I see Doctor Watson here needs a bit more explanation. I suppose I should enlighten him. Unless you care to do the honors, Sherlock."

"No, continue, you're doing splendidly," Sherlock retorted.

"While Jim Moriarty was an exceptional man..."

John scoffed.

"...he was fixated on out-maneuvering the great Sherlock Holmes. London was one giant chess board, and each crime was Moriarty's attempt at a checkmate. But in all his scheming he missed an incredible opportunity. Why destroy such a great mind when you could recruit it? I see you look skeptical, Dr. Watson."

"You have met Sherlock Holmes – you've seen what he's like. Why in the world do you think that he'd work with you?"

"For me. He'd work for me, Dr. Watson," Moran corrected. He smiled at John as if he were a child struggling to understand a simple lesson.

Moran turned to Sherlock as he continued his speech. "He is a bit slow for a doctor, is he not? You know him best, why don't you try to explain the—what would you call it?—proposal before you."

Sherlock sighed in exasperation, but began speaking. "Moriarty found no value in us being alive, except for his amusement. We were a game to him. Mr. Moran, however, sees more potential in...us."

John could tell that Sherlock was leaving something out. "I follow that, but I still don't understand why you would work for them, Sherlock."

"Obviously I would not want to work for them John," Sherlock snapped. "They would need to hold something against me, to coerce me."

"You mean like blackmail?" John asked, catching on.

"Like leverage."

"Like a hostage," Moran cut in. "Say, for instance, you!"

"I thought you said you would let me go?"

"Yes, we will, of course, but we'll keep our eyes on you. We have lots of eyes. As long as Sherlock plays nicely, you can go about your business like nothing has changed – work at the clinic, grab a pint, maybe even go on a date."

John looked at Sherlock, finally understanding. Using me as leverage.

"And if I decide to decline your generous offer?" Sherlock asked.

"It would be a shame if Dr. Watson had to start using that cane again, or if something happened to his hands. I know how much he loves to blog about his adventures with Sherlock Holmes."

"No, absolutely not," John responded. "This won't work."

"Well, don't jump to any hasty conclusions, this is really a group decision. I'll give you a moment to talk things over." Moran exited the car, leaned on the front hood, and pulled out his mobile.

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