Summery: The Game is afoot and Holmes along with his faithful confederates are out to apprehend the mastermind behind a series of thefts. However the investigation soon takes on a sinister turn from which no one will escape unscathed. Is Holmes' informant and friend hiding something? Or is she just as frightened as the rest of them?
Disclaimer: All Publicly Recognizable Characters, Settings, Ideas, etc. are the Property of DiC Entertainment and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Original Characters and Plot are the Property of the Author. The Author is in no way Associated with the Owners, Creators, or Producers of DiC Entertainment. No Copyright Infringement is intended.
Chapter 20 Home Invasion
Mace awoke sometime later in a new cell. It was fairly large and had an actual bed, there was a toilet with a curtain that could be drawn for privacy a sink with a medicine cabinet and mirror, and right next to her bed a trolley with food and a pitcher of water. Mace sat up and grabbed the pitcher and within a minute she had drunk it's entire contents. She then looked at the tray and saw grapes peaches and other fruits; forgetting all semblance of manners she grabbed a peach and shoved it into her mouth spitting out it's seed as juice trickled down her cheek.
It didn't take long for her to finish the meal and, base needs met, she took stock of herself; her wrist were in bandages 'Figures, skin is not one of the easiest things to repair that's why skin graphs were invented' she held out her arms and clenched her fists then slowly rotated them. She spent the next quarter of an hour taking stock of herself carefully testing each limb to see if there was any damage. She was pleased to see she seemed to be alright. She ran her fingers through her hair and noted it had been washed, also it smelled very nice.
'Note to self find out what shampoo Cross used on me.'
She then took stock of her attire and was pleased to note she had normal clothes made of a nice, easy to move-in fabric, dark brown pants, black runners and socks, and a blue sleeveless top that matched her eyes. She walked over to the cabinet and looked inside.
'Toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, cough drops' Mace grabbed a couple 'hair brush, all right! Hair ties!'
Once Mace finished braiding her hair she turned to the camera "Hey can I have more water and food?"
She then went to her bed and collapsed moving only to sit up a few minutes later when the door opened to reveal Cross with a pitcher of water in hand as well as a tray with two tea cups and cookies.
Mace ran up and yanked the pitcher from Cross drinking as she walked to a small table in the middle of the room with two chairs, she sat down but did not stop drinking, when the pitcher was empty she placed it on the table and looked coolly at Cross who sat opposite to her.
"Thirsty?"
"That's what happens when you toss someone in a hot room and deprive them of water." She said as she reached for a cup of tea.
"That one is mine, it's Earl Grey I know you hate that flavor, yours is lemon with a bit of honey."
Mace nodded and took her cup. "If you have something to tell me, tell me. If not leave, I'd rather not be subjected to your company any more then necessary."
"Watch your tone with me Mace, I won't hesitate to put you through worse."
"What do you want from me Cross?"
"Control of your network of course."
"And after?"
"I am making arrangements for a…new home for you, you'll be sent there after I've no use for you."
"You're just going to lock me away?"
"And throw away the key, I'm sure your children will miss you."
"You won't let me see them again."
"Not if I can avoid it, you think I won't want to make you suffer even after? You'll be comfortable, have everything you need but you will not be allowed human contact."
"…Can I have a puppy?"
Cross nearly spat out his tea, fortunately he managed to swallow before laughing. "Ha ha ha, you will never change."
"My, aren't we observant?" chuckled Mace.
"Still you may want to bear in mind that while I cannot harm your children I can and will kill Watson should I suspect you are trying something."
"You can't hurt Watson."
"And why? Prey tell"
"He's cute and cuddly"
"Cute and cuddly? He's a level seven law enforcement compudroid. What kind of argument is that?"
"It's my kind of argument."
Cross blinked a few times and sighed, "Should I be forced to kill Watson I can use Lestrade as leverage against you, though I was hoping to use her against Holmes. I suppose you two can share."
"You don't plan to kill her."
"No. Kerai is dying to have a session with her and would have by now if I had not told her no."
