With 48 minutes remaining before the train reaches the next station, Sherlock declares that William and he can find the murderer in time. Sherlock relies on the evidence at the scene, while William pursues a psychological profile of the killer.

Military Intelligence Service Director Mycroft orders Albert to recover classified papers that could rock the nation, and kill the woman who stole them. Sherlock is hired by the king of Bohemia to pursue Irene Adler, who threatens the king’s wedding plans.

Despite Sherlock recognizing that Irene is dealing with the Lord of Crime, he sees her off. Irene negotiates with the Lord of Crime in an abandoned church, but before she can turn over the papers, Sherlock arrives, and makes a deal to keep Irene safe.

A culprit is arrested in the Jack the Ripper case which was solved by the Moriartys. Suspecting a frame-up by Arterton, Lestrade asks Sherlock for help in finding evidence that would prove it. Meanwhile, Paterson works to sneak Bonde inside the station.

When William James Moriarty claims responsibility for being the Lord of Crime in all the papers, aristocratic condemnation and public anger falls upon the Moriartys. The final problem of the Moriarty Plan that William has concocted at long last begins.

William aims to complete his plan with his death, as Albert and the others each carry out their roles. Meanwhile, Sherlock deduces William's true reason for having him vanquish the Lord of Crime. Overlooking London, the pair face each other one last time.