Welcome to the penultimate chapter of 'The Girl Left Behind"...Next week is the finale and then the sequel "The Girl that Lived" will start posting. I warn you now we are in for a bumpy ride! Please don't hate me, its all necessary to the plot!
Don't forget that Percy is on Facebook, come and say hello, she's very friendly! www. facebook persephoneholmes (follow the link, just remove the spaces)
Chapter 50 - Those Who Write Sins and Tragedies
A disused warehouse in East London:
February 10th
Moran had come to the end of his tether. Time after time he was pushed aside for someone else. His plans foiled by people forgiving each other. He'd come so close at exacting his revenge it now called for a watertight plan. He was surprised his bugs and cameras hadn't been detected, well the decoys had and someone else had taken the flak. He watched and learned their habits. He felt like David Attenborough except he was going to slaughter the wild life not preserve it.
It had almost been too easy to get hold of the pictures and even easier to alter them. Well a few weren't altered, just stolen from government records. He knew Percy misbehaved, but he wasn't aware she did that for the government for her own brother. It explained some of her more intimate 'talents'. The doctored images were so good even he was starting to believe the lie. Then again, a truly good lie was spun around the truth, it was just an altered reality skewed to someone's benefit. In this case his. Moran let a callous grin spread across his features. He had his bait all needed was the bite and he would reel them in. Andrea, Amanda, Anthea, whatever her name was had been so helpful and all too willing in helping him.
Moran put the photos back into the folder and dialed Moriarty's number. It rang three times.
"What?" Moriarty snapped. Tread carefully, thought Moran.
"I have information." He stated simply.
"About what?"
"Someone important."
"You need to be a little more specific Moran, I'm busy." Moriarty replied tersely. Moran heard a familiar giggle in the background. Oh, they were still in bed, he surmised bitterly.
"The person is female, works for the government under Holmes himself. There is a lot of evidence against her; there are photos, transcripts, audio clips. Everything we could want to use against her. She'll be easy to turn to my...your advantage." He explained. He was giving clues, enough to get Moriarty interested, but not enough to give anything away just yet. He was looking forward to his reaction.
"This better be good. I'll meet you in an hour. If this is a waste of my time you lose a limb. I've had enough of your inadequacy." Moriarty said coolly.
"Understood." He agreed and hung up.
Moran knew if Moriarty was truly unhappy with the evidence he brought forth it could be his end, so it wouldn't matter anyway, he'd be dead, and if he was intrigued then this could be such fun. He collected the folder made his way to the warehouse floor. There was just a metal table and two chairs under a low hanging light. It was an unpleasant sight and one that made you think of painful interrogations, those thoughts would be correct. Moran threw the folder on to the table and waited, anticipation bubbling through him.
"Don't answer it." His wife groaned now half asleep after the mornings activities. He looked down at the sleepy woman in his arms, she had a lazy smile of contentment that matched his own. They'd always fitted together perfectly.
"If I get it over and done with I can then focus all my attention on you."
"That does sound fun." Percy grinned deviously. Her lust fuelled by his. Jim reached for his phone and saw the caller was Moran. His reaction to seeing the snake was pure irritation, over the last few months he'd found himself tolerating Moran less and less.
"What?" He barked feeling the criminal instantly snap into place. Percy looked up at him curiously and he mouthed Moran, she simply rolled her eyes. He listened lazily as Moran tried to be mysterious it was wearing.
"You need to be more specific Moran, I'm busy." He growled and used his free hand had to illicit the most wonderfully naughty giggle from his wife. He grinned at her.
"You're going to pay for that mister." Percy whispered. He just gave her a challenging look. That sounded more fun than anything Moran could offer. He half listened as Moran droned on.
"I'll meet you in an hour." He instructed. That way Moran would go away and he could finish what had started. He might be late, what did he care? It was only Sebastian.
"What exactly are you going make me pay for my love?" He asked his wife huskily and he appreciated the slight shiver that went through her. He chucked his phone somewhere as round three started...
An hour and half later, so he was only marginally over, he was the king after all; he walked into the familiar warehouse.
"What was so important you dragged me here?" Moriarty asked his tone bored.
Moran looked at his watch. Bastard! He swore out loud. He's deliberately keeping me waiting whilst he has some tryst with his harlot of a wife. He still couldn't believe he'd married her.
Two hours of waiting and a side door finally opens. There stands the ever immaculately suited and booted Moriarty. He'd give the lunatic some credit, he knew how to make an impression and wasn't half bad at crime, well before he went soft and domestic.
