Crashing Down

It had started as a normal day for Holmes, Watson and Claire; the three had been going over a plan to capture Alexander. They all knew that it had to be done, but Watson was being rigid about Claire being in danger. "I know you have been in worse situations Claire, but this is different. You may be overcome by Alexander again and I am not comfortable with idea of you luring him out." Watson rubbed his forehead with his hand, tired of the glare Claire was aiming at him.

Claire strode until she was toe to toe with her older cousin, "Just because you are older than I John, does not mean you get to be a protective lout. You are not my father, you need to let go of this notion that I need to be coddled! I am survived without you, and I can do it again." Claire's eyes were narrowed in anger, and her loud voice could be heard through the building.

Watson, instead of backing down from his cousin's outburst met it head on. "I am not coddling you, Claire I am just worried for your well being. I am sorry if I am the only one here who objects to leading you to your death. This man has been actively searching for you for three years now, there is no telling what he might do. You call what you have become surviving? You were kidnapped from this very room!" Watson threw his arms in the air to show his frustration.

Claire let out a deep sigh, "You don't think I'm happy about this idea, do you? I'm terrified of what might happen. Alexander controlled me like a puppet when we worked together, and he still hold some power over me. I did what I deemed best at the time, it's hard to think long term when you think you will be killed any day. But, we are wasting time arguing John, we need to find a way around this. Otherwise, Alexander disappears and we lose our chance to get even." Claire's shoulders sagged as she looked at her cousin.

Holmes took this as his moment to interject, "Since that has been settled, let us talk strategy. The irregulars have Alexander holed up here in this building." Holmes walked over to the desk which had a rough map of London. He pointed to a flat on the east side of town near the docks. Both assistants broke their standoff to look over the map.

Watson's eyes focused on the main street that ran in front of the building, "Is there any way we can use one of these other building to harbor the police while we wait? It just seems we are giving Alexander the advantage here. He may have men hidden inside." Watson pointed to various access points and alleys to illustrate his worry.

Holmes nodded, "I considered that, which is why we are not luring him from his base. He has too many allies there, instead we are luring him here." The lanky detective pointed to a different section of the map. It was a street near one of the main train stations, a street that Claire recognized.

Claire looked up, bewildered at Holmes's choice of meeting spots. "This is the street where Alexander shot me last time in the cab. We were originally going to go report in at Scotland Yard when, the conversation went south and I accused him of treachery. It will certainly get his attention that is most certain." Claire gave a short laugh as she began to write her note to Alexander.

Holmes looked over her shoulder to make sure it hit the right notes. It simply read: Alex, We need to end this war between us, please meet me at the Brooks Street where you threw me out of the cab tonight at six o'clock. Please come alone, I will be waiting with my white parasol. "White parasol is a code between the pair of you from the old days." Holmes hoped it meant something safe and uncomplicated.

Claire nodded, "It means I will be coming alone, in interest of discussion. That should get him to come alone. But, I have been wrong before about his intentions so we need to be cautious." Claire closed the note and headed out to the messenger boy outside. She handed it to him with a few shillings and watched him run off towards that flat.

Claire returned to Bakerstreet, where her cousin was pouring brandy for the three of them. He pushed one towards her silently, still mulling over their heated argument. She took it without question, he mind was preoccupied with what she would say to Alexander. It was just a waiting game until six, and there was still much to be said and done. The young lady began pacing the apartment, unaware that she was being watched closely. Watson was about to try to calm her down but Holmes beat him to it, "Miss. Watson it will do you little good to pace about. I know this will be difficult, but you must remind yourself how in control you are." Holmes's tone was civil if a bit calming to Claire's ear. She nodded her thanks and sat down next to Watson.

Watson looked at her troubled face and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Whatever happens tonight Claire, I want you to know how proud I am of you to face him. You have done so much, I still can't believe you are only twenty-nine years old. You have always told me the bitter truth even when it was hard for you and for that I thank you." Watson's compassion was clear and he could see Claire appreciated it.

