Dear Normund,

I can call you that, can't I? Please just call me John, Dr. Watson is far too formal and this isn't exactly a formal conversation is it? Thank you so much for your email. It's wonderful to finally speak to a follower I don't know in real life. I have read your blog. It's very interesting, even if some of the things go over my head, but then, I am used to that sort of thing.

Yeah, I definitely think Sherlock would have liked you. It's a pity you never got in contact before this. I could have introduced the two of you. But..not much can be done about that now. I'm very sad to hear about your friend. I completely understand how you must feel. I do hope you get to see him again.

I only wish I had that hope to cling onto. Mine will never come back. During the first two months after his death, I kept expecting him to walk through the door and throw himself on the couch, bored. Or waking up to noxious odours from the kitchen or to him playing his violin. I couldn't believe he was gone. It just didn't make sense. Not one bit. But eventually I had to get used to the fact that he's gone, he killed himself, he is not coming back.

It was very hard but almost six months on, I'm getting there. It's still sort of ..raw.. even though it's been six months. I guess he just made that big an impact on my life, it's irreversible. Thankfully I have Mary. She's wonderful. I don;t deserve her but I'm glad to have her, she's cured much of my loneliness.

Because I was so lonely. Still am, when she's not here and I just stare at the empty chair in my flat. It's not even his old one. Stupid really.

Hope you don't mind listening to a silly git's ramblings. It was nice to hear from you, please write again.

John.

Since seeing Lestrade, John kept a constant look out for graffiti, posters, flyers etc, about his friend or Moriarty. Occasionally he'd find one and take a photo of it, or even, in the case of flyers and posters, the objects themselves. Mary had suggested a scrapbook and together they were filling it with these photos, newspaper clippings etc. He had no idea what to do with it but it was another thing to help deal with his grief.

He actually came up with a very silly idea the other day. A book. To write up his cases in a book, in a longer format then for a blog. Like a story, except there weren't stories. Stupid idea really, but it wouldn't leave his head. He could even see the title: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. ...Nah.

Back at Scotland Yard, Lestrade and his team were slowly finishing reviewing all the cases and evidence. They were up to his fall from grace. The small group rarely spoke to one another, the mood sombre. Lestrade had been keeping Mycroft up to date on the situation so he was slightly surprised to see him in the office.

"Mycroft...what can we do for you?" Anderson and Sally lifted their heads, quickly moving as far away as possible from the tall, elegant figure. "His phone.. do you have it?" Lestrade looked confused for a moment, but nodded. "Why do you ask?" Mycroft placed his umbrella handle over his arm, retrieving his little book from the hidden pocket in his coat. "A thought occurred to me last night, after your update. My brother may have left a message on his phone. It would be the sort of thing he would do, I refuse to believe he only "left" one with Doctor Watson. Could please get your men to examine the phone? If possible. Just to be sure. I do not want you to miss anything that might be important."

Lestrade had to admit, he felt a little stupid about not considering that possibility. Sherlock had been attached to his phone, it would make sense for him to possible leave a note inside it. But this was a Holmes...the only Holmes left, of course he'd see the things Greg might miss. "Of course, I'll get someone on it right away." He looked over at Sally who quickly ran off, Anderson took one look at Mycroft and followed after her.

Greg hid a smile, sitting down on a table. "Hardly speak anymore those two. Least not when I'm in the room. Think they're scared I'll call you and get them fired. They're not bad people, just.. misguided I suppose." Mycroft sat down next to the Inspector. "I have examined their careers. You are correct, they were only doing what they thought right. However that does not mean I will ever forgive them." Lestrade nodded, folding his arms and glancing at his feet.

"How are you holding up? I've been speaking to John but he hasn't said anything about you."

"I have hardly seen him myself. He does not wish to talk to me. Understandable. I would not want to talk to me either. But I am doing well, in my own way. Thankfully my employers and colleagues know what I can do and see no reason for my brother to not have the same abilities. If you can not find enough evidence to clear his name, I will use my..influence to do so some how instead. I do not want to world thinking he was a fraud. He does not deserve it. However annoying he might have been." Lestrade gave a quite chuckle, Mycroft joined in but then stood suddenly.

"I better go, please should you find anything, let me know. He was my brother, I would have hoped he said goodbye, even if he did not forgive me. See you soon Greg"

"Later Mycroft"..I hope we find something to. For your sake and his.

To John Watson,

Thank you for replying. I am very grateful. I was not sure if you would do so or not so it was a pleasant surprise. I meant to reply two days ago but run into a little trouble. I lost my passport. I was mugged. Not a pleasant experience. I now have a black eye and split lip but thankfully the local authorities caught the thieves and returned to me my passport.

Your account on your grief makes me very sad. I still do have hope to cling to. You do not. But I am pleased you are not alone anymore. It is nice to have someone you can thoroughly rely on to keep you company and care for you. I only wish I was so lucky. Hopefully I will see my friend again one day. Where he is I do not know. I only hope he is safe and not in too much trouble.

Right now I am in Corsica. It is very beautiful and I am looking forward to see the sights and taking photos and sketches for my own blog. From Corsica I am travelling back through Italy and then to Spain.

I heard about a movement on your blog. I am not sure I understand what you mean but it sounds interesting. People in London supporting your friend. How wonderful. It must be hard for you, too see so many people saying terrible things, so this must please you greatly.

Thank you again for replying. I hope to hear from you soon.

Your friend,

Normund.