Sherlock typed away in his keyboard, tracking every bit and piece that he might gather about the Nortons. A name or two would rise, powerful names-dangerous names.
But he doesn't care. Fingers shaking from the pain, the keys he pressed started to sting up to his chest. He finished, a name blinking on the search bar of his browser.
GODFREY NORTON.
Sherlock hesitated before punching the Enter key.
New York Opera Troupe. Juilliard Alumnus. A bar exam topnotcher who is popular in helping of poor families get justice. Rich and powerful.
Never has he felt hatred towards someone since Magnussen. Godfrey Norton was perfect and he was just- well-just him.
He would never be the best for Irene.
"No!" He muttered to himself, trying to re-focus.
Why does he even have to do this case? Obviously, Mycroft kept on breathing on his neck about this one but with the large scope of things, it actually sparked his interest.
Then there's his fuelling fire.
He wouldn't let Irene treat him like a child. He would get to the bottom of things his way.
She broke him. And now he's going to fix himself no matter what it takes.
"Sherlock! Someone's here to see you." Mrs. Hudson called, her voice shrill.
Sherlock's eyes darted towards the door, his eyebrows raising in recognition as his guest appeared between the doorframe of his flat.
/
"What are you doing here?" Irene asked, glaring at Mycroft.
Mycroft gave her a sour smile, pushing the door wider to let himself in. "Conspiring with my brother again, aren't you, Ms. Adler?"
Closing the door behind her, Irene followed Mycroft as the elder Holmes comfortably lounged about in her living room. "You told me he wouldn't get too involved." Irene spat.
"If your worried about him, I'm taking care of it. I told you. Your role is only to motivate Sherlock to work on this case. Do not interject." Mycroft pressed.
A year ago, she paced her flat in New York, experiencing the same situation opposite Mycroft Holmes.
"Ms. Adler, I have a proposition. You can't go back to London, as part of the conditions of your protection but I can help you." Mycroft said.
"Not as easily, I believe." she replied.
"You see, there has been a terrible matter at hand that will expose British Intelligence. As usual, the name of my brother has risen but as stubborn as he is, he wouldn't take the case. I'm afraid that if he fails to cooperate, his murder charge regarding Magnussen will rise again and he will have no choice but to be sent to a dangerous mission for the MI-6, for which the assurance for a longer life span is non-existent. My colleagues are getting very impatient." Mycroft mused.
"And you want me to convince him?" Irene asked, skeptical.
Mycroft smiled, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "No. I want you to get yourself involved with the Nortons to... inspire him."
"You want me to break his heart." Irene said curtly.
Mycroft nodded. "You don't actually think you and Sherlock stand a chance at being together, don't you? You will see him-probably bring his heart to a demise-but he will be safe and alive. Isn't that what's important?"
It seemed like a logical idea back then, but now she wasn't sure. Her heart faltered at the idea of piercing Sherlock, the look on his eyes full of hatred and disgust crushed her deep. The sight of his face brought a touch of happiness in heart, despite the knowledge that they could never be together.
If his safety is something she could assure, then all the pain in the world would possibly be bearable.
Flicking to the present, Irene fixed her eyes on the older Holmes.
"If the Nortons get too familiar with him, there's no need for a MI-6 mission to end his life." Irene said darkly, her hands trembling in anger.
"So you offer him your help? You offer to spy for him?" Mycroft hissed. "And if you get caught, don't you think he wouldn't risk saving you from harm? Which is more damaging, Ms. Adler?"
"He wouldn't. I know he wouldn't. Not after the things I told him." Irene replied.
Mycroft rolled his eyes, rubbing his temples in exasperation. "Dear me. This headache of mine is also my own fault. I never thought you two will end up like this. Such tragedy... On my part that is."
Irene watched as Mycroft stood, strutting his way out of her residence. "Remember the deal, Ms. Adler. One wrong move and you won't ever see even a hint of his shadow."