Sherlock fandom.
Constant Failure
They are handpicked by the master himself. The spider. The consulting criminal. The arch enemy of Sherlock Holmes.
James Moriarty strips them of their personalities without asking permission.
“From now on, you’re just a number. One, seven, ten. Don’t even think about asking why I’ve chosen them. You’re not paid to ask questions.”
His voice is void of emotions. Cold, detached, indifferent. A machine. But if they listen closely, the passion underneath is discernible.
***
Their first failure is only noticed by the three of them, and of course their employer. The cabbie, Jeff Hope, is not supposed to be killed by Sherlock Holmes’ flatmate. Moriarty is livid.
“Who of you failed to register that he followed Holmes? How did you not know he was a crack shot?”
None of them points out that it is Moriarty himself that has done the research. The trio only got information about what was expected to happen. Their job was to ensure that Sherlock Holmes would be the cabbie’s next victim.
“He looks like a nobody!” the mastermind hisses. “He’s nothing like Holmes at all. How does he put up with that unassuming man?”
Number Seven smirks discreetly. The jealousy is evident in the spider’s voice.
***
Their second failure is ensured when Holmes outsmarts them all. He comes to the doctor’s rescue in a tunnel, where he is supposed to be killed by a bunch of Chinese ruffians.
How the detective managed to sneak past them, is a mystery. They watched the tunnel opening with keen eyes, in their hands were weapons to fire as they pleased. Moriarty didn’t care how many casualties they left behind, as long as the residents of 221B Baker Street were eliminated.
Again, their employer puts all the blame on them, even though he had the blueprints of the tunnel, which he didn’t bother showing them.
“Neither of you saw the hidden door? Don’t you know how ingenious Sherlock Holmes is? This is not a job to be taken lightly! You must be two steps ahead of him at all times. Imbeciles!”
Number One tries to point out how much easier that would’ve been if they’d seen the layout of the premises, but he only gets a deadly glare in response.
James Moriarty is clearly not a fan of legwork, or sharing his plans with people he doesn’t even bother learning the names of.
***
The third time they fail, is the first time they come in close contact with the pair they’re supposed to eliminate.
If it had been up to the trio, they’d just killed them outright without further ado, but of course, it never is that simple when James Moriarty calls the shots.
“He needs to open the safe first. This is crucial. When the contents of Ms Adler’s safe is secure in your hands, go wild.”
The mad glint in the Irishman’s eyes, makes them all shudder, but they don’t hesitate. The reward is too good to give up just yet.
“Vatican cameos,” Holmes yells, and all hell breaks loose.
When they wake, they’re alone in the grand townhouse, and the safe is empty.
The scolding they get from Moriarty this time, makes them feel like schoolboys again, standing in front of the headmaster’s desk.
“You’re just a bunch of losers! A cursed trio. How difficult can it be? I’ll give you one more chance, but don’t think for a second, you’ll get any money if you so much as blink at the wrong moment.”
Jointly they decide that enough is enough.
***
The fourth time, they fail deliberately. Number Ten hides on the roof where Holmes meets Moriarty. When he blows his head off in front of a shocked consulting detective, Number Ten calls off the other snipers. Their hated boss is dead and can’t create havoc anymore. The money will never reach their pockets. It’s time to put a stop to the madness of the spider, and to save Sherlock Holmes and John Watson.
“I’ve called it off. There are no snipers. You don’t have to jump,” the man says when he moves towards a pale and terrified Sherlock Holmes.
“How can I trust you?” the baritone voice asks.
As if on cue, the door to the roof opens and John Watson appears. He’s at Holmes’ side at an instant when the detective falls to his knees with relief.
“Let’s go back to Serbia,” Number Ten says into his walkie-talkie.
Before he opens the door, he looks over his shoulder. Doctor Watson is kneeling too, his arms are wrapped around his best friend, and hopefully soon, lover.
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