Sherlock adjusted his gossamer mask as he danced in circles with the pretty blonde socialite. He had little interest in her, his interest solely on the host of this Masked Ball. With his red hair and mask, he was virtually unrecognisable, he just needed a reason to go after the man. There, perfect, he'd left the room for a smoke. Sherlock let go of the woman, leaving her stranded and confused in the middle of the room and followed after the Host, silently.

He closed the door, locking it quietly before moving to stand next to his Host. He pulled out a cigarette from his suit pocket. "Mind if I borrow your lighter?" The host smiled, handing it over immediately. Sherlock lit the end of his cigarette and handed the lighter back, taking a deep puff, leaning his head back and letting a cloud of smoke escape from his lips.

"Enjoying the party?"

The man turned to look at the beautiful view from the balcony. "Somewhat." He took the opportunity of the man's distraction to take out his gun and point it at his head. "Thats goo-...what the hell? What are you playing at!" Sherlock sighed at the obviously predictable response. "Please get on your knees and come quietly". The man glared at him, his reply indignant. "I shall do no such thing, who the hell are you?"

Sherlock watched Mycrot's men abseil down from the balcony above and head towards his captive suspect.

"The name's Holmes, Sherlock Holmes"

"John? Theres a phone call for you! Someone called Greg?" John threw down his paper and rushed towards the phone. Maybe he had a case he needed medical advice on. God John was bored, work was good but never exciting. Just a way to get money really. "Hello?"

"John! How are you? Haven't heard from you in a while mate. Got a bit worried. Anyway, thats not why I'm calling. Got a case right now, man was shot through the head, looking for another medical opinion. Interested?" John grinned. This was perfect, finally something to relieve his boredom. "Of course mate! Count me in, I'll be right over. Yeah... yeah ok. Thanks, bye!" He hung up the phone, clearly excited. He shouldn't be, a man was just shot. But this was the feeling he usually got before a case.

"Look at you all happy" She ruffled his hair. "A friend?" He nodding, grinning. "Greg Lestrade, I told you about him remember? Anyway, he needs my help. So I better go." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "I know we are planning to see a movie tonight, I'll be back in time a promise.. it's just that this..I need this." Mary pecked him back and smiled, rubbing his arm. "I know John, have fun!" John smiled and exited the flat.

A few second later he opened the door again. "Mary?...Do you want to come?"

"Oh God Yes"

Pleased with his progress, Sherlock had returned home to London. As he made his way down the dark streets towards Molly's flat, he wondered how long it would take him to tie up the rest of Moriarty's web. So he didn't notice the man currently following him. "Nice night out for a stroll, isn't it, Sherlock Holmes." Sherlock whipped his head around but was unable to make out the man's face in the darkness. "I'm afraid you're mistaken. Its quite alright, it is very dark" The man chuckled darkly, before slowing walking towards the detective.

"No.. I know exactly who you are. But don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you, just to give you a warning, a friendly warning"

"Oh?"

"Back off, I know what you've been doing, so we're are giving you a chance to stop all this. We'd hate to kill you...seeing as you are already dead. So, things will be much easier for you if you..just stop"

"We?"

"Thats not your problem"

Sherlock looked thoughtful, this was getting interesting! "Well if you know me and who I am, I don't have to tell you that I will not stop going after his web. But thanks all the same for the warning." The man moved closer, leaning in towards Sherlock's ear. "Yes, I knew you'd say that, so I thought I'd leave you with a little parting gift. Just for fun. I get bored too" Sherlock felt something sharp suddenly sting his arm, turning just to see the man twiddle a now empty syringe between his fingers.

"Have fun getting home, Sherlock!" The man left, whistling. Sherlock stood still for a second before taking a step, immediately regretting the action as his whole world begin to spin.