A Dish Best Served Cold

Summary: Moriarty is out rule the world once again and he's had it with Sherlock Holmes's interference. He has a plan, but the detective's friends may pay the ultimate price.

DisclaimerAll Publicly Recognizable Characters, Settings, Ideas, etc. are the Property of DiC Entertainment and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Original Characters and Plot are the Property of the Author. The Author is in no way Associated with the Owners, Creators, or Producers of DiC Entertainment. No Copyright Infringement is intended.

Chapter 8 - A Decision, Plans and Insults

Moriarty's 1st Base, Unknown Location in New London's Underground

Holmes sat in his cell for what seemed to him an eternity simply staring at the blade on the floor. Seriously considering using it, if Lestrade was released, she would stand a chance of bringing Moriarty down and freeing the others.

Gingerly he reached for the knife and brought it to his left wrist. He sat in that position for awhile thinking. 'Should I give up? it would be selfish of me to sacrifice her freedom so I could live, and yet for right or wrong I know that she would wish me to survive, I can hear her now "Holmes you idiot what are you thinking! Put that down!" There may still be a way out for all of us.' He said the words to himself, closing his eyes as he did so, picturing her face, the look in her eyes…

Angrily he threw the blade against the far wall, it hit with a resoundingclang. "You won't break me Moriarty do you hear? You won't break me!" His brave statement only lasted for a moment however, before he was forced to lean forward to spit more blood out onto the floor.

Just then the medical team entered, his five minutes were up. One member of the team sedated Holmes he didn't struggle though, if he didn't receive medical attention soon, he would die

Moriarty had watched the whole thing, In his office (minus the first two minutes it took for him to get from Holmes's cell to his office) When he had seen Holmes put the blade to his wrist he had become worried he had not wanted or expected the detective to break under the strain. He had just wanted to have fun making Holmes regret the decision and ask for another chance, and to make him feel guilt at passing up the opportunity to free Lestrade.

If Holmes had done it, it would have meant victory for Moriarty, Holmes would have been broken, though he would have lamented the loss of his favourite from of entertainment and his little pet. (Yes he would have kept his word he was a gentlemen and when dealing with the big criminal organizations one needed one's word to mean something, otherwise people would refuse to do business.) When Holmes had tossed the blade and shouted Moriarty had felt relieved. He decided to check up on his projects then, after Holmes had been patched up, visit Lestrade to give her an update.

Lestrade meanwhile had been roughly deposited back in her room. She was furious, and wished Moriarty had provided her with a punching bag, as it was she went over to the table and banged her fist on it. "Why that cowardly loathsome snake, I am going to kill him."

Taking a deep breath she forced herself to calm down. 'I need to think of a way out of here…' looking down at herself suddenly she became immediately aware of the blood covering the greater part of her uniform, the reddish brown spots seemed to loom above the fabric, reminding her of the cruelties being inflicted upon her friend. Shaking herself she forced herself to reason through it. . 'That's right I hugged Holmes he was…he was covered in blood this is Holmes'…" Suddenly Lestrade felt sick, her stomach twisting painfully. She ran to her dresser, grabbed some clothes then went into the washroom to change, closing the door behind her. Now Lestrade was no stranger to blood or even mutilated bodies, but this was Holmes' blood someone she knew and cared for—this was different. She spent five minutes cleaning up every last speck of blood every reminder. Not that it did her much good the image of Holmes' eyes consumed her thoughts

When she emerged from the washroom she was wearing dark blue pants and a violet skin-tight tee-shirt along with a pair of black shoes. Upon seeing the bloody footprints on the floor she went back into the washroom to find some paper towels. She spent ten minutes on her new occupation. All the while her mind was numb, she turned off the part of her mind that was disgusted with the sight and simply focused on the task at hand. When she was done she collapsed on her bed and drifted into a fitful sleep.

After what felt like an hour or two she became aware the door to her room was being opened. She sat up quickly half expecting to see her friend in all his Victorian splendour telling her he had found a way out, or the sight of her ceiling conforming that this whole ordeal had been a nightmare, instead she was confronted with the loathed visage of Moriarty standing in front of her, a tray of food in hand. He smiled and asked, "I trust you slept well?"

