AN: Here's a partial explanation for chapter 14, "Foiled." Sorry it took so long! 221B format.
Written: 2-9-13
Variant
It was only due to his own overshadowing in the past that Watson survived the first attempt. Working alongside another man had a way of obscuring one's own habits – and the attackers did not expect that Watson, rather than taking the conveniently placed cab in his way, instead walked to the police station at a rapid clip that his would-be killers could not keep up with.
The second time, they were more desperate. The police caught them that time, Watson going unharmed while two of their band wound up behind bars.
By the third time, they were beginning to get an idea of just what they were dealing with. Watson was an unpredictable variant… Without Moriarty's mind behind their movements, they were not as quick as in the past. Without Holmes' mind behind Watson's actions, they had no idea what a challenge they faced. An ex-army surgeon, survivor of a thousand and one separate instances that should have meant his death, and the observer behind the observer… Within four months, they were fairly certain that if they did not move swiftly, Holmes' bereaved partner would be their ruin.
It was only after Holmes' return three years later, most of the enemy either captured or gone into hiding, that Watson fully understood the threat he had been considered by Moriarty's criminal band.