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

Chapter 43- Seven Deadly Sins: Avarice

Millie's POV

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"Sounds like she's got it bad, if you ask me," says Mary, mildly, lacing her fingers around the curve of her mug and settling back against the cushions.

We'd been discussing the motives behind Amy Walksin's recent actions; namely the targeting of Molly, and the photographs of Irene. It doesn't make sense- what could she possibly be gaining from tormenting us? We know that she has established some sort of connection with Moriarty, but that's it. We can't understand what it is that's making her revel in the destruction. Sadism aside, there has to be something that's acting as an extra incentive.

Mary raises an eyebrow at our expressions, putting her mug down and crossing her arms.

"It's obvious, isn't it? Attacking Emily, that phone call, using "we" instead of "I". My guess is that Moriarty and Amy have a bit of a thing going on, and she feels threatened by you lot. Particularly Emily."

"You're saying that she's doing all of this out of jealousy?"

"Is it really that hard to believe?

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You don't know Moriarty," says John, shaking his head. "He's a nutcase. Completely insane. No-one could fall for that."

"Amy has, clearly. Maybe she admires him? Or finds his power appealing? Playing with you is probably her way of trying to impress him. Showing Moriarty that she likes his methods. Kind of like a...criminal flirtation. Not how I'd do it, granted, but each to their own."

"That's impossible. Moriarty just isn't capable of something as banal as sentiment."

"Just because you don't understand physical attraction, doesn't mean we should rule it out completely."

"I know Moriarty. He's using her. He has to be."

"Maybe he's found his match? God help us all if that's the case."

I am very glad that Emily isn't here to witness the development of this conversation.

"Either way, she's a problem. We can't have her continuing like this. It's dangerous- you saw what she did yesterday. Blew up half a bloody building to make a point."

Sherlock sits back and rests his chin on his fingertips, eyes fixed on the space above John's head. "My brother did suggest we stage a meeting and arrange for her immediate arrest. Of course, I declined such a ludicrous proposal."

"And it's ludicrous because...?"

"Because I have to understand her. I can't do that if she's behind bars, can I? I don't think she's particularly complex, but I can't be certain until I've spoken to her personally."

"This isn't the time for a personal analysis, Sherlock. That woman's a psychopath."

"I don't think she is," I say, and everyone looks up, surprised that I've decided to voice my opinion. "I think she wants to come across as unstable."

"All the more reason to continue my investigation."

"You're doing it again."

Sherlock tilts his head one to side. "Doing what?"

"Making everything a hell of a lot more complicated than it has to be."

"I don't do that."

"You really do," quips Mary, grinning broadly at Sherlock's indignation.