In The Dark No One Can See Me Fall

Chapter 3: Punctured and Impaled

JOHN
Lestrade spared us with the details and went right over to the footage. Rewinding it to the exact moment before the glass case shattered as a result of Moriarty driving a fire extinguisher into it. Sherlock put a finger to the screen signaling Lestrade to stop it right there. I squinted my eyes to read the scribbles on the screen, "Get Sherlock!". I rubbed my eyes in disbelief it was true I had been awaiting for her to reveal her hand but she had been quiet for sometime now. Then here right out of the blew she sends one of her own threatening Sherlock openly. She is getting restless but that is no excuse. This wasn't part of our agreement. Unlike, Sherlock who took the gamble of his own life on a daily basis was cool and collected. I on the other hand, the blood flowing through my veins went cold and if for only a second my heart seized to pump. Oxygen unable to reach my brain. The collapse of my body was inevitable were it not for the constant pinging in my pocket.

~TIME SKIP~

"What do you mean you won't be there for the court hearing?"

"I'm sorry but wait your not listening to me I will most likely be there towards the announcement of the verdict. Sherlock, I'm going to be late".

"It's fine John but if you really intend on being late than it would be wise if you didn't show up at all. The court hearing should be starting soon and there's something that needs verifying before it commences".

For precaution I made it a habit to record each phone call I had with Sherlock. And he knows very well that I do so but what he lacks is why I do so. Out of anxiety and out of the waiting for my date's arrival I chose to replay that call I had with him earlier. I don't blame him. He had every right to react that way. It's all my fault. It's all my bloody fault! I'm forced to push him away aganist my will. "He doesn't know", I have to keep telling myself, "He doesn't know".

***
Cold. Frigid. Raw.
For a place that promoted good health and enjoyment for the whole family couldn't be more deadlier. It wasn't just the pool itself it was the whole building the longer you stayed the more you played with the ticking on your clock. The water swayed hypnotically. I focused on the dim light as it hit the glossy gell like surface. The smell of chlorine pierced my nostrils causing a burning sensation. My arms were restrained behind me and soon enough I found myself drowning. I didn't struggle, I didn't try to get free, I let myself be consumed.

The bitter liquid started to fill my lungs. And in the last few seconds before my demise I was hoisted out. I blinked trying to adjust my vision-my eyes irritated by the chlorine. A man and a woman stood before me. The man finely dressed in a westwood black suit and tie. His eyes dead and his skin somewhat pale. The woman in a white denim jacket pulled over a v-neck plain black shirt and faded light blue jeans. Her hair, short, blonde white and slugged over her frame,a shot gun. The woman introduced herself as Sebastiana Moran and her associate Jim Moriarty.

I payed no attention to Sebastiana at first, my real beef being with Moriarty. He had sent Sherlock and I on a wild goose chase all over London compromising a variety of civilians in the process. Rage boiled within me and not long after regret for my facts were wrong-our facts were wrong

Sebastiana cleared her throat, "Jim, prepare John here". Moriarty nodded and returned with a green parka enlined with a bomb in hand. I questioned, "Prepare me for what? I don't know what your planning Moriar-".

"Moriarty is not the one in charge", Sebastiana interjected, "I am". I eyed her as if what she just said were some kind of joke. A chuckle escaping me, she did not look amused.

"Moriarty here", he did a little bow, "Is the face I adopted to represent this side of England". She paused to monitor my understanding and carried on, " And what is a face without a voice. Yes. I, a woman am the
actual brains of this exertion".

It was now Moriarty's turn to speak, "Enough Seb. Don't you see, your scaring the poor pet? He's already gone quite pale".

Sebastiana put a hand to my chin lifting my head to face her, "Indeed". Once my gaze made contact with her own the corner of her lips turned and she took her free hand to slap me across the face. I instantly fell backwards, she cackled, I managed to pull myself up only to be kicked down by Moriarty who seldom smiled.

"Clean him up. A man must be decent when in the company of a woman especially when there is a proposal to be made", Sebastiana barked.

"With pleasure M'lady" and with that Moriarty grabbed me by the hair and submerged my head underwater. He did this repeatedly for what seemed like an eternity. Next, he untied my arms nudging me not to try anything stupid for Sebastiana had me in her line of sight. He threw the parka at my feet demanding that I put it on. I bent down to pick it up and cautiously fasten the parka on me. Finally, he securely strapped the bomb to my chest, smiling again, and sent me off to Sebastiana.

"Sit John", her arm extended to the seat positioned in front of her. "We have business to discuss".

"We do, do we? Tell me how did I accomplish that?" I brushed myself off before taking a seat.

"You interest me", she stated plainly, "All I want is your affections". I scrunched my nose in disgust, "And I assume you thought kidnapping and torturing me was the way to do it".

For the first time in our meeting she honestly looked concerned, "Isn't that what you like? Being put in troublesome situations. I'm sorry, did I not do it right?".
She looked disappointed like a child unable to win their parent's approval. I almost felt sorry for her but she quickly shook it off.

"No matter you'll see that I am very persuasive when it comes to getting what I want", she picked up a remote and clicked it bringing up a screen. And who should be on that screen Sherlock trying to get in. I froze in horror at what she said next, "Have dinner with me".

"Never", I remarked. She twirled the remote in her hand, "shame, really. I like you very much but if that's how you feel I'll just have to kill him", pointing to Sherlock on the screen.

"Noo", I protested , "please" now in a hushed tone, " I'll do whatever you say". She congratulated herself, "That's a good John. I know you will. It's like what I said I always get my way".

She huffed tucking her hair back into place, "This is what you must do". In short, whenever there is an extremely big case especially one of importance to Sherlock, I must forgo it and instead pose as if I had a date. That being with "Mary", Sebastiana and while on the date I must be genuinely happy and enjoy myself even if it's just pretend. I must also be affectionate toward "Mary" if I fail to do so Sherlock will die and I must endure a guilty conciensce, and suffer the consequences long after.

"You're very loyal, very quickly", she scoffed. I lowered my head,

"No-No I'm really not".
***
I was brought back to reality by a voice.
"Hello John. Thinking of me".
I looked up smugly well associated with the person to which the voice belonged.
"Hello Mary". I thought to myself, "always".