"What was so important you dragged me here?" Moriarty asked darkly.
"This information will effect the whole operation sir, I thought you'd appreciate seeing it in person away from distractions." Moran replied humbly. Massage his ego, a sure way to win favour.
"Fine, come on then show me what you've got. Let's make this quick." Moriarty snapped back. Seb slid the folder towards his boss and let Moriarty see its contents.
At first a puzzled expression fell across Moriarty's expression like he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing. As he rifled through the pictures and the transcripts and e-mails and texts of flirtatious and sexual messages to a variety of men it all sunk in. One thing Moriarty was good at doing was misdirection. Outwardly he was irritated, but he let a sadistic smirk grace his menacing features.
"You're not as useless as I thought Moran. I think we have some reshuffling to do in the business. I'll be in contact." Moriarty closed the folder took it with him and left the warehouse getting into his waiting car. George knew that expression and to just drive.
Moran smiled. Other than a mild backhanded compliment his plan was working too well. No death threats, no explosions of rage and violence, cold and deep hurt. He pondered on the notion of Moriarty killing his own wife. Oh, it would be poetic justice.
He would sit back and let the fireworks explode.
Inside Jim felt like his insides we're melting away. He couldn't and wouldn't believe what he was seeing. Percy was loyal, she always had been. They loved each other. She made him feel again, made and kept him human. He flicked through the file and the raunchy images assaulted his mind. He'd always known Percy was no innocent, but she wouldn't cheat, she was too good hearted to do that. His brain and his heart were fighting a fierce battle. He needed to think. He needed to see Percy, she could lie, but not that well, not to him.
Moriarty instructed George to take him home. He arrived home and as he entered the house Percy came bounding the stairs. She smiled and kissed him goodbye. It was so normal…too normal?
I kissed Jim goodbye as I headed into the city. I was really looking forward to my day out. My broken arm was beginning to heal and I was finally 'allowed' to get out and about. I walked to Baker Street tube station and got onto the Circle line to Moorgate. I was off to see and exhibition called "Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men" at the Museum of London. The museum was conveniently near Bart's, so I could pop in and see John for him to check my cast.
John was pleased with the way my arm was healing, gave me hug and told me to enjoy the exhibition. I walked the short distance to the museum. I loved how quiet the City was at the weekends. It was like ghost town. I hopped up onto an escalator taking me up to the over pass where the Museum entrance was. I queued for a ticket, placed my coat and bag into a locker and headed down to the exhibition. I was fascinated by all the specimens and stories, and didn't notice the person stood next to me until he spoke.
"Percy?" The man asked.
"Yes, Nick? Wow, how are you?" I asked happily. Nick Harrison. He was such a sweet guy. I'd met him at party when I was seventeen. We hit it off straight away and became really good friends. Well more than friends on a rather drunken occasion. He was clever; he was one of the youngest students to train as a pathologist. He was tall, as tall, if not taller than Sherlock with bright blue eyes and mussed blonde hair. He truly was the epitome of 'geek chic'. He was skinny as a rake, and always had been. In fact he reminded me a lot of Sherlock, if Sherlock let go and actually openly felt the emotions he was born with. Perhaps that's why we got on so well?
"I'm really well thanks. How are you?" I asked.
"Good. Are you sure you're alright, you're arm is in a cast." Nick asked.
"I'm fine, honestly. It was a stupid accident at work. I haven't gotten any more graceful." I smirked as the lies rolling off my tongue easily.
"After this, do you fancy getting some coffee and catching up?" Nick asked hopefully.
"Yeah that would be great." I smiled.
Jim sat still staring at the contents of the folder. It had shaken everything. He rarely ever felt lost and confused. His phone buzzing distracted him it was a text from Moran.
Something you should see. SM.
There was a picture attached to the text of Percy with a tall attractive blond man. Jim slipped on his jacket and went on a mission to find out what his wife was doing.
We finished wandering round the exhibition together, Nick adding very useful side notes about certain diagrams and specimens. We slowly made our way back to the entrance hall, I collected my coat and bag and we walked towards St. Paul's Cathedral. We stopped at the Starbuck's opposite the cathedral steps and caught up on each other's lives. Nick was now working for the Home Office as a pathologist; he was already head of his department. He was getting married in October and was blissfully happy. I filled him in on my own life, how I went to Art College and about my marriage and the cursory details of my life. It was fun. We laughed and joked and slipped back into to our old routine. It was comfortable, normal and a welcomed break form the crazy that was everyday life.