"So you've actually been protecting Beth?"
"So long as it suits me."
"Aren't you altruistic; what about the nanites?"
"Another method of controlling you, they can literally tear you apart from the inside, and of course can be used as a form of mind control, not that I would use them on you in such a capacity."
"That doesn't…No wait it does sound like you, you would use them to control my body make me do things against my will, but you would make sure I was conscious of it, you would control my body and have fun watching me try to fight it, which I could only do effectively if my mind was not being controlled…You have got to be the worlds biggest arse, honestly I don't think Moriarty was this bad."
"Perhaps…At any rate you will be staying here one night to recuperate, after that you will be given a far less comfortable room, I can't let you recover too much after all.
"No, I might become a threat."
"Remember Mace, there is no limit to the human imagination when it comes to making others suffer, and you will suffer."
"Cross you know what running my network entails, you really got someone who can take it?" Mace was in fact beaten at regular intervals. The criminals she dealt with often became annoyed with her but they could do little. They knew if she died certain things will fall into certain hands, and not just the police but other criminals who tended to be far more vicious; basically Mace blackmailed them into putting up with her but she knew she couldn't push them too far. She did favors for them when she could, it helped if they were in her dept, otherwise they sent messengers to deal with her. She was in a dangerous profession, one could not be known to find dirt on criminals then talk to the police and expect to live a long life.
"These games won't work Cross. I may get beat up often but the fact is I'm one of the most influential, and powerful people in the underworld, I did not get to be that by being an emotionally weak female."
"Really? Shall I make you view Kerai's session with Murdock again? Or perhaps a session with Miss Lestrade"
"That's Inspector Lestrade to you." she hissed before bowing her head and looking thoughtfully at her cup. "You do seem to know what buttons to push."
"We've known each other a long time, it really is a shame you decided to be my enemy." Cross looked mournfully at his tea cup. "Such is life I suppose."
The two sat sipping tea for a few minutes before Cross continued "How do you feel about an evening of being out of a cell and having all the food you can eat?"
"What's the catch?"
"You have to be my date for a party I'm attending. I do have to let you out after all, and this way I can keep tabs on you."
"What exactly do you want me to do?"
"Listen to the others, find out what you can from them, particularly the host of the party, Adrian West."
"I know him, sure, but I want something in return." Cross raised an eyebrow. "On the off chance you kidnap Holmes again I want you to provide him with a violin, not his Stradivarius, I doubt he'd like you touching it, but a good one that he can play while he is here."
"As you wish."
"So when is the party?"
"We leave in three hours, Arlington will bring you your dress in two,"
"It will cover my scars I hope."
"Of course."
"Oh and you can bring it in two and a half hours I don't take long to get ready, West shouldn't know about me."
"I doubt there are many there who would, at least as Mace Malone. It mostly consists of old money, West is trying to gain entrance into high society."
"And high society likes you"
"Can you blame them?" he smirked as he turned and left, Mace rolled her eyes and went to sleep.
oo0oo
"We are all familiar with the plan?" asked Holmes as he rose from his seat, it was finally time to act. Watson and Lestrade could both tell the man was about to go stark raving mad from inaction.
Watson, Lestrade and the irregulars nodded and Holmes went to his room to change. When he returned he no longer looked like Holmes, he appeared to be a gruff bushy eyebrows man with a thick black beard.
"You needn't worry about us Holmes." assured Watson, seeing the expression on his friends face. It was drawn and his eyes were haunted, the droid knew he was imagining the horrors his red-headed friend was being subjected to.
"Yeah Mr. Holmes you need to watch yourself." said Wiggins.
"No need to worry" the detective reassured his friends, "all will be well." With that he left through the secret exit, leaving his newfound family alone.
oo0oo
"Malone, wake up."
"Hmm... oh hello Cecil, that my dress?" asked Mace looking at a box Arlington was carrying under her arm.
"It is." she replied placing it on the table. "Try not to embarrass Cross tonight."
"Have I ever embarrassed him on our dates?"
