Keeping the Strength to Fight

Chapter 11- Sherlock

Sherlock sat unblinkingly at the back of the plane, the relatively comfy seat being the only thing between him, and a three mile drop to the ground.  

Not that he was worried, he had other things on his mind.  

He stared at the plane window, using it as a mirror to keep an eye out on the other passengers, checking for signs that they were watching him; following him. So far he had identified five businessmen, two honnymooning couples, one geologist, three backpackers, a Turkishman and a family of holidaymakers, consisting of two adults, two children and a toddler. 

None of them were posing a threat to him, as far as he could tell. Except maybe the toddler, who was presently attacking his eardrums viciously enough to be classed as assault. 

After the rather disturbing death of Irene Adler, he had packed up and left before the ambulance arrived, checking behind him everywhere he went. He knew no one had followed him to the apartment, but knowing that Moriarty had a brother meant he wasn't taking any chances. His spies could be anywhere, and anyone.  

"Would you like some tea, sir?" 

Sherlock would have jumped had he not seen her heading his way. The air hostess smiled flirtatiously and Sherlock looked the other way, paying her no attention. 

Her smile dropped. 

"No thanks, but a coffee would be great." 

'Sally', as her name tag read, pursed her lips, obviously annoyed, and stalked off to the next passenger, swinging her hips slightly as she neared them, and plastering on another flirtatious smile. 

Sherlock rolled his eyes. Actor. 

Bringing his thoughts back, he planned his next move.  

Once in turkey, finding his way to the dock shouldn't be hard, but what he does once he's there could prove an issue. Trouble is, he had no clue what he should be preparing for. 

"I'll improvise." He thought nonchalantly, completely oblivious to the perils ahead. 

After an hour, the coffee finally arrived. Taking a sip, he could feel the cafinee waking up his tired brain. 

Not as good as nicotine patches, but it got the job done. 

He closed his eyes and steepled his fingers, and the torrent of information rushed into view as always. Anything he might need to know passed beneath his eyes. He sipped his coffee again. 

Time dragged, but he wouldn't allow his guard to drop. He hadn't done for two years now, why should today be any different? The anticipation of the fight kept him on edge. Waiting. Preparing. That's all he could do. 

Another sip. 

Feeling himself begin to chew the inside of his mouth, he scolded himself for allowing his nerves to show. He wasn't nervous. He wasn't. 

Two hours left. What would he do with himself for two hours!? The dismal plane became a source of constant torture as the waiting continued. He realized that this was the first time since his demise that he had absolutely nothing to do. He'd forgotten how much he hated it. 

Sighing, he sipped his drink again; aware of eyes on him. From who, he didn't know; but he could feel someone watching. 

The plane finally began to descend, but Sherlock's mind was finally busy; sifting through the passengers to work out as to who was spying on him. He came up blank. Looking round was his only option. Twisting slightly and searching out of his peripheral vision, he noticed a woman stood at the back of the plane. She had a blank expression which quickly became flustered as she noticed him watching her, watching him. She blushed profusely and gave a small smile with a wave to suit. He rolled his eyes and slumped back in his seat as the plane eventually touched ground and slowed to a stop. 

He grabbed his bag and jumped out; rushing down the steps and speeding over the tarmac. He was out of the airport in mere minutes, barely noticing the intense heat radiating from above. In less than an hour, he stood before the dock in Antalya. And within seconds, he had picked out which warehouse was the one he needed to head towards. Abandoning his pointless luggage behind a row of recycling bins, he started out towards the towering green warehouse which possibly contained the most dangerous group of criminals that had ever walked the earth. 

And he was ready for them.