Nick and I decided to go for a walk; we walked down Fleet Street towards the Strand. We laughed and joked the entire way, and for that afternoon I felt twenty-five and carefree. Don't get me wrong, I love my life, but it forces you to grow up so fast. Nick grabbed my hand and decided we would skip down the Strand, which we did and collapsed laughing outside Charing Cross Station. Nick smile down at me and said he had to get home. I hugged him goodbye and smiled as I walked to Embankment Tube Station. It had been a blissful afternoon and for a second I hesitated in going home. I shook my head, pushing away the thought and tapping my oyster card against the reader and walking to the platform to wait for the train home.
Twenty minutes later I was unlocking the front door to the home I shared with the man I loved and realised I was just being silly, my doubts were about our lifestyle, not our marriage. Even if things had been rather strained of late.
"Where the hell have you been?" Jim shouted. I internally flinched at his rage, but knew I had to keep a cool exterior. Also, I had no idea what he was talking about.
"I told you I was going out to a museum, I ran into an old friend and we got chatting, I just lost track of time. Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." I replied calmly. I tried kept my features open and neutral.
"Oh, lost track of time. 'Chatting', sure. Do you really think I'm that stupid?" He spat.
"What are you talking about?! Of course we were chatting. It was an exhibition about dissection, and he's a pathologist." I defended. I was bewildered where this anger was coming from. Was he jealous?
"Oh, please. I saw the way you two were acting! 'Chatting!' Don't give me any of that crap, Percy!" Jim yelled. His anger ramping up a notch, which meant a veil of calm would fall over him and mask how livid he was. It was never a good sign, which was when people usually ended up dead.
"Are you jealous?! Seriously?!" I asked, trying not to snort with derision. I did value my life a little. "Jim, I haven't seen Nick since I was seventeen. We were just having a laugh." I tried to explain.
"Do you really want to keep this lie up? I saw you today. That was more than just catching up with an old friend." He accused.
"Are you accusing me of having an affair?" I asked. I was shocked he thought I would do that to him. It hurt that he doubted my fidelity to him. He knows how much I love him, doesn't he?
"Well, what else do you expect me to think?!" He spat, his anger spiking again.
"Um, not that. What's happening with you, over the last couple of weeks you've been pulling away from me, I don't understand." I asked quietly. I had been trading on eggshells around him for the two weeks. The change had started around the same time that John had checked out my arm and said I could start getting on with normal life again.
"Well I don't understand how you can act like that with that guy and not expect me to think that! I mean, how would you feel if it was the other way around?!" He asked. Something flickered in his expression, was it hurt? Betrayal?
"I've seen you around lots of very attractive women, I don't like it, but I trust you." I said with a frown. I hated seeing other women come on to Jim, but I knew he would never hurt me or betray our relationship.
"Well, if you're allowed to play around like that, so am I." He chuckled darkly. I was so confused.
"What?! I have not been playing around. I love you, and only you, I have from the moment I met you. Is it because I lost the baby; is that what this is all about? You don't trust me." I asked, feeling the beginnings of hysteria rising. I would fight tooth and nail for our marriage.
"Actions speak louder than words, and the way you were acting today...I saw the whole thing, fawning over each other, giggling. It was sick." Jim ground out, disgust marring his features. A look I was all too familiar with.
"I'm so sorry you got that impression, honestly it wasn't anything sordid, it was just friendly fun, nothing more." I tried to defend myself. Deep down I knew it was futile.
"If that's how you want to phrase it, whatever." He replied with a nonchalant shrug. I took a step towards him, I tried to take his hand, but he wrenched himself away from me.
"Why have you stopped trusting me? What's happened to upset you so much? Please talk to me." I begged.
"No, whatever. Have your fun. Maybe I will too. Maybe I already have." He jeered. For the first time in the eight years we'd been together I felt doubt, real, crippling doubt. What if? Rang through my mind, over and over again.
"What are you talking about? You're speaking in riddles." I asked. I had no idea where any of this had come from, or what had triggered it.
"You're supposed to be the genius, figure it out." He said coolly. My mind raced trying to piece together any evidence or action or words that could cause Jim to be so hurt and angry, but I came up blank. I had no idea.
