Lestrade nearly choked on his drink. "What?"
Mycroft Holmes' face was that of stone. "Which part confuses you?"
The inspector stalled for a moment before composing himself. Greg wasn't sure which part to react to first: the fact that he was finally meeting Sherlock's brother or that Sherlock's brother owned his favourite pub, The Diogenes. Lestrade was used to not being able go anywhere without tabs being kept on him, but this was on a whole other level.
"I think you're the one that's confused, mate." Lestrade replied drunkenly. "I asked what you want." Or maybe he hadn't. Lestrade didn't care.
Mycroft's head titled ever so slightly upwards, before pulling out a file that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Unlike other files, though, this one looked worn by time and as thick as a dictionary. Greg scoffed at it before putting his hand up for more drinks. "From the looks of it, that case belongs in a museum." He stated.
"Many others have failed, yes." Mycroft retorted. "However, I've only recently been given this case and after some review it seems like you could be of benefit to me. Name your price."
Levi was ignoring his requests for a refill; a sign Lestrade knew all too well as that's enough for you. He reached for his coat and began preparing to leave. "I'm not one to be bought. I work for the people. Scotland Yard. Heard of it?"
"I can't put this through normal systems." Mycroft answered without blinking.
"Why the bloody hell not?" Lestrade was getting really annoyed. He took a long, investigative look at the man next to him. The inspector could see the resemblance between Mycroft and his brother easily. Mycroft seemed to be a bit on the heavier side, though, and with a sharper hairstyle. It was obvious just by glancing at him, and the way he held himself, that Mycroft was an all-business type. Clean suit, professional demeanor, and voice of ice. Despite being more of a fire type himself, Lestrade wasn't put off by this man with the umbrella. Greg actually thought he might be att-
Mycroft interrupted his observations. "That's classified. Besides, I can't risk it getting lost to someone less… qualified."
"I hear you on that one." Lestrade said with a sigh as he recalled the idiot patrolmen from before.
"If it makes you feel better," Mycroft continued, "I have a letter from the queen herself asking for your assistance. This is not an unlawful operation." He opened the file and attempted to hand Lestrade a sealed envelope. Immediately recognizing the seal and paper, Greg put a hand up to the note. No need, I believe you.
"Right." Lestrade made up his mind. "Let's meet in better circumstances. Coffee tomorrow? Seven. We can discuss the case then." He stood and pushed himself away from the bar, stumbling slightly.
"Agreed. Although, you should know, I will be joining you on this case. Every step of the way." Mycroft carried a hint of warning in his tone. Why the lack of trust?
Lestrade rolled his eyes. "Whatever you like," the inspector said before taking his leave.
This was going to be interesting.