Part 5 of 10
Station veranda
As Richard tests the sunscreen, Dwayne comes out onto the veranda and sits down beside him.
Richard opens one eye then closes it again. Dwayne leans forward and speaks soft and low, a bit hesitantly, "Camille's been fillin' us in on what's been goin' on, Chief. Dont' be mad at her. She just wants us to know what's what. You understand?"
The Chief sighs, "Yes, I understand. I had hoped my past would never rear its ugly head again but…"
Dwayne snorts, "Oh, it's ugly, all right! It's like a soap opera or a really bad novel. How do people get away with this sorta behaviour? I don't know if I could keep my cool with someone attackin' me alla time. You're very good at it, you know… an' he still doesn't suspect?"
"I believe not… although I'm going to bite right through my tongue if he upbraids me once more."
"Ah, Chief, we got a sayin' down here… 'If talk worth shillin', silence worth pound'. He's tryin' to lead you astray and you are keepin' quiet and followin' the scent. He's no match for you. His little shillin' can't trump your pound." Dwayne snorts a laugh, "Hell! His pound can't trump your shillin'!"
Richard smiles, "Thanks for that, Dwayne. I will endeavour to remember it."
Dwayne stands, "You do that, Chief. Now, me and Fidel are goin' into town to track down some of those fine ideas you came up with. Be back soon."
Richard nods and watches his officers leave. Camille comes out and tells him she is going into the back building to dig through some old files for information about Ronnie Stewart and she'll just be a moment. He nods again and is just relaxing into the quiet of the afternoon when an insolent little snapping noise causes him to open his eyes and he is once again under attack.
Yes, under attack but no longer unprepared and weaponless.
If talk worth shillin', silence worth pound.
This truism rings in Richard's head as he takes Anderson's abuse there on the veranda. If he retaliates in any way, he might tip his hand. He might put the wind up Dougie and Dougie might slip the noose. So… for the sake of his case… and for the sake of seeing this swine behind bars where he truly belongs… Richard clamps his teeth on his tongue and takes it.
Yeah, he keeps quiet and takes it like a man! How many times has he practiced that hated maxim? Too many times… and most of those times were at this man's hands. Only the faith and support of his team plus the certain knowledge that Dougie is somehow behind the murder keeps Richard silent.
Richard clenches his fists behind his back where Anderson can't see. The man is a moron and a despicable human being but he is clever in his way. Richard cannot give the slightest hint of the careful case he is trying to set up... a trap to catch a pig.
But Anderson's cheap shot about never being married or even having a girlfriend… that almost made Richard lose control. How DARE he?! It's one thing to disparage my intelligence and ridicule me professionally, but to sneer at my MANHOOD? What's next? Sexual preference? Bestiality? Nothing this man says would surprise me anymore. Truly! Nothing!
Richard takes a shuddery breath and thanks his lucky stars that he and Camille had had their little talk earlier. Dougie doesn't know about Camille, does he? No, and he mustn't! Anything and everything would be ammunition in this man's hands… but afterwards… oh, yes, afterwards… when Dougie is jugged up good and proper… won't it just KILL him to find out about Dickie Boy and Camille? It is just too delicious! These thoughts help Richard endure the abuse with a firmer resolve.
And when Dougie finally runs out of breath or patience and storms off, Camille is there! Richard starts when he sees her, Oh, Christ! Did she hear everything? Please, if there IS a God and if he is INDEED merciful… but, no, he can tell by her face that she heard enough. Maybe enough to ruin his burgeoning chances with her? After all, what woman as feisty as this wants a punching-bag for a mate?
He hates his life.
Into the hot embarrassed silence between them she says, "He's not a very nice man, is he?"
He wills his body to cool down, breathe, relax from the death-tight full-body clench that he'd suffered during the entire confrontation. "No, he isn't," he manages and tries to pass her to go into the office.
Her firm grip on his forearm forestalls him. As much as he does NOT want her to see his eyes, he raises them in silent question. He knows instantly that she sees his anguish and impotent anger – he sees it and is amazed at what follows.
Her eyes flash and her mouth is a slash of hatred. He's sure her hair is standing on end too. He checks and her pupils are dilated and her skin is pale. This is fight or flight and, if he has to guess and, knowing this is Camille, she chooses to FIGHT! "We have to talk soon as the men get back. No argument."
"Camille, please! I've had enough bullying for one day…"
Her hand cinches around his wrist and the strength of her grip surprises him, "Call me a bully if you want but I'm NOTHING compared to what I just witnessed! How DARE he? That man deserves a bullet right between the eyes! And you're perfectly right… if he isn't guilty, he SHOULD be!"
They go inside and wait for Dwayne and Fidel's return. It is very hard to meet his officers' eyes but their outrage and umbrage is plain to see as Camille relates the latest personal assault almost word for word. They are all on HIS side! He is suddenly so grateful to this island and its people.
Oh, he is NEVER going back!
END – part 5