"Your make-up is in the box, I trust you know how to apply it."
oo0oo
Holmes deposited his disguise by an old oak tree and soon found the set of black clothes Wiggins had left for him earlier that day. (The park was public property, Cross had donated it to the city) he looked around making sure there was no one, then changed. Once he was done he consulted with his compass and began to make his way to Cross' estate.
It was dark out but Holmes had decided he would work without the aid of a torch; he could not afford to be caught, not yet, not while their was a chance of gaining useful information. His compass glowed in the dark and Holmes had spent so many hours memorizing the route he was certain he could run it blindfold. He kept on the alert for any movement, though he was fairly certain he didn't have to worry about being spotted. Still, it was his understanding that many of the servants who worked at the estate entered the park on their breaks.
"hahaha" Holmes froze, that had been a woman's laugh. "Oh no you don't, not on the second date."
Holmes rolled his eyes 'a young couple.'
"Oh c'mon no one's around" said another female.
Holmes shook his head and continued on his way a bit slower not wanting to alert the two females
oo0oo
"Your beautiful." said Cross as he entered.
Mace turned, thanks to the make up her face no longer looked haggard and drawn, her dress did a wonderful job of covering her scars. It was dark navy blue, high collar and sleeveless and of course long white gloves to cover her arms and wrist, which would be badly scarred by the end of this venture. Her hair was done up in a bun and she was looking rather cheerful, all things considered.
"Here." said Cross walking up to her, a small jewel box in hand. He opened it to reveal a pair of diamond hearings. They were ornately cut to resemble drops of water.
"Nice touch Xavier." said Mace as she took the offering and was about to put them on when Cross held up his hand and, taking the box, put them on himself. He cupped her chin and looked her in the eyes.
"Shall we go?"
"Lets"
oo0oo
"Rrrrruff bark bark!" growled the dogs seconds after Holmes jumped the fence. He reached into his haversack and pulled out some meat that had been dosed with sedatives. The sedatives were absorbed through the skin (He was wearing gloves) so even if the dogs only sniffed the meat they would be out cold. Quickly he threw it over his shoulder and towards he dogs. By this time he was nearly halfway across the grounds and would soon have to worry about being seen.
The dogs soon stopped barking. Holmes smiled 'Thank you Lestrade' he thought as he began a more leisurely stroll towards the manor. There was not much cover but it was dark out and he had a black ski mask to match the rest of his outfit, so his light hair would not be visible. He stuck to the shadows and carefully made his way to the side of the building, grateful he and the others had been able to find a route that would get him to the building without being seen.
'Now the difficult part.'
The manor had cameras everywhere; there was a window that would suite his purpose if he could get past them.
oo0oo
"I want you to sneak into his office and see what you can find," said Cross as the pair traveled to West's estate.
"Yeah I kinda figured that, want me to protect you from the nasty gold diggers that always come at you during these events?"
"If you would be so kind."
Mace smiled and turned to the window, which of course was tinted.
It was not long before the pair arrived, Cross stepped out and held the door open for Mace, who took his hand as she stepped out.
"Cross good to see you, is this beautiful young woman your date?"
"You must be Mr. West, I'm Cassandra."
"I hope you will join me for a dance later this evening."
"You have other guest to tend to West." said Cross "Come along Cass." with that he began to lead her into the house. "Shall we mingle?"
"You mingle, I'll stand by the sidelines and observe…for now, don't worry Cross I haven't let you down before." smiled Mace as she left her companion's side. This was not the first time she had agreed to be Cross' escort for such events, Cassandra Weir was the name she always used.
'Should probably wait until West has had a few drinks, before I head to his office, actually I should probably help him along, but first thing is first, where is the dessert?...There's some.'
Mace walked over to a waiter carrying chocolate covered strawberries "excuse me might I have a couple?"
"Of course miss."
Cross meanwhile, was making small talk while keeping an eye on Mace from a distance.
"Worried your date will run off Cross?" asked Jeff Colton; a well-meaning man, he was a bit of a dullard from a noble family.
"I don't worry."
