*comment *if (alpha_testing)
*comment *input_text selected_label
*comment *gotoref selected_label

*set implicit_control_flow true
	
	








	
	
	


	
*comment /// temp variables










*temp attemptedToDeduceCh5 false
*temp successfullydeducedch5 false



*temp professionalVibe false
*temp ditsyVibe false
*temp selfishVibe false

*temp defensive false


*temp lestradeMCSilencePreference "ADD THIS FROM CH1"





*comment story starts.




*temp mcTripped false
*if (speedStrength < 11)
	*set mcTripped true
*else 
	*set mcTripped false

*temp theCat "the cat"
*if ((mcTripped) and (hasTrousers = false))
	*set theCat "my dress"







*temp toff "toff"
*if (hMan = false)
	*set toff "snob"


*temp person "person"
*if (genderMC = "woman")
	*set person "woman"
*if (genderMC = "man")
	*set person "man"

*comment *goto Lestrade_day_scene1



*temp watsonRomanced false
*if ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted))
	*set watsonRomanced true



*temp sweetheart ""
*if ((genderMC = "woman") and (romanceL > 0))
	*set sweetheart "sweetheart"
*else
	*set sweetheart "Sherlock"



*comment chapter 5

*text_image chapter5.png center Chapter 5

*page_break


A new case stood on the horizon, and you found it now shimmered as if something rare in your mind's eye. It could be anything, everything. You decided it must be all rather than nothing. But you were not even out of the door—towards this very adventure, when—

"Sherlock!" The doctor's familiar voice calls out after you. "Hold on now, don't run off."

*if ((watsonSawSomethingCh4) and (watsonRomanced))
	$!{j_he} seems in an awful hurry to follow, straining ${j_hi} right step more than any other doctor would recommend, a pained expression on ${j_hi} face. 	
	
	But you notice too that the features displayed are not concurrent with ${j_hi} regular expression of the ever-aching leg… 
	
	Something else is ailing ${j_him}.

*else
	$!{j_he} seems in an awful hurry to follow, straining ${j_hi} right step more than any other doctor would recommend and painted determination on ${j_hi} face.

	Stopping once the wheels already spun was never quite your strong suit—you found you [i]did[/i] want to run off—

*fake_choice
	#"${johnName}, what is it?"
		Watson begins to explain, or rather—${j_he} attempts to—as ${j_hi} brows crinkle and mouth opens, then closes in a harsh line. 
		*if (johnMan)		
			Some unspoken unease is clear as he tugs at his white starched collar.
		*else
			Some unspoken unease is clear as she tugs at her tight ribbon necklace.
		
		The waited words press on you, the rush of the case urging you forward through the nearly-opened door. But, nevertheless, you remain patient. You must, for ${johnName}.
		
		"[i]${hName}[/i]?" ${j_he} finally asks.

		"Yes?" you ask in turn.
	#"There's no time—it will have to wait!"
		"And yet it can not—we need to talk, ${mc_name},"
		Watson says. Then begins to explain, or rather—${j_he} attempts to—as ${j_hi} brows crinkle and mouth opens, then closes in a harsh line.
		*if (johnMan)		
			Some unspoken unease is clear as he tugs at his white starched collar.
		*else
			Some unspoken unease is clear as she tugs at her tight pearl necklace.
		
		The waited words press on you. Here is a rush of a new case urging you forward through the nearly-opened door, and you know it can not wait. And yet you are denied. A thread must be followed lest it break—
		
		"[i]${hName}[/i]?" is all ${j_he} finally asks.

		"And what of ${h_him}?!" you question, as you feel your time running out.
	#"Hurrying is a matter of necessity, Watson—"
		"And yet, we do need to talk, ${mc_name},"
		Watson says. Then begins to explain, or rather—${j_he} attempts to—as ${j_hi} brows crinkle and mouth opens, then closes in a harsh line. 
		*if (johnMan)		
			Some unspoken unease is clear as he tugs at his white starched collar.
		*else
			Some unspoken unease is clear as she tugs at her tight pearl necklace.
		
		The waited words press on you. Here is a rush of a new case urging you forward through the nearly-opened door, and you know it can not wait. And yet you are denied. A thread must be followed lest it break—
		
		"[i]${hName}[/i]?" is all ${j_he} finally asks.

		"Yes? And what of ${h_him}?" you ask in turn, your patience waning.

*page_break

*if (watsonSawSomethingCh4)
	*if (watsonRomanced = false)
		$!{j_he} looks around, ${j_hi} voice taking on a hushed tone so Mrs Hudson, or perhaps the ${maid}, can't overhear—but an intensity of voice remains, "What was—what was it I walked in on just now, ${mc_name}?! Are you two—I mean... I am unsure [i]what[/i] I saw—but I am rather convinced I saw [i]something[/i] beyond the standards of a regular clientele meeting..."

		*label watsonAppalledCh5
		*fake_choice
			*if (false) #"Well, now—[i]that[/i] rather depends on the particular client and patron, don't you think, ${johnName}," I joke, practically winking to get the bawdy point across.
				*comment commented out untill i can make this a lot better...
				"Well, now—[i]that[/i] rather depends on the particular client and patron, don't you think, John," I joke, practically winking to get the bawdy point across.

				"Well, now, [i]John[/i], don't be so  that rather depends on the particular client and patron, don't you think, John," I joke, practically winking to get the bawdy point across.

				His scowl says 'I am not amused'— "How is your reputation a laughing matter, Sherlock?!"—and so did his words...

				*if (mcFirstCaseReputationGood = false)
					"You know as well as I that my reputation is quite permanently stained as is, what is another."

					"And you know—at the very least you should know—that another could have serious consequences! From, bared to cases to bared from this very home should life get too lonesome for Mrs Hudson, she would not do well to being shunned by the whole of the community for your actions!"

					"Then, Watson, there is a simple solution—only you saw. So simply don't tell anyone?"
				*else
					"Watson, there is a simple solution—only you saw. Simply don't tell anyone?"

				"Of course I wouldn't. You know that," ${johnName} says, sighing. 
			

			*if (catchC4) #"$!{h_he} simply caught me as I tripped over ${theCat}. That is all."
				"$!{h_he} simply caught me as I tripped over ${theCat}. That is all."
				
				"That seems rather an insufficient explanation for what—whatever [i]that[/i] was." 
				
				"It is the truth," you say. Because it is, [i]is it not?[/i]
			*if (catchC4 = false) #"The milk pot spilt, and ${h_he} was simply assisting me. That is all."
				"The milk pot spilt, and ${h_he} was simply assisting me. That is all."
			
				"That seems rather an insufficient explanation for what—whatever [i]that[/i] was."
				
				"It is the truth," you say. Because it is, [i]is it not?[/i]
			#"Oh, Watson. It really was nothing—a case of bad luck and bad timing is all."
				"Oh, Watson. It really was nothing—a case of bad luck and bad timing is all."
				
				"That rather does not explain whatever [i]that[/i] was. But I suppose I am glad you consider it unwanted."
				
				*if (catchC4)
					Was it unwanted? How ${hName} held you…
				*else
					Was it unwanted? How ${hName} practically held your hand at the end…
			#"I—um. Well... I rather don't know how it happened... All of a sudden, there ${h_he} was, and there you were..."
				"I—um. Well... I rather don't know how it happened... All of a sudden, there ${h_he} was, and there you were..."
				
				"But, was it… unwanted? For if it were, I find it rather grotesque of ${h_him}—even were it not—no. I would rather not consider that version of events. Of course, it was unwanted. A [i]one time[/i] unwanted accident. That settles it then."
				
				*if (catchC4)
					But was it unwanted? How ${hName} held you… Would you truly never want to feel that again?
				*else
					But was it unwanted? How ${hName} practically held your hand at the end… Would you truly never want to feel that again?
			#"It's your overactive imagination again, ${johnName}. You know how you get sometimes. Nothing untoward took place whatsoever."
				"It's your overactive imagination again, ${johnName}. You know how you get sometimes. Nothing untoward took place whatsoever."
				
				"Oh… [i]Oh[/i]? Well. If so that—that would be good? If it was simply some unwanted accident that will never happen again… Then I am glad. Good."
				
				But was it? 
				*if (catchC4)
					Was it unwanted? How ${hName} held you so…
				*else
					Was it unwanted? How ${hName} practically held your hand so… 

				
		*page_break
		*if (catchC4)
			Your mind returns to the moment, to the ${h_gentleman}'s words.
			*if (simpInArms)
				"It is rather a surprise to find you in my arms so soon, detective..." A smile had creeped upon ${h_his} somewhat self-satisfied lips, while ${h_his} green eyes searched yours.
			*else
				"One little misstep and... [i]here we are[/i]. Do be more careful, ${mc_miss}... lest next you fall, proves perilous..." ${h_he} had spoken quietly as ${h_his} green eyes searched yours.
		*else
			Your mind returns to the moment, to the ${h_gentleman}'s touch—your hands that were ungloved and... so was ${h_hi}. $!{h_he} had seemed to notice this, just as you did, just as you meet ${h_his} green eyes—just as…


		*if (wThinksYouLikeH = false)
			"I do not approve of ${h_him}." Watson's words and bluer eyes wake you from reverie. "I realise Mrs Hudson is charmed beyond repair. But... I simply do not trust a ${h_man} such as ${h_him}. 
		*else
			"I... Do not approve of ${h_him}." Watson's words and bluer eyes wake you from reverie. "Not as Mrs Hudson does..." The next, ${j_he} speaks low under ${j_hi} breath, "[i]Not as you appear to...[/i]"

			*if (watsonRomanced) 
				*comment You had read once, and have often noticed, that excitement, but even more—[i]anger[/i]—can turn
				Anger can turn the pinpricks of the eyes into large globes. This can occur even in the light of day, as it shines through the windows by the side of a door. It can be especially evident on eyes that resemble a mid-day cloudless sky… 

				*comment So dark. $!{j_hi} eyes did not often look this shade.
		
			"[i]Is it really[/i] too much to not trust a ${h_man} such as that? Do you really not see what I saw?
		Did you not see the way ${h_he} acted?" Watson questions with vigour.

		*goto sawRomanceMomentHCh5


	*if ((genderMC = h_man) and (j_man =  genderMC))
		"What did I walk in on?!" ${j_hi} voice is hushed, so Mrs Hudson, or perhaps the ${maid}, can't overhear, but it is forceful, so you may bear the brunt of it. "What was that, ${mc_name}?! Are you—I mean... I... I don't even know what I saw—but I am rather sure I saw [i]something[/i] beyond the standards of a clientele meeting!"

		*goto watsonAppalledCh5

	*elseif (genderMC = h_man)
		"What did I walk in on?!" ${j_hi} voice is hushed, so Mrs Hudson, or perhaps the ${maid}, can't overhear, but it is forceful, so you may bear the brunt of it. "What was that, ${mc_name}?! Are you—I mean... I... I don't even know what I saw—but I am rather sure I saw [i]something[/i] beyond the standards of a clientele meeting!"
		
		*comment 		His face flush, and his nostrils flare.
	
		*goto watsonAppalledCh5		
	*else
		"What's going on between you two?" ${j_hi} voice is hushed, so Mrs Hudson, or perhaps the ${maid}, can't overhear, but it is forceful, so you may bear the brunt of it. "What was that I saw, ${mc_name}?" Then the tone turns less covert, some emotions spilling over inside your companion, "Whatever the context, I am rather sure I saw [i]something[/i] beyond the standards of a clientele meeting."
		
		*comment His face flush.

		*goto watsonAppalledCh5

*label leaveWatsonAppalledLoop

*if (wThinksYouLikeH = false)
	"I do not approve of ${h_him}. I realise Mrs Hudson is charmed beyond repair. But... I simply do not trust a ${h_man} such as ${h_him}. 
*else
	"I do not approve of ${h_him}. Not as Mrs Hudson does..." The next ${j_he} speaks low under ${j_hi} breath, "[i]Not as you appear to.[/i]"
	
	*if (watsonRomanced) 
		*comment You read once, and have often noticed, that excitement, but even more—[i]anger[/i]—can turn
		Anger can turn the pinpricks of the eyes into large globes. This can occur even in the light of day, as it shines through the windows by the side of a door. It can be especially evident on eyes that resemble a mid-day cloudless sky… 

		*comment So dark. $!{j_hi} eyes did not often look this shade.
					
	"[i]Is it too much to simply not trust a ${h_man} such as that[/i]. Do you really not see it?
Did you not see the way ${h_he} acted?" Watson questions with vigour.

*label sawRomanceMomentHCh5
*if ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (watsonRomanced))
	*fake_choice
		*if (watsonSawSomethingCh4) #"You weren't exactly friendly, either, Watson..."
			"You weren't exactly friendly, either, Watson..."
			
			"And you were friendly enough for the both of us!"
			
			*fake_choice
				*if (mcTripped) #"I fell! I am sensitive about my lack of coordination, and you know this!"
					"I fell! I am sensitive about my lack of coordination, and you know this!"
					
					"It was not just how I found you—"
					
					"—Then what was it?!"
					
					"It was the way ${h_he} looked at you!"
					
					[i]How ${h_he} looked at me…[/i]
		
				#"I AM A FRIENDLY INDIVIDUAL!"
					"I AM A FRIENDLY INDIVIDUAL!"
					
					"…That's for sure."
					
					"…"
					
					"Now—do not—do not take this the wrong way. All I wanted to say is I don't care for the ${h_man}. The way ${h_he} looked at you…"
					
					[i]How ${h_he} looked at me…[/i]
				#"What are you suggesting, Watson!?"
					"What are you suggesting, Watson!?"
					
					"Nothing! I simply—I did not care for the ${h_man}. Nor the way ${h_he} looked at you—"
					
					[i]The way ${h_he} looked at me…[/i]
				#"... Well, is that so bad, really?"
					"…Well, is that so bad, really?"
					
					"You must know that depends on the meaning here… But, I—all I wanted to say is, I did not care for the ${h_man}. The way ${h_he} looked at you…"
					
					[i]How ${h_he} looked at me…[/i]
			
			*goto howTheyLookedAtYou
			
		#"Was ${h_he} really so bad, ${johnName}?"
			"Was ${h_he} really so bad, ${johnName}?"
			
