Disclaimer / I don't own Hinterland (y Gwyll). BBC Wales and s4C own all. No copyright infringement is intended nor should be inferred.
Between the lines
Mared sat on the edge of her bed as she thought about the case they had been working on. One more tragedy weighing on their souls. She didn't think she would ever be able to forget the scream that had pierced the air as the mother had been informed her only son was dead. She had seen the pain flash through Tom's eyes - as he had delivered the news. Running a hand over her face she had no idea how a parent could go on after finding out that their precious child was lost forever. Sighing she realised how lucky she was that Elin was healthy and safe. Her only child sleeping peacefully in her own room was more reassuring than any words could be. Glancing at her mobile phone she picked it up as the screen flashed that another text message arrived.
'U ok?'
She smiled. Tom was not the easiest man to get along with. He had arrived from London full of anger, haunted and determined to isolate himself. He had immediately made an impression. He cared. Genuinely cared about the team - although it did annoy her when he treated Lloyd and Sian as overgrown school kids. She glanced at the message once more.
"Yes. Go to sleep."
She pressed the send button; knowing he would be in his caravan, wide awake and brooding over the case. It was what he did. DCI Mathias had been like a whirlwind to the small CID. She knew few people other than her knew about the insomnia, the divorce and loss of a child that haunted him. His daughter's death had destroyed him. Her heart broke for the man who had somehow managed to get under her skin in a way no other had. She picked up the phone, wondering if she should call him. The screen flashing that another text message had arrived stopped her in her tracks.
"No chance. Get some rest x"
"I'm coming over." She pressed send before she could stop herself.
"No. Stay there. Elin needs you."
She read the words, desperately wanting to see him but knowing he was right. She smiled slightly.
"She's sleeping. Mam & Dad are here. I'm coming over." She stood up; picking up her jacket before leaving the house. She could imagine the exhaustion on his face and the resigned look when he realised there was nothing he could do to stop her. The haunted, gruff exterior was just that. He wasn't the bull in a china shop Prosser had pegged him as. Impulsive, infuriating and pigheaded - yes but he was also a father that had lost his baby, a copper that felt for every victim and their families. Beneath all the bluster was a good man. She knew that. She just wondered if he did.
Xxxxx
A/N please review.