Katherine screamed as the vervain mist made contact with her eyes and the surround skin. She felt a hand grab her hair and use it to pull her head up. As her eyes healed, she heard the emotionless voice from again.

"I'm giving you a good offer, Miss Pierce. But my patience is beginning to run thin."

Katherine panted and stayed silent. Another hand grabbed her nose, forcing her to inhale the mist. She tried to scream, but as the mist burned her throat and lungs, it became a wet gurgle. The voice let out an impatient sigh.

"I'm sorry we couldn't reach an understanding, Miss pierce," He cleared his throat and addressed the three men surrounding Katherine's chair.

"Stake her."

Katherine bucked in the chair, pulling at the chains that bound her wrists and ankles.

"No!" Katherine screamed a loud as her still raw throat would allow.

The voice was silent for a moment, considering.

"Will you listen to my terms?"

"Yes, whatever you want!"

Mycroft Holmes smiled coldly.

"Well, it's about my brother, see…."