			The doctor's brows furrow. "I admit, ${h_he} is not a ${h_man} I would easily respect. But, beyond that… It was the way ${h_he} looked at you."
			
			[i]The way ${h_he} looked at me…[/i]

			*goto howTheyLookedAtYou
		#"I don't trust ${h_him} further than I can throw ${h_him}."
			"I don't trust ${h_him} further than I can throw ${h_him}."
			
			"Good. I'm glad. $!{h_he}… I did not trust the way ${h_he} looked at you."
			
			[i]The way ${h_he} looked at me…[/i]
			
			*goto howTheyLookedAtYou
		#"I rather enjoyed ${h_him}!"
			"I rather enjoyed ${h_him}!"
			
			*if (hMan = false)
				"You can not mean that! Beyond being a rather unpleasant woman, how she looked at you…"
			*else
				"You can not mean that! Beyond being a rather unpleasant fellow, how he looked at you…"

			
			[i]How ${h_he} looked at me…[/i]
			
			*goto howTheyLookedAtYou
		#"Oh—do I sense a strong snobbish dislike for moneyed individuals, Watson? I fear it's not the first time either..."
			"Oh—do I sense a strong snobbish dislike for moneyed individuals, Watson? I fear it's not the first time either..."

			"It was not just that—"
			
			"—Then what was it?"

			"It was the way ${h_he} looked at you!"
					
			[i]How ${h_he} looked at me…[/i]
					
			*goto howTheyLookedAtYou
			
		*if (hRomancePoints > 0) #"I don't care for them either. But, gods—I am wanting to [i]know[/i] them more proper, biblically [i]if you know what I[/i]—"
			*set boldFlirtsH + 1
			*comment if you choose this one perhaps the following "look at" convo should be different.
			"I don't care for them either. But, gods—I am wanting to [i]know[/i] them more proper, [i]biblically if you know what I[/i]—"
			
			"For hells—STOP. Spare me. It was enough seeing how ${h_he} looked at you. I do not need to know it was answered in turn."
			
			*goto howTheyLookedAtYou

*else
	*if (hRomancePoints < 1)
		*goto howTheyLookedAtYouNoRomance

	"And then there was the way ${h_he} looked at you."

	*label howTheyLookedAtYou

	*fake_choice
		#"And how did ${h_he} look at me, ${johnName}? For you to disapprove so—"
			"And how did ${h_he} look at me, ${johnName}? For you to disapprove so—"
		
			"Like ${h_he} wanted to devour you."
			*label devour
			*if (catchC4)
				The words leave ${j_hi} mouth as if they taste of poison. "As if forcing your image to ${h_his} mind, piece by piece, stealing it for unsavoury use. That was the ${h_man} I met—disregard finding you in ${h_his} arms... and possessing a character I do, perhaps, have the bad habit of being prejudiced towards. ${mc_name}, ${h_he} was not a… ${h_gentleman} with ${h_his} attentions."
			*elseif (watsonSawSomethingCh4)
				The words leave ${j_hi} mouth as if they taste of poison. "As if forcing your image to ${h_his} mind, piece by piece, stealing it for unsavoury use. That was the ${h_man} I met—disregard finding you and ${h_him} so... and possessing a character I do, perhaps, have the bad habit of being prejudiced towards. ${mc_name}, ${h_he} was not a… ${h_gentleman} with ${h_his} attentions."
			*else
				The words leave ${j_hi} mouth as if they taste of poison. "As if forcing your image to ${h_his} mind, piece by piece, stealing it for unsavoury use. That was the ${h_man} I met—disregard the matter of ${h_him} possessing a character I do, perhaps, have the bad habit of being prejudiced towards. ${mc_name}, ${h_he} was not a… ${h_gentleman} with ${h_his} attentions."
		#"I don't understand?"
			"I don't understand?" you ask, confusion in your voice.
			
			"$!{h_he} looked at you as if ${h_he} wanted to devour you." 		
			*goto devour
		#"Really now, Watson. I believe you're sounding almost conspiratorial."
			"Really now, Watson. I believe you're sounding almost conspiratorial."
			
			"$!{h_he} looked at you as if ${h_he} wanted to devour you." 
			*goto devour
		#"I can't lie. I was fond of the pointed attention."
			"I can't lie. I was fond of the pointed attention."
			
			*if (catchC4)
				"You want a ${h_man} to look at you as something to devour?"
				The words leave ${j_hi} mouth as if they taste of poison. "$!{h_he} looked at you as if forcing your image to ${h_his} mind, piece by piece, stealing it for unsavoury use. That was the ${h_man} I met—disregard finding you in ${h_his} arms—and possessing a character I do, perhaps, have the bad habit of being prejudiced towards. ${mc_name}, ${h_he} was not a... ${h_gentleman} with ${h_his} attentions. I shall assume you speak in jest. But, I would have you know, I not enjoy such jokes."
			*elseif (watsonSawSomethingCh4)
				"You want a ${h_man} to look at you as something to devour?"
				The words leave ${j_hi} mouth as if they taste of poison. "$!{h_he} looked at you as if forcing your image to ${h_his} mind, piece by piece, stealing it for unsavoury use. That was the ${h_man} I met—disregard finding you and ${h_him} so—and possessing a character I do, perhaps, have the bad habit of being prejudiced towards. ${mc_name}, ${h_he} was not a... ${h_gentleman} with ${h_his} attentions. I shall assume you speak in jest. But, I would have you know, I not enjoy such jokes."
			*else 
				"You want a ${h_man} to look at you as something to devour?"
				The words leave ${j_hi} mouth as if they taste of poison. "$!{h_he} looked at you as if forcing your image to ${h_his} mind, piece by piece, stealing it for unsavoury use. That was the ${h_man} I met—disregard the matter of ${h_him} possessing a character I do, perhaps, have the bad habit of being prejudiced towards. ${mc_name}, ${h_he} was not a... ${h_gentleman} with ${h_his} attentions. I shall assume you speak in jest. But, I would have you know, I not enjoy such jokes."


			*goto wallChimeCh5

	*fake_choice
		#I did not realise...
			You did not realise ${hName} had looked at you in quite such a manner. But if ${johnName} says it is so, then perhaps—
			
		#I'm sure that's not true; it can't be.
			You are sure that is not true. It can not be. $!{h_his} eyes were piercing, [i]yes[/i]… but beyond that ${johnName} must be mistaken—
			
		#Oh, [i]I noticed.[/i]
			*set boldFlirtsH + 1
			Oh, [i]you noticed.[/i] $!{h_his} piercing stare was quite impossible to miss…

	*goto wallChimeCh5

*label howTheyLookedAtYouNoRomance
"And then there was the way ${h_he} looked at you."

*if ((H_Approval > 3) or (SimpH))
	*fake_choice
		#"And how did ${h_he} look at me, ${johnName}? For you to disapprove so—"
			"And how did ${h_he} look at me, ${johnName}? For you to disapprove so—"
		
			"Like ${h_he} wanted to examine you on the operating table."
			*label study
			The words leave ${j_hi} mouth as if they taste of poison. "As if you were this... thing. Much less a person, much more a science experiment. Studying your every feature and form. That was the ${h_man} I met—disregard the matter of ${h_him} possessing a character I do, perhaps, have the bad habit of being prejudiced towards. ${mc_name}, ${h_he} did not give… an air of kindness with ${h_his} attentions."

		#"I don't understand?"
			"I don't understand?" you ask, confusion in your voice.
			
			"$!{h_he} looked at you as if ${h_he} wanted to examine you on the operating table."		
			*goto study
		#"Really now, Watson. I believe you're sounding almost conspiratorial."
			"Really now, Watson. I believe you're sounding almost conspiratorial."
			
			"$!{h_he} looked at you as if ${h_he} wanted to examine you on the operating table."
			*goto study
		#"I can't lie. I was fond of the pointed attention."
			"I can't lie. I was fond of the pointed attention."

			"You want a ${h_man} to look at you as something to study?"
			The words leave ${j_hi} mouth as if they taste of poison. "As if you were this... thing. Much less a person, much more an experiment. Studying your every feature and form. That was the ${h_man} I met—disregard the matter of ${h_him} possessing a character I do, perhaps, have the bad habit of being prejudiced towards. ${mc_name}, ${h_he} did not give… an air of kindness with ${h_his} attentions. I shall assume you speak in jest. But, I would have you know, I not enjoy such jokes."

*else
	*fake_choice
		#"And how did ${h_he} look at me, ${johnName}? For you to disapprove so—"
			"And how did ${h_he} look at me, ${johnName}? For you to disapprove so—"
		
			"Like ${h_he} wanted to hurt you."
			*label hurt
			The words leave ${j_hi} mouth as if they taste of poison. "As if you were this... abominable thing. Much less a person, much more an insect beneath ${h_hi} feet. That was the ${h_man} I met—disregard the matter of ${h_him} possessing a character I do, perhaps, have the bad habit of being prejudiced towards. ${mc_name}, ${h_he} did not give… an air of goodness in ${h_his} attentions."

		#"I don't understand?"
			"I don't understand?" you ask, confusion in your voice.
			
			"$!{h_he} looked at you as if ${h_he} wanted to hurt you." 		
			*goto hurt
		#"Really now, Watson. I believe you're sounding almost conspiratorial."
			"Really now, Watson. I believe you're sounding almost conspiratorial."
			
			"$!{h_he} looked at you as if ${h_he} wanted to hurt you." 
			*goto hurt



*label wallChimeCh5
The wall clock chimes from inside the house. It echoes round, signalling a later hour than you have to spare. You have to catch Lestrade at ${l_hi} location before ${l_he} leaves.

*page_break
*if (friendshipW > 80)
	"I have to go, Watson. Why do you not come with—we can continue this—"
*else 
	"I have to go, Watson. If you have to continue this, why do you not come with—you can continue this—"

"I can't."

"What do you mean you [i]can't[/i]?" $!{johnName} always comes with. "This is highly irregular—"

"I—I have things I must do. You can't expect me to be on you like glue, Sherlock. I should not… It is best if I don't come with. Not always. Not any more." At least ${j_he} has the kindness to look conflicted with the situation. "But, as I said, I have business to attend to…"

Your constant companion, well—now near constant companion—opens the door for you and sees you out. You find yourself momentarily stunned by Watson's behaviour as the door closes on you with nothing more than a short 'Farewell'.

[i]What in the world…[/i]

*page_break

You find a cab and give the address, but your mind remains on everything else that has occurred. 

Where does the strangeness begin and end…

A letter without a sender, an inconstant constant companion, a copycat killer with too much and too little mystery, a case falls through as another appears. The bird! 

You were sure there was more, but it all swam in your head in a haze, and nothing could be grasped without causing all to follow. The world you found yourself in—inside your mind, inside a carriage—was greying by the weather outside. Darker than it should be. It added an oppressive weight to your complicated mind.

*if (hadToldWItWouldRainCh2)
	You had told Watson it would rain tomorrow. When you had shared a carriage only the day before. [i]When the weather had cleared as ${j_he} arrived.[/i]
*else
	When you and Watson had shared a carriage, only the day before, the weather had cleared.
	
*fake_choice
	#Perhaps... had ${j_he} been here... would the weather clear again?
		[i]Perhaps... had ${j_he} been here... would the weather clear again?[/i]
		
		No.
		
		[i]No[/i], that is silly. 
		
		A very silly thought.
		
		That is not how reality works.
		
		And you believe in logic and measurable things.
		
		Not… sentimental based miracles.
		
		Right?
	#The silence and lack of another's presence only aid my work. Yes. Definitely.
		*set loneWolf true

		You are more efficient without Watson.
		
		Definitely.
		
		… Except, did you not once measure that ${j_hi} presence inspired your best deductions—
		
		That asking ${j_him}, hearing ${j_hi} thoughts on matters—
		
		It allowed you to find the truth of the matter.
		
		Much better than before.
		
		Then, when you were without ${j_him}…
		
		But it was only a theory. An unsubstantiated claim based on nothing definitive.
		
		Yes. Indeed. 
		
		You're better off on your own.
		
		That must be the eventual truth.

*page_break

You decide instead to turn your mind to the new case. 

A new case solves everything.

It always does.

And it always will.

*page_break

*if (false)

	*comment to add TODO
	*comment- “Sure, I’m a celebrity, but even this is a little heavy-handed, and a little too… precise…”
	*comment allow mc to be sus of new peeps and the ball.

	And here was this strange matter, this case that was introduced to you with a new client.

	Even if the case was in no ways standard...

	The client was—

	*if (SimpH)
		You were famous, so the pointed attentions of strangers was nothing new to you.

		But...
	*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
		You were famous, so any intense attention by strangers was nothing new to you.

		But...
	*else
		You were famous, so peculiar first meetings with strangers was nothing new to you.

		But...

	*fake_choice
		#It did not stop this client, this ${h_man}, from feeling rather more peculiar than most others.
			*set findsHSus true
			Perhaps it was the letter addressing you, perhaps it was the timing of it all and your own mental state. Or perhaps it was all connected in a giant conspiracy—

			NO.

			No...

			You force yourself to steady your mind once more. You've been on this path before... it rarely ends well. 
		#Was it more than usual? Could hardly tell from one small meeting, surely...
			You would have to notice such things at your next meeting. For now it all felt just as strange as reality often is.

			Especially lately.

			Especially if you allow it to be.

		*if (hRomancePoints > 0) #${hName} may be as suspicious as ${h_he} can be, I find it rather interesting...
			There is something... very intriguing in an unusual manner of approach. And an unusual manner of motive.

			A unique manner is always suspicious, too.

			But it is never dull.
		*if ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (SimpH)) #${hName} may be suspicious and pointedly obvious in ${h_his} attentions, and I say: do your worst.
			Who are you to so early turn down, to cease the attentions of a ${h_man} so intent on showing you just how intriguing you are?

			Perish the thought.

			Do more, ${h_sir}, not less, you say.

			Surely we will all be better for it.







