Chapter 10: Strategy

William, Sherlock and I enjoyed a small meal at a cafe on Baker Street. William explained that he was brought on board to help the British government through his brother Louis, who was now working for MI6. Typically the government couldn't try and apprehend Raffles because he was always one step ahead of them. But this time it seemed he had gone too far. He had started getting involved with high political officials and quite possibly British royalty. After some brief small talk, William began to discuss the current case of Raffles and particular plans in catching him. I was a bit nervous. Though I was used to working on cases with Sherlock, it seemed this one was very personal to him. Also, I was a bit apprehensive in working with William as well.

"To begin…we are investigating Raffles' role in the Opium drug trade. That's a good place to start…" William said with a sip of tea. "There are two known opium dens that he runs. We can do some reconnaissance there to learn more about any potential leads on this."

"If everyone knows where this man lives - what leads are we looking for?" I asked.

"Any contacts of his. He is known to work with various black market traders." Sherlock replied, picking at the food on his plate. "And if we find his network…"

"Then we find evidence on him," William finished this statement.

Watching these two men was fascinating. Like two sides of the same coin; Sherlock and Moriarty were always on the same page. However, I was skeptical. Even if we find evidence on Raffles, the courts could quite possibly throw everything out given his ties and connections to so many higher ups and positions of authority.

"Once we have the evidence and the connections, we take his whole network down one chess piece at a time," William said with a hint of disdain in his voice.

I wondered if he also had a personal connection with Raffles, but it didn't seem to be my business to pry into this further. I could tell Sherlock noticed his disdain too, but being more straightforward than I; asked the questions I had wanted to ask.

"Why are you doing this," he asked firmly.

William paused for a moment and took a sip of his tea. He then cleared his throat which I thought of as odd. It was as if he was stammering around to try and think of what to say next. As long as I had known him; he was never at a loss for words.

"Let's just say I have known of the evils of Raffles for quite some time. He is a vile human being that needs to be stopped…once and for all," he replied after a few moments. Noticing our quietness and stillness he added, "That is all I will say on the subject for now."

I could tell that William more than likely had a story to tell but like the other side of Holmes's story about his mother; I thought it best not to push the matter any further. After our meal, we took a carriage ride toward the Moriarty mansion. The ride there was very still and quiet. William was looking out of the carriage window while Sherlock was looking away with his face resting on his hand. The two looked weary and tired; which was out of the norm for both of them as they are usually more talkative; especially to one another. Once we arrived at the mansion, William took out a set of keys and unlocked the door. Ever since he had returned to London following his string of crimes and such; it made sense that the door would always be locked. The home always looked lavish but cozy at the same time. I was always in awe of this great palace of Holmes's former nemesis. William took off his coat and hat and hung them on the coat rack by the door.

"Good evening William," a man said. "I see that you've brought some guests."

"Yes Jack," he replied. "This is Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Is everyone else ready?"

"Yes sir. They are all in the sitting room."

William nodded and waved his hand to follow him and Jack. I was taken aback a bit. It seemed he had already let his friends know that we were on our way to meet them. We walked in the sitting room and sure enough; everyone was gathered together. I noticed that Sebastian Moran was standing in a corner. Albert was sitting in a chair with a cup of tea in his hand. Louis stood by him. The master of disguise himself; Fred Porlock stood next to Moran and someone named Bonde was also sitting in a chair. As we entered the room; it was still and quiet. Almost as if; if someone spoke, glass would shatter. After a few minutes of awkward silence; someone finally spoke.

"When you told me you wanted us to work hand in hand with Holmes and Watson. I thought you were joking," Moran said with a smirk. "But that's why you call the shots."

"Gentlemen, please sit." Albert said to us pointing across from him to a couch. We sat down but I still noticed no joy on Sherlock's face. Typically, when the game was afoot as he would say; he didn't look displeased like he seemed to look now.

"Alright, you all know why we are here. We've got a job to do," William began looking at Louis and Albert. Louis gave a slight nod. "The main objective of this mission is reconnaissance…nothing more. If we can get closer to his network to see how Raffles operates we can start strategizing on how to take it down from the inside."

I listened intently as William laid out the plan. Like watching a director of a play; he informed each one of us of the roles we were to play. Sherlock was quiet for the most part, but would occasionally interject with some more information of his own.

"Sherlock, John, and I will investigate one den. While Moran, Fred, and Bonde investigate the other. Louis, I know you are working with MI6 and have already begun your research on Raffles and will continue to do so. If this works, we will have begun our capture of another known criminal in English society. Unlike the others we have dealt with, this will take time…."

"Great…I need a smoke break," Holmes said, exiting the room rather swiftly. I was worried about him. He hadn't been acting like himself. Not since he first heard the name Raffles escape from Mycroft's lips. I was in great worry for my friend; more worry than I ever felt before.

I excused myself and exited the room as well. Holmes was out back lighting a cigarette.

"Sherlock," I said quietly. This startled him for some reason. He blew out a puff of smoke and coughed suddenly.

"Damn things…" he said looking fiercely at the cigarette. "What do you want, John?" A hint of disdain in his voice.

"I'm…I'm just worried about you…" I said softly.

"Well, don't be…besides we've got other things that we need to be thinking about, such as catching Raffles." He took another puff.

"That's what's worrying me Sherlock. This man…what he did to you is unspeakable and to that poor woman. I'm just worried that you-"

"You are never again to mention her or that story I told you at Baker Street," he interrupted. "Do you understand me?"

I nodded. Sherlock then threw down the cigarette and lightly stomped it out. With that, he went back inside and slammed the door. Leaving me alone to my thoughts.