With an inarticulate cry Sherlock found himself pinned against the wall by a third man, the first two standing between him and John, shielding the smaller man.
"You alright?"
Sherlock was surprised to hear the question being asked, and realised they were speaking to his companion.
"Let him go Gary, he's with me."
"But…"
"Not now" John snapped. "Let him go and let's get inside before we draw attention to ourselves."
Pushing past his would-be protectors, John finally got the door open and all five men entered the house.
"Get the light if you need it." John was already making his way up the stairs in the darkness "And keep the bloody noise down, I don't want you to upset my landlady."
Leading them into the living room, John sat down and waited until they were all settled, Sherlock on the other armchair, the three shadows perched uncomfortably on the settee.
"Right, Mr Holmes here will be staying for the foreseeable future. Mr Holmes, meet Gary, Phil and Andy. They, like Keith and Paul, are my eyes and ears around town." He waited for the introduction to sink in, and then added "Guys, if you see Mr Holmes here in trouble at any time, you help him out, okay? He's under my protection now."
The three young men nodded. "Yes boss."
