The Inspector Lynley Mysteries

The Perfume of the Lady With Red Hair

Note: Lynley, Havers and their sorts don't belong to me.

This takes place sometimes around "The Seed of Cunning" episode. I always wondered when watching the episode why Lynley would appear so protective of Havers....

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PROLOGUE

Just about everybody is watching us, that is great. I really need this right now.

Following Lynley to his office, she dipped her head to avoid the scoffing gazes and gaped stubbornly at her feet. She raised her chin when Jamieson started to throw crude innuendos.

"Give him a snog, Barbara!" someone said.

"Lover's tiff, Barbara, go girl!" said another when she passed.

She silenced her troublesome obnoxious colleagues with an icy stare. It can wait. You all know I'll be keeping scores.

Lynley slammed the door behind him and turned to her.

"For heaven's sake, Havers, what's wrong with you?" he asked in a toneless voice. He started pacing in the cubicle, his brow furrowed into a deep angry crease.

She had heard that tone before. It was not bearing good news. He was after her and she had no clue why –once again. He had been behaving like a complete jerk for the last couple of days and it was really getting old.

"I bet you're going to tell me sir," she said, throwing her shoulder bag on the floor and slumping on the chair in front of his desk.

"Don't be the smart ass, Havers. I'm warning you, I won't tolerate…"

"You won't tolerate? What is it with you?" she said raising her voice. She could feel the stares of the detectives burning holes in her back through the thin office wall. "One moment, you're a perfect articulate and pleasant boss, and the next you're a complete pain in the ass." She went pale, realisation sinking in. "Sorry sir. I don't know what got into me. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. I swear."

"You're proving my point here Havers. That's exactly your problem. You say things, you do things and then you realise it is too late to get it back. I would like you to think twice before acting upon your feelings. You're a police officer, not an actor for crying out loud! Pull yourself together or I will have to ask for your transfer."

"Yes sir."

"And don't you yes-sir me Havers!"

"You won't tolerate it either?" she said, her mouth twitching.

He opened his mouth to reply sharply but changed his mind and went back to his desk instead, his eyes never meeting hers. He sat down and took the phone off the hook. "That will be all," he silenced her with a dismissing wave of hand and gave her a stern look.

She stood up instantly, retrieved her bag and went out in a flash, resisting the urge to slam the door as she left. A dozen heads turned away from her and the clatter of phones, printers and chairs resumed.

"Don't ask," she said vivaciously to Winston.

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please email me what you think and if it's worth to give a shot at writing the rest ;)