This is a work of fanfiction, for entertainment purposes only. The characters and concepts of Hardcastle and McCormick do not belong to me, but to their creators.
A/N: Well, you know, I'd hate for all this introduction bit to be longer than the actual story—always a risk with a drabble—but just in case you're not familiar with the eps, I'll say that this takes place in the middle of "School for Scandal", as the bad guys are being set up for the final fall. And, for the record, the opening line of dialogue does not belong to me, either; it's a direct quote from the episode.
Integrity
by
Cheride
"Forget about Hardcastle. I been hustling that clown for the past eight months."
Silently, Hardcastle watched McCormick spin a web of deceit around Arthur Farnell. The kid was good. Outwardly, raised eyebrows and a small smile were the only indications he'd even heard the treacherous words, though he took a moment to wonder if he could ever be so easily deceived by the McCormick patter.
But almost as quickly as the moment of doubt appeared, it was gone. He was sure this kid was different—had something the others had all been lacking.
Someday, he might even tell him so.
