Lessons Learned

Untitled Part 12

"I didn't know Trevor had a daughter," John said in wonder. I can't imagine he would slow down long enough to take up with anyone...I mean he doesn't seem the type to have ever settled down."

"I don't believe he did in a traditional sense. But here, you can have loved ones living right alongside you. You've seen the children playing in the dirt. Most of the women live here voluntarily. They stay with their husbands or boyfriends and raise their children together in this prison. Some men have the means to provide for their families inside these walls. Trevor happens to be one of them. I know where he keeps her and the baby," Sherlock explained stepping closer to John. "He doesn't let his men know he's got a child so he slides off to see her when he can get away."

"So, he got one of the local women pregnant and now he's doing the right thing by her?" John said reaching out to put a hand on Sherlock's chest. "Not too close, Sherlock," he said warningly. "I'm so glad to see you right now, you have no idea. But, we have to take this slow," he almost laughed at how eagerly the other man needed to be near him. He felt magnetized, Sherlock couldn't help but draw close to him.

"All right, John," Sherlock said easing back a bit. "I just want you to understand I will do anything to help you get Trevor's information. I want Moriarty dealt with as much as you do now. He's ruined too many years for both of us and I want to give you back your life. I owe that to you now," he cocked his head to one side as if listening. "John!" He said getting behind him and putting one large hand across his waist and pulled them both up against the wall. "Get in the shadow," he hissed in John's ear. They made it just in time to avoid being seen. One of the men must have noticed Sherlock's cell open so he nosed his face into opening curiously.

"That's Shezza's. He'll kill you! That creeper's got a nasty rep, man, stay outta there," the other man spoke in low tones pulling his fellow inmate away.

"He doesn't scare me," the first one said inching his body inside the door. "Nobody's home. Let's see what he's got hiding in here."

John held his breath and felt Sherlock do the same behind him. The entire length of him pressed into Sherlock's front. John closed his eyes. He felt Sherlock tap him once on the elbow, their old signal for a combined attack. John always struck low and Sherlock high. He readied himself.

"No, he's friends with Louie's gang. You don't wanna mess with Louie's friends," the other man said with a whine in his voice. John could only make out shadows but he saw one shadow tug at the shirtsleeve of the other.

"Leggo me," the first man said. "And fuck you, I ain't afraid of Louie either." But a second later both shadows retreated.

"Friends in high places," Sherlock murmured low in his ear and chuckled softly. "I solved a case for him and he owes me." Leave it to Sherlock to cultivate favors here. Thankfully, he'd never been keen on collecting for his services in a traditional manner. People all over London owed him favors, seems like some old habits died hard.

After the men left, John slumped in relief against the detective. He felt Sherlock's arm tighten for a second, then drop to his side. John turned to face him in the dark. Here, in a stinking prison cell, he felt real contrition from his former friend. He wanted so badly to believe him, to accept the apology and the understanding of what he had done wrong. If he could only let the barrier drop and really accept Sherlock's words at face value. Could he trust him? He had no doubt about him in the present moment. Sherlock would do anything to "solve the case" in front of them, John knew. But, could he depend on this newfound empathy to remain after they returned London?

Sherlock waited, glittering eyes still locked on John. Burning want still radiated from the man, but John could see it had been tempered and controlled. This was a turning point and they both knew it. It went beyond Sherlock's rescuing him in his present crisis and would carry forward into the future. Was this his Sherlock, his old friend standing in front of him now or the tattered remains of possessive, heart broken, entitled Sherlock? John didn't know just yet. Let them get out of this mess and he would see.

"Come with me. We can get into the block where he keeps his family safe. I'm sure he's there right now contemplating your offer to him," Sherlock said tugging him towards the door. "I believe, I can sweeten the pot. I can get all three of them out if he agrees."

"Really?" John asked stopping them both a moment. "Sherlock...that would be amazing."

"But, it's still you he trusts. He wouldn't accept it from me. I'm authorized to offer a new life for the woman and child as well. Mycroft won't even insist on a paternity test. He'll just grant it," Sherlock said peering out of his cell door to see if the corridor was now clear.

"My god, this is the answer to everything, Sherlock. Let's go." For the first time since he arrived, John felt hopeful. Sherlock left his cell and John fell into step behind the detective. It felt like home.

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