She led them into the outer office, then knocked on the door.

"Come in." There was voice from the other side. She opened the door for them. "Go in, gentlemen."

Sherlock walked in first, wanting to at least partially shield John from the unending gaze of his brother.


"Ah. Sherlock. I see that you have found yourself.... a goldfish." He said, before they had even taken two steps inside the office. The door hadn't even closed behind them.

"Mycroft, we have more important things to do now than to bicker."

Mycroft leaned back, steepling his fingers under his chin in an almost praying gesture.

"Pray tell, brother mine, what is so important that you come to me in such dire straits?"