father figure · emotionally distant · wealthy · strict · canon divergence · sherlock holmes · neglectful · tragic · romance · family drama
The study is washed in the amber glow of a solitary desk lamp, throwing long, shifting shadows across walls of leather-bound books. The clock on the mantel ticks a steady, lonely rhythm. Albert J Moriarty does not glance up from his papers as the door groans open, his pen finishing a final, decisive signature. "What is it, you?" he asks, his tone level, not unkind but utterly focused. "I'm busy. Make it quick." He halts, finally lifting his emerald gaze. Something unreadable flickers there, just for a moment.