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.
Disclaimer All 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 10 - An Offer
Moriarty's 1st Base, Unknown Location in New London's Underground
By the time Lestrade was shoved back through the door frame of her room she was in a daze, shocked by what she had seen, by what she had done…
Without really being conscious of it she grabbed some clothes out of a drawer and stepped into the bathroom, once again covered from head to toe in red, she spent the next hour scrubbing it away from her skin and hair. Trying desperately to remove all traces of the horror she had been a party to.
Upon stepping out of the shower, she dressed herself in a pair of lose grey sweat pants, a white tee-shirt and a pair of thin socks of the same color; she then walked out into the bed room, addressing the camera as she passed it.
"Send someone in to clean up." As much as she hated requesting the services of Moriarty's lackeys the idea of removing her friend's blood from the floor was even more repugnant.
She then collapsed on her bed and curled up with her back to the door. A few minutes later she heard people come in and clean. She ignored them wanting it all to go away, only after they left, did she began to cry herself to sleep, she was exhausted.
00o00
When the Irregulars were returned to their quarters Deidre and Tennyson both wanted to head to their rooms but Wiggins didn't think they should be alone. He gestured to them to gather around and gave them both a hug Deidre started to sob and tears trickled down Tennyson's face. It was one of those moments where a simple touch could do more then words ever could. When Deidre started to quiet down Wiggins gestured to the washroom.
'Tennyson' he wrote, 'If anything I want you to slow down and take all the time needed to get that virus in shape, we can't afford to mess-up, between having Holmes stuck here for several more sessions and been stuck here for hundreds I'm going to chose several. Don't rush.'
Tennyson nodded. Wiggins was sorry to put so much weight on his younger friend's shoulders but he knew the boy could handle it, still he was only twelve and being responsible for the rescue of ones friends from a fate worse then death was a lot to ask of anyone.
He turned to Deidre and wrote, 'Are you sure about Watson's location?'
'Ya, I was a pickpocket before I met you. I know the signs,' she wrote, 'It'll help us, we could use the hostage.'
'Agreed so we'll meet in his room with Holmes and Lestrade?'
'Good a place as any for them to meet up with us when they get out.'
'So we still gotta tell them where to meet us when their doors unlock and how to get there. Tennyson write down the directions they'll need to follow'
Tennyson did just that and Deidre and Wiggins spent the next ten minutes memorizing them.
00o00
Moriarty headed to the medical room, where the doctors were still working on Holmes.
"Status," he ordered of one of the doctors.
"Close call sir, he lost a great deal of blood and the shocks wreaked havoc with his nervous system."
"Are you in possession of all the resources you require to repair the damage?" Moriarty asked.
"Well, we are a bit low where compatible blood is concerned, sir but we should manage."
The criminal grinned, he and Holmes both had the same blood type. This would be a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of that fact. His grin widened as he pictured the look on the detective's face when he learned of what had occurred.
"Nonsense my good man, this is Sherlock Holmes after all, while he is our guest he is to have only the best of our hospitality, if you would be so kind, I should be more then glad to donate."
The doctor shrugged and set up the equipment.
00o00
Almost seven hours later Holmes awoke in his cell. And was surprised to see he was on a mat, not a very comfortable one, but a mat all the same. Another detail that caught his attention was that he was under a blanket, a thin one, but again, anything was better then nothing. 'I must have been in very poor shape indeed for my nemesis to grant such reprieves.'
He also noticed that his clothes had been cleaned but not ironed and the cuffs of his sleeves were now missing their buttons, also it seemed Moriarty was determined to continue to deny him his vest and tie, 'One would think that denying a man his coat and hat was not sufficient demonstration of his power.' He was annoyed to note as well, that he was still in shackles. He then looked around and was surprised to see Moriarty sitting in his chair reading a book, as the detective set about rolling up his sleeves, the criminal looked up at his prisoner, an evil glint in his eyes,.
"I can see from your expression, my dear fellow, that you have surmised my reasons for allowing you some small comfort, although I must admit that the doctors, upon your examination, found there stores rather lacking in the necessary amount blood, but you needn't worry, I was kind of enough to donate some of mine to the cause."
