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"Detective Gregson."
"Lord Stronghart."
"I'm disappointed, Gregson."
"..."
"Caught doing dealings with criminals? Think of what this will do for Scotland Yard's credibility!"
"Could hardly let 'im leak government secrets, could I?"
"You misunderstand, Gregson. I don't mean your actions. I mean you let that stripling lawyer catch you out. You're supposed to be a professional. Suppose the Reaper secret got leaked in such a way?"
"I'd take the fall for that too."
"...you would, wouldn't you? God, Gregson, you really are a patriot."
"S'pose so, Lord."
"Very well. You'll be suspended from active duty for three months, for appearances' sake. During that time, I expect you to seek out details on Soseki Natsume and Gina Lestrade. Find out where and when the Reaper can dispose of them, should it prove necessary. Though I hear that Mr. Natsume has already departed for Japan. A smarter man than most."
"..."
"You may go, Gregson."
"Your Lordship."
"No, Sholmes."
"Now hear me out, my friend!"
"We ain't friends."
"A hurtful remark! Nevertheless, the girl needs someone to keep her off the street!"
"What's it to do with me?"
"Oh, Gregson! Have you never heard of poetry? A reformed pickpocket, freshly out of jail, now joining the Yard! Why, it's the perfect story of reform! I should pitch something of the kind to Iris! By the way, she asked me to ask you how you were!"
"I was doing fine, 'til I got caught up in this conversation. Again, what's it to me? Find yourself some other fool to take her on."
"But Gregson, tell me, what other Scotland Yard detective do I have such prime blackmail material on as I do you?"
"..."
"After all, one brief word to Iris and you'll be more of a fool than Mr. Shamspeare in the next Herlock Sholmes story."
"...bugger it all. Fine, I'll try the girl. But I'm warnin' you, one mistake and she's out."
"A second chance is all we ever get, don't you think, Gregson?"
"I don't think on the job. Now out of my crime scene!"
"Girl's doin' fine, Sholmes."
"I'm overjoyed to hear it, but I'm not here about her."
"Still not leakin' police secrets to you."
"Not am I here about that. Listen, Gregson, this is a extremely grave matter!"
"Knowin' you, it could be a matter of national security or it could be a missing cat. Spit it out already, Sholmes."
"You're in danger, Gregson."
"..."
"I'm serious. Do you remember those government transmissions Mr. Nahurodo played in court some months ago? During your apprentice's trial?"
"...yes. Doubt I'll forget in a hurry."
"Wonderful. I took the liberty to record and translate what was played during the trial - now don't get angry, Gregson - and what I found was a list of names. Four names, to be exact."
"So?"
"Three of the people on the list are dead. You're the fourth."
"...Bugger."
"I see your powers of deduction are still sharp! I thought all that fried food might have dulled it."
"Not now. I need some time to think."
"In that case I recommend you take a day off of work."
"Listen, Sholmes... thank you."
"Of course. I could hardly let anything happen to you - who else would I bother if not you?"
"Gregson."
"Lord Stronghart."
"What is this about? I'm already running eight minutes and forty-six seconds late, you know."
"I wanna request a transfer."
"...How come, Detective Gregson?"
"I don't feel safe 'round here."
"Isn't the London we made safe enough for you? Crime rates are down by thirty-six percent since van Zieks has stepped into the courtroom again, and with the International Forensics Symposium coming up, they're predicted to fall another twelve."
"Doesn't much change the fact that Asa's dead, does it? Reaper can't do much without her. I reckon I deserve a bit o' a break. 'sides, there's the whole thing with Wilson and that Asogi boy."
"...I see. Yes, I suppose you can't help but feel worried in that case, no? I understand fully. We can't transfer you immediately, of course - it'd cause far too many rumours. But maybe two, three months down the line, when the World Fair has gone past and the Symposium is done, you could go to Germany or France for a while. Would three years be enough to assuage your fears?"
"Yes, Your Lordship. Thanks. There's just one more thing..."
"Out with it. Time is money, you know."
"The girl. I want to take her with me."
"Your little apprentice? Whatever for?"
"Worried for 'er. I doubt anyone at the force 's gonna pick her up after I'm gone."
"And she was the defendant in one of van Zieks' trials. Do you not trust me to keep her safe in your absence?"
"..."
"Oh, very well. I suppose it can't hurt."
"Thank you, Your Lordship."
"Now back to your duties. I am already delayed by thirteen minutes."
"Lord Stronghart."
"Ah, there you are, Gregson. Punctual as always. I appreciate that about you."
"..."
"The Reaper has one final mission for you."
"Sir?"
"Don't worry, it's not your precious pick-pocket. Nor is it Harebrayne - both have been cleared of wrongdoing by legitimate means, I believe. Quote frankly, von Zieks should have never taken their cases. No, the one I'm sending you after is Seishiro Jigoku."
"What!? Sir..."
"He was prosecuted by Barok ten years ago."
"For contempt of court!"
"That's not why I'm sending you after him. I know for a fact that he is involved in the murder of Doctor Wilson."
"What?"
"That's not all. He was, if you will remember, a friend and ally to the Professor. I believe that we may have missed his involvement in that case."
"You mean..."
"Exactly. Asogi wasn't operating alone."
"..."
"Take a moment if you need to."
"You're right, sir - he needs to die. But I don't think I can pull the trigger on 'im. Never been a killer, you know that."
"That won't be a problem. I have arranged an assassin. I only need you to accompany him and make sure you're not spotted."
"Yes, sir. Where and when will I meet the man?"
"The Port of Dover. You cannot miss him - he is an Eastern fellow dressed all in white. You will take a ship to Dunkirk, where you will board the S.S.Grouse while it is docked. The assassin will depose of his mark, then you can return to London."
"Understood, sir."
"And Gregson? Seeing as we will not be working together after this, let me just say that it has been an honour."
"No honour in the things we do. But thank you, Lord Stronghart."
"Of course, Gregson."
"Right, I see... You're that Asogi's young lad, are you? And what? You're gonna cut me down with that thing, is that it?"
"That will very much depend on the answers you give to my questions. I want to know what really happened ten years ago. The truth. That's all."
"...Before we get into it, let me make one thing clear: I still believe your father was the Professor. There's no doubt in my mind. But unfortunately back then...we didn't have the evidence we needed to make the crime stick."
"So...you admit it then? The evidence used in my father's trial was fabricated?!"
"...It was for the good o' the country. Anyway...I was just followin' orders."
"Orders? What exactly did you do? ...Speak!"
"I'm not sayin' another word."
"Even if your life depends on it?"
"That's right. Even then."