*if ((((watsonSawSomethingCh4)) and (catchC4 = false)) and (false))
	*comment //currently won't ever happen
	*page_break

	[i]Hold on now...[/i]

	You look down at your 
	*if ((hasDress) and (hasTrousers = false))
		dress
	*else
		trousers
	and feel relieved to find that there's not a hint of milk in neither texture, colour, nor scent. 
	*fake_choice
		#Perhaps wealth can even buy better handkerchiefs? Maybe I should ask for one of ${h_hi}... for, you know, [i]science[/i]...
			*set hRomancePoints + 1
		#Perhaps wealth can even buy better handkerchiefs? Maybe I should ask for one, for science.
		#Huh. Neat.
		#Despite this veneer of cleanliness, I really will have to change out of this soon.


*page_break

*if (stillHasFlask)
	The cab stops in front of a building with a known purpose—and the connection to Lestrade is now equally known to you. The mystery of the inspector's purpose was perhaps too easily solved. Especially when you have ${l_hi} flask and means of indulgence.
*else
	The cab stops in front of a building with a known purpose—and the connection to Lestrade is now equally known to you. The mystery of the inspector's purpose was perhaps too easily solved.

Exiting the carriage, you manage a better view of the sign above the door, a motif made to be recognised by the illiterate and the mightily confused—much of what you suspect the patrons to be on any given day.

*page_break

*goto Lestrade_day_scene1

*comment what i need to do


+ for chapter 6 or 5 (if mc is asked out) and w is jealous. "You are going to the ball together, as their escort?! Why did you not say?" mc: "Oh, did i not?"


::TODO::::TODO::::TODO::
::TODO::::TODO::::TODO::
::TODO::::TODO::::TODO:: Add more references to the flask?
::TODO::::TODO::::TODO::
::TODO::::TODO::::TODO::




*label Lestrade_day_scene1
Here you are, at your first graspable clue of this new case... It is not the most impressive sight—

*if (genderMC = "them")
	For outside The White Horse pub, derelicts and drunks stumble. All watching as you approach. One man who recently re-tasted his drink throws you a sullen stare.
	*if (outfitWord = "proper")
		Others ogle your elegant attire, but at least you sense no threat except the strong noontime sun that weakens your vision entering the darkened establishment. 
	*else
		Others pay you no mind, and for now you sense no threat except the strong noontime sun that weakens your vision entering the darkened establishment. 
*if (genderMC = "man")
	For outside the White Horse pub, derelicts and drunks stumble. All watching as you approach. One man who recently re-tasted his drink throws a cheery hello. 
	*if (outfitWord = "proper")
		Others ogle your elegant attire, but at least you sense no threat except the strong noontime sun that weakens your vision entering the darkened establishment. 
	*else
		Others pay you no mind, and for now, you sense no threat except the strong noontime sun that weakens your vision entering the darkened establishment. 
*if (genderMC = "woman")
	For outside the White Horse pub, derelicts and drunks stumble. All watching as you approach. One man who recently re-tasted his drink throws you a
	*if (((outfitWord = "bold") or (outfitWord = "delicate")) and (attractive > 2))
		lecherous stare. Others gawk, but at least you sense no threat except the strong noontime sun that weakens your vision entering the darkened establishment.
	*elseif (outfitWord = "proper")
		surprised stare. Others gawk, but at least you sense no threat except the strong noontime sun that weakens your vision entering the darkened establishment.
	*else
		sullen stare. Others gawk, but at least you sense no threat except the strong noontime sun that weakens your vision entering the darkened establishment.

The locale holds no likeness to its namesake, neither elegant nor pristine. You only discover their shared ability to flaunt dirt, visible in the carpet, glasses, and patrons. 

*if ((genderMC = "woman") and (lestradeMan = false))
	While women are not always welcome into pubs, or only if delegated to a Ladies' Saloon section—you know there are always ways to be the exception in places such as these. And so too, you assume, does Lestrade. But—
*elseif (genderMC = "woman")
	While women are not always welcome into pubs, or only if delegated to a Ladies' Saloon section—you know there are always ways to be the exception in places such as this. But—

Do you often visit pubs like this?

*fake_choice
	#No. I wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this, [i]that is[/i] under ordinary circumstances.
		You only enter a public house with a proper powder room and good champagne. This place, with its probable diseases and vermin, is positively nauseating. And it is here, amidst the grime, through a thick haze of smoke, that ${l_he} occupies a seat. 

	#Well, this particular bar is below my standards, but I enjoy a lively nightlife.
		Like many, you love a bit of carousing—a great night out. But this, this location is more depressing than fun decadence. And, of course, it is here, through a thick haze of smoke, that ${l_he} employs a seat today.

	*selectable_if (cope != "drinking") #I've never been before, and I'm curious.
		You are not very educated on public houses or have much personal experience involving the group activity of alcohol consumption—but like any good scientist, you are willing to experiment. And with that willingness, you scan the room through a thick haze of smoke and see ${l_him}.

	*selectable_if (cope != "drinking") #I've never been, and I'm decidedly indifferent.
		You are not very educated on public houses or have much personal experience involving the group activity of alcohol consumption—neither do you have any particular interest in pursuing knowledge on the subject.

		Your eyes search the room through a thick haze of smoke, and you see ${l_him}. 
	*selectable_if (cope != "drinking") #I've never been before, and I hate the very idea.
		You are not very educated on public houses or have much personal experience involving the group activity of alcohol consumption—and you would hate nothing more than to get better acquainted. 

		It is in this haste to finish your task and leave that you find ${l_him} through the thick haze of smoke.

	#Yes. I love this place already—the seedier and stranger—the more merriment.
		This place is fantastic! One could imagine all the strange and morbid fun that could inhabit an establishment such as this. And it is here, amidst the lovely lowlives, nearly hidden through a thick haze of smoke, that ${l_he} occupies a seat.

Only a few stools from the door—hunched over by the bar—sits Lestrade. Both ${l_hi} arms resting heavily on the wooden support. One of ${l_hi} hands in ${l_hi} hair, the other gently stirring a glass of a dark gold liquid. 

You deduce by the signs of mannerism and posture that ${l_he} might be stressed or unhappy, though you are unsure which. 

*choice
	# "You look awful. Has something happened?"
		$!{l_hi} eyes won't leave the drink that you identify as whiskey by the smell. And ${l_he} keeps, with monotony, moving the glass, creating small waves with the liquid. In a dark voice, ${l_he} answers, "Another astonishing analysis by the great detective. Something has happened." 

		A silence fills the air. 

		Lestrade seems reluctant to speak again, at least unprompted.
		*choice 
			# Try to deduce why ${l_he} is temperamental.
				*goto Lestrade_day_deduce
			# "I know I'll regret asking, but why are you more hostile than usual?"
				*goto Lestrade_day_tell
			# "Would you please tell me the cause of your current unhappiness?"
				*goto Lestrade_day_tell
			# "Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here."
				"Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

				*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem
			# "Should I be worried about you?"
				*goto Lestrade_day_groan
			# "Suspend this brooding now. It's not the least bit humorous for me."
				*goto Lestrade_day_groan
			# "I rather owe you a good scolding for the complete screw-up that was the Edinburgh prospect." 
				*label EdinburghScolding
				"I rather owe you a good scolding for the complete screw-up that was the Edinburgh prospect, [i]Lestrade.[/i]" 

				Lestrade almost growls. "I'm in no mood to play the role of your scapegoat, Sherlock. Be bored somewhere else."

				*fake_choice
					#"I'm to be handled, am I? 'prevent reckless reactions, Watson'? Charming."
						"I'm to be handled, am I? 'prevent reckless reactions, Watson'? Charming."

						You swear you hear ${l_hi} teeth grind by the pressure of ${l_hi} clenched jaw. "I think it best you leave, [i]Sherlock.[/i]"

					#"It's your fucking problem that I'm in this mess—"
						"It's your fucking problem that I'm in this mess—"

						You swear you hear leather crunch by ${l_hi} tight grip. "[i]You should leave, Sherlock.[/i]"

						"No. Not until I have told you why I'm here. There's this ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

						*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem
					#"..." I do not push it.
						Something in ${l_hi} tone makes pushing it further feel... inadvisable.

				*goto Lestrade_day_groan_Skip

	# "There you are! I've been looking for you."
		$!{l_hi} eyes won't leave the drink that you identify as whiskey by the smell. And ${l_he} keeps, with monotony, moving the glass, creating small waves with the liquid. In a dark voice, ${l_he} answers, "Bravo. You found me. And now that you have, you can leave again—I came here to be alone."
		*choice
			#Try to deduce why ${l_he} is temperamental.
				*goto Lestrade_day_deduce
			# "I'm afraid I can't do that. I've sought you out for a reason."
				"I'm afraid I can't do that. I've sought you out for a reason. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

				*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem
			# "Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here."
				"Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

				*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem
			# "Aren't you charming today."
				*goto Lestrade_day_groan
			# "Is something the matter?"
				*goto Lestrade_day_groan
			# Wait politely for an explanation concerning ${l_hi} current temperament.
				*goto Lestrade_day_groan
			# "I know I will regret asking, but why are you more hostile than usual?"
				*goto Lestrade_day_tell
			# "I rather owe you a good scolding for the complete screw-up that was the Edinburgh prospect." 
				*goto EdinburghScolding

	# "You look glum. Is everything quite alright?"
		$!{l_hi} eyes won't leave the drink that you identify as whiskey by the smell. And ${l_he} keeps, with monotony, moving the glass, creating small waves with the liquid. In a dark voice, ${l_he} answers. "I'm the same as I always am—thought you, of all people, would have [i]deduced[/i] that."
		*choice 
			# "I did. Nevertheless, It would have been impolite to ignore your increased mood." 
				*goto Lestrade_day_groan
			# "I felt the need to inquire if you're more low-spirited than usual."
				*goto Lestrade_day_groan
			# "Should I be worried about you?"
				*goto Lestrade_day_groan
			# Stay quiet. Perhaps ${l_hi} current temper has made ${l_him} sensitive.
				*goto Lestrade_day_groan
			# "I rather owe you a good scolding for the complete screw-up that was the Edinburgh prospect." 
				*goto EdinburghScolding

*label Lestrade_day_groan
Lestrade groans. "Leave me be, Sherlock. I'm in no mood to play the role of your diversion, be bored somewhere else."
*label Lestrade_day_groan_Skip
*choice
	# Try to deduce why ${l_he} is temperamental.
		*goto Lestrade_day_deduce
	# Wait for ${l_him} to tell you what has happened to make ${l_him} like this.
		*goto Lestrade_day_tell
	# "Would you please tell me the cause of your current unhappiness?"
		*goto Lestrade_day_tell
	# "I know I'll regret asking, but why are you more hostile than usual?"
		*goto Lestrade_day_tell
	# "Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here."
		"Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"
		*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem


*label 	Lestrade_day_deduce

*comment add version where MC knows nothing *or* add in compulsory info in ch2
*comment done. now just add the variables in ch2 to keep track.

*if (hasAnyCH2DeductionInfo)
	*if (hasLdeductionInfoCH2 = false)
		*comment Deduce fail
		*set attemptedToDeduceCh5 true
		Considering it's just past noon, even for ${l_him}, this is drinking unusually early. And although ${l_he} was never very social, any company seems uniquely unwelcome. $!{l_he} is tense and on edge and still in ${l_hi} uniform. $!{l_he} must have come directly from work. At midday. Why? When you met ${l_him} last night, there was only one case left. You observe dark circles under bloodshot eyes—${l_he} never went home. Whatever that last case was, it was trouble. But what was it? You're missing some crucial detail, and you will have to have to ask ${l_him} to figure it out. Or you can ignore ${l_hi} sad state and carry on with business.

		*choice
			# "Would you tell me what is wrong?"
				"Would you tell me what is wrong?"

				*goto Lestrade_day_tell
			# "I know something has happened since I saw you last. What was it?"
				"I know something has happened since I saw you last. What was it?"

				*goto Lestrade_day_tell
			# "This is no time for unhappiness. I require your help with a case!"
				"This is no time for unhappiness. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

				*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem
			# "Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here."
				"Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

				*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem
			

	*elseif (hasLdeductionInfoCH2 = true)
		*comment Deduce succeed
		*set attemptedToDeduceCh5 true
		*set successfullydeducedch5 true
		Considering it's just past noon, even for ${l_him}, this is drinking unusually early. And although ${l_he} was never very social, any company seems uniquely unwelcome. $!{l_he} is tense and on edge, and still in ${l_hi} uniform. $!{l_he} must have come directly from work. At midday. Why? When you met ${l_him} last night, there was only one case left. You observe dark circles under bloodshot eyes—${l_he} never went home. Whatever that last case was, it was trouble. But what was it? $!{l_he} said [i]'It's far from noteworthy, a wellness check on an old lady. Simple. Boring.'[/i] 

		[i]That's it![/i]

		*fake_choice
			#"You found more than you bargained for when you visited the old woman, didn't you?"
				"You found more than you bargained for when you visited the old woman, didn't you?"

				"How do you... Never mind. That is rather what you do."
				
				*goto Lestrade_day_tell
			#I have a suspicion of what happened. But me repeating it will do no good...
				You have a suspicion of what happened. But me repeating it will do no good... "Would you tell me what is wrong, Lestrade?"

				*goto Lestrade_day_tell
			#"I assume the old woman was dead—but that is not important—I need to tell you why I'm here!"
				"I assume the old woman was dead—but that is not important—I need to tell you why I'm here! There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—""

				*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem
			#"I'm sorry about the old woman, ${lestradeName}."
				"I'm sorry about the old woman, ${lestradeName}."

				"How do you... Never mind. That is rather what you do."
				
				*goto Lestrade_day_tell

*else 
	*comment Deduce have no info + fail
	*set attemptedToDeduceCh5 true
	Considering it's just past noon, even for ${l_him}, this is drinking unusually early. And although ${l_he} was never very social, any company seems uniquely unwelcome. $!{l_he} is tense and on edge and still in ${l_hi} uniform. $!{l_he} must have come directly from work. At midday. Why? When you met ${l_him} last night... did ${l_he} have another case after that? You observe dark circles under bloodshot eyes—yes. And ${l_he} never went home. Whatever this last case was, it was trouble. But what was it?  

	You're missing some crucial detail, and you will have to have to ask ${l_him} to figure it out. Or you can ignore ${l_hi} sad state and carry on with business.

	*choice
		# "Would you tell me what is wrong?"
			"Would you tell me what is wrong?"