Holmes was suddenly overcome with a desire to slit his wrist. He decided to shove the issue aside and merely said in a tone of ice, "How generous."
"Oh, think nothing of it, after all, we can't have you dieing as a result of lack of care now can we?"
"I take it you are here for the usual reasons."
"Sadly no, although I am aware of how much that must pain you, I am obliged to stay my hand as the doctors inform me it would be most unwise to tax your further. It is really quite inconvenient, as I am in need of some amusement."
"I would offer my sympathies, but I fear they would be disingenuous." His voice was laced with contempt.
"Yes, well, one can't have everything. I trust you are well then?"
"Yes, the skill of your doctors is undeniable, although I confess I should rather be looked after by my own."
"Oh, I am afraid that is quite impossible, Watson may be a bungler…"
Holmes glared.
"However, he is also a Level 7 Law Enforcement Compudroid and they invariably cause far more trouble then they are worth. Now," the criminal continued, treating the wall with a stout bang with his closed fist after setting the book on the floor next to him. "You have not eaten a decent meal in quite some time."
A man entered with a tray which consisted of tea, a muffin, vegetable soup and orange juice, which he placed in front of Holmes.
"I am afraid that my appetite has failed me."
"No doubt, but time spent with you is time spent away from the dear inspector, my little pet is in no mood to receive visitors at present."
Holmes did not like the idea of Lestrade being kept, or referred to as a pet. Moriarty smirked.
"I should have granted her freedom ages ago had you not chosen as you did."
Holmes said nothing.
"Really Holmes, if you are determined to remain silent I can always discontinue my attempts at civility and drop in upon Lestrade, I have no doubt she will pleased to chat, especially if a reward is introduced, let us say… a visit to the Irregulars perhaps." Holmes could feel the blood beginning to boil in his veins as he struggled to keep his temper.
"She is not some inanimate object created solely for your amusement professor, she is a human being."
"I would exercise caution, were I you detective, as I cannot vent my frustrations upon you, your fellow prisoners make tempting targets."
Holmes took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
"Now Holmes I suggest you eat your meal. After all, you will need your strength; we have another little session planned for the early morning."
'My, quite the incentive.' thought Holmes. He could still feel his lock-picks against his skin and felt fortunate they had not been found. He sighed and ate his meal.
"Your doctors have, no doubt, given their opinions as to the advisability of a session tomorrow?" asked Holmes
"They have allowed for a small amount of amusement. Of course you are in no shape to withstand anything major but a few minutes should not injure you beyond repair. I suppose that I shall have to take advantage of the remaining time to visit with my little pet, it is a shame though, after yesterday she has become almost docile, I really think the fight has quite left her."
Holmes froze as the image of Lestrade, broken seared across his mind, the thought of her giving up scared him more then anything else he had experienced so far. The rest of the meal passed in silence. When Holmes was done Moriarty banged on the door the guard brought in a book placing it in front of the detective before removing the tray. Holmes glanced at the book, the cover betrayed its contents, it was devoted to the study of historical events.
"It occurred to me last night that you might be somewhat starved for mental stimuli." With that Moriarty got up and left.
00o00
The criminal decided to visit Lestrade after all, Tennyson was busy hacking and the other two where entertaining themselves and had been informed that Holmes was in good health. Lestrade had not, Moriarty wanted to give her the news personally.
When he entered he saw The Inspector was still lying on her bed, she hadn't moved.
"Lestrade," he intoned.
Lestrade sat up and looked at her addresser, "Is he…?"
Moriarty smiled. "He is in excellent health."
The breath Lestrade hadn't known she was holding was released. She needed to see him but first she needed to see the Irregulars, get an update on the escape plan.
"I would like to see the Irregulars," Moriarty raised his eyebrow he had expected her to demand to see Holmes. Lestrade noticed and turned her gaze to the floor.
"Really Lestrade," laughed Moriarty, "It cannot be a surprise to you, the outcome of these events. I did warn you specifically to control your temperamental impulses. As far as the Irregulars are concerned," he continued, "Tennyson is at present involved in an assignment I have given him, he should have finished within the time span of a few hours, you may see them at that time if you have not lost control of your temper in the meantime." Moriarty smirked and he crossed his arms before continuing "Now, as to the circumstances involved in the attainment of this little visit."
