The Art Of Corruption ~ A BBC Sherlock Fanfiction {Book III}

Chapter 5- Clashes and Corpses

Millie's POV

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When no-one replies, Irene raises an arched eyebrow, inquisitive-

"Don't tell me you're all shy?"

Our silence is our answer. She chuckles, crossing her legs and leaning back against the poolside.

"Trust me, you'll get used to this. I'm a big fan of natural beauty."

"I can tell," says John, looking steadily in the opposite direction.

Irene reaches across to him, turning his head to face her with painted nails, so that her lips are brushing his ear:

"Clothing's great for insulation, but it's so...restrictive, don't you think?"

I don't think John is capable of answering without embarrassing himself.

Satisfied, Irene resumes her reclining stance-

"So. Ballroom. Mycroft's been in contact. What do you know?"

"We know that we have to take part in a variety of public activities designed to capture the captor's attention. And I presume a ball is one of them," says Sherlock, not taking his eyes away from the hikers on the mountain.

"You presumed correctly. We'll be hosting a ball here, this weekend. Clothing will be provided, so all you four have to do is turn up and look for clues," she says, smirking at the last phrase- "That reminds me; your brother told me that today you're investigating the ski resort on the opposite side of the town."

"I take it we don't have a choice in the matter?"

"None whatsoever," she says, smiling.

Sherlock is silent, scowling darkly at the mountains.

Irene speaks out, suddenly flirtatious- "I like it when you're rendered mute, Sherlock. I'm good at rendering people mute, too, you know- except my methods often involve more bondage and gags. Remind me to show you before you leave."

I bite my tongue at her tone, and look at Emily, who is watching Irene's expression with interest. Irene notices, and turns to face her-

"Something caught your attention?"

"Other than your blatant attempt at shocking us all? No."

Irene bristles, visibly, but quickly conceals her irritation with another sultry smile:

"No need for jealousy."

"Jealousy?"

Irene looks Emily up and down disapprovingly-

"My confidence, for starters."

Emily laughs-

"I have enough confidence already, thanks. I just don't need to strip down naked to show it off."

Irene examines her nails-

"I know more about you than you realise, Emily. Really, I do. See, you hear things when you're locked up with nothing else to do other than read endless news articles. Mycroft keeps in me in the loop, too."

"Oh, I'm sure he does. Go on, enlighten me. What do you know about me?"

Irene regards her coolly. Despite none of us having moved position, the pool suddenly feels very small. There's a definite atmosphere, and I brace myself as Irene opens her mouth the speak-

"You're familiar with the film "The Devil Wears Prada", I assume?"

We stare at her, confused. How is that even vaguely relevant?