			*goto Lestrade_day_tell
		# "I know something has happened since I saw you last. What was it?"
			"I know something has happened since I saw you last. What was it?"
			
			*goto Lestrade_day_tell
		# "This is no time for unhappiness. I require your help with a case!"
			"This is no time for unhappiness. I require your help with a case! There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—""

			*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem
		# "Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here."
			"Never mind your mood. I need to tell you why I'm here. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—""

			*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem
	


*label Lestrade_day_tell
*set lestradeTellsOfTheOldWoman true
*comment *if (attemptedToDeduceCh5 = false)


*if ((((friendshipL > 50) and (timesMadL < 2)) or ((friendshipL > 65) or (bickeredL < 1))) or (successfullydeducedch5))
	Lestrade is silent for a long while. 

	You can't bring yourself to expect an elaboration, with how ${l_he} often is.

	Yet, something in ${l_hi} silence gives you pause. Perhaps even the inspector needs to lighten the load on ${l_hi} ever-hunched shoulders. Perhaps ${l_he} will speak, because ${l_he} can't find a way... to not.

	$!{l_he} sighs. And after another moment, unfolds moderately. "There was one case left, last night after we parted—a wellness check on an old lady—a telegram had dropped in—some concerned relative. I reckoned I had time for a quick drop-by. It was on my way home—I thought..." $!{l_hi} unsteady eyes meet yours.

	"It was unlike anything. I've never seen such... destruction. Carnage, somehow by human hand." 

	*if ((romanceL < 1) and (outfitWord != "bold"))
		"Moreover, I'm stumped." $!{l_hi} eyes are now large, and brows knotted. An expression bordering on pleading. "There is not a trace of an investigation to follow. I'm at a loss, Sherlock. I—" But then ${l_he} looks away from you. 
		
		Almost as soon as ${l_hi} unusual demeanour arrives, it disappears. Lestrade's eyes turn back to their earlier lowered position. One hand stirring the glass, the other hooked in dark hair. "Why are you here?" ${l_he} asks sharply.

	*else
		*comment get the below bold scene
		"Moreover, I'm stumped." $!{l_hi} eyes are now large, and brows knotted. An expression bordering on pleading. "There is not a trace of an investigation to follow. I'm at a loss, Sherlock. I—" 

		But then.

		Almost as soon as ${l_hi} unusual demeanour arrives, it disappears. Lestrade's eyes turn back to their earlier lowered position. One hand stirring the glass, the other hooked in dark hair. "Why are you here?" ${l_he} asks sharply.

		When you do not answer, ${l_he} finally tears ${l_hi} eyes from the fixed position and looks at you—really looks at you. All of you.

		*page_break

*else
	*comment bad relationship Lestrade
	Lestrade is silent for a long while. 

	You do not expect an answer, not with how things often are with the two of you.

	Yet, something in ${l_hi} silence gives your imagined hypothetical pause. Perhaps even the inspector needs to lighten the load on ${l_hi} ever-hunched shoulders. Perhaps ${l_he} will speak, because ${l_he} can't find a way... to not.

	$!{l_he} sighs and, after a moment, unfolds moderately. "There was one case left, last night after we parted—a wellness check on an old lady—a telegram had dropped in—some concerned relative. I reckoned I had time for a quick drop-by. It was on my way home—I thought..." $!{l_hi} unsteady eyes meet yours.

	"It was unlike anything. I've never seen such... destruction. Carnage, somehow by human hand." 

	*if ((romanceL < 1) and (outfitWord != "bold"))
		"Moreover, I'm stumped." $!{l_hi} eyes are now large, and brows knotted. An expression bordering on pleading. "There is not a trace of an investigation to follow. I'm at a loss, Sherlock. I—" But then ${l_he} looks away from you. 
		
		Almost as soon as ${l_hi} unusual demeanour arrives, it disappears. Lestrade's eyes turn back to their earlier lowered position. One hand stirring the glass, the other hooked in dark hair. "Why are you here?" ${l_he} asks sharply.

	*else
		*comment get the below bold scene
		"Moreover, I'm stumped." $!{l_hi} eyes are now large, and brows knotted. An expression bordering on pleading. "There is not a trace of an investigation to follow. I'm at a loss, Sherlock. I—" 

		But then.

		Almost as soon as ${l_hi} unusual demeanour arrives, it disappears. Lestrade's eyes turn back to their earlier lowered position. One hand stirring the glass, the other hooked in dark hair. "Why are you here?" ${l_he} asks sharply.

		When you do not answer, ${l_he} finally tears ${l_hi} eyes from the fixed position and looks at you—really looks at you. All of you.

		*page_break
*if ((romanceL > 0) and (outfitWord = "bold"))
	Lestrade's gaze travels down your shape for what must be the first time today. Drinking dulled ${l_hi} perceptions. 

	*if (hasDress)
		For only now does ${l_he} notice your appearance. The dress. And its tight form. As it hugs your curves more, and more, and near spills the sides.
	*else
		For only now does ${l_he} notice your appearance. The suit. And its tight form. As it hugs your figure more, and more, and hints at things often unspoken.

	$!{l_he} swallows.

	*if (hasDress)
		$!{l_hi} eyes do not widen; they narrow. A dark stare visits further down only to return upwards, lingering in places a more sober ${l_man} would not dare to linger. "What are you wearing?" $!{l_hi} eyes blink a little, and ${l_hi} regard comes back to your face with a scowl. "You're mad. Coming here, looking like..." The last word is a barely grunted huff.
	*else
		$!{l_hi} eyes do not widen; they narrow. A dark stare visits further down only to return a little upwards, lingering in places a more sober ${l_man} would not dare to linger. "Why are you wearing—" $!{l_hi} eyes blink a little, and ${l_hi} regard comes back to your face with a scowl. "Coming here, as if... Don't you think it's..." The last word is a barely grunted huff.

	*fake_choice
		*if (hasDress) #"Why," you lean strategically closer, pressing yourself into ${l_hi} direction. "Do you not like it, Inspector?"
			$!{l_hi} face was already reddened by the drink. In the darkened room, any disparity could not have been easily seen—but as you lean farther in, anyone with sight would see the ever-changing colour of the ${l_man}. 

			This ${l_man}. Within grasp's reach. Who seems both petrified in ${l_hi} seat and yet on the edge of escaping.

			"You toy with me," ${l_he} says, not as a question with a lean upwards at the end but breathlessly. Spoken as nothing more than a thought, a reminder.

			A warning?

			"Do I?" you ask.

			$!{l_hi} only reply is a glare. A cold, dark glare that warms you up from the inside.

			*page_break

			"Why are you here?" ${l_he} once again asks, ${l_hi} voice now something ${lestradeVoice}, tense, holding onto more breath.
			*goto returnToConvoCH5One
		*if (hasDress = false) #"Why," you lean strategically closer, pressing yourself against ${l_him}. "Do you not like it, Inspector?"
			$!{l_hi} face was already reddened by the drink. In the darkened room, any disparity could not have been easily seen—but as you lean farther in, anyone with sight would see the ever-changing colour of the ${l_man}. 

			This ${l_man}. Within grasp's reach. Who seems both petrified in ${l_hi} seat and yet on the edge of escaping.

			"You toy with me," ${l_he} says, not as a question with a lean upwards at the end but breathlessly. Spoken as nothing more than a thought, a reminder.

			A warning?

			"Do I?" you ask.

			$!{l_hi} only reply is a glare. A cold, dark glare that warms you up from the inside.

			*page_break

			"Why are you here?" ${l_he} once again asks, ${l_hi} voice now something ${lestradeVoice}, tense, holding onto more breath.
			*goto returnToConvoCH5One
		#"You must be the biggest bore in all of London."
			"You must be the biggest bore in all of London."

			"Why are you here?" ${l_he} once again asks, ${l_hi} voice now something ${lestradeVoice}, tense, holding onto more breath.
		#"Most people appreciate my dress sense, Lestrade."
			"Most people appreciate my dress sense, Lestrade."

			"Why are you here?" ${l_he} once again asks, ${l_hi} voice now something ${lestradeVoice}, tense, holding onto more breath.
		#"How rude..."
			"How rude..."

			"Why are you here?" ${l_he} once again asks, ${l_hi} voice now something ${lestradeVoice}, tense, holding onto more breath.





*label returnToConvoCH5One
*choice 
	*disable_reuse *selectable_if (cope = "taking drugs") # "You look like you haven't slept. I have some imported herbs you can try?"
		"You look like you haven't slept. I have some imported herbs you can try?" you ask.

		"[i]Are you quite mad?[/i] No, Sherlock, I'm not trying your 'imported' herbs. I'm a police officer, for god's sake—please—don't make me turn you in."
		*page_break
		*goto returnToConvoCH5One
	# "It's not so important now, tell me more of your thing!"
		*goto Lestrade_day_B1
	# "Never mind that, your case sounds much more exciting. Can I see the scene?"
		*goto Lestrade_day_B1
	# "I needed your help, but now it seems you need mine even more."
		*goto Lestrade_day_B2
	# "${lestradeName}... Is there anything I can do to help?"
		*goto Lestrade_day_B2
	# "The case I'm working on—I need a favour."
		"The case I'm working on—I need a favour. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

		*goto Lestrade_day_myproblem

*label Lestrade_day_B1
"No. I'll handle this investigation on my own. You'll have no part in it. And how many times do I need to inquire—why you are here? The sooner you tell me, the sooner you can return to your many pastimes. And I can return to drinking in peace."
*goto Lestrade_day_C

*label Lestrade_day_B2
"No." $!{l_he} lets out a long breath. Tension releasing from ${l_hi} shoulders as ${l_he} rolls them once, then twice. "Forgive me. For being so, trying. It's kind of you to want to help. But I need to handle this on my own, for once." $!{l_he} looks up at you softly. A hint of a trying smile on ${l_hi} lips. "Why have you come? What do you need of me?"
*goto Lestrade_day_C

*label Lestrade_day_C
*fake_choice
	# "The case I'm working on—I need a favour."
		"The case I'm working on—I need a favour. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

	# "I need to borrow a few officers. I will also need building plans... probably more—"
		"I need to borrow a few officers. I will also need building plans... probably more—you see—there's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

	# "I wouldn't ask if I didn't think it was important..."
		"I wouldn't ask if I didn't think it was important... You see, there's this ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

	# "I require your police services and rank."
		"I require your police services and rank. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

	# "You're the only one who can get this done, Lestrade—"
		"You're the only one who can get this done, Lestrade—you see—there's this ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

	*if ((romanceL > 0) or (attractive > 2)) # "I need you..."
		*comment Polish this scene
		"I need you..."

		$!{l_hi} eyes, peering straight into yours, seem to slowly widen. Then they— 

		*line_break
		Blink.
		*line_break
		Blink.
		*line_break
		Blink.
		*line_break

		$!{l_he} shakes ${l_hi} head as if to shake away something—some thought. "I'm sorry, I couldn't quite hear you... I think."

		*fake_choice
			#"I. Need. You. To help me—with a case!"
				"I. Need. You. To help me—with a case!" 

				"Right. Of course... Sorry, the day drinking has hit me harder than I expected. What's the case, and what do you need me to do?"

				"There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

			#"What did you think I said?" I ask, turning my head in confusion.
				"What did you think I said?" you ask, turning your head in confusion.

				"It—why are you here, Sherlock—how many times do I have to ask!?" ${l_he} asks, as a blush spread across ${l_hi} cheeks at a pace more rapid than usual; surely the haste is from the drinking. 

				"Well, there's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

			#"What did you think I said?" I ask, a wide sly smile spreading across my lips.
				"What did you think I said?" you ask, a wide, sly smile spreading across your lips.

				"It—why are you here, Sherlock—how many times do I have to ask!?" ${l_he} asks as a blush spreads across ${l_hi} cheeks at a pace more rapid than usual. And you are sure the haste can't be blamed on the drinking. 


				"Well, there's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"

			#"Day-drinking and barely responsive, how awe-inspiring inspector."
				"Day-drinking and barely responsive, how awe-inspiring inspector."

				"Piss-off, ${mc_name}." $!{l_hi} body turns fully away from you as ${l_he} takes another drink.
				*fake_choice
					#"I can't. I still do require your assistance—"
						"I can't. I still do require your assistance—there's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"
					#"I'm afraid that's impossible. The case I'm working on—I need a favour."
						"I'm afraid that's impossible. The case I'm working on—I am in need of a favour... There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"
					#"No. I need your services, for once."
						"No. I need your services, for once. There's a ball the day after tomorrow, held at The Natural History Museum, and I—"




*label Lestrade_day_myproblem

"I know," Lestrade interrupts. 

*fake_choice
	#"What do you mean [i]you know[/i]?"
	#"You don't know, I didn't know—"
	#"[i]You know[/i]?"

"I know. I've been told. Hell, the papers know, the way they prattle on."

It hits you. "You're the security, aren't you..."

*if (romanceL > 0)
	*if (friendshipL > 50) and (timesMadL < 1)
		[i]Out of all the coppers in this town, what are the chances it would be yours?[/i]

	*elseif ((((friendshipL < 47) or (bickeredL > 3)) and ((mcIgnorantToL < 1) and (relationshipBackgroundL = "AgitatesL"))) or ((relationshipBackgroundL = "IdiotL")))
		[i]Out of all the halfwits in this town, it had to be yours.[/i]

	*else
		[i]Out of all the coppers in this town, it had to be yours.[/i]

*elseif ((relationshipBackgroundL = "IdiotL") or (friendshipL < 47))
	[i]Out of all the halfwits in this town, it had to be this one.[/i]

*elseif (friendshipL < 50)
	[i]Out of all the coppers in this town, it had to be this one.[/i]

*else
	[i]Out of all the coppers in this town, what are the chances it would be this one?[/i]


$!{l_he} grunts and rubs at ${l_hi} eyes and brows with ${l_hi} whole hand, enough to surely wipe away any frustrations. "The Chief. The ${toff} who's hosting knows the chief. A frequent donor. To... [i]Something[/i]."

