While Harry's car was recovered, Dempsey and Makepeace sat in the back seat of Spiking's motor. Dempsey had Superintendent Spikings informed about the accident and he has immediately arrived in person. With a red face, he drove toward the hospital.
"I can't believe what I've heard. That was your idea, or Dempsey? I should suspend you until you drop dead. Maybe I should send you both to New York? I've deserved a reward. You crazy Yank. I could burst with rage. Why didn't you inform me? I expected more from you Sergeant. What needs to happen before you get smarter? We are not in the Wild West. You are a danger to the environment, Lieutenant. Unfortunately, you only have a small laceration. When I'm done with you, you'll wish you were dead. You simply leave the office, and disappear. I stand there like an idiot, because my best team gets out of control. I really thought you have yourselves under control. You are unbelievable, both of you. Do you yearning for death? I should withdraw you from the case!"
Harry guiltily tried to calm her boss. Dempsey had sat back and folded his arms over his chest.
"I'm really sorry, sir. We are both to blame, not only Dempsey. It turned out that Dempsey was right. We have limited the circle of suspects. One of the guests seeks to take my life. I think we can exclude my aunt. There remain four suspects and we are very close. Dempsey is sure that someone has manipulated my car. You can't withdraw us. It is important to me. I want the killer. Dempsey is not always the guilty one. We are a team and both responsible",she said for both, while Dempsey was silent.
"Don't take the blame for that idiot, Makepeace. I know this crazy American perfectly well. What are you going to do? Perhaps you can tell me? Need I to torture you for more informations?"
"Stop it, Boss. Harry is not to blame and I take the responsibility. She didn't deserve to be yelled at. I've exaggerated, " Dempsey said suddenly.
„How can you talk to me like that, Leftanant? Are you totally crazy now? Do you know who you're talking to? I should order you back to London. Your behavior is beneath contempt. What is wrong with you, bloody Yankee? You're a pain in the neck! Who do you think you are? Don't think you are smart! The jury is still out. I'll make you pay for what you did to her. Look at her, she is totally exhausted."
„Don't treat me with kid's gloves, Sir. I'm responsible for myself. It's important that we will now focus entirely on the case. We need to talk to my father. The report will be properly, sir, I promise. I also take care of the other report about Daish. Please don't send Dempsey back to London. I need him . We will answer all your questions when we are back in London after that case. Please, sir, trust us",she asked her boss, earnestly.
"You are now in charge, Sergeant. Then I have hope that you both survive. If there are problems, I expect a call. Have I made myself clear? I can't believe I do it. Another incident that's it. Is that clear? I'll inform you about the investigation of the car. Now get out of here. We are at the hospital. "
Dempsey had already got out but Harry was held back. Spiking's eyes were serious. It was obvious that he was angry and disappointed.
"Take good care of yourself, girl. Years ago I promised your father that nothing happens to you. I break my word only unwillingly. No more unnecessary risks. Dempsey is unpredictable, Harry."
"I can take care of myself and without Dempsey, I was already dead, sir. He is a little unorthodox but the best cop, I know. You are too hard on him. He's not always responsible for everything. He's a great friend and partner", she said in a firm voice and conviction.
"Then keep him under control, Harry. I don't want you to risk everything for his sake. He is not worth it."
„He is worth much more, sir."
With these words, she left the car. Dempsey was already waiting at the entrance.
"What did he say?",he asked.
"He warned me about you, and justifiably so. We must be cautious. I've never seen him so angry. I don't want him to separate us. Not because we are cocky. I say what we do and I hope we can get the chestnuts out of the fire. Before we see my father, we should treat your laceration."
"That's not necessary. It's just a peanuts. Scars are masculine. Do you like scars? I can show you a few. They are on really interesting spots...," he joked, winking.
"Don't overstep the mark, Dempsey. My patience is wearing thin. Let me at least stick a plaster on it."
Harry searched her handbag and found a patch. Dempsey sat on a bench and waited to be patched up. She carefully opened the patch and stuck it on with trembling fingers.
"Do I make ya nervous, Princess?"
"It's enough, Dempsey. Grow up. Your behavior is annoying, " she scolded.
Before she could withdraw her fingers, he took her hand and planted a kiss on it.
"Sorry, Harry. Your closeness makes me do weird things. I can't help it."
"You should. This is truly too much for me. You are distracting me. What can I do to make you finally behaving normally? If "normal" is possible in your case", she said as she demonstrated with her finger inverted commas.
"Maybe a little kiss would be enough, " he whispered, grinning.
Before they knew it, he stood in front of her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He passionately kissed her on her warm, soft lips.
"You make me crazy, " she whispered among the kiss.
"That's my intention, tiger , " he whispered back.
She could not resist him, as much as she wanted to. Again and again she succumbed to the temptation and she slowly realized that it made no sense to defend herself against it.
-TBC-
It could take some time until I'm able to update the next chapter. There is a lot of work to do.
