Oh my stars! Sherlock's checkered past provides so many enticing possibilities, and you've certainly made the most of them! I love the idea that Lestrade can't bear to see the other thugs take him, despite the risk. And the extra added angst of Lestrade really fancying Sherlock ratchets everything up a notch. And poor Sherlock. His “No. I’m fine. It’s only transport, after all.” broke my little heart. I appreciate that Lestrade tried to find him and fix it afterwords.

Thank you for this! I will surely be re-reading it often!