*temp chooseToffChoice false
*fake_choice
	#"I have good news and bad news, Lestrade—"
		"I have good news and bad news, Lestrade—I am taking over the job! The bad news is that you will still have to work it, and I am to be [i]your[/i] commander for the coming days..."
	#"So... Um, well... [i]Surprise.[/i]"
		"So... Um, well... [i]Surprise,[/i] we are to be coworkers for a few days... [i]hurray[/i]?"
	#"Good, that will make this easier."
		*set friendshipL + 1
		"Good, that will make this easier. That very same host gave me the job of handling the security at the event."
	#"We are going to have to work together."
		"We are going to have to work together. That very same host gave me the job of handling the security at the event."
	*selectable_if (hRomancePoints > 0) #"That '${toff}' is actually really charming..."
		*set chooseToffChoice true
		"That '${toff}' is actually really charming... and gave me the job of handling the security at the event."

*if ((chooseToffChoice) and (romanceL > 0))
	*comment (H has romance cause of the original choice)
	$!{l_he} doesn't respond. Not to you, instead to ${l_himself} or to nothing. "Of course." $!{l_hi} hand, still covering from all sight and light, clenches hard as ${l_he} leans forward against the wood. "Plain and regular, ill fate. Getting rather cliche now, don't you think?" ${l_he} breathes and whispers the last.

*else
	$!{l_he} doesn't respond. Not to you, instead to ${l_himself} or to nothing. "Of course." $!{l_hi} hand, still covering from all sight and light, as ${l_he} leans forward against the wood. "Plain and regular, ill fate. Getting rather cliche now, don't you think?" ${l_hi} breathes and whispers the last. 

*if ((friendshipL > 47) or (romanceL > 0))
	[i]$!{l_he} really does look tired...[/i]
*fake_choice
	#I don't think I am meant to answer, so I do not.
		You don't say anything, allowing ${l_him} a moment of digestion.
	#"Talking to god now, Lestrade? Didn't think you were the sort."
		"Talking to god now, Lestrade? Didn't think you were the sort."
		
		"Neither did I."
	#"Is it so bad? You and I... working together?"
		"Is it so bad? You and I... working together?"
		
		*if ((friendshipL < 45) and (timesMadL > 1))
			"Christ. Have you gone an' lost all recollection of the past?"
		*if (romanceL > 0)
			"It's not…" ${l_hi} finger taps the bar, while finding the words, while urging them to be spoken. Finally, one word is whispered as if on its own, "Torture."
		*else
			"It's not…" ${l_hi} finger taps the bar, while finding the words, while urging them to be spoken. Finally, the words are whispered, "all pain."
	#"I do not believe I've said anything similar to you before, Lestrade? You're being very cryptic and confusing."
		"Don't mind me, Sherlock. Forget I said anything," 
		*if ((friendshipL > 47) or (romanceL > 0))
			${l_hi} voice sounds tired, too.
		*else
			${l_hi} voice sounds tired.

*page_break
*comment add variations that are nicer too— 
"You came far to simply inform me…" $!{l_he} looks at you with a sideways glance.

*if (professionalVibe)
	"Quite right—I need the details
*elseif (ditsyVibe)
	"Oh—yes—so, I need the details
*elseif (selfishVibe)
	"What I require from you is this—details
*else 
	*comment aloof esque / general response
	"Here is what I require, Lestrade—details
*if (friendshipL < 50)
	on the security personnel, and I need you to inform them I will be changing the formation and the strategies you had for the security. Additionally, I need the plans for the building. Duplicates on the information you were given from the hosts, workers, invitations, schedule, et cetera."
*else
	on the security personnel and for you to inform them I will be changing whatever formation and strategies for security that you had. Additionally, I need the plans for the building. Duplicates on the information you were given from the hosts, workers, invitations, schedule, et cetera."

	*comment Any other details I will ask for in letters to the relevant parties.

*if (friendshipL < 56)
	"...I'll get right to that," ${l_he} says, sipping ${l_hi} whiskey. Not moving from the spot.
*else
	"I'll get to that... soon," ${l_he} says, folding—crumbling—further into the bar and ${l_himself}.

*fake_choice
	#$!{l_he} seems so defeated... perhaps I can help—
		*if ((romanceL > 0) or (friendshipL > 54))
			You don't have much time, but...

			Perhaps you could soothe Lestrade in some manner? To get ${l_him} back to work where you need ${l_him}, to solve the mystery of ${l_hi} mood, and because... you feel some need to, do you not? Something inside you nags that leaving ${l_him} in this state is hazardous to more than the investigation.
		*else 
			You don't have much time, but...

			Perhaps you could soothe Lestrade in some manner. To get ${l_him} back to work where you need ${l_him}, or to simply solve the mystery of ${l_hi} mood... or, even, to help? 

			Would you?

	#How to best leave without being much too impolite?
		$!{l_he} probably would not notice or much care should you leave now.

		$!{l_he} will straighten from this state with time. Like ${l_he} always does, just in time for it all to work out well.

		This is nothing more than it usually is, surely.

		*if ((romanceL > 0) or (friendshipL > 50))
			Not that you have the time to care... right?
			
		*else 
			Not that you care... right?
	#Have I forgotten to inform them of anything? If not, I really should depart—
		You told them to expect changes to the formation, the information you expect to need. You suppose you could ask for further data but fear leaving too much in ${l_hi} capacity, lest ${l_he} should lose it.

		You could simply send a letter with any further details—

	#What are the chances this place has an ice box—a well-placed ice cube might rouse them from this lethargic mood?
		Perhaps smelling salts are more likely. Maybe a sneaked tonic into ${l_hi} drink?

		Not sure ${l_he} would easily forgive such a plan...

		Some of the prescriptions are [i]very potent[/i].

*page_break
*if (((attractive > 2) and (genderMC = "woman")) or ((outfitWord = "bold") and (genderMC = "woman"))) 
	The barman, who previously paid you only glances as you stood by the side of the inspector, takes notice of you now lingering. He approaches and calls over Lestrade's folded-flat form, "Will ya take whiskey, love?
*else
	The barman, who previously paid you no mind as you stood by the side of the inspector, takes notice of you now lingering. He approaches and calls over Lestrade's folded-flat form, "Will ya take whiskey?
*if (outfitWord = "proper")
	Got no champagne, 'm afraid," he says, eyeing your fashion à la mode.
*else
	"

*if (lestradeMan)
	"I can not stay," you tell the man, but return your attentions back to the other.
*else
	"I can not stay," you tell the man, returning your attentions to the seated woman.


*fake_choice
	#"${lestradeName}... I feel the need to. Well. I [i]worry[/i] about you. Would you promise me you'll be alright?"
		"${lestradeName}... I feel the need to. Well. I [i]worry[/i] about you. Would you promise me you'll be alright?"

		$!{l_he} sighs through tiredness, annoyance, or dismissal you do not know. "You need to leave, you said so yourself." 
		*comment /"Were you not leaving?"
		*goto willYouStay
	#"You should stop this. If not for your own sake, then..." To my astonishment, I almost say 'for mine'.
		"You should stop this. If not for your own sake, then..." To your astonishment, you almost say 'for mine'.

		$!{l_he} questions the words left unsaid 	"[i]If not for my own...[/i]" ${l_he} repeats. But ${l_he} does not return your gaze, however—for some reason, ${l_hi} presence is felt in the very words. As if all ${l_hi} attentions, all ${l_he} ever was, is held in ${l_hi} words but would hang on yours.

		"If not for your own..." You begin, swallowing because the the words feel dry. "Then for... [i]the case[/i]. It needs you."

		"Mm. The case. No." $!{l_hi} eyes now meet yours. But they bore too far. Past you. "I highly doubt it needs me."

		*page_break 
		$!{l_he} sighs, through tiredness, annoyance, or dismissal you do not know. "You need to leave, you said so yourself... You do not have the time to stay."

		*goto willYouStay
	#"You are better than this, Lestrade. Prove that to me. By spite if you have to."
		"You are better than this, Lestrade. Prove that to me. By spite if you have to."

		$!{l_he} sighs through tiredness, annoyance, or dismissal you do not know. "Let's not do this. You need to leave, you said so yourself."
		*comment $!{l_he} sighs. "I suggest you leave, you said it yourself... You lack the time to stay."

		*goto willYouStay
	#The words do not come. The only surrounding sounds are the natural roughness of a bar in daytime—
		$!{l_he} sighs through tiredness, annoyance, or dismissal you do not know. "You need to leave, you said so yourself... You do not have the time to stay."

		*goto willYouStay
	#"So... I am going to go."

		"Hmpf. Of course you are. That is more your MO, is it not?"

		*label lestradeFightIfYouLeaveCh5
		*fake_choice
			#"What is your problem?! You literally wanted me gone this whole time."
				*set defensive true
				"What is your problem?! You literally wanted me gone this whole time."

				*if ((genderMC != "woman") and (romanceL < 1))
					"That's the crux of all of this, isn't it? Wanting you gone—but not quite being able to dispose of you—" $!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
					"Do you know how often I second guess bringing you in? 
					How I count the seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
					Oh, yes, we all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity—" 

					$!{l_hi} eyes are dark, and firmly on you. "I've heard you must have great talents at such. How else do you puzzle the minds of all the vermin... But, no. I don't believe that to be the end for you. No, no, if we consider every facet of your particular faults—
					one shines above all the rest.
				*else
					"That's the crux of all of this, isn't it? Wanting you gone—but not quite being able to dispose of you—" $!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
					"Do you know how often I second guess bringing you in? 
					How I count the seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
					Oh, yes, we all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company, ${sweetheart}. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity... I've heard you must have great talents at such." 

					$!{l_hi} eyes linger on you. "How else do you puzzle the minds of all the vermin," ${l_hi} voice sounds cruel and dark. "But, no. I don't believe that to be the end for you. No, no, if we consider every facet of your particular faults—
					one shines above all the rest.
				*goto copeInsultOnLeavingCh5

			#"Pick your fights elsewhere, inspector."
				"Pick your fights elsewhere, inspector."

				*if ((genderMC != "woman") and (romanceL < 1))
					"Now—why would I do that—when you're right [i]here[/i]," ${l_he} drawls the words, turning to you with an unreadable expression.  
					You are so good at seeing people at their most vulnerable—" $!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
					"While you watch us, there is always the chance one of us might look back...
					Did you know I count the seconds till you go mad from the lack of distraction?
					For the day you can't find an excuse from your own company. When the crime is too low, perhaps you turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity—" 

					$!{l_hi} eyes are dark, and firmly on you. "I've heard you must have great talents at such. How else do you puzzle the minds of all the vermin... But, no. I don't believe that to be the end for you. If we consider every facet of your particular faults—
					one shines above all the rest. That will be it.
				*else
					"Now—why would I do that—when you're right [i]here[/i]," ${l_he} drawls the words, turning to you with an unreadable expression.  
					"You are so good at seeing people at their most vulnerable—" $!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
					"While you watch us, ${sweetheart}, there is always the risk one of us is looking right back...

					"Did you know I count the seconds till you go mad by the lack of distraction?
					For the day you can't find an excuse from your own company. When the crime is too low, perhaps you turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity. I've heard you must have great talents at such..." 

					$!{l_hi} eyes linger on you. "How else do you puzzle the minds of all the vermin," ${l_hi} voice sounds cruel and dark. "But, no. I don't believe that to be the end for you. If we consider every facet of your particular faults—
					one shines above all the rest. That will be it.
				*goto copeInsultOnLeavingCh5

			*if (cope != "berating") #"I know you're not yourself today..."
				"I know you're not yourself today..."

				*if ((genderMC != "woman") and (romanceL < 1))
					"I'd like to think I'm more myself than ever, [i]de-tec-tive[/i]," ${l_he} drawls the last word, with no warmth to the term. "But what of you—
					do you feel like yourself?
					Or should I count the moments? Will it be soon you go mad by lack of distraction?
					We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity—" 

					$!{l_hi} eyes are dark, and firmly on you. "I've heard you must have great talents at such. How else do you puzzle the minds of all the vermin... But. No. I don't believe that to be the end of you. No, no, if we consider every facet of your particular faults—
					one shines above all the rest. The one at your very core. That will be it.
				*else
					"I'd like to think I'm more myself than ever, [i]de-tec-tive[/i]," ${l_he} drawls the last word, with no warmth to the term. "But what of you—
					do you feel like yourself?
					Or should I count the moments? Will it be soon you go mad by lack of distraction?

					"We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company, ${sweetheart}. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity... I've heard you must have great talents at such." 

					$!{l_hi} eyes linger on you. "How else do you puzzle the minds of all the vermin," ${l_hi} voice sounds cruel and dark. "But. No. I don't believe that to be the end of you. No, no, if we consider every facet of your particular faults—
					one shines above all the rest. The one at your very core. That will be it.
				*goto copeInsultOnLeavingCh5

			#"—Oh—alright—and your MO is [i]what[/i]? Day-drinking? Disappointing your peers? General deterioration—"
				*set defensive true
				"—Oh—alright—and yours is [i]what[/i]? Day-drinking? Disappointing your peers? General deterioration in all aspects of life? While your selfish disdain for others is impressive, there is no need to continue. You've already managed to alienate everyone. You've succeeded. There's no need to try so hard at appearing malcontent anymore. We shall all leave you to your lonesome pitying here on out."

				*if (arguedLCh2)
					"You've been enjoying speaking your mind very freely these last few days.
				*else
					"You do have a talent for speaking your mind very freely.
				But there is something to be said for holding one's tongue, [i]detective[/i]. One day, the lashing you so bait might be met. 'Biter bit'. Is that not the phrase?"

				"And the likes of you... is that what I am supposed to fear? Words from a cowed ${l_man}. I wager my bird has more strength in her arguments."
				
				*if ((genderMC != "woman") and (romanceL < 1))
					$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
					"How many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
					[i]What[/i] could we expect from the great Sherlock Holmes, ${mc_xir} downfall surely will be as grand as ${mc_xir} heights. Oh, we all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company. There's really only a few worthy ends. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity—" 

					$!{l_hi} eyes are dark, and firmly on you. "I've heard you must have great talents at such. How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin? And I know many who would surely love to be the one to bring you to your end. But, no. I don't believe that to be the finale for you. No, no, we must consider every facet of your particular faults—
					one which shines above all the rest.
				*else
					$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
					"How many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
					[i]What[/i] could we expect from the great Sherlock Holmes, ${mc_xir} downfall surely will be as grand as ${mc_xir} heights. Oh, we all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company, ${sweetheart}. There's really only a few worthy ends. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity. I've heard you must have great talents at such." 

