Mycroft Holmes had always been cleverer than his little brother.
Ever since they were very young, this fact was apparent to the eldest Holmes son. Sherlock was eager and impulsive, while Mycroft had the clear patience and perception to have true influence.
Mycroft always preferred to control from the background, while Sherlock was always in the middle of the action – This was quite foolish, Mycroft criticized him; that made it nearly impossible for Sherlock to observe everything and see what was important. But Sherlock was easily bored, and that was one of his greatest weaknesses.
Mycroft had never seen his little brother dearest as much of a threat; until recently, that is. Mycroft set up a test for Sherlock, just a simple analysis to keep some tabs on his little brother. After Sherlock had proved his capabilities when Lestrade called him for assistance in the case referred to as "A Study in Pink," Mycroft easily tracked down the mastermind behind the plot – James Moriarty. He used Moriarty as his pawn, introducing a character who could appear as a potential opponent to his arrogant brother, someone who Sherlock would think worthy to be his nemesis. If only he knew how easily Mycroft could crush him…
The results of this little test, finishing with the ordeal at the swimming pool, had been quite surprising for Mycroft – Sherlock was far cleverer than Mycroft anticipated, but it was nothing the eldest Holmes couldn't handle. Everything had gone to plan. Mycroft never intended to kill Sherlock, but he easily could have, just with one word…
However, this test had one unintended result that was very pleasing for Mycroft – he now knew his little brother's weakness. And John Hamish Watson was such an easy target.
Sherlock had never trusted Mycroft, but he never had any reason to suspect his older brother for being involved in anything remotely criminal or sinister. But now, little Sherlock was growing cleverer, growing dangerous, and Mycroft had no intention of letting his little brother dearest meddle in his affairs, which some people may not find…honorable. And potential threats must be eliminated immediately; Mycroft knew this only too well.
Pity it had to be his little brother.