"I don't understand in two weeks you've gone from threatening to bring down the government because my arm got broken to jealous teenager! Stop treating me like Sherlock, I am not him, and I'm your wife." I shouted. I was scared.
"If you were a proper wife, you wouldn't be playing around with men like that, like you always do. I don't want to hear any excuses, I know you do, I see it a lot, but maybe I'm just tired of it. If you don't want to take your commitment seriously, fine, neither will I. It'd be fun to play around." Jim taunted. I froze. No, he wasn't was he? I scanned him up and down and then I noticed it. He wasn't wearing his wedding ring.
"Please, please don't let it be true, are...are you having an affair?" I asked shakily. I felt like my knees were about to give way.
"Yeah, Percy, I'm having an affair." He drawled.
"Oh..." I replied quietly. I could feel myself physically pale at his words. I didn't know what to do.
"Oh, please, don't give me that. Why should it affect you that much? You've slept around enough in the past. I'm not allowed to have a little fun?" He asked spitefully.
"Why are you I trying to hurt me so much? What did I do to upset you?" I pleaded. I had to know what it was. What had I done to ruin everything, to drive him away?
"You know me, I get bored. Maybe if you could actually have kids, but we both know about that, so..." He said maliciously.
"You've always hated the idea of having children. You've never cared about the miscarriage, why now?" I asked. Now he wanted children? My mind was reeling. I could feel waves of uncertain nausea rolling in my stomach.
"Like I said, I get bored. I am allowed to change my mind. And maybe we never knew each other as well as we thought." He said bluntly. I felt myself stumble and grabbed the wall for support. This couldn't be real. This had to be some twisted nightmare.
"Don't say that, please. I love you. I'm so sorry I lost the baby..." I couldn't say anymore, the tears came and turned into sobs. I collapsed to the floor.
"See, you can't even control your emotions. Or is this just another act? You are a good actress; I'll give you that." Complimented Jim. He had a dark smirk playing across his features.
"I have never lied to you, I've always been honest with you." I stuttered. I tried to force myself to calm down. I looked up at Jim, and didn't see my husband, I saw Moriarty. I think I understood Angie's fears now.
"And just how do I know that? I don't, I don't know if you've lied to me. You're so good at it with everyone else..." Moriarty accused menacingly. I forced myself to stand up; I wiped at my eyes and looked Moriarty straight in the eye.
"I could say the same for you. You can lie so well the world believed you were someone else." I said defiantly. I decided to use my own self-belief as a barrier. I would not let him win. Moriarty smirked at me, but his humour at my defiance turned to a frown.
"Like I said, maybe we don't really know each other like we thought we did. Maybe this whole marriage is a lie." He sang, almost pleased with the idea of our marriage being fake.
"No...no...I know you love me and I love you. We've been through so much together." I replied, shaking my head in disbelief. This was a lie. There had to be a reason for all of this.
"Maybe a little too much." He said with mock concern. "After all, after everything we've been through, you still went and slept with my best friend." He pouted, his expression changing from that of a hurt child to deranged maniac in a flash.
"It was a mistake, and I owned up to it. You asked me to come and find you and marry you, and I was so happy to finally marry you. Why did you go through with it if you didn't want me?! You've had so many opportunities to leave..." I tailed off. Realising what he was doing. He was trying to hurt me. Fine. If he wanted to be hurt, he wanted a legitimate reason to leave, and I could give him that. He believes me to be an actress then I'll give him the performance of a lifetime. All I had to do was switch it off, turn the emotions off. I looked up at him, my expression bored.
"If you really want to know I left Seb to be with you. When we met, I had only just broken up with him, we'd been together six months." I reeled off like it was yesterday's news.
"And yet eight years later, you went back to him. It's really very sweet, him driving all that way to be with you." Jim mocked.
"I thought you sent him. You'd just blown up our home." I replied bluntly.
"Why would I send him? So you two could get together, which you did anyway? I mean, sleeping with my best friend. That's low, even for you." He raged. "Although, now that I think about it maybe I should, I could return the favour." He taunted.
"You spend most of your time trying to kill my best friend. Fine, do what you want. I always knew you liked her, is it her veiled innocence or the fact she's less damaged?" I asked sarcastically.
"Maybe it's the veiled innocence. I know she has a dark side, I think maybe I'd like to help her bring it out a little more. There's something about her that's enraptured Moran, I think I'd like to find out what it is." He smiled darkly. He thought he was scaring me, hurting me, but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing it.