"She seems to be getting along well with West."
'She's moving fast tonight, already trying to get him drunk…doesn't seem to be using the drug I provided her with though.' "Well you know Cass she gets along well with most."
"Oh Xavier…"
It took every ounce of Cross' will power to not roll his eyes or run in the opposite direction. It was Alison Calder a gold digger who had been trying to get her claws into Cross for years. Though from a wealthy family they were nowhere near as rich as they once were, she was leading a pack and they were slowly surrounding Cross. Desperately he looked around for Mace, unfortunately she was nowhere in sight.
oo0oo
Now I must time this perfectly' thought Holmes as he removed what appeared to be a metal blowpipe from his haversack. When he saw the camera was turning in his direction he quickly hid behind a tree.
'seven, six, five…' he mentally counted the seconds it would take for the camera to turn away from him. 'two, one'
Holmes stepped out from behind the tree and placed his mouth on one end of his blowpipe and out shot a small spherical device that landed on the side of the camera. He returned to his position behind the tree and took out his palmer and whispered "Miss Moss the device is in position." He heard no reply but did not expect one.
oo0oo
"Guys I got the go ahead from Sherlock" announced Charlie from the couch as she took out a remote control device that looked like it belonged to a game console, which all things considered it probably did, originally.
"Okay I'm activating the drill." She said pressing a big red button.
"Any reason you can't use a computer?" asked Lestrade.
"Video games rule"
The inspector rolled her eyes.
"Alright green lights blinking now all I have to do is realize the nanites into the computer and they'll make it loop, then we can give Sherlock the go ahead."
oo0oo
"Holmes it's Lestrade, Charlie says you can move in now."
"Thank you Lestrade, Miss Moss." replied Holmes before pocketing his palmer. Quickly he made his way to the window, having one camera looped gave him a window of opportunity to sneak in but there were still others and unfortunately they had nearby trees in which he could hide behind.
Quickly Holmes set a small explosive at the window and activated it while running back to his tree.
The explosion resembled a small firecracker with very little smoke that disappeared before the window came into view of another camera.
'Lestrade is surprisingly good with explosives' he thought to himself with a smile as he waited behind his tree. A few moments later the remaining cameras were looking away and Holmes ran to the window, in one fluid movement he threw it open and jumped inside, as soon as his feet made contact with the floor he closed the window.
'Now all I have to do is sort through laundry' thought Holmes as he began to look around for a butler's uniform; the estate had numerous workers, the detective was certain he could blend in by stealing a uniform, and fortunately for him this was the laundry room.
oo0oo
'Where is that office?…a balcony!' thought Mace as her eyes fell upon a glass door that opened to a balcony that overlooked a having been outside in fresh air for days the balcony was more then a little tempting. She practically ran to it. She leaned against the railing and closed her eyes enjoying the gentle breeze that brushed against her bare skin.
"It's good to see you again Cassandra."
Mace turned and smiled "David, hi." David Tobin was a kind, generous trust fund baby well known for his interest in children's charities, creating clubs and safe homes for runaways and other youth--unlike Cross, he was genuine. He walked up the railing and stood beside her gazing at the garden with a critical eye, Mace knew something was bothering him, she knew what it was…more or less, but she couldn't quite remember at the moment.
"Still associating with Cross?" he said darkly
"Yes,"
"Thought you said you hated the man."
"That will not prevent me from passing up the opportunity to have him in my dept."
"Always plotting something huh?"
"Always, what's wrong? Your tone indicates you're annoyed with me."
"I don't like being lied to."
"Oh that's right I nearly forgot. You had Hawkins, a flat-foot, run a background check on me, he is very good…I have alarms that go off whenever someone accesses certain files, I'm flattered to warrant such attention."
"I doubt Ma—"
Mace had just delivered a quick kick to his shin. "Watch yourself." she told him.
"What are you doing here?"
Mace leaned towards him and whispered in his ear. "West is an arms dealer I want to find what he's up to, how about a little help?"
"So you can tell Cross?"
