From Winter Winks 221: Gift


==Day 12: A Gift for the Heart==

Colonel Moran stared at the long package on the desk between himself and his employer. "I thought you didn't celebrate Christmas, sir."

Professor Moriarty arched an eyebrow. "No more I do, but it seemed an appropriate time to give this to you. Do open it; there's a good fellow."

Moran shook his head and tore the paper away to reveal a plain but rather familiarly-shaped case. He opened the latches, and his skeptical expression turned admiring. "Oh, Professor, she's a beauty." He lifted an ornately-carved rifle stock out of the case, set it aside on the desk, then lifted out each subsequent piece as gently as if they were made of china.

"The barrel can pass as a walking stick," said Moriarty," as you can see, but I'm afraid you'd have to wear a large coat to conceal the stock."

"It's a small price to pay." Moran ran a reverent hand over the pieces. "It's much more powerful and precise than a cane gun, isn't it?"

"Indeed, it is. A long-range airgun built for soft-nosed bullets."

Moran whistled as he began to put the gun together, having already had much experience in assembling and disassembling firearms. "That's certainly one to baffle the Yard! Is there a target you have in mind?"

"Not yet, but I felt that you should be prepared. And, I must confess, I thought that you would appreciate it."

"Oh, I do, sir. She's a treasure, and no mistake." Moran looked up from his work, gratitude in his eyes and affection in his smile. "Thank you."

Moriarty favored him with a half-smile. "You're most welcome, Moran. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Professor."


"An admirable and unique weapon, noiseless and of tremendous power. I knew Von Herder, the blind German mechanic, who constructed it to the order of the late Professor Moriarty. For years I have been aware of its existence, though I have never before had the opportunity of handling it. I commend it very specially to your attention, Lestrade, and also the bullets which fit it."

—Sherlock Holmes, "The Adventure of the Empty House"


A/N: Whoops, that title was a pun in terribly bad taste, sorry. And I passed up the chance to do something fluffy with the good guys and did something darkly fluffy with my evil sons instead. Heh-heh…

The next one is going to be different. Just… different. AU-ish but not like the crossovers. And hopefully cute. ;)