"Enjoy yourself, nothing I say will stop you." I said calmly. "For curiosity's sake, how many have there been?" I asked. Jim's head snapped up to look at me. Ah, I'd caught him off guard. Good.
"Excuse me?" He asked, outraged at my questions.
"How many affairs have you had? Your obsession with Angie is recent." I asked again.
"I don't have to tell you anything." He spat defiantly.
"Okay, so it was all a lie; a brilliantly played game." I sauntered over to him. He eyed me quizzically. I smiled seductively and leaned in close. "You really are the world's best criminal." I complimented. I kissed his cheek and left.
As I got out side, I walked as quickly as I could. I realised I was making my way to Baker Street, but stopped myself. I changed direction and walked towards Bond Street and let myself blend into the people. I meandered down to Oxford Street, following the crowds down Regent's Street into Piccadilly Circus. I sat and watched the world go by until it grew dark. My head was a mess, a jumble of hurt and confusion. I didn't know if any of it was real, what was a lie or a nightmare. If my marriage was over, what was I going to do? I snorted to myself, when had I become that girl? I would move on and make a new life for myself. Perhaps I could finally go to Australia and New Zealand. I had so many questions and I didn't know who to ask or where to seek comfort. I really wanted my Dad, he always knew what to do in a crisis and he could chase away any monster.
I stood up, brushed off my coat and decided to keep walking. I wandered aimlessly around Piccadilly to Shaftesbury Avenue, through Chinatown and into Covent Garden. I kept walking until I reached Waterloo Bridge and I stood looking out at the jet black river reflecting the city's lights. It was so beautiful, a different city with different people and when the sun came up it would be different again. Tomorrow would be another day, and I'd go back when the sun rose.
February 11th
I let myself back into the house at 7am. I found Jim on the floor on the hallway, slumped against the wall a half empty bottle of scotch in hand. He looked like I felt. I took my jacket off and hung up it up on the coat rack. I looked at him for a minute, he appeared either too out of it to notice me or he'd fallen asleep where he slumped. It turned out to be the latter. I kneeled down next to him and gently cupped his face with hand to try and wake him. His were cheeks rough with stubble. His eyes fluttered, he'd never be a deep sleeper.
"Hi." I greeted lamely. I didn't really know what to say. I was still angry and hurt, but I hated fighting with Jim.
"Morning." Jim replied in a gravelly voice. We looked at each other and an awkward silence fell over us. Neither was willing to concede and apologise first.
"Where did you go last night?" Jim rasped and took another swig of thirty-year-old scotch.
"I walked all over London. I couldn't concentrate enough to stop anywhere. I'm sober." I replied bluntly. I didn't need an argument about my drug habit or another accusation I'd slept with some stranger. I had simply wondered.
"Fair enough." He mumbled.
"It's not like you to drink that much alone." I commented. I was a bit worried.
"You'd left. Seemed like a good idea." Jim countered. His dejected manner broke my resolve. I had been cruel, so had he, but I wanted and needed him to know much he meant to me.
"I'm...I'm sorry for what I said last night. I didn't and don't mean it. I was trying to hurt you so I didn't just stand there and cry. I've never felt the way you make feel with anyone else. Especially not Moran, he was a job and an act of rebellion. I'm so sorry my love. Forgive me?" I said meekly.
"I was being a dick. I know you love me and I do trust you, I always have. Yes, I forgive you." Jim said thickly.
"Ever feel like we're like teenagers?" He asked. I looked at him and smiled.
"All the time!" I giggled. "Come on, let's get you in the shower and to bed, you smell like a hobo." I added, standing up and offering a hand to my drunken husband.
"Will you join me?" He asked cautiously.
"Of course I will." I smiled. Hand in had we walked upstairs towards our bedrooms and en-suite.
As I attempted to leave the bathroom, Jim grabbed my hand and pulled me into his arms holding me tight. He smelled of whiskey and books, it was weirdly alluring. I gently kissed him, letting him know I wasn't going anywhere without words. We showered together and fell into bed together forgoing clothes and just laying wrapped around each other.
It wasn't over, we'd both been so harsh to one another the night before, but we were on the road to recovery. It might take some time, but we'd make it, we always did.
February 14th
Things had been tense for a few days but we were mending. Whatever had upset Jim so much seemed to have been forgotten. I'd woken up very early it was 4am. Another weird baby related dream. They seemed to be plaguing me. Happy Birthday to me! I thought sardonically. I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to celebrate today. I wanted to stay hidden away. I just had a bad feeling like today would be one of the last days I'd really smile for weeks to come. I was probably just being silly, but that niggling thought just wouldn't leave.