"When I told you he was my enemy I meant it, but we do have common interests. I could use a look out."
"Alright."
"Perfect," with that Mace turned and walked back into the hallway, Tobin joined her "So…" she continued "know where it is?"
oo0oo
Holmes finished buttoning his shirt and put on the black jacket that went with the uniform before making his way to the stairs. He then used an elastomask to give him the face of Elis Garf, a man who Holmes knew would not be in this evening. Deidre had spiked his coffee at the café this smiled remembering the positive glee with which the female irregular had undertaken the task, she had been thrilled to be given something useful to do. She had also picked his pocket to relieve him of his cell phone and Tennyson had rerouted his call to work to Wiggins who disguised as the steward had taken the message. So even though he had called in sick no one was aware of the fact.
When he reached the top of the stairs he pressed his ear to the door to make sure no one was around then quietly opened it, smiling and he made his way down the hall. When he reached a corner he took out a small hand mirror from his pocket and used it to look around it, he saw a maid heading towards him and carefully took a few steps back as he pressed himself against the wall and waited for her to pass.
"Mister Coobler? Mister Coobler?" she yelled as she passed, without so much as a glance at the detective.
He stood still for a time listening for any sound and feeling the floor for any vibrations. When he was sure it was safe to leave he made his way to the elevator down the hall, fortunately he encountered no one.
He stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor where he knew Cross' office to be, all the while praying he wouldn't meet anyone. Once he reached the top the steward Mr. Coobler, walked by as the elevator doors opened, and unfortunately he noticed Holmes.
"Elis what business do you have here? Why haven't you reported in?"
"I just arrived sir, and Arlington is here, she was sent to pick up a few papers I am retrieving them for her."
"She usually gets them herself."
"I think she's looking for an excuse to fire me by saying I took too long, I called her uptight." replied Holmes with a goofy grin as he placed his hand on the back of his head.
"You know she doesn't like you, why did you go and say something like that?"
"I…didn't think she could hear me."
"Even so she knows Cross doesn't like anyone except me cleaning his office, not to mention actually going through his affects."
"Well she also broke one of her heals, probably kicking some poor slob who thought she was attractive, and she didn't want to spend time looking for you. She said it's a yellow envelope on Mister Cross' desk. Should be in and out."
"I don't recall seeing one, I'll go get it."
"But I was told to, sides I passed Sherry on the way here she wanted to speak to you."
"Hmmm…well hurry up."
"Right" replied Holmes as he dashed off towards the office.
oo0oo
'This computer has too much security and I don't mean passwords. Thing's bugged, probably by MI-5 or even the C.I.D, same with the phones, oh well, such is shady dealings, looks like he's doing more and more legal stuff…trying to become legit,' Mace had spent the last half hour combing through West's office. After seeing that she had limited choice of communication she decide to settle for scribbling a note for David to give to Vidur. She had written two, one was the actual note the other consisted of instructions for getting the note to Vidur undetected. The note didn't say much, just informed everyone that she had nanites and escape was impossible until they were dealt with. 'Hmm' she thought as she continued to look through the files on the computer 'he's had a lot of dealings with this one character, not legal but not illegal either…if I could just find out who…oh my god.'
"Mr West, I was hoping to run into you. I was wondering about this painting." said Tobin from the other side of the door
"Great West is just out side, where to hide? Hey I rhymed, focus, more important things to think about.' She turned off the computer, and quickly tidied up the desk, before climbing into a wardrobe to her right.
"Mr. Tobin I'm afraid I have to make a phone call. If you'll excuse me."
"But—"
"In a moment."
Mace heard the door open and West walked to his desk to pick up the phone, "It's me…I told you, you'll get them as soon as I do… we're still on schedule…yes dock 16…yes I know the phone is bugged, I have a device that interferes with it, the yard's device won't register this call, I'll see you later then? …Just have my payment ready." With that he hung up. Mace heard him walk towards the window, he stood there a few moments, Mace whished he would move, the wardrobe was not the most comfortable place in the world.
oo0oo
Holmes entered the office, it was rather large with the back wall consisting of a large window, overlooking the yard. There was also a telescope; Holmes took a look through it and saw that it was aimed at a swing set in the park.