					$!{l_hi} eyes linger on you. "How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin?" ${l_hi} voice sounds cruel and dark. "And I know many who would surely love to be the one to bring you to your end. But, no. I don't believe that to be the finale for you. No, no, we must consider every facet of your particular faults—
					one which shines above all the rest.
				*label copeInsultOnLeavingCh5
				*if (cope = "eating")
					Do I call it gluttony? Or simply bizarre and manic? Do you not find it disgusting what they say is found in those foods? Hells, how much garbage does one eat until one becomes it? How much unintended Plaster of Paris and lead can one ${person} consume before ${mc_xhe} begin to rot from the inside? The whole thing makes me sick to my stomach..."
				*elseif (cope = "taking drugs")
					Your addiction, detective. I've seen the worst dens of degenerates appear more put together than you are at moments of inebriation. Is the dose so high to make sure no piece of reality remains? Or are you simply hoping to take the easy way out?"
				*elseif (cope = "gambling")
					Do you believe the gambling dens will forgive debt after debt? Is it the rush of feeling the next one will square it all, or simply hoping they will end it for you, that which you lack the courage to do yourself? I'll give you a tip. They will begin with your hand or maybe your companion's. It is not the easy way out. You will wish you had stopped when you were in the green long before it ends."
				*elseif (cope = "smoking")
					I've heard the term fiend for how you chase your lungs' darkening. But I need to find out if the term is sufficient. If you disagree, attempt to take a deep breath for me. Go on. Surely, the rattling of one's breath is a good sign. Tell me, how long do you expect to last at this rate? I've heard of some increasingly short bets."
				*elseif (cope = "inaction")
					When [i]does[/i] idleness turn to sloth? Perhaps Watson can tell me when ${j_he} scrapes your withered form from the bed. I don't know what would be worse. The devolving of a household to care for you like an infant, all the muck that entails—or imagining you simply succumbing to rot from a lack of care."
				*elseif (cope = "berating")
					Do you know how long one can remain everyone's [i]favourite[/i] little personal fault finder—before someone smashes their head into a brick wall? I don't. But I've heard some very enthusiastic betting in some lower parts of the city. I can probably cut you in if you're feeling lucky."
				*elseif (cope = "drinking")
					I may drink too much. But, oh, [i]you[/i]. I am nothing compared to you. There is a skill to hiding it, which you severely underestimate—not that you care. Did you know the smell of sick lingers more than the drink? So do scars, broken bones, and broken relations—I bet those linger too, after a night or day of too much imbibing that you can't remember. How's your memory these days? Hazy? I bet."
				*elseif (cope = "taking risks")
					How does it feel being so brilliant and yet lacking such fundamental traits? Like willpower. Or not jumping off a cliff when someone asks you to? [i]So brilliant[/i]... yet with a hilariously ironic—[i]idiotic[/i]—fondness for risk. How does your spine feel? Are you simply hoping it will break the next time or that it hits a little further up and makes quicker work of it all?"
				*elseif (cope = "experimenting")
					Your moronic lust for playing with fire. Does it make you feel powerful, playing with everyone's lives all the time? Or perhaps you're not hoping to burn the building down and everyone in it, just yourself. If so, would you at least try not to get Watson killed while you're at it? I greatly admire [i]${j_hi}[/i] sanctity for life."
				*page_break

				The room feels too quiet as Lestrade ceases to speak.

				And too cold.

				You feel too aware of your own breaths. And how, despite your mouth being open, you are not using it to return a reply; how you are not saying anything at all.

				Nothing.

				*page_break

				*fake_choice
					#"Fuck. You," I say and throw ${l_hi} drink in ${l_hi} smug face.
						*set defensive true
						"Fuck. You," you say as you grab ${l_hi} drink and throw it in ${l_hi} face. Whiskey coats ${l_hi} features, and the self-satisfied expression ${l_he} wears melts quick.

						"Civil," ${l_he} says as ${l_he} attempts to wipe away the whiskey with ${l_hi} hands. "Where's Watson? Did you assault ${j_him}, too? Is that why ${j_he} isn't here to stop you from committing crimes—or did ${j_he} finally realise how ${j_he} is nothing but a pawn in your games? Tired of playing the role you gave 'em. 'Good for inspiring ideas' was it? Tired of following you around like a suckling 
						*if (watsonRomanced)
							little lo—loyal pup?"
						*else
							little pup?"

						*goto AngryLeavingWatsonTheme

					#"You are a cruel, wretched ${l_man}, and I bid you no goodbye." I turn to depart.
						*set defensive true
						But as you terminate some imposed verbal sparring, something in Lestrade shifts, a terror, a recognition—what was previously a smirk turns a frown. $!{l_he} realises that the game ${l_he} played has ended and that ${l_he} might have won.

						"Wait. Shit. [i]Shit![/i]" You hear Lestrade stumble from the stool as you begin towards the exit. "Hold on!" ${l_he} calls after your departing figure.

						"Let me take you—the crowd here—"

						"You don't want to assist me any longer, remember, [i]${lestradeName}[/i]."

						"Fucking learn to listen—I didn't say it to—"

						"Where do you get off giving [i]me[/i] any scrutiny? Take a good look at yourself, only [i]then[/i] may you attempt to teach [i]me[/i] how to live my life—"

						*page_break

						You fly out the door and into a cab parked across the street.

						The steps of a certain inspector follow, but you close the carriage to any unwelcome company and shout for the driver to move before ${l_he} has a chance to do anything. To say anything.

						Lestrade's midnight eyes disappear from view out the window as the horses head on.

						But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

						*goto endCh5
					#I say nothing. I simply turn to leave.
						*set defensive true
						But as you terminate some imposed verbal sparring, something in Lestrade shifts, a terror, a recognition—what was previously a smirk turns a frown. $!{l_he} realises that the game ${l_he} played has ended and that ${l_he} might have won.

						"Wait. Shit. [i]Shit![/i]" You hear Lestrade stumble from the stool as you begin towards the exit. "Hold on!" ${l_he} calls after your departing figure.

						"Let me take you—the crowd here—"

						You don't reply.

						"I didn't say it to—"

						*page_break

						You fly out the door and into a cab parked across the street.

						The steps of a certain inspector follow, but you close the carriage to any unwelcome company and shout for the driver to move before ${l_he} has a chance to do anything. To say anything.

						Lestrade's midnight eyes disappear from view out the window as the horses head on.

						But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

						*goto endCh5
					*if (loneWolf) #"I care so little of your opinion of me, I fear it went in one ear and out the other. Would you mind repeating yourself?"
						*set defensive true
						"And you care so little that you came here, in your self-proclaimed hurry, to [i]beg[/i] me for my help? To tell the truth, I never thought I'd see the day before this moment. The great detective needing anyone, ever. But here you are...
						*if (romanceL > 0)
							Tell me. Would you have gone to your knees for me?"
						*else
							"

						*fake_choice
							#"Enough of this." I turn to leave, to be spoken to in this manner—
								*label AngryLeavingLoneWolfTheme
								But as you terminate the verbal sparring, something in Lestrade shifts, a terror, a recognition—what was previously a smirk turns a frown. $!{l_he} realises that the game ended and that ${l_he} might have won.

								"Wait. Shit. [i]Shit![/i]" You hear Lestrade stumble from the stool as you begin towards the exit. "Hold on!" ${l_he} calls after your departing figure.

								"Let me take you—the crowd here—"

								"I don't need anyone, remember, [i]${lestradeName}[/i]?!"

								"Fucking learn to listen—I didn't say it to—"

								"And who the hell are you to talk! Where do you get off giving [i]me[/i] any scrutiny?! Take a good look at yourself or a bath—then you may attempt to teach me how to live my life!"

								*page_break

								*label flyOutDoorToCab

								You fly out the door and into a cab parked across the street.

								The steps of a certain inspector follow, but you close the carriage to any unwelcome company and shout for the driver to move before ${l_he} has a chance to do anything. To say anything.

								Lestrade's midnight eyes disappear from view out the window as the horses head on.

								But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

								*goto endCh5
							#I say nothing. I simply leave.
								*set wasImpressedAtL true
								*goto AngryLeavingLoneWolfTheme
							#"Go. To. Hell." I say, looking deep into ${l_hi} eyes, then begin to depart.
								*goto AngryLeavingLoneWolfTheme

					*if (loneWolf = false) #"I care so little of your opinion of me, I fear it went in one ear and out the other. Would you mind repeating yourself?"
						*set defensive true
						"And you care so little that you came here, in your self-proclaimed hurry, to [i]beg[/i] me for my help? Thought you would have asked Watson to do your dirty work... And where is Watson? Did you pester ${j_him} too? Is that why ${j_he} isn't here to dance to your fiddle? Did ${j_he} finally realise how ${j_he} is nothing but a pawn in your games? Tired of playing the role you gave 'em. 'Good for inspiring ideas' was it? Tired of following you around like a suckling 
						*if (watsonRomanced)
							little lo—loyal pup?"
						*else
							little pup?"

						*fake_choice
							#"Enough of this." I turn to leave, to be spoken to in this manner—
								*label AngryLeavingWatsonTheme
								But as you terminate the verbal sparring, something in Lestrade shifts, a terror, a recognition—what was previously a smirk turns a frown. $!{l_he} realises that the game ended and that ${l_he} might have won.

								"Wait. Shit. [i]Shit![/i]" You hear Lestrade stumble from the stool as you begin towards the exit. "Hold on!" ${l_he} calls after your departing figure.

								"Let me take you—the crowd here—"

								"Shouldn't have you follow me around, should I, [i]${lestradeName}[/i]?! Wouldn't want you to be accused of being excessively loyal—"

								"Fucking learn to listen—I didn't say it to—"

								"And who the hell are you to talk! Where do you get off giving [i]me[/i] any scrutiny?! Take a good look at yourself or a bath—then you may attempt to teach me how to live my life!"

								*page_break

								You fly out the door and into a cab parked across the street.

								The steps of a certain inspector follow, but you close the carriage to any unwelcome company and shout for the driver to move before ${l_he} has a chance to do anything. To say anything.

								Lestrade's midnight eyes disappear from view out the window as the horses head on.

								But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

								*goto endCh5

							#I say nothing. I simply leave.
								*set wasImpressedAtL true
								*goto AngryLeavingWatsonTheme
							#"Go. To. Hell." I say, looking deep into ${l_hi} eyes, then begin to depart.
								*goto AngryLeavingWatsonTheme


					#"Well, there we have it. Heh. Shows me trying to... help. Silly of me." My voice almost managing a humorous tone.
						"Well, there we have it. Heh. Shows me trying to... help. Silly of me." Your voice almost managing a humorous tone. "Perhaps it is best I take my leave..."

						As you terminate the imposed verbal sparring, something in Lestrade shifts, a terror, a recognition—what was previously a smirk turns a frown. $!{l_he} realises that the game ${l_he} was playing has ended and that ${l_he} might have won.

						"Wait. Shit. [i]Shit![/i]" You hear Lestrade stumble from the stool as you begin towards the exit. "Hold on!" ${l_he} calls after your departing figure.

						"Let me take you—the crowd here—"

						"You don't want to assist me any longer, remember, [i]${lestradeName}[/i]?"

						"—I didn't say it to—"

						You fly out the door and into a cab parked across the street.

						The steps of a certain inspector follow, but you close the carriage to any unwelcome company and shout for the driver to move before ${l_he} has a chance to do anything. To say anything.

						Lestrade's midnight eyes disappear from view out the window as the horses head on.

						But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

						*goto endCh5

					#"Look at you—" I don't know whether to be impressed or... "Have you been holding onto those words for long, Inspector?"
						*set wasImpressedAtL true
						"Look at you—" You can't help but be a little impressed, and yet... "Have you been holding onto those words for long, Inspector?" I take a deep breath. "Not to worry... I won't overstay my welcome." And turn to leave. 

						As you terminate the imposed verbal sparring, something in Lestrade shifts, a terror, a recognition—what was previously a smirk turns a frown. $!{l_he} realises that the game ${l_he} was playing has ended and that ${l_he} might have won.

						"Wait. Shit. [i]Shit![/i]" You hear Lestrade stumble from the stool as you begin towards the exit. "Hold on!" ${l_he} calls after your departing figure.

						"Let me take you—the crowd here—"

						"I thought you did not want to assist me any longer, [i]inspector[/i]?"

						"—I didn't say it to—"

						You do not reply. You simply head out the door and into a cab parked across the street.

						The steps of a certain inspector follow, but you close the carriage to any company and shout for the driver to move before ${l_he} has a chance to do anything. To say anything.

						Lestrade's midnight eyes disappear from view out the window as the horses head on.

						But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

						*goto endCh5

					#"Do you feel better?" I ask in hurt confusion.
						"Do you feel better?" you ask the inspector.

						As you ask the question, as you terminate the imposed verbal sparring, something in Lestrade shifts. A terror, a recognition—what was previously a smirk turns a frown. $!{l_he} realises that the game ${l_he} was playing has ended and that ${l_he} might have won.

						"Perhaps... it is better if I leave." You turn to depart.

						"Wait. Shit. [i]Shit![/i]" You hear Lestrade stumble from the stool as you begin towards the exit. "Hold on!" ${l_he} calls after your departing figure.

						"Let me take you—the crowd here—"

						"You don't want to assist me any longer, remember, [i]${lestradeName}[/i]?"

						"—I didn't say it to—"

						You fly out the door and into a cab parked across the street.

						The steps of a certain inspector follow, but you close the carriage to any unwelcome company and shout for the driver to move before ${l_he} has a chance to do anything. To say anything.

						Lestrade's midnight eyes disappear from view out the window as the horses head on.