I lay awake listening to Jim's even breathing as he slept soundly next to me and staring into the darkness of the ceiling. It felt oddly comforting and familiar. Time was bending in funny ways. Before I was aware of time really passing I felt Jim stirring beside me. I feigned sleep and felt him get out of bed. Whilst feigning sleep, I did drop off again and what must have been nearly an hour felt like seconds and Jim was gently kissing me awake. I can't complain at that.
"Good Morning beautiful. Happy Birthday." Jim smiled broadly. He kissed my lips gently, and I don't know why but I deepened our kiss trying to memorise this happy moment.
"Morning. Be my Valentine?" I asked. The same greeting we'd said to each other every year we'd been together.
"Always and forever." He replied and walked round to the other side of the bed and wrapped his arms around me. Everything was right in the world for that blissful moment.
"Not that I'm complaining, but that kiss, well it was fantastic. Everything okay?" Jim asked. I tuned my head to look up at him.
"Of course it is I just can't help the effect you have on me." I smiled.
"Well you are only human." He chuckled. I rolled my eyes at him but also laughed. Jim leaned over to the bedside table and pulled out a card and beautifully wrapped box and gave them to me.
"A little something for you, I know you said no presents, but I couldn't resist."
"Thank you darling." I unwrapped the dark purple ribbon that enclosed the black velvet box; he really did know me so well, inside the box lay the most beautiful black diamond necklace. The double silver chain covered in black diamond beads and the pendant a huge 45-carat black diamond surrounded by sparkling white diamonds that created gentle leaves onto the central stone. I was speechless it was just so beautiful.
"I don't know what to say, this is absolutely stunning, you spoil me rotten, thank you James, I adore it." I gushed and kissed my husband.
"You're more than worth it my love and to see you so happy is all that matters." Jim said quietly.
"Do I want to know how much this cost?" I asked sheepishly.
"Probably not." Jim smiled. "It's not important, what is important is spending the day with my wonderful wife and spoiling her rotten."
"That sounds like fun." I grinned. "Does this mean you have a plan?" I asked playfully.
"I always have a plan." He smirked.
"Am I allowed to know the plan?" I asked. Jim loves surprises.
"Perhaps, but it will cost you." He smiled at me. Oh…I realised. I could play this game.
"Cost me? I have no money to offer." I said innocently.
"Then you'll have to repay your debt some other way." Jim whispered darkly against my neck. The sensation of his warm breath sent shivers down my spine.
"I can but offer myself as payment." I replied coquettishly. I noticed the dark gleam ignite in Jim's eyes. God I loved this man.
"That will be perfect." He smiled and leaning in to kiss me.
The morning vanished, and it was one of the most passionate mornings of my life. We both eventually and reluctantly got up and got dressed, not after stopping to have a rather long shower…
When we did manage to leave the house we walked hand in had through the bustling streets of London. Even though we we're both dressed casually, I couldn't help but wear the necklace Jim had bought me, the weight of the diamond sitting comfortably against my sternum. We stopped for dinner on the Southbank. Dinner was divine, simple and tasty. We drank cocktails and laughed and reminisced on a variety of dates that had been interrupted by work. The best were when clients got things wrong, one thinking I was Jim's sister. After dinner we walked along the lit up river bank down to the Tate Modern crossed the Millennium Bridge and up and round to St Paul's Cathedral. It felt so good to be us, not the persona's we had to adopt around everyone else, we were just young and in love and it was wonderful. We continued to walk along Fleet Street and to the Strand and winding our way back home.
Once home I pulled out Jim's favourite cake from the fridge and we sat with coffee and cake snuggled up on the sofa watching some ridiculous romantic comedy, but it was just right; the perfect end to a perfect day.
Moran watched with disgust as Moriarty and his pet laughed and loved each other. It was sickening. Whatever hold she had over him it was strong, they had been so close to breaking. Perhaps he had to up the pressure, make it more real. Make Moriarty snap, maybe enough to put a bullet in her pretty little head. Although, it would be more fun to break Moriarty, his superior attitude was wearing very thin after all this time. He could shatter so many lives by killing one silly little girl. Moran grinned evilly and let everything unfold, not long now, not long. He'd have his revenge, break her like she'd broken him.