Chapter 10: It's time for the truth
"When you are receiving this CD, I will already be dead. I really tried to stay alive as long as possible, but I guess my time was limited. This CD is very important for us both, so listen carefully Sherlock. The life of our John Watson is in danger! There's one person out there, who wants him dead. And no, I am not joking. You know who I really am Sherlock. You know, that I am saying the truth. Now I want you to do something for me, because I will no longer be able to protect this lovely man. He will be the only person Rosie has, when I'm gone.
The one person out there, we both are looking for, is a very important person in London. It won't be easy to catch this guy and I have to warn you: He is dangerous. While I was working as an Agent, his name was mentioned a few times. After I started my second life as Mary, I was working in different hospitals. This man is the reason why I became a nurse. I wanted to catch him, but every time I got closer, he stepped two steps forward. It felt like playing chess. Then, finally, I was working at the hospital he had built on his own. Yes, you guessed it right: It's Smith's Hospital. Congratulations. The man you are looking for is Culverton Smith. Believe me Sherlock: He is the devil, a brilliant murderer. Everything you need to know is in the file I have sent you with this letter. O Sherlock, he found out my real identity and he knows that I know what he is. He threatened me, promised to find John and kill him. Culverton thinks, I told my husband everything, so now he is after John, too. This CD will only be sent to you, when I'm gone. So please Sherlock: Save John Watson! You are the only person now who is able to protect him. I can't do it anymore. And please, Sherlock: Don't make the mistake and tell him. He would go crazy. Listen: There is the chance, that my beloved husband will blame you for my death. Just let him. And if he hurts you: Just let it happen. And if he ignores you – let it be. Maybe it is better, he stays long enough away, so you can come up with a plan. I know my John Watson. He can be a very impulsive person. Whatever he does to you, just forgive him. It's his way to cope with problems. There is only one person I know, who can save John. And that is you. Good luck."
The CD stopped and Lestrade was staring at the screen. "You wanted this all to happen, you bastard." The inspector just couldn't believe it. All of a sudden, his eyes discovered something strange: The CD told him, that there was another chapter to be played. He thought for a moment, then pressed the play button. Sherlock's face appeared. He seemed very disturbed.
"Lestrade, this is the moment I feared the most. To ask you for help means, that I failed. Failed badly. You are the one person left, who I can trust. We have been working together for a few years now and I enjoyed every second of it. Thank you. I never told anyone your little secret, so please do the same for me here. I am sure you watched the first chapter of the CD, so now you know, why I did what I did. I gave John and Mary my vow. I promised to protect them and I failed with Mary. Of course, you heard her. She repeats, that all of this is not my fault, but that's not true. Her death had nothing to do with Culverton. That was a different story. But it is what it is. Mary is dead and I am the one to blame here. I tried to reach John. I wanted him back to Bakerstreet with Rosie. This would have been the safest way to protect them. But he did shut me out, so my opportunities were limited. I was planning all of this nearly two months ago. I was sure, my plan was perfect, but as you now see: It wasn't. I don't know, if I'm still alive, when you are watching this or not. It doesn't matter. What now matters is John. He needs to be safe. And that's the part, where it's now your turn to end what I began. There is a copy of the file Mary sent me. It's all about Culverton Smith. Mary was indeed right: He is the most dangerous person I've ever heard of. I love my job as a consulting detective, but I fear serial killers. They are unpredictable. I don't have to tell you, because you are the one person who knows best. Just look at the file. You need to be prepared. If I am dead, you need to figure out how to catch Culverton. I'm sorry for not helping you here, but I was focused on my own plans to save John. If I am still alive, but unresponsive, do as I tell you now…"
And that was the moment, when Lestrade learned everything about Sherlock's plan.