Sherlock story
Deleted Memories, Chapter fourteen
Warning: post Reichenbach spoilers. Hope you enjoy
"The chief proof of man's real greatness lies in his perception of his own smallness."~Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Present day
Anderson, still fuming, took Lestrade's absence as an opportunity to irritate Sherlock. He made a few spiteful comments. Surprised that Sherlock did not react, his boldness amplified. Anderson's attacks were growing more personal by the minute.
John was standing just outside the room leaning on the wall.
John, debating whether he should interfere, looked at Sherlock with concern; but noted that Sherlock was showing incredible restraint.
He decided to wait and see if Anderson would tire of the insults.
Except for some narrowing of his eyes, Sherlock gave no outward indication that he was paying any attention to Anderson.
Sherlock busied himself on his phone looking up information and texting. He looked across the crime scene slowly. He then closed his eyes, and with the exception of odd synchronized hand movements, was perfectly still in body.
Sherlock opened his eyes and cast a contemplative gaze toward the window. Sherlock spent five minutes by the window and floor below it, Sherlock's second suspicion was confirmed; this kidnapping was not what it appeared. Even worse, he believed he found the link.
His magnifying glass out, he was heavy in concentration and did not notice the fact that Anderson's insults had grown quiet. He was studying Sherlock. He noticed the faded bruises on his face, and the way he moved slowly, almost guardedly.
Sweat had formed on Sherlock's forehead, the man never sweats, Anderson thought. Anderson also noticed the way he subconsciously held his ribs and abdomen as he lowered and straightened his body .
The newspapers mentioned something about Sherlock receiving minor injuries in the terrorist raid. This was two weeks ago and he was still recovering. From what Anderson was seeing, his injuries were not minor.
Sherlock took a sample by the window ledge. He received a text from Barts, it was Molly with the results of the lab test he had requested earlier that day. Sherlock read the results. He smirked.
Sherlock's back was turned to the entry. One of the officers tripped and fell hard against the door. A loud bang resulted followed by cursing.
It was Sherlock's reaction that caught the attention of Anderson. He flew upright and his bodies stiffened as though he was ready for an attack. He stifled a gasp of pain that the sudden movement caused.
Anderson's eyes narrowed.
"Sherlock" John said simply with worry etched on his face.
Sherlock nodded woodenly to assure John he was okay. Sherlock's back was to the front of the room. He closed his eyes as he tried to even out his breathing. He swallowed hard against the sudden panic, forcing it back, locking it away; again.
A moment passed in silence.
He knew even Anderson could not have missed his reaction. He prepared himself as he took one more breath. He picked up his magnifying glass that had slipped out of his hand. Then turned and waited for it to begin.