"Where's Holmes? Is he…?"

"Holmes is… well I'll show you." He walked over to the table set down the tray and took out a remote. He gestured to the screen

"Now this is only a recording Lestrade, after you were… removed I gave Holmes the liberty of a choice." He pressed a button Lestrade paled as the images and sounds rolled across the screen. 'No he wouldn't he would never…' she then saw him pick up the blade and her heart jumped into her throat. 'Please… don't…' by the time Holmes had put the knife to his wrist Lestrade had forgotten that she was watching a recording, her eyes wide she yelled at the detective. "Holmes you idiot! What are doing? Put that down! I'm not worth it! Stop!"

"Lestrade this is a recording, he cannot hear you. The decision has already been made."

Lestrade glared at him then turned her attention back to the screen. 'Please, Holmes, don't.' The moment Holmes threw that knife to the ground, declaring himself unbreakable Lestrade jumped, cheering. "Woo-whoo! You can't win Moriarty."

"Lestrade you act as if I was hoping for the acceptance of my offer, quite to the contrary. I have every intention of making seeing to it Holmes dies an old man.

Lestrade paled at the image of Holmes as an old man still Moriarty's mercy. She shook her head she was not going to let that happen. (1)

"Holmes," continued Moriarty, "is resting, my medics have repaired the damage and seen to it that he received a blood transfusion. He shall soon awaken as young and invigorated as ever. It shall be a most enjoyable challenge to remedy the situation. And Lestrade, before you commence with another one of your tirades I must inform you that should you chose to be civil for a moment, and engage in a polite meal with me in which the conversation is polite and devoid of underhanded remarks, and nourishment is in actuality consumed. I may be inclined to find it in my heart to allow you visitation rights to the irregulars."

Lestrade looked at the tray.

It consisted of four pieces of toast, two croissants, a large bunch of green grapes and a pitcher of orange juice. "Why?" she demanded, wondering what reason Moriarty could possibly have for wishing to converse with her.

"I should have thought that answer to be obvious, short of torturing my greatest enemy, being a constant annoyance to you is one of my preferred sources of entertainment."

Lestrade glared. However, biting her tongue she forced herself to sit down in the chair opposite her foe.

"Oh, and Lestrade, as I said, 'in which the conversationis polite' you are obligated to reciprocate verbally."

"Well you just want everything don't you?"

Moriarty smiled and Lestrade was surprised to note that it was a genuine smile. Not a sneer or even a smirk but an honest to goodness smile. Not, of course, that she showed her surprise.

"So what exactly are you planning to do with those chips?"

"Now Lestrade, that would be telling. I am sure you will prove more then adequate to the challenge of uncovering that little particular. As another point Lestrade, I could not help but notice, mainly because I was informed of it by those watching you through the security camera adjacent in the corner, that you had taken it upon yourself to clean your room, that is not necessary, the women whom I have set to the task of seeing to your needs would be more then happy to relive you of the task, you have only to address your request to the camera."

Lestrade scoffed as if she didn't believe it and even if she did she wouldn't have accepted such assistance.

"Remember, Lestrade, civility is a requited element of this conversation," Moriarty chastised her with an amused twinkle in his eyes, Lestrade resisted the temptation to glare.

Instead she focused her thoughts on something far more important. "Will Holmes suffer any long term damage?"

Moriarty frowned as if this wasn't his preferred topic. He shrugged and replied, "It really is impossible to say at the present time, he will, in all probability, suffer a considerable amount of physical damage the nature of which cannot be foreseen, his mind may suffer as well, although I will of course take every precaution in order to prevent such a travesty."

If it wasn't Moriarty talking to her and if he didn't have that sadistic glint in his eyes she would have been comforted.

When she said nothing he continued, "rest assured that at the moment he is perfectly healthy, I shall continue to ensure that he receives medical care as is needed."

"What about the kids?"

"As I have informed you prior to this occasion, Tennyson's computer skills will be of the greatest use to me, as once they were to Holmes, the others shall remain here as leverage, I am very aware of the fact that Tennyson would gladly suffer a painful death rather then agree to assist me in my efforts, but as his need to maintain the safety of his friends overrules such inclinations I am sure we can come to some sort of arrangement.

