I do not want to sound insulting, because obviously this is your duty. But I...do want to thank you, Dr. Watson. It may be something you are called to do, but it is also very generous and good.
[ There is also a slight pause, and even if his tone is a bit weary, it's a little warmer too. ]
It never hurts to hear someone say thanks; it's actually all any of us can hope for these days. I think it's good you're trying to look out for her, too. You strike me as someone I'd be grateful to have on my side, Mister Edgeworth.
...
May I ask you something? More of a... more of a favor, really.
[ Moriarty didn't leave a trace, John is sure, but Edgeworth putting his nose into this will bring his attention, if the man hasn't already earned it. This is his and Sherlock's burden. ]
That's not the issue. Just -- [ There's a slow sigh through his nose. ] I don't want you hurt. I couldn't stand thinking that I -- Please just do as I ask.
[Wait - then that is the issue? Edgeworth certainly doesn't like the implication that he must be coddled - though he does, admittedly, prefer it to the thought that Watson thought he was incompetent. But issues of pride aside, that statement sparks any number of other questions. Is there a real danger? Does Watson know who it is? Is all this sparked by some psychological effect, some amount of associating what happened to Holmes with hurt in general, or is there someone...
But he said he'd do what Watson asked.
Damn it all.]
If it would bring you peace of mind. But facing danger is part and parcel of my job, you know.
[ Moriarty is theirs, as much he doesn't want it to be true. And yes, he does blame himself at least in part for what has happened. It's bad enough losing Sherlock - he's not going to stomach letting anyone else run into this without warning them off. ]
It'll bring me peace of mind. Leave this one to the Sherlocks.
[He wants so dearly to ignore Watson's wishes. He wants his next question to be whether he has any leads, or maybe demanding to know exactly what it is that Watson is afraid of, because it must be someone and someone concrete. He wants -
But he isn't Sherlock Holmes. He's a lawyer. He was trained to be a lawyer, not a detective. And as much as he wants to throw himself into the role of detective, that which is closest to what he knows that he can actually do on this ship...It's not his job.
But what if the Sherlocks aren't enough? What if they can't find who did it? Can he honestly in good conscience stand by? What if he found something they wouldn't find - ]
Very well.
[He clenches his jaw.]
But a query in return. If you were worried for my safety, does that mean that yours is at risk?
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