Author's note: The characters belong to Elizabeth George and the BBC but borrowing them from time to time is fun.
I had not planned to write another story yet but it is the product of a long cross country flight, airport delays and a night alone in a boring hotel. I must also have been influenced by some of the recent Lynley / Havers erotica. If you prefer to stop reading that chapter at the point I marked the continuity of the story will not be lost.
There is definitely more to this story but I have not decided whether it will be more chapters or a separate sequel.
"No!"
Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers had almost screamed her protest and realised quickly everyone in the room thought she had been far too quick and vehement in her response to what, in essence, was an order. She was smart enough to know her best chance lay in being logical, not emotional so hastily changed both her tone and her tack, "I don't think that is a good idea at all Sir. It's not very believable and I think it would be a mistake."
"The way you two bicker and carry on at times I think it is very believable." Assistant Commissioner Hiller was having none of her objections. Does this woman ever just do something she is asked? I don't know how Lynley puts up with her!
Lynley knew this would end badly without his intervention. Havers was a good police officer and her reputation for unreasonableness, although sometimes warranted, tended to mean others overlooked her excellent instincts. She had been his partner for over ten years and he had learned to rely heavily on her insights. If she was not sure, then he was not sure either. But was this just because of the circumstances or something more? Barbara looked mortified, it had to be something more.
"So Havers you really find the idea of being married to me for four days so abhorrent?" Lynley asked, partly trying to lighten the mood and partly to refocus everyone on the issue and not Barbara's response.
"Well not in real life Sir."
Havers realised immediately what she had said and wished the ground would open up and swallow her. She could not look at Lynley but she knew he was now looking at her. Her face flushed and she continued, "Well you know what I mean. You're a nice person and all but we are not exactly marriage material are we? Besides they have been targeting the husbands and I don't want you put in danger." Oh yes that had really fixed things! Just strike me dead now – please!
"Sergeant Havers I am well aware that they have been targeting the husbands and I know you want to protect him but DI Lynley is a big boy and willing to take the risk. This is a double murder case after all and we do not want any other stupid, rich men being killed because they were trying to stop their greedy wives from stealing their fortunes." Hillier was getting angry. This should have been a simple meeting.
"What about Winston Sir?" Barbara was searching for any alternative. "We probably make a more realistic couple."
"No offense intended to DC Nkata but do you honestly think he can be better a playing someone with obvious money and breeding than our very own Thomas Lynley, an actual Earl?" Hillier had had enough. They would do it whether she liked it or not. "The officers on the case have tried everything, we need to get inside and find out who is behind it. The Centre has been a reputable marriage counselling service for years. They do not want this to put them out of business either. They don't know you or Lynley so it will be perfect, if you can just maintain control. Most women would kill to be married to him, even for a few days."
Tommy was not amused. Stop badgering Havers; she obviously does not want to be married to me at all!
"Well maybe another policewoman then Sir." Barbara hated the thought of someone else playing at being Lynley's wife but this would just not work. "Someone with more refinement Sir; someone more like a woman he would actually marry." Tommy glared at her. We are NOT having this argument about class different again.
Lynley interjected to put an end to the argument, "Sergeant who else knows me as well as you? I think the AC is right; we are the only two that can pull this off. Besides if I have to pretend to be married I want it to be to someone I at least know well and respect."
Barbara looked at him and then at her feet. She had no choice but she did not have to like it.
"Good now that that is settled you are both booked in for the course starting tomorrow. I suggest you go and fill out your pre-session questionnaires and concoct a story about your relationship that is plausible. Stick as close as you can to the truth, it makes it easier to remember. You should be able to use your disagreements and fiery tempers to convince the counsellors that you are a genuine couple trying to save a rocky relationship. No doubt they will wonder how you ever got together but that is irrelevant. Now go. DC Nkata will be your main contact"
"Yes Sir," Lynley and Havers answered simultaneously.
"Oh and Lynley keep her under control will you. You need to look like a real husband and wife not someone who has abducted a woman against her will."
It was clear they had been dismissed so they turned and left Hillier's office. Outside the room Barbara hissed at him, "Don't say a word!"