"I suspect that as being the reason Holmes took it upon himself to aid the lad. Do you know" Moriarty grinned evilly "Holmes actually taught his original irregulars to read? He believed them all to be capable of great intelligence and ingenuity."

Lestrade smiled, that certainly sounded like Holmes. Noticing the look on her face Moriarty continued. "He actually contributed a substantial amount of his finances in order to assist the children in procuring an education, as well as taking it upon himself to assist the less ambitious in securing gainful employment. As a result, each of them were extremely loyal to him, almost obsessively so, a fact I became acutely aware of during my grapples with Holmes, prior to the Reichenbach incident, none of them proved willing to betray his trust no matter how enticing an offer made to them."

Lestrade's smile turned into a grin. She finished up her second piece of toast "That sounds like Holmes alright and you, thinking money will get you loyalty, Holmes respects the Irregulars, despite their age he treats them like equals and helps them achieve their goals without asking for anything in return, and they know he would die to save them. That's why Wiggins didn't leave him when they were trapped in a collapsing building. That's why they will never willingly work for you."

"It may also have something to do with the inescapable fact that they are now my prisoners"

Lestrade drank some of her orange juice. "What about Watson?"

"I fail to understand the significance of the question"

"Are you going to destroy his board? Give him a new body? Or just leave him as he is?"

"For now the latter…I could of course allow him a weaker physical form, but what would be the point in such an action? He is, after all, quite useless as anything other then a tool for negotiation."

Lestrade started on her croissant wanting this meal to end.

"So Moriarty how did you get into a life crime?" Lestrade asked, attempting to find a subject that would not necessitate conversation on her part and reduces the chances that she would slip and insult him.

"Tell me, Lestrade, is there any reason in particular which induced you to spend the holiday season with your fellow prisoners when your family would surely have been more enjoyable company?"

She took another bite from her croissant. Moriarty's point was subtle but clear, you don't ask about my past, and I won't ask about yours.

Silenced rained for a few moments. "You are of course aware that you are still obligated to create interesting conversation"

"Its' hard to think of something civil to say when I have all these insults competing for attention."

"Ha," Moriarty chuckled, "I am no longer at a lost as to why Holmes would find you so engaging."

"Well there's a difference with me and Holmes."

"Oh. And what, pray tell, could that possibly?" he smirked sarcastically

"Holmes makes me laugh in return."

The criminal shrugged "I can not help the fact that small wits amuse small minds, at any rate, you are here for my amusement, do not mistake the order of command."

Lestrade wanted to show him just how entertaining she could be but the thought of the Irregulars kept her quite. Moriarty seemed keenly aware of the fact and Lestrade winced as her rivals face broke out into a wide grin once more.

By this time there were only a few grapes remaining Lestrade started on them.

"Famished are we?"

Lestrade glared of course she was hungry she hadn't eaten in… how long had she been here? She had long since lost track of time.

"How long have I been here?"

"It makes no difference Lestrade, you need not plan on making an escape any time within the next hundred years, although, it you are quite finished with your meal I will escort you to your agreed upon meeting with the irregulars."

Lestrade all but jumped to her feet, she was at the door long before Moriarty.

00o00

While all this was going on the Irregulars were trying to formulate an escape plan. This of course meant they spent a lot of time in the washroom as that was the only room without cameras though it did have microphones so everything had to be written down.

'Tennyson,' wrote Wiggins 'can you cause any trouble on the computer? We need a distraction'

'I think I can but I'll get caught for sure and Moriarty will kill you.'

'Then we'll just have to escape.'

'We don't know the layout,' Deidre chipped in. 'Tennyson, can you get a map? Blueprint? Something?'

'Moriarty's men keep too close an eye on me, they'd see and become suspicious I wouldn't be able to cause a distraction. It's going to be a one shot deal. 'Sides I've already memorized the fastest route to Holmes' and Lestrade's rooms, I'll memorize a few exit routes next chance I get.'

'Brilliant Tennyson, could you unlock our door from the computer? And still cause a distraction?'

