Special thanks to KaizokuShojo for suggesting the plot bunny for both parts of "A Blood-letting" (so if you take violent exception to this particular AU world, you know who to aim your rotten produce at.) ; )
Beneath the floor of Nathan Garrideb's room lay the body of a criminal. There were six bullet wounds, five in nerve-laden areas. The sixth was in the lower abdomen, making for a slow, painful death from sepsis and eventual exsanguination. There was blood in the throat and mouth, indicating he had called for help before dying. The man, the room, and printing press and papers had been sprinkled liberally with lime.
The new owners never did find the room. Sherlock Holmes had sealed and hidden it well. It was the only tribute he could offer to the memory of Watson.