Far more times than you'd like.

[But it means he can do it now without worrying too much. It still calls for caution, for watching what he's doing and being very aware of everything...

But he's not measuring at every turn, not doubting his methods.]

There are other methods, of course. If this poison doesn't work.

[A pause, his eyes narrowing at one of the flames. Because it's as good as anything.]

Simple bullet to the head, if all else fails.

[And yet, there's an inner reluctance. Even knowing Moriarty must die-- he's never been more certain of anything in his life--, he can recognise the one concern in his mind:

He has never intentionally taken a life before.

This is new and dangerous territory. Exactly what Moriarty wants him to become. And if he succeeds...

Will it still be a victory?

He looks at John briefly, that faint glimmer of doubt in his pale eyes for a moment. John can't offer the reassurance he needs without him voicing his concern, and he can't give words to it without sounding afraid. And he can't be afraid.

So he looks back to his concoction. Safe, predictable.

He so prefers chemicals to people.]