'Curious,'
He then turned to the desk and sat down in the large wheeled leather chair and quickly turned on the computer; the first order of business was to set up the spyware Tennyson and Vidur had designed.
Once that was done he began to observe the desk. It seemed to be made of mahogany wood. There was a letter opener as well as a few letters--he would have to have a look at those later--a few pens and a notepad. He reached for it but just as he did he noticed something else, a photo of Mace.
The detective grabbed the picture. Mace appeared to be about twenty, and what was more surprising was the fact that she actually looked twenty. Mace was about twenty-five years of age but she never appeared so, at least not in her face. Either her face made one think of a child or someone in their forties. In all the other photos he had seen of her from five years ago this was true, but not in this one. She appeared to be a normal mature woman of twenty; there was no goofy smile or foolish grin, just a quiet smile that reached her eyes.
There was another man in the picture, he had his arm around her, brown hair in a butch style hair cut that looked as if he had done it himself, and though he was facing the camera his eyes were directed at her.
In the background Holmes could see a Ferris wheel, as well as a stand lined with stuffed toys.
'They must be at a carnival of some sort.' He thought as he removed the picture from its frame, he was disappointed not to see any writing on the back. Sighing he put it and it's frame off to the side and turned his attention to the letters.
Unfortunately the letters were not in English, and Holmes could not read the writing, nor could he even recognize it, though it appeared to resemble a dialect he had seen in an African medical journal Watson had been reading; the compudroid had a translator program in his head that came in useful on occasion.
'No matter, I shall use my own means. I must remember to thank Lestrade for her suggestion of a portable camera."
oo0oo
'Now to have a look at the filling cabinets' thought Holmes as he made his way to the array of metal drawers that lined the wall to his left. He withdrew his lock picks from his pocket and soon had them open. He noticed a few of the folders had names on them, one in particular caught his eye: Cungham, Patrick. He grabbed a few files including the one on Patrick, then realized Cross would have a file on Mace. The drawer he was in however only went up to D's. He closed the drawer and opened one a couple more beneath it. There he found the M' but Mace's name was not among them, he did not have time to look up the names of her various aliases.
Solemnly he closed the drawer and took Patrick's and the other's files to the desk and sat down to read.
oo0oo
Finally Mace heard the door open and close as West left, she waited a few more minutes before stepping out. She walked to the door and pressed her ear against it, hearing nothing she slowly opened it and stepped out. She walked down the hall to the stairwell that overlooked the party and began to scan for Cross.
"Get what you need?"
"Yes, it was most profitable, thanks for the backup…hehehehe"
"It's never a good sign when you cackle manically to yourself."
"Look at Xavier."
David did. Flirtatious young women were besieging the billionaire.
"You know" continued Mace "I told him I'd rescue him from such a situation… but I'm having so much fun watching him try to control his temper."
"Why not enjoy the show?"
"I keep my word, but I never said I wouldn't take my time…still I need him in a good mood, if you'll excuse me." she gave David a peck on the cheek before heading down the stairs towards Cross, a smile on her face.
"Excuse me ladies." said Mace as she approached. Without waiting for a response she walked passed the ones in her way, shoving a couple aside. She grabbed Cross' tie and pulled him towards her, forcing his lips against hers, declaring very clearly to the other women that Cross was hers. A little surprised at first, Cross leaned in and wrapped is arms around the redhead, after they pulled apart Mace, hand still on Cross' tie lead him away.
"You know I don't think those girls like me." she told him.
"Wonder why," he turned his attention to the dance floor. "Shall we?" he inquired as he offered her his hand,
"Let's"
oo0oo
"Greetings Mister Holmes I would have been here to welcome you sooner but I didn't think you would be here. Eager to see Doctor Kendrick?"
Holmes looked up from the desk to see Arlington standing in the doorway.
