to Joan.

From: Gregson:

8:57 AM

Where? Where is this meeting?!

From: Gregson

8:59 AM

Holmes, where are you going?

From Gregson:

8:59 AM

Holmes?


AN: Sorry to leave you with a cliffhanger, but this is as far as I can post while I finish the rest of the story. All the rest of the chapters should be finished and posted by next week sometime (unless the muse deserts me).