Claire bit her lip at his declaration of her honesty, since there was that matter of her escape with Holmes that she had withheld from him. It was nagging at the back of her mind as she looked at her cousin. "Thank you John for those kind words, I am glad that you are in my life even though we disagree at times. But, there is something that has been eating away at me these past few days. I don't want to tell because it will affect your standing with not only me but with Mr. Holmes as well. But, if he concedes I will tell you before we leave." Claire looked then to Holmes as if to implore him.

The detective gave her a sharp look, "Of course Watson will want to know now that you have baited his curiosity. You used to be dependable when it came to keeping secrets, especially scandalous ones." Holmes was firm on this subject, for part of him was afraid he would lose Watson not only as a colleague but as a friend.

Claire's face shrank back in sadness, she had done wrong in letting something slip. But, this was important knowledge for John to know. "He has every right to know what happened during our escape, just because you are too proud to admit that it happened does not mean we should bury it." Claire's frustration was beginning to show as well as her uneasiness.

Watson was all sorts of confused by this new information, he did want to know what did happen but if Holmes was ashamed of it, then it could be damaging to their friendship. "I appreciate that you want to be honest with me Claire, but if it makes Holmes ill at ease that means it must be worth waiting until the right time for." Watson could see a triumphant smile on Holmes's face as well as an eyebrow raise from Claire.

Claire stood up like an over eager student, "He never mentioned being ashamed of what happened. What was it that was so bad, Mr. Holmes? Was it the act itself that was so disgusting or the fact you liked it?" Claire's eyes were wide open and her expression fierce to say the least.

Holmes strode to her carefully but deliberately, "What happened was completely trivial, you know this as well as I do Miss. Watson. What you perceived my emotions as fondness is clearly a bad job on your part. I fooled you as well as those drunkards we came across. As for the act itself, it was a bold calculation. I expected you to reciprocate but not in the manner you did." Holmes felt the nature of the conversation going downhill quickly.

Watson watched the two, completely confused and unaware of the context of the situation. "Will you two stop yelling and just tell me before blows start to be exchanged?" He stepped in between them, for he was afraid it would get violent.

Both Holmes and Claire scoffed at his intervention but in the end Holmes conceded the floor to Claire. The young lady took another swig from her brandy glass before speaking; "We had gotten out of the cellar and were going through alleys to avoid being seen. At one corner, I failed to see two drunken men and was caught by them. They tried to put their hands on me like I was a corner gal, instead I called forth Mr. Holmes as my lover. We tried talking our way out of it but the tramps were not buying a bit of it. So, we had to convince them we were...so Mr. Holmes...kissed me. Quiet fervently by normal standards, its no wonder I thought he had some feelings behind it." Claire blushed slightly but recovered quickly.

Watson looked from her to Holmes who was looking at his watch, "So, you kissed one another in order to escape? Well, it's a shock to be sure, but you had to get out of Cheapside. I would have done the same, maybe not as amorous as Holmes tried to make it look." Watson was troubled in his heart but he knew that it would only lead to trouble.

Both Holmes and Claire displayed surprise at his level of understanding, but they shrugged it off. There was no more time to dwell on what had happened, it was time to go to Brooks Street. Claire felt like she was going to her funeral but she was going to go fighting if all possible. As they entered the cab, the young lady let all her troubles float away, there was no room for hesitation. The ride was quiet and careful, and soon they arrived at that fateful road. Claire looked at both of them with a kind smile and kiss on the cheek before she climbed out onto the brick pavement.

As she walked, Claire saw the cab pass her and it made her heart lighter that Mr. Holmes would get Alexander if even she got hurt in the process. He had made that promise to her and she knew he would fulfill it. There was a good amount of people around, children playing in the street and running past their parents. There were couples with their hands clasped, whispering secrets in one another's ears. Those scenes of everyday life faded as soon as Claire caught sight of Alexander coming towards her. He was wearing that white tie she had bought him, and tipped his hat at her. They were standing on a quiet corner near a flower shop now, and Claire took a deep breath. "I am glad you still understand our old code, Alexander." Claire steeled herself for a reprimand or a slap.

Alexander chuckled, "I would be a bad man for not remembering it. I thought it was a touch dramatic of you to ask to meet here. I know you wouldn't come here unless it was for a good reason. Now, tell old Alex what this is all about. Did you miss my charming demeanor or my knowledge?" Alexander removed his hat to reveal his tawny hair.

