Nobody could be more loyal than John Watson. The man had refused desperately needed money a mere hour after meeting him in order to keep his secrets, had killed a man for him only a few nights later, and had never given an indication through word or deed that he would ever be anything but wholly loyal.

That was why Sherlock had to take out Moriarty, for he could not let John simply walk into a trap.

Of course he expected Moran outside the door and he had been ready to duck any blow sent to him. Unfortunately, the sting of his concussion and the slight spike in his heartrate thanks to the cocaine kept him from being at his best. Which left him winded, wheezing, and cuffed to his chair.

Damn.