"Ah, Miss Arlington, I must commend you, I did not think you had the wit to track me down, did you manage it entirely on your own? Be honest now. Oh, and by the way, would you mind updating me as to Mace's condition? It's been rather difficult to find any information to that effect."
"Four days, we've had her four days, you've known she's been missing for two days you waited that long to do something? I would think that if you spend two days planning something you'd be able to come up with something better then this." she replied with a wave of her hand.
"Heh" she chuckled quietly to herself "I bet if it was Lestrade or Watson you'd have acted sooner. I doubt Mace means that much to you, she can be very annoying." she continued as she walked towards Holmes. She casually took a seat on the desk, her back to the detective.
"But, come to think of it I doubt you've been sitting around twiddling your thumbs. The computer is on, I doubt you've managed to do a lot of hacking but perhaps if your…Tennyson talked you through it. No doubt you've sent a few emails, what have you found?" she asked turning her head towards him.
Holmes glared then turned back to the file he had been reading, it was far more interesting then the woman before him.
"Cindy Chen" said Arlington reading the header on the file.
"Yes most interesting reading, I had no idea Cross put so much research into those he kidnaps for experimentation."
"Addicts and junkies Mr. Holmes make poor subjects, we need clean disease free ones."
"Indeed, what use are damaged goods? It certainly explains why you are not a part of them" He practically hissed in reply.
"Hmm don't suppose you'll tell me what you sent to your friends."
"Really, would you be inclined to take me at my word in any event?"
"No, I'll send someone from the tech division over, they'll be able to tell me what you've been looking at, not that there is much to find on this computer. Mr. Cross is very careful."
Holmes heard footsteps behind him and turned to see that men had appeared on the balcony outside the window, several more were at the door, he grabbed the letter opener that was on the desk. He was going to be taken but not without a fight.
"Oh please Sherlock you don't stand a chance."
Without another word Holmes spun his chair around and lashed out at the man creeping up behind him cutting him across the chest.
"Aaah!" cried the man as he fell back.
Holmes then tried to strike at a man to his right, but the man grabbed the detective's wrist midair. The detective left hooked him and he fell to the floor. Quickly the Victorian turned around to see another man throw a punch towards his face, he caught the offending arm and used a Baritsu move to throw the offender to the floor.
Before he could do anything else however, a pair off hands grabbed his right arm and wrist. Holmes turned to face him but another pair grabbed his left arm and gave it a twist.
"Err" grunted Holmes as he tried to free himself only to have his right arm twisted behind his back.
Arlington hopped down from her perch on the desk, and took a few steps towards the door before turning around to once again face the detective.
"Bring him out from behind the desk." she ordered.
Holmes felt himself forced to walk around the desk. He struggled, looking for a chance to escape his captors grip but they only twisted his arms and gave him another shove. They stopped once they had brought him to the front of the desk facing Arlington as she stood a few feet away.
Smiling coyly the woman walked up to the detective and cupped his cheek.
"You know for a ninety something relic from the Victorian era, you're kinda cute." she placed her thumb on the coronoid process of the detective's right jaw and her remaining four fingers on his left, she then applied pressure forcing his mouth open. Without another word she brought her lips to his. Holmes tried to pull away but not only did she still have his jaw firmly clasped in her hand and two men twisting his arms but she had wrapped her free arm around his neck.
After what seemed an eternity she pulled away, but still kept her hands on his jaw now keeping it closed. After a few moments she released Holmes and took a few steps back. The detective spat onto the floor at Arlington's feet, but it was too late he had already swallowed; Arlington had made sure of that. "What exactly did you force down my throat?"
"Oh just one of these." replied Arlington as she withdrew a small, thin silver rectangular box. She smiled as she opened it and took a small blue pill from its contents.
"The hard coating takes a little time to dissolve but once it does, it releases a drug that first paralyzes then forces it's victim to sleep. The paralytic actually attacks the lungs first making it difficult to breath. You know detective you're the first man in a long while with which I've actually had any difficulty in getting to shallow. Heh nice try, but I have a great deal of experience"
"No doubt gained from your former years as a prostitute." Arlington's eyes widened briefly milliseconds before she struck the detective with an open hand slap to the left side of his face.