'Yes but it would take awhile.'

It was then that Deidre noticed a problem. 'What about Tennyson he'll be next to Moriarty's cronies when this happens how will we get to him before they…'

'I can create a virus that will activate at a certain time,' replied Tennyson.

Deidre smirked, 'Moriarty's going to regret letting you near a computer'

'How long will this take?' Wiggins asked.

'I don't know it depends how many opportunities I get to work on it.'

'What about Watson? Any idea where he is?'

'There's nothing in the computer about him' Tennyson answered.

'We'll figure that out later. For now, Tennyson get your virus ready, we won't leave anyone behind.' Wiggins wrote.

The oldest irregular noticed that Tennyson looked downcast. He put his right hand on the younger boy's shoulder, and not caring about the microphones said. "Remember what I told you earlier, none of this is your fault, it's Moriarty's, and Moriarty's alone, not yours, got it?"

Tennyson nodded.

Wiggins thought back to when Tennyson had first come back from hacking; they had all been in the living room. Tennyson had been pretty upset and had kept looking at Wiggins with guilt when he could bring himself to look at Wiggins at all. Finally the boxer had decided to ignore the cameras and microphones and had pulled Tennyson aside, making the younger boy look at him.

'Tennyson look at me, what happened to me it's not your fault alright? It's Moriarty's he's the one who ordered it he's the one who gave me this" He pointed to the mark on his forearm. "This is not your fault"

Tennyson nodded but still whenever he looked at Wiggins all he saw was his beaten up and broken form, and that symbol, when he thought he could have prevented it…

Wiggins dragged his mind back to the present. They had been in the washroom for an hour now, He decided to end the meeting. He signalled for Deidre to flush the paper they had written on after tearing it to pieces. After she had done that they left for the sitting room. Deidre and Tennyson started playing a video game, and Wiggins commenced studying from one of his textbooks, Moriarty had brought them over, the boxer was trying to get a scholarship for college. Holmes had been helping him. 'We're gonna get you out of here Mr Holmes' he thought 'I promise.'

All three irregulars looked up upon hearing the door slide open, When Lestrade entered with Moriarty the Irregulars were surprised to say the least. Not that they weren't happy.

"Inspector!" they all cried simultaneously (or beeped)

They ran (or floated) up to her and Deidre immediately went about demanding answers as to Lestrade's physical health.

"Ya I'm fine, Moriarty sticks with mental torture where I'm concerned." Replied the inspector as she glared at the criminal mastermind.

"Come on," Deidre tugged at her sleeve "we got a comfortable couch to sit on." Deidre didn't care so much about been comfortable although she did care about being out of Moriarty's hearing range. She looked at Wiggins and he understood 'Keep Moriarty busy while I talk to Lestrade.'

Turning, Wiggins glared at Moriarty. "Why no guards?"

"Harm me and Watson will be destroyed."

Wiggins glared.

"Hiding behind a board, how do we know you haven't destroyed him already?"

"You have my word; I am a gentleman, no other proof need be presented"

Wiggins growled darkly "Ya right, all gentlemen kidnap kids, and torture their friends to get what they want."

"You have two choices be civil or be separated, I have it within my power to condemn you to individual cells, and am more then able to declare visitation rights unnecessary" Moriarty snapped

Wiggins continued to glare but said nothing else. He knew Moriarty would carry through with his threat if provoked. He turned his attention to Lestrade and Deidre who were talking amicably. They didn't look like they were still trying to discus the escape plan. He smiled and gestured to Tennyson. Together they approached the couch.

"So you've seen Mr 'Olmes? How is he?"

"Last I saw he was in bad shape" Deidre paled. "But Moriarty told me he's been patched up good as new," the inspector continued.

"An' you believe 'im?" Deidre's tone indicated that she thought Lestrade was going insane under the pressure.

"I believe him when he says he plans to make sure Holmes dies in old age."

Wiggins and Tennyson's faces were now as white as their friend's.

'We have got to get out of here,' Wiggins thought to himself.

"You seem to be doing well Wiggins, I heard you'd been beaten." Lestrade continued

"Ya, but I'm okay now," said Wiggins as he subconsciously touched his burn.

