Forbidden Flower of Moriarty || Moriarty the Patriot Fanfiction ||

Chapter 29: Lend a hand

To the younger Holmes' surprise and annoyance, Mycroft laughed a little. Sherlock was not pleased by it. "What's with that reaction? I came here all the way and that's all you have to say?"

"Not really... I was wondering if you are aware of the rumor claiming the Lord of Crime to be a woman."

He could not help but snicker a bit. "Ah, that one. They were probably thinking that the Lord of Crime used that title to hide the fact that the mastermind is a woman to avoid suspicions."

"What do you think about that rumor, Sherly?"

"Typical gossip around nobles. I don't think the Lord of Crime is someone who would even conceal his true gender."

The older Holmes chuckled lightly, but for a different reason. "Regardless, about what your analysis... At least you're on the right track."

Mycroft stood up and reminded him that he has no time left in capturing the Lord of Crimes, since that the latter became an enemy of the whole country and the government won't hesitate to hunt him down and assassinate him behind the scenes.

Sherlock was confident that he'll be the first one to catch him.

As for the third party who conducted the crime, they already have an idea who it is. Someone who is quite infamous for his method of blackmailing with snake-like eyes and personality.

"As for the Lord of Crime..." Sherlock paused before glancing back to Mycroft. "It's William James Moriarty."

There was not a single hint of surprise on the elder's face. "Hoh... The younger brother of Count Moriarty?"

He didn't say anything as he observed his expression.

"Sherly." He continued. "I don't care if you catch the Lord of Crime or not. Just don't make a mistake."

"Hah..." The detective smirked at him before leaving. "Then we're done here."

Mycroft watched as his younger brother closed the door behind him before looking down at his teacup.

"...Don't die, Sherlock."

***

"Shitty aniki..." Sherlock jammed his hands to his pockets as he walked home. "From that question, it is likely that he too already knows who the Lord of Crime is... He didn't react to hearing Liam's name which is also suspicious. I don't know if my answer is correct or if it's far off...!"

He was nearing to Baker Street when he halted for a bit, an image of a certain brunette entered his mind.

"But...what does make Lis then?" He thinks about it while recalling his previous encounter with the Moriarty siblings and with Elise.

"Liam is her older brother and if Liam is really the Lord of Crimes... There is a possibility that she knows and is helping him as an accomplice. Or maybe she knows but she pretends not to know. However, there's also a possibility that Liam kept it hidden from her. Seeing that Liam really cares for her...like the sis-con he probably is, he probably kept it secret."

He leaned up to watch the sky gradually darkening in a reddish and orange tone.

"Haah... I'm not really sure what her role is... If she's an accomplice of the Lord of Crimes or if she's unaware that her brother is the criminal mastermind... But even so, one thing is clear. Lis is someone important to Liam. That's all I could think as of now."

***

Back to the Moriarty manor in London, a lone figure was lounging by the couch with a wine at hand. Moments later, he was joined in by another figure who gently knocked on the open door to catch his attention.