A short interlude featuring Harry and ... well, it's a surprise.


As dogs do, Scarlet had known that all was not as it usually was when Harry came home from hospital, and she still spent most of her time sitting as close to him as possible. Scarlet saw herself as his protector, there to watch over him. She was also reveling in the extra time he was able to spend with her, now that he was forced to be at home. Some days it seemed no amount of encouragement would entice her to leave his side. Harry found he had to practically throw her out into the garden for some exercise.

At the precise moment the bell rang at his front door, Harry was standing at the back door talking to Scarlet, having just given her dinner. "Go on, girl. I'm alright. You go out and have a walk ... I'll go and see who's at the door." He gently scooted her out with his foot and closed the door, shaking his head with a chuckle at her reluctance.

Down the hallway Harry could see a tall shadow through the glass in the front door. Not Ruth early to check up on me then. He made his way casually down the hall, the bell ringing again as the caller demonstrated either uncertainty at his being home, or impatience at the time he was taking to respond.

Reaching the door, Harry looked through the eye-hole and was astonished at whom he saw waiting. He unbolted the deadlock and another lock, and swung the door open. "Home Sec-, er ..."

"Nick. Just Nick is fine, Harry," said Nicholas Blake, holding out his hand with a wry smile.

Harry overcame his surprise, and shook Blake's hand. "Please … come in." He opened the door wider, gesturing with an open palm, and stood back as the former Home Secretary stepped inside.

It had been several weeks since they had last seen or spoken to each other. Back when Nicholas Blake had walked out of his office to face the media over his controversial and abrupt departure from Parliament. Harry was certainly startled by Blake's appearance on his doorstep, but not unpleasantly so.

Having led the way into the living room, Harry hesitated and stood awkwardly for a moment before offering Blake a drink. Blake accepted and stood, also awkwardly, in the middle of the room, as Harry poured a mineral water for himself and a large whiskey for Blake.

"Not allowed any of the hard stuff yet," Harry said, assuming Blake had heard what had happened. "Four weeks down, one more to go." His face was tainted with frustration as he spoke, handing the glass to Blake, then nodding toward the lounge chairs and moving to sit down.

"I guess not. That's, er, that's partly why I'm here. I heard what happened. You know how it is, word gets around, even where I am these days. And I just, er, thought I should drop by and say hello. See how you are."

"Thank you." Harry smiled. "I appreciate it."

"Well, I'd like to think we're friends Harry. We've been through a lot together. Slightly different perspectives sometimes I know, we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I like to think we've always respected and trusted each other."

Blake looked a bit embarrassed expressing such sentiments openly, so Harry rescued him. "We are friends. And I really do appreciate your concern. I'm doing well, and making good progress so I'm told. Frustrated by all the restrictions, but I'm well." They both laughed, Blake understanding the point Harry was making.

"Yes, I imagine so. I've never seen you as idle, or the sit back and relax type, Harry."

"No, that's really not me. Though under present circumstances, I've no choice in the matter. I have both the doctor and my own team conspiring to keep me out of circulation."

"It is a shame, but I'm sure they just prefer to see your health fully restored and have you back in fighting form."

"Yes, well." Harry decided it was time to deflect the conversation. "And what about you? Have you been keeping busy?"

Blake smiled at Harry, cognisant of his strategy, but content to play along. "Most of the time. Takes a bit of getting used to, retirement. But I've managed to find enough to fill the days. Been playing a bit of golf, spending quality time with my grandson. And I've been writing … my, er, memoirs." Blake watched Harry carefully for his reaction.

"Memoirs?" Harry raised his eyebrows a little. "No doubt that will have more than a few people quaking in their boots when they hear. I look forward to reading them."

"Yes, I imagine you're right. You might get a mention or two of course," Blake said with knowing grin. "The whole thing is quite cathartic actually, reflecting on my life, the idealistic early years in politics and all that. It's a slow process though, and I haven't fully decided what to put in and what to leave out ... Nightingale, for instance."

Aha, now we're getting to the point, thought Harry, nodding with a half-smile as Blake continued.

"I'm aware that the situation probably hasn't been resolved. And I know that when I first came to you about the warning I was given, I wasn't completely forthcoming ..."

"I understand, Home ... sorry, Nick. We all have our sources."

"Yes, but I'd like to tell you now, if you don't mind. I think it's necessary. I don't want to be the only one carrying that information around. We both know what it can mean. And the information could prove beneficial to resolving the situation."

"Agreed," Harry nodded in response to Blake's questioning look. "Who was it?"

"Jeremy Cartwright, the American Ambassador."

Blake went on to explain the circumstances surrounding his conversation with the Ambassador, and they sat in silence for a minute or two. Blake watched Harry processing, then Harry nodded firmly, a declaration that he understood and the subject was now closed.

Harry and Blake chatted sociably for a while. They debated the pros and cons of the latest European Union appointment to the UN. And commiserated with each other over the English cricket team's dismal performance against the Australians, each declaring they could have easily scored more runs than the current opening batsmen. Then Blake shared a story about his four-year-old grandson Samuel's escapade climbing a tree, and Harry admitted he wasn't ready to move into the grandparent stage of life himself just yet.

As Blake left, they agreed to meet for dinner. Harry would visit Blake and his wife at their house, and was invited to bring someone if he wanted to, though Blake was careful to insist there was no obligation to do so. Harry promised to phone and confirm arrangements in a week or two, and actually found himself looking forward to the prospect.


Ok, so it wasn't Ruth. But she will return in the next chapter, I promise.

Harry and Nicholas Blake were a great on-screen combination.

When I re-read this before posting, I had a little spin out, because I saw a kind of parallel with their scene in series 9. My version is obviously quite different to what the new series has to say about the outcome of their relationship, but I like it and it's actually one of my favourite bits of this story.