						But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

						*goto endCh5






*label willYouStay
*set triedToHelpL true
*temp drinkingCh5 "no"
*fake_choice
	*if (cope = "drinking") #"I shall find the time—Barkeep—I'll have that whiskey, bring the bottle!" You sit down next to ${lestradeName}.
		*set drinkingCh5 "bottle"
		*goto willHaveADrinkC52
	*if (cope != "drinking") #"I shall find the time—Barkeep—I'll have that whiskey!" You sit down next to ${lestradeName}.
		*set drinkingCh5 "yes"
		*goto willHaveADrinkC52
	#"Despite your wishes, I am not so easily deterred." You sit down next to ${lestradeName}.
	#"I do. I should leave..."

		*comment One bitter laugh exits the ${l_man}. "Somehow, I knew you would," Lestrade says, a hint of smugness in the tone from a perceived win. 
		*comment "Mmm. We would both be happier for it. Besides, leaving is quite your MO. Swooping in, leaving things in disarray... I was only surprised it took you so long."

		"Good. You, swooping in, leaving things in disarray... I've had my fill... But, go. Your MO of leaving things a right state is accomplished once again."

		*comment  Lestrade says, a hint of smugness from an assumed win but ending on the sound of bitter loss.
		*goto lestradeFightIfYouLeaveCh5


*label willHaveADrinkC52
*comment (you get your drink. if MC is boldly dressed or very attractive and a woman(?) it is payed for by someone? barman?).
*if (((attractive > 2) and (genderMC = "woman")) or ((outfitWord = "bold") and (genderMC = "woman"))) 
	*if (drinkingCh5 = "bottle")
		The keeper of the bar puts down a nondescript bottle of amber liquid, most likely the very same sweet poison Lestrade drinks now. "For you, love. On the house. Just don't let this one—" He nudges towards the inspector and grins. 
		*if ((facialDetailDisS = "nose") or (attractive < 3))
			"Finish it off when your pretty nose is turned."
		*else
			"Finish it off when your back is turned."

		"Samuel... perhaps I should call the constables. I believe I spotted a game of liar's dice with an abhorrent sum the last time I was here..." Lestrade casually warns the barman.

		The barman snorts. "You wouldn't." 

		"Let's not wait to find out."

		"Hm—very well—do enjoy your drink, madam." The man bends at the neck to you, smirks at Lestrade, and leaves to handle the rowdy customers at the other end of the bar.

	*elseif (drinkingCh5 = "yes")
		The keeper of the bar puts down a clean glass, and a nondescript bottle of amber liquid, and pours what is most likely the very same sweet poison Lestrade drinks. "For you, love. On the house. Just don't let this one—" He nudges towards the inspector and grins. 
		*if ((facialDetailDisS = "nose") or (attractive < 3))
			"Finish it off when your pretty nose is turned."
		*else
			"Finish it off when your back is turned."

		"Samuel... perhaps I should call the constables. I believe I spotted a game of liar's dice with an abhorrent sum the last time I was here..." Lestrade casually warns the barman.

		The barman snorts. "You wouldn't." 

		"Let's not wait to find out."

		"Hm—very well—do enjoy your drink, madam." The man bends at the neck to you, smirks at Lestrade, and leaves to handle the rowdy customers at the other end of the bar.

	*else
		*comment should MC still get an offer of free booze?

*else
	*if (drinkingCh5 = "bottle")
		
		*if (outfitWord = "proper")
			The keeper of the bar puts down a nondescript bottle of amber liquid, most likely the very same Lestrade devoured. "five shillings."

			"For a bottle of this swill? I think not! Two shillings," you object.

			The barman snorts. "Three." 

			"...So be it," you accept. It really was worth three. Anything less would have been a steal.

		*else
			The keeper of the bar puts down a nondescript bottle of amber liquid, most likely the very same Lestrade devoured. "four shillings."

			"For a bottle of this swill? I think not! Two shillings," you object.

			The barman snorts. "Three." 

			"So be it," you accept. It really was worth three. Anything less would have been a steal.


	*elseif (drinkingCh5 = "yes")
		*if (outfitWord = "proper")
			The keeper of the bar puts down a clean glass, a nondescript bottle of amber liquid, and pours what is most likely the very same sweet poison Lestrade drinks. "6 pence."

			"It's 3 pence, Samuel," Lestrade objects.

			The barman snorts. "3 pence." 

			You assume 'Samuel' eyed your attire and decided it could afford marked-up and overpriced mid-tier whiskey; Lestrade thought not.
		*else
			The keeper of the bar puts down a clean glass, a nondescript bottle of amber liquid, and pours what is most likely the very same sweet poison Lestrade drinks. "4 pence."

			"It's 3 pence, Samuel," Lestrade objects.

			The barman snorts. "3 pence." 

			You assume 'Samuel' decided you should have marked up prices. Lestrade thought not.

	*else
		*comment nothing here 

*page_break

*if ((drinkingCh5 = "yes") or (drinkingCh5 = "bottle"))
	You drink in silence for a moment together. 

*else
	You sit in silence for a moment.

Perhaps quiet company is just what ${l_he} needs.

Lestrade does care for ${l_hi} silent moments...

*if ((lestradeMCSilencePreference = "something") and (false))
	blah blah.
	TODO


*line_break

*comment Then, another quiet moment follows, until—

"Am I a case, Sherlock?" Lestrade asks you after another few seconds.

*fake_choice
	#"Huh?"
	#"No?"
	#"Well..."
	#"I am unsure how to best answer that."

"Am I a puzzle? A riddle for you to tackle? No. Then... stop trying to solve me. Despite your current wishes, 'my mood' won't be so readily overcome."


*fake_choice
	*selectable_if (cope != "berating") #"I simply... I know this is not you."
		"I simply... I know this is not you."

		"[i]This[/i] is me. You do not approve... But I don't want to hear it. Not from [i]you[/i]."

		*fake_choice
			#"What does [i]that[/i] mean?"

		*if ((genderMC != "woman") and (romanceL < 1))
			$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
			"You criticise me. [i]But you have no right[/i]. Do you know how I count the seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			The day you can't find an excuse from your own company... There's really only a few worthy ways this all ends. When the crime is too low, will you turn to making your own? Really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity—" 

			$!{l_hi} eyes are dark, and firmly on you. "I've heard you must have great talents at such. How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin. But, no. I don't believe that to be the finale for you. No, no—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults—
			one which shines above all the rest.
		*else
			$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
			"You criticise me. [i]But you have no right[/i]. Do you know how I count the seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			The day you can't find an excuse from your own company... There's really only a few worthy ways this all ends, ${sweetheart}. When the crime is too low, will you turn to making your own? Really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity. I've heard you must have great talents at such..." 

			$!{l_hi} eyes linger on you. "How else do you puzzle the minds of all those... vermin," ${l_hi} voice sounds cruel and dark. "But, no. I don't believe that to be the finale for you. No, no—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults—
			one which shines above all the rest. 
		*goto copeInsultNotLeavingCh5
	*if (cope != "berating") #"Won't you just tell me what bothers you so? I can't leave without knowing—"
		"Won't you just tell me what bothers you so? I can't leave without knowing—"

		"What is so bloody hard to grasp?! 
		Do you lack all sense, all ability to read the scene—STOP. TALKING. Besides... you're the last person that should be pressing for unwanted answers."

		*fake_choice
			#"What does [i]that[/i] mean?"

		*if ((genderMC != "woman") and (romanceL < 1))
			$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
			"You endlessly prod me—but do you face your own weak spots? How many seconds till [i]you[/i] go mad without a distraction?
			We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company... There's really only a few worthy ways this all ends. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity—" 

			$!{l_hi} eyes are dark, and firmly on you. "I've heard you must have great talents at such. How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin... No. No, I don't believe that will be the finale for you. No—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults—
			one which shines above all the rest.
		*else
			$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
			"You endlessly prod me—but do you face your own weak spots? How many seconds till [i]you[/i] go mad without a distraction?
			We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company... There's really only a few worthy ways this all ends. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity. I've heard you must have great talents at such." 

			$!{l_hi} eyes linger on you. "How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin..." ${l_hi} voice sounds cruel and dark. "No. No, I don't believe that will be the finale for you, ${sweetheart}. No—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults—
			one which shines above all the rest.

		*goto copeInsultNotLeavingCh5
	*if (false) #"Perhaps some amusement will distract you? I read the most interesting—"
		//TODO
		"Perhaps some amusement will distract you? I read the most interesting—"

		"I promise you—I don't want to hear it.

		*fake_choice
			#"What does [i]that[/i] mean?"

		$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
		"You judge me—but how many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
		*goto copeInsultNotLeavingCh5
	*selectable_if ((lestradeTellsOfTheOldWoman) and (cope != "berating")) #"Well, then tell me of the case you mentioned before. I would love nothing more than to hear—"
		"Well, then tell me of the case you mentioned before. I would love nothing more than to hear—"

		"And I would love nothing more than to never hearing of it again! Hells—can you really not see that?! You keep prodding where you don't belong... You are the last person that should do so." 
		*fake_choice
			#"What does [i]that[/i] mean?"

		*if ((genderMC != "woman") and (romanceL < 1))
			$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
			"How many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company... If the crime is too low, will you turn to making your own? Really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity—" 

			$!{l_hi} eyes are dark, and firmly on you. "I've heard you must have great talents at such. How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin... But, no. I don't believe that will be the finale for you. No—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults—
			one which shines above all the rest.
		*else
			$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
			"How many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company... If the crime is too low, will you turn to making your own? Really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity. I've heard you must have great talents at such."

			$!{l_hi} eyes linger on you. "How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin," ${l_hi} voice sounds cruel and dark. "But, no. I don't believe that will be the finale for you, ${sweetheart}. No—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults—
			one which shines above all the rest.
		*goto copeInsultNotLeavingCh5
	*selectable_if (cope != "berating") #"I wish you would see my well wishes for what they are."
		"I wish you would see my well wishes for what they are."

		"Which are?"

		"Concern. Care for someone I consider a friend. I feel sorry—"

		"Don't. I don't need your pity... for fuck sake. Never from [i]you[/i]."
		*fake_choice
			#"What does [i]that[/i] mean?"

		*if ((genderMC != "woman") and (romanceL < 1))
			$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
			"You judge me—but how many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company... There's really only a few worthy ways this all ends. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity—" 

			$!{l_hi} eyes are dark, and firmly on you. "I've heard you must have great talents at such. How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin. But, no. I don't believe that to be the finale for you. No, no—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults and weaknesses—
			one which shines above all the rest.
		*else
			$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
			"You judge me—but how many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company... There's really only a few worthy ways this all ends. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity. I've heard you must have great talents at such." 

			$!{l_hi} eyes linger on you. "How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin," ${l_hi} voice sounds cruel and dark. "But, no. I don't believe that to be the finale for you, ${sweetheart}. No, no—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults and weaknesses—
			one which shines above all the rest.
		*goto copeInsultNotLeavingCh5
	#"I'm only trying to help—[i]you clearly need it[/i]—" I gesture to ${l_hi} poor state.
		"I'm only trying to help—[i]you clearly need it[/i]—" You say, while gesturing to ${l_hi} poor state.

		"Don't. And I don't need your fucking pity... for god's sake. Never from [i]you[/i]."
		*fake_choice
			#"What does [i]that[/i] mean?"

		*if ((genderMC != "woman") and (romanceL < 1))
			*if (cope = "berating")
				$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
				"You judge me—as you do with everyone who has the bad habit of lending you their ear—but how many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			*else
				$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
				"You judge me—but how many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company... There's really only a few worthy ways this all ends. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity—" 

			$!{l_hi} eyes are dark, and firmly on you. "I've heard you must have great talents at such. How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin. But, no. I don't believe that to be the finale for you. No, no—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults and weaknesses—
			one which shines above all the rest.
		*else
			*if (cope = "berating")
				$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
				"You judge me—as you do with everyone who has the bad habit of lending you their ear—but how many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			*else
				$!{l_hi} jaw ticks, and ${l_hi} mouth turns sour. 
				"You judge me—but how many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?
			We all expect great things the day you can't find an excuse from your own company... There's really only a few worthy ways this all ends. When the crime is too low, perhaps you can turn to making your own, really sink low and comfortable in the depths of depravity. I've heard you must have great talents at such." 

			$!{l_hi} eyes linger on you. "How else do you puzzle the minds of all those vermin," ${l_hi} voice sounds cruel and dark. "But, no. I don't believe that to be the finale for you, ${sweetheart}. No, no—as you gave me that same respect—we must press further, consider every facet of your particular faults and weaknesses—
			one which shines above all the rest.
		*goto copeInsultNotLeavingCh5
*comment -
*label copeInsultNotLeavingCh5
*if (cope = "eating")
	Do I call it gluttony? Or simply bizarre and manic? Do you not find it disgusting what they say is found in those foods? Hells, how much garbage does one eat until one becomes it? How much unintended Plaster of Paris and lead can one ${person} consume before ${mc_xhe} begin to rot from the inside? The whole thing makes me sick to my stomach..."
*elseif (cope = "taking drugs")
	Your addiction, detective. I've seen the worst dens of degenerates appear more put together than you are at moments of inebriation. Is the dose so high to make sure no piece of reality remains? Or are you simply hoping to take the easy way out?"
*elseif (cope = "gambling")
	Do you believe the gambling dens will forgive debt after debt? Is it the rush of feeling the next one will square it all, or simply hoping they will end it for you, that which you lack the courage to do yourself? I'll give you a tip. They will begin with your hand or maybe your companion's. It is not the easy way out. You will wish you had stopped when you were in the green long before it ends."
*elseif (cope = "smoking")
	I've heard the term fiend for how you chase your lungs' darkening. But I need to find out if the term is sufficient. If you disagree, attempt to take a deep breath for me. Go on. Surely, the rattling of one's breath is a good sign. Tell me, how long do you expect to last at this rate? I've heard of some increasingly short bets."
*elseif (cope = "inaction")
	When [i]does[/i] idleness turn to sloth? Perhaps Watson can tell me when ${j_he} scrape your withered form from the bed. I don't know what would be worse. The devolving of a household to care for you like an infant, all the muck that entails—or imagining you simply succumbing to rot from a lack of care."
*elseif (cope = "berating")
	Do you know how long one can remain everyone's [i]favourite[/i] little personal fault finder—before someone smashes their head into a brick wall? I don't. Oh, but I've heard some very enthusiastic betting in some lower parts of the city. I can probably cut you in if you're feeling lucky."
*elseif (cope = "drinking")
	I may drink too much. But, oh, [i]you[/i]. I am nothing compared to you. There is a skill to hiding it, which you severely underestimate—not that you care. Did you know the smell of sick lingers more than the drink? So do scars, broken bones, and broken relations—I bet those linger too, after a night or day of too much imbibing that you can't remember. How's your memory these days? Hazy? I bet."
*elseif (cope = "taking risks")
	How does it feel being so brilliant and yet lacking such fundamental traits? Like willpower. Or not jumping off a cliff when someone asks you to? [i]So brilliant[/i]... yet with a hilariously ironic—[i]idiotic[/i]—fondness for risk. How does your spine feel? Are you simply hoping it will break the next time or that it hits a little further up and makes quicker work of it all?"
*elseif (cope = "experimenting")
	Your moronic lust for playing with fire. Does it make you feel powerful, playing with everyone's lives all the time? Or perhaps you're not hoping to burn the building down and everyone in it, just yourself. If so, would you at least try not to get Watson killed while you're at it? I greatly admire [i]${j_hi}[/i] sanctity for life."
*page_break

The room feels... too quiet as Lestrade ceases to speak.