"What do I have that you could possibly want!" shouted Lestrade
Moriarty glared, Lestrade took a step back, praying he wasn't angry, and realised for the first time that this… thing scared her.
"You really must refrain from raising your voice Lestrade," his tone was a threat and he slowly advanced towards her. "As I have stated before I am most unappreciative of your screeching." He stopped a few feet from her and waited for her to make the next move.
"What do you want?" she sighed, she looked him straight in the eye determined not to give her foe any satisfaction.
"Nothing more then pleasant conversation."
Lestrade clenched her fist. "I have nothing to say to you"
"Then surely you cannot feel differently toward your little friends."
"Why were they there? If you were mad at me and wanted me to suffer then why did you make sure they were there as well? They didn't do anything to you."
"The elder two managed to escape from their cells temporarily. I felt it was necessary to ensure they become acquainted with the consequences of incurring my wrath." Moriarty's smiled broadened as he walked to the table and sat down. "Not to mention, that the expression of mortification which graced your and Holmes' features as you witnessed their reactions was nothing short of priceless. Rarely have I witnessed anything so enjoyable," he chuckled
Lestrade continued to clench her fists, then realised they felt wet, she looked down and saw that they were bleeding, her nails had broken the skin. She sighed and forced herself to calm down.
"That explains Wiggins and Deidre not Tennyson—he's twelve."
"Lestrade, in my past life I would not hesitate to execute a father in front of his seven year old child if it profited me, do not suppose that such business sense has yet left me."
"You—!" Lestrade caught herself, remembering what Moriarty had said about shouting. Moriarty smiled he was enjoying this, invisible restraints that forced people to behave were far more amusing then material ones.
"Only monsters like you would consider the complete erasing of another life, the destruction of all they are or could be; only you would consider that business."
"Ah such strong moral integrity," drawled Moriarty, "Such respect for the sanctity of life, such faith in our fellow man."
He turned sharply and glared. "'All they could be?' Ha! You know better then I that humans, selfish as they are, are only interested in their own preservation, the only reason human kind has not yet drowned in it's own cess pool is the incentive of rewards, every action they contemplate benefits them in some way, kindness ensures companionship, diligent work ensures a home. Holmes' profession is what it is because it allows him to engage in the study of various problems, that is all he cares for, that is all he will ever care for."
Lestrade to Moriarty's surprised smiled and shook her head.
" 'All that I have to say has already crossed your mind'
'Then possibly my answer has crossed yours'
'You stand fast?'
'Absolutely' " (1)
She quoted as she crossed her arms and smirked, as she waited for Moriarty to respond. To what did not need to be said.
The criminals' face went through a range of expressions, surprise, anger, then he smiled and let out a small chuckle. "Touché Inspector, nicely played. You have my permission to visit the Irregulars once Tennyson has completed his assigned task, in the meantime I have some business to attend to. I shall drop by within the next few hours." He then rose from his seat at the table and left, locking the door behind him.
A few hours later Moriarty returned there were no guards, Lestrade knew why they weren't needed. As long as he had the Irregulars, Holmes and Watson at his mercy there wasn't much she could do. He motioned for her to follow.
They walked a ways and Lestrade noticed that they took a different route then before. 'This place must be a maze' she thought. They finally reach the Irregulars rooms. Moriarty opened the door and motioned for her to enter. When she did she was greeted enthusiastically by the Irregulars who had been worried about her, once again Deidre ran up to her and gave the inspector a hug.
"It's not your fault you know, it's 'is," said Deidre as she hugged the inspector. Lestrade could not believe she had been hugged. She hadn't even expected a warm welcome and Deidre hugging?! This experience had had an effect on all of them. Lestrade half heartedly returned the hug and Deidre said "Common the couch is no less comfortable then before." The two women walk to the couch where they were joined by the youngest Irregular who seemed to suddenly cheer up at the sight of his friend.
Wiggins was once again charged with distracting Moriarty while the women whispered battle plans.
"Can we see Holmes?"
"I think not," replied Moriarty.
Wiggins glared "Why not?"
