Sherlock story
Deleted Memories, Chapter 70
Warning: post Reichenbach spoilers. Hope you enjoy
*As always thanks for reading, a special thanks to all of you who take the time to review, comment, and favorite.
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right—for you'll be criticized anyway."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Present Day
It had been eighteen grueling hours with little sleep for anyone.
Four of those hours were spent at Scotland Yard. Several larger groups were formed; each team had several MI agents, two of Mycroft's men, and anyone Scotland Yard certified in the use of handguns.
Only half of Scotland Yard detectives were certified and allowed to use weapons under special circumstances such as terrorism. The rest never carried a weapon. Donovan, Lestrade, and Anderson were certified in the use of firearms.
A massive map of London was stretched on the wall. With pins that were stuck in, to indicating several possible targeted locations. Leading the teams were, Thomas, Lestrade, Anderson, and Smith.
Sherlock acted as the consultant to the groups.
Smith, although begrudgingly, did except Sherlock's help.
All because they asked what the consulting detective considered `moronic questions'.
A makeshift police station was set up at 221B Baker Street. A few members of the team then transferred to other places. Some went home for the night.
Mycroft joined later. Sherlock believed that there were less than ten hours before the first of five bombs exploded.
The terrorist expert argued that this broke a distinctly known terrorist pattern.
Sherlock countered back that the timeframe was moved up due to the rescue of Katie Green. Sherlock further concluded that there were a series of five bombs at five different locations around the UK. He believed that they were set to explode, all on the same day.
Sherlock further stated that there were even more bombs at different locations around Europe and Asia that were set to explode within the upcoming week.
When the expert reminded everyone that he was the expert and knew more than Sherlock, Sherlock looked the expert up and down smiling falsely. Then Sherlock said something in French to the man.
Mycroft at that moment stopped speaking to Anthea and looked at Sherlock frowning.
Sherlock stopped smiling abruptly once he realized that Mycroft was glaring at him. He then cleared his throat and looked a little too innocent.
The terrorist expert was not sure if he was being complimented or insulted so he chose that moment to walk away and refresh his tea.
Mycroft walked over to John who was leaning on the wall. He turned his back to the group then said quietly so that only John could hear. "Would you control him John, you seem to be the only one who can."
John was somewhat offended.
"Mycroft, you know what Sherlock is like when the puzzle comes together. On top of that, he's tired, he has not eaten since earlier, and I can tell he's starting to hurt again. I think he's doing well."
John shrugged before adding, "Anderson was being purposefully annoying, and Smith is a moron. Besides, I don't speak French; he could have been saying `God bless you' for all I know."
John picked up his tea and calmly started drinking.
Mycroft just stared for several seconds in silence before speaking. "Between the two of you, is there not one adult."
John said nothing but took another sip.
Mycroft sighed, and then walked away to Sherlock.
"Sherlock may I see you for a moment. Privately." Mycroft said quietly.
Sherlock sighed, he then lead the way to his room. He walked in without saying a word. Mycroft followed and pushed the door close behind him.
Several people including Lestrade noticed the brothers leaving but everyone quickly returned their attention back to their work. All except Lestrade who gave John, the look. John returned the look then took another sip of tea.
Sherlock sat in his chair looking straight ahead. He did not offer for Mycroft to sit down. Mycroft looked at Sherlock examining him and making deductions. Sherlock realizing what Mycroft was doing, turned his head away.
Mycroft eyes traveled up and down Sherlock then he frowned.
"Sherlock…" he was interrupted.
"I know what you're going to say Mycroft. Don't worry, he is dim-witted, he did not understand what I said, and I did smile." Sherlock said still looking away.
"Sherlock you need to be more diplomatic." Mycroft exhaled deeply then sat on the corner of Sherlock's bed.
"We both know the odds of that occurring are unlikely." Sherlock smirked.
"Sherlock, be civil with Butler please, for me." Mycroft asked.
"Oh…, is that the moron's name." Sherlock did not try to conceal the sarcasm.
"Sherlock, that's not fair he is not a moron, he's an experienced moron." Mycroft kept a straight face.
Sherlock visible relaxed and seemed to melt into the chair as he chuckled and turned to look at Mycroft for the first time.
Mycroft smiled back as he looked at his brother. His smile then left as he asked, "How are you, really?"
"Not bad." he looked at his brother and now he was the one to frown. Sherlock however, said nothing.
Mycroft looked down then up after a moment.
"Sherlock, I'll be out of the country for a few days, I've reassigned Thomas until I get back. He'll be in charge of one of my task force. "Mycroft face was unreadable.
Sherlock nodded but his eyes never left Mycroft's.
"I would ask that you would have either Lestrade or John with you at all times until I return, preferable both." Mycroft raised an eyebrow and made it clear that he was not asking.
Sherlock nodded again. His eyes were still on Mycroft.
A moment of silence
"Mycroft, you do not want to leave but you're still going." Mycroft made no comment back.
"Is there anything you want to tell me, Mycroft?" Sherlock tried again.
"Not at this time. We'll talk when I get back," Mycroft replied.
Brief silence
"Sherlock be careful if you don't mind. Eat, drink, and sleep every now and then. And do try to not drive the new agent to madness," Mycroft requested.
"No promises," Sherlock smiled.
Mycroft shook his head, and then returned the smile.
Sherlock cleared his throat before saying. "Mycroft do keep yourself out of a situation that may require running, we both know the outcome would be disastrous. In addition, try not to get yourself injured. You know how much I hate hospitals." Despite Sherlock's smile, his eyes were serious.
"I'll do my utmost," Mycroft said.
Both brothers sat in comfortable silence. Neither indicated that they were about to move. Outside the closed door and at various locations around the world and London, Mycroft's task force prepared to move at the morning's first light.