Holmes reeled and his legs buckled, but the men holding him kept him erect. After a few moments pause Holmes regained his footing and stared back at Arlington.
"Careful Miss Arlington." said Holmes pronouncing her name as if it were a swearword, "You would not want to 'taint' the results"
"Mace told you…"
"…Her file…was…most …informative on…several points" replied Holmes as he slowly sank.
"Hmm… having a bit of trouble breathing?" she asked, smiling as a cat who had just caught a mouse, she leaned forward and traced her forefinger lightly around the detective's cheek.
"You detective are a perfect specimen, most men would be on the floor by now. Heh I can't wait to see the look on Mace's face when she sees you, I think I'll bring her by the lab sometime. I wonder, will it hurt you more to be seen in such a state or will it hurt her more to see you, should be fun finding out. I think I'll take a picture and email it to your friends."
Holmes glared up at the woman his throat and lungs felt constricted as if some unknown hand was squeezing them. His legs were becoming weak and despite his efforts he was still sinking to the floor, only the two men holding him kept him on his feet.
"That would be the paralytic, don't worry it won't kill you. Soon you'll be asleep, then Dr. Kendrick can get back to work, he really doesn't appreciate you running off in the middle of his research.
"How about another kiss for good luck?" she asked leaning forward once more and cupping his cheek
Using the last of his quickly draining strength the detective spat in the woman's face.
Without batting an eye Arlington slapped him hard across the cheek.
Holmes reeled, the world was starting to go dark, images were blurring and his eyes were becoming heavy.
"Still awake?" Arlington bent forward and brought her forefinger under the detective's chin forcing him to look up at her.
"I know it hurts detective, give into the drug, it's going to win anyway, just go to sleep, and the pain will stop, then the real fun can begin. Just close your eyes."
Holmes just glared at the woman trying desperately to fight the drug inside him, but he could feel it winning, intruding on his brain, making it difficult to think, and his lungs now felt as if they were melting.
"You know detective" she continued "I was told to find you tonight and bring you back, I suppose I should thank you."
She grabbed his chin and gave it a jerk trying to get him to focus on her, he would only be conscious a few more seconds.
"You've made this so easy."
oo0oo
"What was in the note you gave to David?" Asked Cross once the two were sitting comfortably in the hover limo on their way back from the party "And don't lie Mace."
Mace gave Cross a calculating look trying to decide how much he knew; he was very good a determining when she was lying. "A message written in Sanskrit for Vidur, it consisted of three words, 'nanites, can't leave.' I had to get word out about the nanites as I could not risk a failed escape attempt. Milton told us he had heard the words Lestrade, Kerai, and Session, mentioned in the same sentence last time. I gave him another note that consisted of instruction of how to get the first one to Vidur, without detection."
"Yes I have that one, I noticed David looking at it and picked his pocket, I was only able to get this one though. I suppose I can't blame you, all the same I can't have you thinking you can send messages to your children or allies unscreened, you'll have to be punished." Cross smiled and turned on the car's vidphone, "Arlington has Mr. Holmes arrived?"
"He has."
"Good tell Dr. Kendrick that he'll be running those tests."
"Very well Sir."
"What test? What are you planning?"
"Dr. Kendrick and I feel that Holmes' body's ability to heal itself should be tested, for example does it take longer for a cut to heal on him then a normal person? Same with broken bones and such, guess who will, be doing the cutting and bone breaking?"
"I would never in—" she stopped mid sentence realizing she couldn't move her jaw.
Cross smiled "I never did tell you how the nanites were controlled did I? There is a little chip in my brain, I use it to control a few machines, including your nanites, far less chance of someone breaking my control over you by destroying the remote."
Mace wanted to attack the criminal but couldn't move, no matter how hard she tried and she did try, she couldn't move.
'Oh gods no.'
Next update on wed as usual Happy b-day to me