Holmes: The Kismet Trail

Chapter Seventeen

I realized in all this time, how wrong I was. I trusted someone who didn't deserve it. Someone who told lie after lie. I realized how Michael and James Moriarty were the same; both driven by the love of something. For Moriarty, it was the love of infamy, for Michael-his love for her. I decided it was time to see Moriarty, to find out why, to have one final conversation with him before he would be taken to solitary with no hope of escape.

"I knew you would come see me." He said as he was placed in a jacket with the arms sewn behind him like a straight jacket, but made to fit his body so he could not escape.

"I want to know how you did it." I said as I scowled, leaning against the wall. "How you made me believe for so long that I was crazy. That Rose was kind."

"You're wrong about her. I threw myself into women after my plans got foiled. I met her Aunt and promised to take care of Rose if her Aunt gave me free...appointments."

"You do not seem the type."

"I loved her. Her Aunt. She was honest and just like Rose, but not. I did not know her feelings for you until yesterday, it was then it all made sense. I did not know of Michael and I realized then you won. I am not a fair man, but I try to be moral. I know defeat and I can admit it now."

"Why now?"

"Because I wanted to be that infamous man that never got beat by you. Headlines stressing how I won. Truth have it, I wanted to be you-a good detective. Until I got a taste for what was sweeter-the name of being wanted by everyone. Her Aunt was no exception...." He paused. "Rose is a good girl, the night you met was by chance and she had seen me but she knew why-she was embarrassed of her Aunt which is why she didn't tell you-I'm guessing." He paused once more. "You are the world's most amazing detective, Sherlock Holmes, but as far as feelings-you have no clue."

I rose from the wall before the officer locked the door. I placed my hands back in the bars before turning to him.

"I have seen lately the error of my heart and mind, James. I am bound to always find justice over love."

"But you found it anyway-just like Irene..."

"No. Irene never would have lied."

"Irene's whole existence to you was a lie. She was a thief, Sherlock. Feeding you lustful lies and pretty smiles. How do you think the bad guys knew where you were?"

"No."

"If you don't believe me, I have a letter from her-in my chest in my office. You know where it is."

I stomped off, not saying another word before going to see Watson. Entering his home with a pleasant knock and smile, I held him in my hug.

"You never cease to amaze me. How did you know all of that?"

"I didn't. I knew with each correct guess, they shifted. Our friend helped with the rest."

"I'm sorry about Rose."

"Don't be."

"Sherlock, I haven't known you long but I am good judge of character." Watson's wife says as she held her child in her arms. "You are incredibly good at what you do. But as far as relationships, you deserve one. You deserve love."

"I have it. I love what I do-finding justice-"

"And you come home to a roaring fireplace with nothing but the memories of your cases. You may have that feeling that lingers for a month even, but being alone forever is a horrendous curse. You need to find someone to share your life with."

"You took him from me." I attempted to joke but she stayed serious.

"Someone you can love."

I nodded slowly.

"One last thing."

"Yes?"

"Thank you for not letting him get hurt." She placed a soft hug on me before I exited, Watson following me outside.

"Holmes!"

"Yes?"

"I don't think I was right to judge Rose. Truth is, I want you happy but I see how she makes you that way. She has her faults, but we all do. My wife and I argue once every blue moon and we always come back stronger for it. I see it in a way that Rose protect you, defied what she felt safe just to do that. You need to talk to her."

"I'm going to go see her." I said with a smirk in the dark.

"Do you want company?"

I shook my head. "I need to know for once and all what is true."

"Godspeed."