Monsieur Madeline was taking a stroll down the street when he saw him. People who were watching would think it odd that the mayor had frozen in horror in the middle of a busy street. His first reaction was to assume that his true identity had been discovered but when the man walked by without saying a word, he realised that it was just coincidence.

It was just coincidence that the police officer who had promised to hunt him down had just walked by him. Javert hadn't changed much in the years since he had last seen him. He had a few more lines on his face and a couple of grey hairs.

He had went for the walk to clear his head after there had been a fight in his factory. The foreman was not to be trusted but he had a headache and was very tired. The walk was meant to make him feel better, not worse.

The day passed quickly without event and he found himself unable to sleep that night. He sat in his drawing room , staring out of the window at the city below. Suddenly he knew exactly what he was going to do.

#

He went to the other end of town and found a bar where he knew nobody would care that he was the mayor. The barman raised an eyebrow when he walked in but made no comment. After buying a drink he sat down in the far corner of the dimly lit room.

It took him a few minutes to realise that someone was sitting at the table next to him. The man was practically invisible until he leaned forward slightly.

"Not exactly an appropriate for the mayor."

A surge of panic overcame him. He had recognised the voice immediately.

"Or a police officer, for that matter."

There was a small chuckled from the shadows. Then Javert leaned forward and turned to face the mayor.

"And how did you know I was a police officer?" he asked.

"Instinct," Valjean snapped, unable to think of a proper reason.

Javert gave him an odd look but it was quickly replaced by a small grin. Valjean was relatively sure that he had no idea of the mayor's true identity.

"Would you care to join me for a drink?" Valjean offered, beckoning to the seat across from him, which Javert promptly moved to sit on.

"So what exactly are you doing here? If you don't mind me asking."

"I couldn't sleep," Valjean replied, "I wanted a walk and a drink. This seemed like the ideal place. And what about you, Inspector?"

"I don't usually drink," he sighed, "But today I just felt like I needed it."

Valjean didn't want to pry so he didn't push Javert for more information. Javert removed his hat and relaxed into the chair.

"I can only apologise for not introducing myself properly!" Javert exclaimed, "I'm Inspector Javert."

They shook hands over the table and both smiled slightly.

For a couple of hours they sat there, talking about anything and everything. At first Valjean was careful not to drink too much in case he gave something away. However, after a while he lost count of the drinks and found himself rather drunk. Javert, too, was drunk. He had loosened his neck tie, taken off his jacket and was slightly slumped onto the table.

"I think," Valjean paused, "I better be getting home."

"Ah yesh," Javert slurred slightly, stumbling to his feet.

Valjean got to his feet but tripped and fell into Javert, who caught him before he could fall. Once he regained his composure they found themselves standing very close. He could feel Javert's breath against his cheek. Javert looked him up and down, his eyes lingering on his chest.

Then Javert spun around and led the way out of the bar, then into the deserted streets. Valjean sighed. What he was doing was very dangerous yet Valjean was enjoying himself for the first time in years.