Trust in Sherlock: Book 2

Chapter 12-Maggie's POV

"Sorry I'm late. Traffic was absolutely dreadful." Moriarty grinned at John, only getting a glare in return from the army doctor.

Sherlock stood, turning around. Moriarty stuck out his hand for Sherlock to shake but he ignored it. Sherlock brushed past and headed for the fireplace.

Moriarty just grinned and stuck his hand back into his pocket. His suit was crisp and without a single wrinkle.

"So, is this meeting in session or were you all kind enough to wait for me?" Moriarty asked, leaning against the doorframe.

I kept my eyes away from Moriarty's, hoping he wouldn't notice me. I didn't dare glance at him. His dark eyes made me uncomfortable. I don't understand how Sherlock can act so calm near him.

Maybe it's because Sherlock is more like Moriarty than you previously thought.

I shook the thought out of my head and continued to stare at the floor. The very presence of Moriarty made my hair stand on end.

I suddenly noticed the silence around me. I purposely avoided looking in Moriarty's direction, instead, I looked over at John and Mary.

They sat closer to me than before. John was glaring in Moriarty's direction. Mary was glancing worriedly between John and me.

Her eyes locked with my own and I saw no fear. I only saw curiosity. Mine were the exact opposite. Filled to the brim with fear.

"Margaret." Moriarty suddenly said and I flinched involuntarily.

I looked over towards him, staring only at his tie. Anywhere but the eyes.

I knew he was looking at me though. "You didn't tell them about our meeting?" He shook his head and clicked his tongue disappointedly.

I swallowed nervously and looked into Moriarty's eyes. "They didn't need to know." I said.

"Sorry. Hi. Still here, by the way. What meeting? The one at Saint Barts?" John spoke up, leaning forward.

Moriarty sent me a smirk before turning to John. "Yes. Precisely. I was referring to our deal. I'm just upholding my end."

I glared at him. He was clearly enjoying this.

"Deal?" John furrowed his eyebrows together in confusion.

"Care to elaborate, Margaret? Or shall I do it for you?" Moriarty grinned.

I looked away from John's questioning gaze. Glancing at Sherlock, I saw he had his back to us. I knew he was listening. If I told them our deal, they'd lose any trust they had for me. I couldn't let that happen.

I looked back up and at Moriarty. Anger showed on my face while satisfaction showed on his. He had his elbows on his knees, leaning forward with his hands clasped together.

Mary was watching me with a concerned expression. She glanced at Moriarty wearily, placing a hand lightly on her stomach as if to protect the child from Moriarty.

I knew what Moriarty was doing. He wanted me to break. He wanted me to say nothing so he could have the spotlight on himself. He knew it would be disastrous either way. He just wanted to be the one to cause it.

I let out a sigh and looked down at the floor. I said nothing.

Moriarty gave an approving chuckle. "Well, I guess I'll be the bearer of bad tidings as usual." He straightened up with a grin etched onto his features. "Margaret and I have a deal. Maggie does what I desire and I'll help get rid of Kathy. She really is an annoying one, isn't she. I would've gotten rid of her for free." Moriarty rolled his eyes. Then he looked thoughtful. "Oh, there's so many ways I can end her. I'm very...creative in that area, you know."