[It takes Sherlock a moment longer to release John, but not out of any kind of prolonged threat. No... Whatever lit his eyes is gone, sunk back deep within and the surface has stilled. There's a reluctance to let go, but Sherlock masters it and steps back.

Here... Here, he can be a little more honest.]

You're being watched. All of you. Moriarty-- or his agents, if he really is dead. [Doubtful.] If I'd contacted any of you [especially you] he or any of his connections still alive and active would have found out. I couldn't risk that. [It sounds selfish, and he knows it. It sounds like he couldn't risk Moriarty or his men finding him. But he won't explain. Let John think that. It's better than him knowing just how sentimental he's gotten.

Except...] Mycroft's watched you, too. Kept an eye on all of you.

[and:] So have I.