Claire rolled her eyes, "I didn't miss either I have you know, you lost your charm when you betrayed me. The only reason I haven't shot you yet is because my employer wants you alive. If you confess to this murder and give us information you may not be hung. Please don't bat this offer away, Alexander, because this is the only time I am giving it." Claire's tone was serious, she wanted him dead but he was valuable.

Alexander looked around before he answered, "You think because we are in public that I am obligated to listen to you? You know as well as do how long Moriarty's arm is, if I confess he will have me killed before I get inside a jail cell. But, you don't care if I die or not because you made me out to be the bad guy." Alexander grabbed her and began walking her away from the people.

Claire glared at him, "You are right about me not caring about your plight. You made your choice to stay with the professor and turn to a life of crime. I gave you plenty of time to be someone I could look up to, but instead you betrayed me. You were like a brother to me, don't make another mistake Alexander." Claire was in hope that they were being followed by Holmes still.

Alexander continued his march until they reached an empty building and he forced her inside. "Stop pretending that you care for me Claire, when I showed love for you all you did was brush it away. You were the only person I could connect with and you were so cold I had to go somewhere else. Moriarty did that and more, he gave me the power that Scotland Yard could never dream of." Alexander threw her against a wall and bored her down with his gaze.

Claire's blue eyes widened in fear, "Of course I was cold and uncivil towards your advances, I had just witnessed the murder of my lover! You're a fool to think my actions were what propelled you to listen to that evil man's words. You hated the idea of having a female partner who was trying to match you and so you played on my emotions and controlled me. But, no more, Alexander, I will be free from you." Claire pushed him away, and pulled out her gun. Her mind was set to shoot him down where he stood, but in the back of her mind the plan emerged.

Alexander backed away from the gun wielding woman, "You won't kill me, Claire. You need my confession for this murder, which was only to lure you out in the open. Besides, what will your precious employer think of you for killing me?" Alexander's eyes flashed dangerously at Claire.

This had occurred to her, if she shot Alexander then, Mr. Holmes would think of her as a bad person for letting Alexander pass without the information. She didn't want to disappoint Sherlock, not when so much rode on their success. Claire kept the gun level as she walked forward, "I never said I was going to kill you Alexander, there are plenty of places I can shoot you. Maybe the leg or perhaps something you value more?" Claire's cruel laugh filled the empty house as she pointed the weapon.

Alexander lashed out with his fist across her face, which dazed the young woman. The gun went off, which grazed his scalp. He hissed and hit her again, this time in the eye. Claire stood still for a moment before she punched him in the stomach with her right fist. The pair went at it, exchanging blows until Claire was panting on the floor. Her right cheek was swollen and part of her dress was torn from Alexander's attempt to throw her. Alexander stood over her, his brow crimson from the cut she gave him; his jaw was purple from her blows. He picked up the gun from the floor and pointed it at her. "This time, I will make certain you don't get away. You still have that fiery spirit, but that won't save you this time." Alexander cocked the gun and smirked at his good fortune.

Claire swung her legs under his, which caused him to fall to his knees. She thought she heard the sound of many footsteps approaching them, but she dismissed it as her own heartbeat. As Alexander fell to his knees, he fired squarely at his lost love. He watched her eyes widen and she fell back onto the floor. Triumphant, the man stood over her to see where the bullet had hit the plague on his mind. Her gown was torn from their struggle, and his brown eyes focused on the spreading stain on her shoulder. She was still alive, this much was apparent but as he was about to fire again, the door was opened. His triumphant air was now gone in the form of two very angry men. He looked back at the gasping Claire, who was fighting to stay conscious despite the pain. "You lying traitor, you led me into this trap! I will see to it that your life becomes a nightmare, you hear me Claire!" Alexander shouted at her as Watson closed in on him with her service revolver ready.

Watson was beyond furious that he had let this transpire, "You cretin, you don't deserve to be taken to the police. I have every right to shoot you, but I won't. Claire wouldn't want me to do it." Watson lowered his weapon as the police came forth and handcuffed the former spy. As they led him away, Watson was now aware of Claire's prostrate form on the floor. He cursed wildly as he bent down over his younger cousin. She was crying from the pain in the shoulder, and in that instance he was recalled to the battlefield. "Claire...I'm so sorry... I should have come with you..." Watson's mind was reeling and his heart was beginning to panic.