And too cold.

You feel too aware of your own breaths. And how, despite your mouth being open, you are not using it to return a reply; how you are not saying anything at all.

Nothing.

*fake_choice
	#"... I did not think you to be so cruel, Lestrade."
		$!{l_hi} words hurt something sharp, right behind your fifth and fourth rib. "... I did not think you to be so cruel, Lestrade."

		You thought...

		You're not sure what you thought.

		But you [i]hoped[/i] that the people around you could not hold such thoughts. Did not hold you in such low esteem... That they wouldn't utter something of that nature to your face because of too much care for you; they would not speak such words for nothing more than a ploy for causing pain.

		Your next breath is painful. As if holding yourself together as best as you can is tearing you apart.

		*fake_choice
			#"I have to go," I hear myself say.
				"I—" $!{l_hi} expression is one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

				"I... I have to go," Your words echo in your head, in unwanted company with ${lestradeName}'s.

				*goto apologyLCh5
			#I say nothing. I simply leave.
				"I—" $!{l_hi} expression is one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

				You say nothing and simply leave, as ${lestradeName}'s words echo in your head. 

				*goto apologyLCh5
			#"Enough of this." I turn to leave, to be spoken to in this manner—
				*set defensive true
				"I—" $!{l_hi} expression is one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

				${lestradeName}'s words echo in your mind. "Enough of this," you say as you leave. How dare ${l_he} speak to you like this?!

				*goto apologyLCh5


	#I feel tears threatening to fall. "... I did not think you to be so cruel, Lestrade." 
		*set wasCryingCH5 true
		$!{l_hi} words hurt something sharp, right behind your fifth and fourth rib. The pain is enough to make your eyes water. "... I did not think you to be so cruel, Lestrade."

		You thought...

		You're not sure what you thought.

		But you [i]hoped[/i] that the people around you could not hold such thoughts. Did not hold you in such low esteem... That they wouldn't utter something of that nature to your face because of too much care for you; they would not speak such words for nothing more than a ploy for causing pain.

		Shit. You sniffle, but the tears still fall.

		They stain your hands.

		*fake_choice
			#"I have to go," I hear myself say.
				"I—" Through tears, you see Lestrade and ${l_hi} expression, one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

				"I... I have to go," Your words echo in your head, in unwanted company with ${lestradeName}'s.
				*goto apologyLCh5
			#I say nothing. I simply leave.
				"I—" Through tears, you see Lestrade and ${l_hi} expression, one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

				You say nothing and simply leave, as ${lestradeName}'s words echo in your head. 

				*goto apologyLCh5
			#"Enough of this." I turn to leave, to be spoken to in this manner—
				*set defensive true
				"I—" Through tears, you see Lestrade and ${l_hi} expression, one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

				${lestradeName}'s words echo in your mind. 

				"Enough of this," you protest as you turn to leave. How dare ${l_he} speak to you like this?!

				*goto apologyLCh5

				*label apologyLCh5

				"Sherlock! Wait—fuck." You hear Lestrade stumble from the stool as you begin towards the exit. "I—let me—" ${l_he} falters after your turned-away figure. 
				*comment"There's nothing I can say to make it right!"

				*comment"... But I have to try."

				The words echo, [i]"How many seconds till you go mad without a distraction?"[/i]

				*page_break

				*if (cope = "berating")
					"I simply... I am sorry," ${l_he} speaks words to your back. You can only imagine the truth in ${l_hi} expression... But [i]you do imagine it[/i], perhaps because of the rare conviction in ${l_hi} voice. 

					You picture ${l_hi} dark eyes and the lines of ${l_hi} mouth, a severe and sad canvas. Desperately regretful for those hurtful words. "You have a talent at prodding me... and I was angry. At you—at myself. 

					"But, no matter what—it was undeserving of you..."

					$!{l_he} laughs bitterly, ${l_hi} voice breaking, "—I'm a mess, ${mc_name}. You're right. And, nothing never turns right, shit just never—[i]I'm not like you.[/i] You're... 
					*if ((romanceL > 0) or (friendshipL > 65))
						more.

				*else 
					"I'm sorry," ${l_he} speaks words to your back. You can only imagine the truth in ${l_hi} expression... But [i]you do imagine it[/i], perhaps because of the rare conviction in ${l_hi} voice. 

					You picture ${l_hi} dark eyes and the lines of ${l_hi} mouth, a severe and sad canvas. Desperately regretful for those hurtful words. "I don't know why I... I was angry. At you—at myself. 

					"It was undeserving of you..."

					$!{l_he} laughs bitterly, ${l_hi} voice breaking, "—I'm a mess, ${mc_name}. It never turns right, shit just never—[i]I'm not like you.[/i] You're... 
					*if ((romanceL > 0) or (friendshipL > 65))
						more.

				"I was cruel. I was awful. [i]Awful[/i]. And criminally thoughtless. Shit. Just—[i]look at me[/i]. Scream at me—hurt me in return, so I can just—I feel like I can't bloody breathe—"

				*fake_choice
					#"You hurt me..."
						"I know... If you're intent on leaving, let me escort you—the crowd here—"
					#"..."
						"${mc_name}... If you're leaving, let me escort you—the crowd here—"

					#"No, it's... I am going to go. I think that would be best."
						"${mc_name}... If you're leaving, let me escort you—the crowd here—"

					#"I loathe you."
						"I am painfully aware of the fact. But, nevertheless, if you're intent on leaving, let me escort you—the crowd here—"

				"I can handle myself—"

				"I know." $!{l_hi} voice is low. "[i]I do[/i] know that... But, as my first attempt at forgiveness, would you let me? I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you…"

				*fake_choice
					#"Yes..."
						*set defensive false
					#"Yes."
						*set defensive false
					#I say nothing but allow ${l_him} to approach me and follow me out the door.
						*set defensive false
					#I simply shake my head no.
						You fly out the door and into a cab parked across the street. 

						Closing the carriage, you shout for the driver to move.

						There were no steps of a particular inspector that followed. But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

						*goto endCh5

					*if (false) #"It seems I am more in danger of pain from you, Lestrade, than any other."

					#"No."
						"No."

						You fly out the door and into a cab parked across the street. 

						Closing the carriage, you shout for the driver to move.

						There were no steps of a particular inspector that followed. But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

						*goto endCh5
					#"Go jump off a cliff."
						*set defensive true
						You fly out the door and into a cab parked across the street. 

						Closing the carriage, you shout for the driver to move.

						There were no steps of a certain inspector that followed. But ${l_hi} words echo all the same in the quiet of the cabin.

						*goto endCh5


				$!{lestradeName} walks right behind you as you leave the establishment. $!{l_he} hails the cab across the street and opens the door. Before ${l_he} closes the door, ${l_he} leans in and tells you, "I'll make this right."

				Then the carriage is closed, the horses head on, and Lestrade's midnight eyes disappear from view—

				As ${l_hi} words echo in the quiet of the cabin.
						
				*label endCh5
				*page_break

				The world speeds past as you remain seated on a cold seat.

				All these people...

				You take a deep breath of stale air.

				They look so small and unreal from where you sit, yet all of them have lives and stories and...

				*if (defensive)
					All have faults and ways to handle the problems in their lives.

					[i]You may have a vice.[/i]

					But, everyone has [i]things[/i]. Watson does not have the healthiest relationship with food, money, status, or maybe even you... Mrs Hudson lives vicariously through others, through gossip and unsolicited advice. God knows Lestrade has numerous crutches to keep ${l_him} upright—as well as ${l_he} is able. You are sure even the new client has some serious inclinations or other. 

					So why is it that [i]you[/i] get singled out? From your honest recollection, it has never been anything too bad. Missteps, of course, but nothing more. 

					You feel fine.
					 
					Good.

					This did not deter you. It won't.

					And especially not now.

					Not when you won't even need your vice.

					Not with a brand new case—
				*else
					All have faults and ways to handle the problems in their lives.

					[i]You have a vice.[/i]

					But everyone does... Watson does not have the healthiest relationship with food, money, status, or maybe even you... Mrs Hudson lives vicariously through others, through gossip and unsolicited advice. God knows Lestrade has numerous crutches to keep ${l_him} upright, as well as ${l_he} is able. You are sure even the new client has some serious inclination or other. 

					Yet [i]you[/i] get singled out. You can't remember... anything too bad? Missteps, but nothing more. 

					And you are the one attacked, accused, abused.

					But you can't allow it to deter you.

					Not now.

					When you won't even need your vice.

					Not for long... you hope. Not with this brand-new case—

				Which, the more you think on it, the more perfect it seems.

				*page_break

				You give the next destination, to
				*if (genderMC = "woman")
					the modiste.
				*else
					the tailor.
				The one that ${hName} mentioned. 

				There is a ball to prepare for!

				*finish

				[b]The next chapter will include:[/b]
				*line_break
				Preparing for a ball. 

				Maybe a puzzle...

				Dress up.
				*line_break
				...
				*line_break
				It's mostly just that... It's a short chapter.
				*line_break

				[i]If you liked the demo or have any thoughts you would like to share, I would love to hear from you in the forum thread or on tumblr/discord/patreon :)[/i]

				*ending

	#"How [i]dare[/i] you—" I say and throw ${l_hi} drink in ${l_hi} face.
		*set defensive true
		"I—" $!{l_hi} expression is one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

		"How [i]dare[/i] you—" you say, as you grab ${l_hi} drink and throw it in ${l_hi} face. Whiskey coats ${l_hi} features, and the expression ${l_he} wears melts quick. As ${l_he} attempts to wipe away the whiskey with ${l_hi} hands—you decide to leave.

		How could ${l_he} speak to you like this—${lestradeName}'s words echo in your mind—gnawing at you from the inside. 

		*goto apologyLCh5

	#"Look at you—" I don't know whether to be impressed or... "Have you been holding onto those words for long, Inspector?"
		*set wasImpressedAtL true
		"Look at you—" You can't help but be a little impressed, and yet... "Have you been holding onto those words for long, Inspector?"

		"I—" $!{l_hi} expression is one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

		"Not to worry... I won't overstay my welcome." I turn to leave. 

		${lestradeName}'s words echo in your head. 

		*goto apologyLCh5

	#"Well, there we have it. Ha. Shows me trying to... help. Silly of me." My voice almost manages a humorous tone.
		"I—" $!{l_hi} expression is one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

		"Well, there we have it. Heh. Shows me trying to... help. Silly of me." Your voice almost manages a humorous tone. "Perhaps it would be best I take my leave..." 

		${lestradeName}'s words echo in your head. 

		*goto apologyLCh5

	#"Did that make you feel better? Feels lighter on those burdened shoulders—good—then go do your fucking job," I say, my face impassive.
		*set wasImpressedAtL true
		"Did that make you feel better? Feels lighter on those burdened shoulders—good—then go do your fucking job," you say to the inspector while gathering yourself to leave. 

		"I—" $!{l_hi} expression is one of utter terror, with pained, large eyes and an almost trembling lip. $!{l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

		"Mmm..." You turn to depart, with ${lestradeName}'s words echoing in your mind.

		*goto apologyLCh5

	#"Go. To. Hell." I say, looking deep into ${l_hi} eyes, then begin to depart.
		*set defensive true
		"I—" $!{l_hi} expression is one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

		"Go. To. Hell," you say as you turn to leave.

		How could ${l_he} speak to you like this—${lestradeName}'s words echo in your mind—gnawing at you from the inside. 

		*goto apologyLCh5
	#I say nothing, I simply turn to depart.
		*set wasImpressedAtL true
		*set defensive true
		"I—" $!{l_hi} expression is one of utter terror. With pained, large eyes. An almost trembling lip, as ${l_he} speaks strained words, "${mc_name}... I shouldn't have..." $!{l_he} swallows. "I [i]never[/i] meant—"

		You say nothing, you simply turn to leave, as ${lestradeName}'s hurtful words echo in your mind.

		*goto apologyLCh5

	*if (false) #I return the hurt.
		*set defensive true
		You feel yourself growing colder, and your current care for the ${l_man} melt away. You take a deep breath. A breath that will surely be needed for the barrage of words you taste on your tongue. 
		"I could take the easy way. Ramble the obvious faults. The day-drinking. Disappointing your peers, familial ties, and public by the distinct lack of care. The general deterioration in all aspects of life. The selfish disdain for others that is so impressive, it's already succeeded in its goal. And on that matter—there is no need to continue. You've managed to alienate everyone. There's no reason to try so hard anymore at appearing malcontent. We shall all leave you to your lonesome pitying here on out.

		"But. These are only the surface level aspects of you. It is quite clear to me, that the one that is the most ashamed of you, Lestrade, is none other than [i]you, yourself[/i]. You had dreams once. Aspirations. Hopes of being something other than the pale amalgamation of your father and the crude shadow of a Byron characters. But we both know... this is it.

		"So, if you think I have a fuse with perhaps not much time left, that is your right." I feel a sharp smile rising on my face. "But at least I haven't given up. At least I still have a chance. At least, for me, it is unlikely to be by my own hand..."

		*goto flyOutDoorToCab