Lestrade noticed and grabbed Wiggins's arm before he could react, she recognized the symbol immediately. She glared at Moriarty but said nothing, afraid he would cut the visit short. She then noticed the textbooks. "Studying? You're a dedicated student."

"Mr Holmes has been helping me get a scholarship. Don't want to put all that work to go to waste."

Lestrade smiled. She turned her attention to Deidre who had both her eyes, cold and shrewd, transfixed on the master criminal, a smile on her face. Lestrade recognized that smile, and her face broke out into a grin. Moriarty was in trouble.

By this time Moriarty too had noticed, there was something about that smile, like she knew a secret that could break him, he thought about how she had manipulated her guard. He had researched all the Irregulars—she had been a capable con-artist who knew what a year of Holmes's tutoring had done for her manipulative abilities. That grin was unnerving. He decided to end the interview. "If you would Lestrade, it is time to part the company of your charming young friends."

The inspector glared but decided not to make a fuss she was not in a position where it would be wise to tick him off—still with what he did to Wiggins, she realised she was very close to snapping. That in mind she got up from the couch and walked over to the criminal. He smirked and opened the door, she walked out.

When they were gone Deidre grinned and pointed to the washroom. Once they were inside Deidre wrote, 'I know where Watson is.'

00o00

As Lestrade and Moriarty entered her room, the criminal closed the door and turned to face her.

"Tell me Lestrade…now that that great detective Sherlock Holmes, his faithful friend and companion, Dr. Watson, his irregulars and yourself are all in my custody, I am curious as to you impressions, surely your idea's concerning identity of the greater intellect have changed to some extent?"

"Never" Lestrade snapped "Holmes, hands down."

Moriarty smirked he had been expecting this answer, he was about to say something when Lestrade cut him off she was on one of her tirades.

Her eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire as she said in an eerily calm tone:

"Holmes is kind and noble, you are a blight on humanity, you're a cowardly superficial, loathsome, self centred murderer." Moriarty was getting annoyed still this response was expected, but she continued. "Holmes isn't just a better man he is a greater man. Your predecessor had an empire that puts even yours to shame and Holmes managed to bring it to its knees. Not only that but he managed to rid the world of your predecessor." She paused for breath, Moriarty was starting to get angry.

"Lestra—" His tone was a warning, saying Holmes was kind while he was evil was one thing but insulting his intelligence was another. She cut him off.

"He was able to tell right away you weren't him, guess you're not as smart."

At this Moriarty started radiating rage, saying he wasn't as intelligent as his predecessor was crossing the line, Lestrade noticed that she had made him mad, but didn't care she was on a role she was sick of him and didn't care what he did to her.

"Holmes took the original down and he will take you down" she continued "Your not the original Moriarty you're a cheap knockoff who could never hope to be as great as his enemy. You-Are-Nothing"

Moriarty just stood there he was so angry he could barley see straight.

He looked at Lestrade, for a moment she thought he was going to attack her. She got into a fighting stance. But all of a sudden he calmed down and smiled. Lestrade did not like the look in his eyes or that smile on his face.

"As well you should be," he said noticing that she was scared. "Do take advantage of the next few hours to rest yourself, tomorrow, I promise you, is destined to be a most eventful day." With that he turned and left locking the door behind him.

Moriarty walked down the hall for a few moments, retracing the route to Holmes's cell. He found the detective sleeping on the floor in picture perfect health. Even his clothes had been replaced he was wearing his usual Victorian grab minus the red vest and tie, his collar was tired and slightly wrinkled. This gave him an over all somewhat scruffy appearance, still there was colour in his face and his eyes were as bright as ever.

He woke when Moriarty entered. "Another session I trust?"

"Oh no Holmes this is just a check up. I wanted to make sure you are in good form. Get some rest; you'll need it in the morning."

"Planning to bring me to the brink of death again." said Holmes in a casual voice, it wasn't a question.

"Oh no Holmes I'm not going to do anything."

And with that he walked out. Leaving Holmes to wonder what he meant.

Footnote:

(1) Yes Bowen this line is from you.

The next update will be on the 4th of November before noon

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