Holmes contiously placed the floor, as Doctor Watson sat in a chair and flipped through the pages of a book.
"She isn't coming, Holmes. She's been injured, and won't be able to stand for a week until the cuts have healed completely. Besides, I gave her orders to stay in bed until she's recovered." said Doctor Watson.
"She's never obeyed you, Watson..." said Holmes.
"And I don't intend to start." A voice said.
Holmes and Doctor Watson turned towards the door and saw Marion, dressed in her morning clothes and using a cane to help her walk.
"Marion, you've gone mad." said Doctor Watson.
Doctor Watson stood and helped Marion over to an open chair. He then turned to Holmes and pointed to Marion.
"Are you satisfied? Your plans have forced one of my patients to travel here, possibly causing further injury!"
"Doctor Watson, there is no need to blame Mr. Holmes. I came here by choice. I'm ready to help you capture Lord Blackwood."
"Well, now that you've arrived, we can discuss our plan." said Holmes.
"Of course. Now, how do we plan to trap him?"
"Well, he often visits the docks, so we'll have you wait for him; knowing that he is drawn to you, he's bound to come. Once he's arrived, you will give me and Watson a signal, with this."
Holmes handed Marion a small mirror; she observed it carefully and then placed it carefully on her lap.
"It must be out of his view, so it's best if you keep it behind your back. Once he makes an advancement towards you, than we want you to point the mirror towards the lantern that will be hanging above you. The light that reflects off of the lantern, should alert me and Watson, as we'll be in hiding nearby. Once the signal reaches us, I want you to run, and allow Watson and I to take over. Inspector Lestrade will be waiting to escort you back to the Watson's home."
"It sounds dangerous." said Marion, her voice quiet.
"Which is why that this plan should be delayed until you've recovered." said Doctor Watson.
"No, it cannot wait. We must find Lord Blackwood, and he must be hanged. He can't win again."
"Very well. Meet us at the docks, an hour before midnight. " said Holmes.
"I will."
That night, Marion stood on the docks and waited nervously for Lord Blackwood to arrive. She felt some comfort, knowing that Holmes and Doctor Watson were hiding behind a stack of barrels that was practically twenty yards away; but she still couldn't help feel slightly worried that her feelings for Lord Blackwood would effect the plan.
A loud chime echoed through the air; it seemed to be the bells of a nearby church. Of course, this meant that another hour had passed, and Lord Blackwood still hadn't arrived. Marion sighed and went to tell Doctor Watson and Holmes that he hadn't shown up.
"Are you waiting for someone?" asked a voice.
Marion turned around and saw Lord Blackwood; she let out a sigh and quickly hid the mirror behind her back.
"G-Good evening, Lord Blackwood." said Marion.
"What are you doing here?" asked Lord Blackwood.
"Well, I do love to take walks during the evening."
"You're very far from the Doctor's home."
"I never did say that I like my walks to be brief. Besides, I've always had a fondness for docks. They're awfully quiet, you know."
"Private?" said Lord Blackwood.
"Yes." said Marion.
Lord Blackwood walked towards Marion and then touched her cheek; giving it a brief caress with his thumb.
"You knew I would be here, Marion."
"Yes, I did. I wished to meet with you in private, because I have reached a rather important decision: I have decided to fulfill your request, and committ the crime of your choosing."
Lord Blackwood smirked and ran his fingers through Marion's long, raven hair.
"You're an intelligent woman, Ms. Poulton. I assure you that I'll make it worth your while."
"What precisely is the crime, sir?"
"I rather look at it as a release from life."
"Murder, you mean?"
"Not having doubts, are we?"
"Of course not, sir. I'll do whatever you may ask."
Lord Blackwood leaned closer to Marion and then kissed her on the lips; much to the shock of Holmes and Doctor Watson, who had witnessed the entire thing.
"An expression of my gratitude." whispered Lord Blackwood.
Marion, although taken aback by the kiss, remembered the plan. She knew that this was the time to signal her nearby allies. She carefully aimed the mirror towards the lantern, causing it to reflect and to alert Holmes and Doctor Watson. The two of them quickly came out of hiding and aimed their pistols at Lord Blackwood.
"Run, Ms. Poulton!" shouted Holmes.
Marion took off running, despite her injured feet. She left the docks and found Inspector Lestrade waiting with a coach to escort her to the Watson home. She quickly hopped in, and tried to catch her breath.
"Are you all right?" asked Lestrade.
"Yes, Inspector."
But Marion was not all right; infact, she was miserable. By kissing Lord Blackwood, she finally was able to realize exactly what she had feared. She was falling in love with Lord Blackwood, and she was beginning to like it.