Claire looked at him, despite the immense amount of pain she was in. "Don't...burden yourself John...it was my choice. I...am...glad you are here..." Claire's eyes slid away from her cousin towards the constables in the doorway. She wanted to see Mr. Holmes, for she was afraid that this would be the last time. The tears in her eyes multiplied at this thought and she began to shake from the combined blood loss and the prospect of her heart.

Holmes saw to it that Alexander was to be transferred to the custody of Lestrade and as he entered the house, he expected to see Claire standing there. Instead, he saw Watson bending over a body, and shouting for a cab to the hospital. Holmes slowly approached his Boswell only to be thrown at the sight of her. Her eyes were wide as ever, as if she was frightened and as he neared her, Holmes could see why. Her left shoulder was dark with blood, and her face was battered. He knelt swiftly, his mind became unhinged at the sight and he lost all ability to speak. Holmes's heart had finally broken free of its chains, and his green eyes began to fill with tears. He tried to speak but nothing came out, as his friend Watson joined him in his despair.

Claire's eyes reopened to see Holmes weeping over her body; it was such a startle she almost forgot she was in pain. She attempted to sit up; the pain which had been fading was now renewed as she forced herself against the wall.

Holmes watched her sit up despite the tears of anguish running down her face, he could see that ever stalwart nature that ran through both the Watson's veins was doing its work. He scooted nearer to her, perfectly aware that they were not alone. "Miss...Watson..." Holmes spoke in a whisper, but Claire cut him off with hush sound.

Claire looked deeply into his crying eyes and then spoke, "Mr. Holmes...make sure...Alex stays alive. I...want...you to get what you need..." Claire's strength was waning, and she didn't have the time for a speech about her heart.

Holmes touched her cheek tenderly, "You have my word that Alexander will survive my interviews. You can count on me, Miss. Watson...you will see him hanged." Holmes cast a reassuring look at Watson who echoed his sentiment.

Claire coughed, "I am glad to hear it...I wish I had more time...Sherlock." Claire's eyes closed again as she collided her lips with Holmes's. The sweet taste of tobacco hummed in her skin as she shrank back. The light was fading fast and she could no longer see anything beyond the darkness.

Dr. John Watson in a rare moment of clarity picked Claire up delicately and bore her towards the waiting cab. Her final act towards Holmes confounded him to no end, why would she kiss the man? Their kiss before was nothing but a tool, but perhaps... he looked back at Holmes who was just behind him. The detective's eyes were narrowed with determination as they made their way to St. Bart's. There was a moment of silence between the two men as the cab sped towards its destination.

Watson looked at his bewildered friend, as his own heart was weighed down with grief. Claire was not dead but he felt like he was losing her. "Holmes...why do you think she kissed you? I thought you two...well...did that for means of escape." Watson choked back on his tears for Claire, but stayed firm.

Holmes looked up quickly at his colleague, "It is a simple deduction to make Watson, even you must have hit upon it. Miss. Watson obviously has romantic leanings towards me and acted upon them." Holmes could not believe how easy it was to figure out, but his mind had prevented him from seeing the signs until now.

Watson didn't shout or berate Holmes's analysis; he kept his focus on Claire's breathing. "I did think that Holmes, but I never thought...that it would happen. I thought Claire would fall for someone else...but you two are so similar. You are both calculating observers...even if she has a dramatic streak in her." Watson couldn't believe this feeling of understanding he was reaching with this notion. But, then came the question of how Holmes felt about this new situation. Watson gave him a questioning glance, as if to implore him to answer.

Holmes at first scoffed at it, but then he took a deeper look at Claire's body. "Don't worry about that Watson, I promise you that this won't affect our relationship. I have much to think about before I can truly answer your question." Holmes's analytical mind was beginning to reassert its dominance. But, his heart pushed away that type of rationalization. It was the beginning of something new and profound in his body and Holmes was unsure how to act on it.

Watson sighed with the knowledge that this was the best answer he would receive from Holmes on that subject. The doctor became preoccupied with the care of his cousin and as they rushed her body into the hospital, he could not help but be worried of the path this would take them down.