The next time Mycroft Holmes had a visitor was three days later. It was John of course, as there was no one else who would care enough in order to visit him. "Good morning, Mycroft." He received no answer. The man just sat there, on his bed, staring at him in silence. "Is everything alright?" John looked at the torn page that lied on the table at the exact same spot as it did three days ago. It was filled with names, all erased. All but one, that was circled. The name was John Watson. "You don't actually think I –" he started, startled. "I bet Sherlock has a key to my office. All you had to do it so steal it. You're capable of shooting people, we both know that. You know what lies would sound the most believable to Sherlock. You said so yourself – my relationship with Sherlock is stronger than your relationship with him. You want me out of the way so you'll be Sherlock's only friend and support." "Mycroft, I'm the only person who believes you!" "Because you know that I didn't kill her. You did." John groaned. "What is it with the two of you?! Every time you are provided with a convincing lie, you choose to believe it rather than think a bit further and discover the truth!" "Prove it then. Prove it wasn't you." "How the hell am I supposed to prove that?" "Get Sherlock to come here." John sighed. "He doesn't want to see you. How am I supposed to make him come?" Mycroft nodded. "Thought so." "I can't force Sherlock to come here – that doesn't mean I'm the reason you're here!" The prisoner lied back on his bed and closed his eyes. This conversation is over. He was convinced John was the one that framed him, but unlike his brother, he knew that it is possible that the circumstances prevent him from thinking rationally. So he left it for John to decide – if he'll come back with Sherlock, he'll get a chance to talk to his brother. And if he won't, he probably won't come back again. Mycroft Holmes preferred to starve rather than to be humiliated. But as he heard John Watson leave, he secretly hoped he'll come back again, even if he's the blackmailer. Talking to him was the only thing that kept him sane, even if it was just a couple of sentences once in a while. He started to realize why Sherlock likes him so much.