Moriarty's Mansion

(( Hey Phoenix.
-summons voldemort-
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"mm, by yourself? A clever mind like yours, I can understand."
Pitch did not reply to the question, of if he had heard of Holmes.
Of course he had. He had haunted him when the time was there. He still did, here or there... though that man was particularly hard to scare.


At the suggestion, Pitch opened one golden eye, a flash of a smirk rolling over his face.
"I'm quite willing to help, with whatever you've got planned."

((o.o))

Jim couldn't help the slight curling at the corners of his lips as he grinned again. "Perfect. I'll discuss what I have in mind with you when there's no danger of anyone overhearing... I'd much prefer to keep this quiet, you understand?"

"A single detective? That is why you're wasting my time?" I ask him incredulously. A single detective hardly warranted my attention much less making me be in the same place as one who had tried to get my loyalty.

"Remember your place," Jim spat, his head snapping around to Crouch. "Nobody will touch Sherlock Holmes without my permission. He is mine, and mine alone. You will be very sorry if you even lay a finger on him."

It was not out of affection that Jim acted like this, but out of the need to keep his rival to himself. Sherlock was his one true equal, and Jim wouldn't appreciate anyone attempting to take his place.

"You are not here for Mr. Holmes. I already told you, Crouch Junior." Jim placed emphasis on his name, lip curling. "You are here to speak with your fellows, make allegiences, and so on. Not to plot against Sherlock Holmes. That is my job. If I wish to include Pitch, that is my business. Understood?"

Contrary to his intentions, his anger served to amuse me. "My my my... aren't we defensive?"

I laugh insanely, "I have nothing to gain from ending Sherlock, and I'd like to keep it this way as I have higher priorities."

"Good." Your life would be hell if you killed him, Crouch Junior.

Jim clenched his jaw at the sight of Crouch's amusement and narrowed his eyes. "Defensive? Of course, my dear, he is my equal."

"Having an equal? Do tell me what that's like..."

Jim sighed, letting his eyes close for a moment. When he opened them and spoke again, the tone he used could almost be mistaken for one used when speaking about someone a person cared deeply about.

"Having someone of your intelligence level to speak to... nothing matches it," Jim said firmly. "Everything else - everyone else is dull when compared to him. But when I beat him, then he'll be boring as well... Such a shame..."

"So you're damning yourself to a life of boredom?'

"Not quite... Perhaps I can find a way to keep him entertaining."

That was exactly what Jim's entire plan was about. To keep Sherlock entertaining, he had to beat him but also leave him room to escape, to outsmart him, to get away again so the chase could continue.

That was what he had in mind, and God, did he love his idea. He only had to get it to work, and it should be easier with Pitch's help.

"Neat..." I click my tongue on the 't' sound.

((http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me6p5msowa1rjjf69o1_500.gif))

"Isn't it?" Jim grinned, sounding pleased. He was eager to get on with his plan, but he would have to wait until the dinner party was over...

"You know, I MIGHT be able to help you... but..." I grin crazily.

"I don't want your help," Jim replied dismissively, waving a hand. "If I did, I would have asked for it. But I don't, so don't get involved. You'll only get in the way, and find yourself on the Naughty List."

I burst out in hysterical laughter, "Oh Jimmy old pal, where's your sense of fun? Besides, it won't cost you a cent.."

"I don't want your help," he repeated, more firmly this time, and with just a hint of a flicker of anger in his eyes.

He's far too unpredictable, and I want to keep this to a trusted few.

But how do you know you can trust Pitch? Richard asked.

Jim sighed in reply. You know Pitch; he wants to be believed in. We can provide that belief. I'm sure he won't mind giving us a little bit of help for that.

Richard seemed uncomfortable with the use of 'us', but he didn't mention it.

"Man, you need to laugh more..."

"I'll laugh when it's appropriate." Jim sniffed and looked away again, becoming bored with Crouch.

"Who else are we waiting for?"

"Anyone who wishes to come along. I sent out invites. But I suppose if no one else turns up soon, you may leave. No point in keeping you any longer."

"No, I'm intrigued as to what else shall happen." I take a seat with a predatory smile on my face, as though I had cornered a very elusive prey.

"Then stay." Jim shrugged. "You won't be hearing of anything I have to say to Pitch on the matter of Mr. Holmes, though; that's private business."

"By all means... besides, the fate of one mediocre detective hardly concerns me... my goals are more grand-scale."

"You honestly are ignorant, aren't you?"

Pitch looked to Crouch, with his lips drawn in a curt smile.
"I remember Holmes well enough. He didn't have many fears, but they existed... he's no mediocre. He's the best there is.. and if you don't believe me... well, well.... you are an idiot."

"And that is why Pitch is much better company. He understands, Crouch."

The corners of Jim's lips tilted up in a quirky grin. "Mr. Holmes is talented at what he does, and you're plainly a fool if you won't admit that."