Dear God, He's Gone and Done It: Chapter 14

Recap++++ "Hell-o Mycroft. Did you miss me?"

Mycroft had decided to check his emails to see what the world news looked like. He found a link to a video labelled *Goldfish*. Clicking on it, a man came into focus…a man whose face nobody would ever forget. And that damned voice. Ice water started slowly flowing through Mycroft's veins before the man could continue.

The smaller man on camera continued talking and smiling smugly at the idea that he had one of Mycroft's most prized possessions in his control.

"Did you miss me? I know your brother did. Poor Sherlock, getting all bored with the average criminals that populate the Earth.

I never did get a proper 'thank you' for saving him from that death march you sent him on. But don't worry. I can't say I'm surprised that I'm not included in your Christmas card list. I took the liberty of acquiring my own gift.

She's a rare gem is she not? I know your brother has been enamored with her as of late. Well, at least until yesterday, if I am to believe my information."

He stepped aside to give Mycroft a glimpse of his agent strapped to the chair. Barbary seemed mostly unconscious.

As if knowing what Mycroft would be thinking, 'Oh don't worry about her. Yet. She just had a little too much to drink. I think Sebastian said that she had something like eight pints. Although, he had the bar tender to stop dosing her drinks after four of them. At first I was a little angry at his presumption. But, after I thought about it for a moment, I realized he had actually done me a favor. I have dreamed of an opportunity like this for longer than you can possibly imagine.

No matter. Our time grows short for now. I just wanted to let you know I have her. She is unharmed, for now. I can't promise she will stay that way for long. Sebastian has a type you know.

If you want her back, you better find her before someone else does. I know who she is and I know what she is worth to the highest bidder. Because we are friends, I will give you twenty-four hours. Until then, we're going to have a bit of fun. You do remember how much I like to play games? Ta-ta for now Mr. British Government."

With that the screen went dark and the last glimpse that Mycroft had of Barbary was a daring look in her eye as she glared at Moriarty and Sebastian Moran.

**'For the love of God, give me a couple hours head start before you provoke them girl.'**

Mycroft knew his prayer was falling on deaf ears. Barbary was going to push every button on Moriarty and Moran that she could find within the next 24 hours. It's what she did. He just hoped that she understood that Moriarty wasn't the same as the targets she went after in her assignments.

Sitting at his desk, Mycroft rested his head in his hands. Moriarty had Barbary. Mycroft debated on who to call…Mary or Tarek. If he called Tarek, the boy might go off half-cocked and get himself into some major trouble. And that just wouldn't do. Part of the reason that Barbary had even taken Mycroft up on his offer to join the agency was out of her gratitude for Mycroft saving her life and thereby saving Tarek's life before he was born; Mycroft couldn't repay that by leading the boy into certain danger.

On the other hand, if he called Mary and had to tell her what was going on, she just might shoot him. He had no reason to doubt this, she shot Sherlock before trying to protect her secrets from John…or was it to protect John from her secrets?

He knew he should call Piri. He would be able to actually find her the fastest. The man had an uncanny ability. Sherlock was the master of deduction; Piri was like that with locating lost people. It was how he came by the nickname 'Piri'….after Piri Reis, the man with that historic map. Between Piri's skills at location and Mary's skills with a gun, he expected to be able to free Barbary in no time. In the meantime, the intercom on his desk buzzed to life.

"Sir, they're here."

"Ah, yes. Send the lady in first please."

A few moments later Anthea lead an older looking woman in. She was maybe 172 cm tall with startling blue doe eyes. Her hair had once been a darker shade of blonde but was now accented with some gray. She was slim, but well built; some might even go as far as to say statuesque. Anthea opened the door to Mycrofts office for the lady to go in first and came in for a moment behind her.

Smiling as pleasantly as he could, Mycroft greeted the lady, 'You must be Imogene Chapel."