After finding out that Parker's 'supervisor' was the murderer and had meant to frame Sherlock for it, it didn't take the detective long to figure out that he wasn't working alone.

"In fact," Sherlock said at one point, pacing around and talking to nobody in particular. "He was a pawn, a disposable piece. It's no use chasing him, unless it is to extraxt information about his employer... Assuming the murderer is still alive, of course."

Considering the fact that Sherlock had been ranting for ten minutes straight and that he had to keep an eye on Parker, who was rummaging through cabinets (he should actually stop her, but no harm had been done... Yet), John had done a great job paying attention to Sherlock's story. All that Sherlock said made sense, but anyone else besides John would think it's a bit far-fetched. So they had to do a lot of research if they really wanted Sherlock to be off the hook.

"Okay, what do we do next? Lestrade won't be able to let you in on the case, since you're too involved. We have no background on this man, all we have is Parker."

Sherlock stopped in his tracks and quickly turned his head to look at the young thief. You could practically see the wheels inside the detective's head turning, and John started to think he made a mistake in saying that. Nobody knows what Sherlock is going to pull them in this time.

John didn't get time to protest, nor for preparing Parker for a couple of possibly conflicting questions, because Sherlock had already turned to walk to the thief. The detective crouched down to be at eyelevel with Parker, and John smiled at the sight. It was actually quite adorable.

"Parker, I need you to listen and answer me. I assume the supervisor never told you his real name or anything, so you'll have to think of details. People he talked to, names that passed by... If you can't think of something immediately just close your eyes and ears, that helps you focus..."

Sherlock looked expectantly at the girl in front of him, and John was really surprised at the relative gentleness the detective had used to get his question across. But Parker closed neither eyes nor ears, she just looked straight at Sherlock, seemingly a tad confused.

"Why would I have to close my eyes and ears? The man was talking to someone called 'Sterling', his boss. There was another name somewhere, but when he said that he was whispering... Oh, and they were talking about a place to meet for dinner, a restaurant in London." She grabbed the nearest piece of paper and started writing the address down. "Here."

When Parker was finished, John could only look at her with a look of amasement. Meanwhile, Sherlock was pleasently surprised, and John could swear the detective had looked proud.

"That's amazing, Parker!" John said. "How did you do that?"

Parker didn't seem to understand John's question, or why he was so impressed. "I thought everybody could do that," she answered, oblivious to the fact that this was definitely not something that everybody could do.

Sherlock took the paper on which Parker had written down the address in his hand and moved to grab his coat. John looked up, objecting.

"Hold on, Sherlock. You're planning on going to meet a murderer... On your own?"

"Of course I am, can't expect you to take Parker along or leave her behind. You said it yourself before, it's not safe."

But John wasn't going to leave it at that. He turned so that he was standing right in front of Sherlock, making sure that Parker wouldnit hear their conversation. No need in having a thief of approximately 8 years old with outstanding memory eavesdropping.

"Oh come on Sherlock," John replied in a hushed voice, careful not to speak too loudly. "Last time you went to do research on your own, you got suspected for murder!" He sighed, looking at Parker -who was currently testing how soft the couch was- before turning back to the detective.

"I don't want her to be in danger either, but I can't risk you instead. The men you'll be meeting are murderers, who knows what will happen?"

Both men were silent for a moment as they were considering what was the best option, when John had an idea.

"I know, we let Lestrade come along with us. If anything goes badly, I'll come after you myself and Greg will look after Parker for a moment." But as soon as the words escaped his mouth, it sounded like a horrible idea. "Or, wait. Never mind."

However, Sherlock had already made up his mind, and started to smirk a little.

"Could work. He's used to dealing with me and she can't be much worse... Phone Lestrade, we're going out for dinner." And with this, Sherlock left the flat. "Hurry up, John!"

John decided he'd phone Lestrade during the cabride to the restaurant, and hurriedly helped Parker get her jacket before grabbing his own and following the detective outside.

"Why are we sitting here?"

Sherlock, John and Parker had arrived at the restaurant moments before the DI entered. At Sherlock's demand, they had sat down at a table near the one Sherlock had deduced the supervisor and this 'Sterling' guy would sit. It was a square table, with the cutlery placed on two places.

"He's going to recognize us. He knows our faces, he knows all our faces."

John thought the situation was a bit... Well it was awkward at the least. Three grown men and a young girl having dinner at the same table? While Sherlock, John and Parker had been walking through the streets, many people saw them as a couple having a walk with their daughter. People really did do nothing else than talk.

"But that's why we're sitting here! Don't you get it? When he walks through the door, this table won't be visible. We all know that his boss is going to show up, so that man will have the chair that has its back to the window. He'll want to be able to see the entire area. Our killer will be sitting on the opposite side, and therefore not notice us while he's eating."

Een though it seemed a bit far-fetched, John seemed to think it was a plausible idea, so he didn't protest. And in the end, the detective had been right too, and Erik hadn't even noticed them when he sat down. Parker, John and Lestrade ate their meals, Sherlock hadn't ordered anything, and when the two men stood up to leave, the Sterling person smirked in the direction of Sherlock. John noticed, and gestured for Lestrade and Parker to leave the building. Parker was reluctant but Lestrade convinced her by promising the girl to get an ice cream.

"Did you really expect me not to recognize you? I assumed you'd be smarter than that." The man walked up to John and Sherlock. He was well-tailored and Sherlock noticed he was either from insurance or interpol... His accent said British-born, moved to America for the job.

"Not really, but it was worth a shot. Your minion didn't notice me, though." Sherlock didn't stand up from his seat, merely turning around. "Since apparently you know me, tell me who you are. And spare me a background story, I've already figured that out."

The man chuckled, and looked trough the window, where Parker was happily eating an ice cream and Lestrade, who looked like he had gone through hell, tried to see what was happening. When the man turned back around, he smirked.

"The name is Jim Sterling."