"Because I am not allowing you permission."
"How do we know he's still alive? He didn't look good before, he stopped breathing for awhile."
"Yes Lestrade proved a rather apt understudy."
Wiggins glared. "How long do you plan on keeping us here when the yard finds us—"
"The yard will never find any trace of you or your companions, I need not remind you of Chief Inspector Greyson's idiocy."
Wiggins merely sighed. The criminal had a point. "So how long?
"I am always in need of excellent computer services, though perhaps, eventually, if you are all congenial to my will I may choose to grant you a greater amount of freedom."
"What about Lestrade and Holmes? Lestrade mentioned you plan to make sure he dies in old age…"
"And so I do, his agony is my enjoyment." The villain's smile became bestial, "I should not wish to forfeit such a privilege by killing him."
Wiggins nearly took a step back, never had he seen such a truculent expression on a human face before and hoped never to again. It was not until that moment that Wiggins truly appreciated that there was no depravity, no act this… creaturewould not commit to further its goals. (2) Quickly Wiggins regained his composure. "Alright but Watson and Lestrade are useless to you, and you only need me as leverage on Tennyson why not let the others go?"
"Watson and Lestrade will remain at my mercy for the simple reason that should they be allowed their freedom Holmes would have a significant amount of reason to remain unbroken. As for Miss Deidre, well if need be I can make use of you as an example, of what I'll do to her if provoked."
Wiggins glared "Why you…" he forced himself to calm down, He chanced a glance at Lestrade and Deidre. Deidre noticed and waved. 'Good,' he thought, 'They're done.' Smiling he walked over.
"How are you feeling?" Wiggins asked Lestrade as he approached.
"Physically I'm fine, mentally...?" Lestrade sighed as her shoulders sagged, "I'll be okay."
Wiggins frowned unconvinced, "Ya know all you did was press the button, Moriarty was the one doing the torture." He said reassuringly as he placed a hand on the inspector's shoulder
Lestrade sighed she knew that, but the fact remained that she had pressed that button and if she had controlled her temper the Irregulars would not have had to witness it at least not yet, they might have escaped before having had to be subjected to such an event.
Wiggins seemed to read her mind. "You know he would have made us watch eventually, to keep us under control."
(It wasn't your fault) beeped Tennyson reassuringly.
Lestrade looked at Tennyson his eyes appeared haunted but there was a hint of a smile in them.
Wiggins noticed that Lestrade seemed far from convinced, he decided to change the topic, and so the group made small talk and passed a pleasant hour together until Moriarty announced the conclusion of their time together.
Lestrade sighed and getting up followed Moriarty out the door.
"I want to see Holmes," Lestrade stated as they walked back.
"I am afraid that that is not possible, there are far too many demands on my time and I would not be able to escort you, also, Holmes and I have another session planned for the morning after which he will not be in any condition to receive guests." Lestrade paled .
"You can't!"
Moriarty stop and glared "I beg your pardon?"
"He almost died yesterday, he can't take it."
Smiling sadistically Moriarty continued to walk "I shall exercise caution, and should it prove too great a strain…well," the criminal shrugged "risks are a part daily existence, a fact of which you are well aware."
Lestrade was desperately trying to think. If Holmes suffered too much damage he might never be healthy enough to escape, and she needed to talk to him. Then it came to her.
She stopped walking and grabbed Moriarty's shoulder forcing him to turn around and face her.
"Torture me."
Footnote:
(1) Passage quoted from The Final Problem, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. And for those of you unfamiliar with the context it is a meeting Holmes has with Moriarty, when our dear detective is on the verge of ruining Moriarty, the real one, Moriarty visits him in an attempt to dissuade Holmes from acting.
What Lestrade is tying to say here is that Holmes was more concerned with removing the blight that is Moriarty then he is with his own life.
(2) This line is inspired by the Great Mouse Detective.
I'm happy! Happy, happy, happy you know why? Midterms are done! Yayness! In celebration of this and the fact that I get to spend the long weekend at a friend's house you get a… double feature!
The next up date will occur in five seconds
And honestly I just really want Moriarty's butt to get kicked, course that doesn't happen till twelve, not eleven but still let's get a move on shall we?.