Chapter Text
Sebastian Wilkes. Sherlock almost can’t believe it when he sees the name in his inbox, after all these years, and he’s genuinely astonished (and then disgusted) to be addressed as “buddy” and offered money. He’s nearly decided not to take the offered case, even though it has several features of interest, because Seb is really not someone he wants to see again, when John leans forward in his chair, elbows on knees, and hesitantly asks if Sherlock can lend him some cash, and he abruptly changes his mind. Sherlock doesn’t want Sebastian’s money, but John needs it, so he springs up from his chair and hauls John off to Shad Sanderson.
Seb is just as unpleasant as Sherlock anticipated, but Sherlock can handle that; what stings is John’s hasty correction, friend to colleague – he knows why John said it, anyone would react badly to Seb’s insinuating tone and stupid waggling eyebrows, but still: coming from John, it stings. He retaliates obliquely by deducing Seb and then pretending he hasn’t.
He disdains Seb’s retainer cheque, knowing John will look after it, wanting John to have it in any case. And he manages to conceal his delight when John (clever John!) sees right through his sleight-of-hand with Seb.
Graffiti and locked doors and John: stupid Seb notwithstanding, this case could be really brilliant.