Disclaimer: I don't own them, sadly. Brian Clemens made 'em up and everything 'round them... except London. I think.
I make no money, I mean no harm.


Settle Down


He's too slow and it has become obvious. Too obvious, and dangerous as well. There is no way Cowley can keep Ray Doyle in streets without jeopardising his life. For him, it is time to settle down behind a desk, a cup of tea at a hand.

Cowley sighs heavily. Doyle is getting old, while Bodie is still alert enough. Bodie is, in fact, at his top form - but that may change any day, because Cowley suspects it is only so because Bodie wants to protect his partner and that he overworks himself. And of course he protects his partner. For years, the two were watching each other's backs, feeling the other's injuries as their own, sometimes even breathing as one.

And now everyone in CI5 just waits for them to be parted. And Cowley waits, bides his time, and he knows he shouldn't. He should end this extraordinary alliance, put Doyle behind a desk and find Bodie another partner. Someone young, strong, fast who will learn from him in those few years before Bodie himself grows too old for streets. Yes, he should do that. But...

Cowley hesitates. Throughout the years he always assumed both Bodie and Doyle knew how good they were. His praise was rare and had to be well earned. Awards... how many times has he awarded them? Cowley hesitates, because he knows how close they have become. It is harder and harder to remember they are two different, independent beings. Maybe they aren't independent any more. But if he doesn't do anything about Doyle soon, there may be no Doyle to worry about, and perhaps even no Bodie. Or no someone else.

He feels his men's - and women's - eyes on himself, waiting. Lives aren't the only thing at stake here. It's his reputation, or, to be more exact, the respect his operatives pay him. His own retirement is hanging right above his head and Cowley suddenly feels he can't evade it anymore. He lets his emotions colour his judgement, he becomes weak and sentimental. It hasn't cost any lives yet, but... But it will, if he carries on like this. And Cowley decides.

He will pull Doyle off the streets, alright. But he will surprise his department for the last time at the same, show them there's more to George Cowley than they think. Doyle will settle down behind a desk, a cup of tea at one hand.

And Bodie at the other.