I actually wrote this one-shot last year, but it fared rather poorly. Since Netflix pulled this series, I'm giving it another go. I hope you all enjoy! Thank you for reading. Reviews much appreciated!
DCI Tom Mathias' life carried more than its fair share of misery. At least, more than the average person should experience. He fled to Aberystwyth to escape his ghosts in London. His young daughter's drowning. His estranged wife, Meg, at her wits end. Filing for divorce, however, it seemed they were never too far behind. Living out of a cramped caravan, overlooking the vast, windswept valleys of the Welsh countryside.
Emotions came to a head when their latest case, involving the death of a young woman. As well as the DI's surreptitious behavior with the victim's mother, Gwen, led to rather unfavorable consequence. Their killer reunited mother and daughter, and it was the straw that broke Mathias' back. Immediately taking an indefinite leave of absence, shifting all his focus and energy to the product of their tryst in the marsh, cloaked by miles of tall sun-bleached grass.
A baby girl, due any day now. In some ways, it brought him comfort after a tragedy. However, this was a double-edge sword. Especially considering Gwen's rather estranged husband, Ewan Thomas. He was hotheaded and unpredictable, the fact he unwittingly stumbled upon the affair. It was only a matter of time until he struck. When and where remained indeterminate.
With Prosser breathing down his neck, combined with his own stubborn willfulness. It was finally time to return to the small seaside precinct. If only for a brief moment. He felt his daughter begin to stir, a tiny foot lashing out on his right side. Mathias chuckled softly, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips. A hand brushing over the area receiving the blow.
"Calm down, sweetheart. We're going"
It went without saying, no one expected him back. Tom was certain he would get an earful from partner, DI Rhys. Mared liked to seem superior to others, as if she had no flaws. But just like everyone else in their little circle. She too, had skeletons. The team had seemingly hit a dead end in their Devil's Bridge case. Combing back through case files and re-interviewing suspects. Mathias slowly enters the evidence room, eyes wandering, surveying the witness photos tacked to the wall. To the sprawling map, detailing Ceredigion and surrounding areas.
He gives a heavy sigh and leans on the edge of one of the desks. Noticing movement outside, young DC, Lloyd Ellis, enters the room. Carrying a few case files under his arm. Looking up momentarily, immediately stopping in his tracks. Appearing as though his eyes were about to fall from his skull once realizing the DI looked close to dropping.
"Oh...sir! You...you're back!..I didn't realize you were.."
"Pregnant, Ellis?"
He supplied with a humored smile and light chuckle. The awkward young man, pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
"Uh..yes, it's good to have you back, sir. And congrats"
"Good to be back, and thank-"
"Tom, in my office, immediately"
Prosser suddenly appeared, cutting him off at the knees. It seemed not everyone was delighted with the idea of having him back. He gives a heavy sigh, following the Chief Superintendent's lead. Along the way he passed DS, Owens, appearing almost, if not more, stunned than Lloyd. "Sir, you're back" she smiled. But it was hardly a time for catching up, especially considering now Mared was on his tail.
"Where the Hell have you been?! And how do you explain tha-"
"That'll be all, DI Rhys. Return to your station"
He snapped in agitation. He'd be damned to allow her to barge her way to interrogating one of their own. She had an unwelcome tendency to take command, even when it wasn't asked of her. Her lips drew together, as if refraining to say something she knew could possibly land her in hot water.
"We're not through yet"
She murmured as they passed. He growled under his breath and pressed forward.
"Tom, shut the door"
Prosser demanded with a tired tone. Collapsing into his office chair as if he were made of liquid. He gives a heavy sigh, running a rough hand over his face.
"Sir, what's this about?"
The older man appeared exasperated already with his questions. Even if it was just the one.
"I think you know. Tom, we can't have our DIs getting involved with victims. This accident has to be addressed. I suggest you relinquish the child t-
"HOW DARE YOU CALL MY DAUGHTER AN ACCIDENT!"
Mathias' voice boomed in outrage. The door flew open, he stormed out of the precinct as quickly as his aching tired body would allow. "Tom?" Mared inquired. Genuinely sounding concerned this time. But this time, he gave no notice whatsoever. His daughter was all he was concerned about.
Nightfall began to blanket the sleepy Welsh town. He returned to his lowly caravan. Devastated by the sight. Absolutely engulfed in flames. "NOooo!" He screamed, rushing to try and save the picture of his daughter. The intense heat stung his face, all he could do was watch, gut-wrenching, as the photo was eaten before his very eyes. He could feel the hot tears beginning to well. Just then, he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. Doubling over in pain, as contractions now were taking over, he was powerless to stop them.
He figured Ewan thought the DI was still in the RV when he set it ablaze. How fortunate that wasn't the case. Gradually, he made his way back to the car. Breathing slowly and deeply. The pain continuing to build. As quickly as he could, he rang Mared for help. Despite her initial reaction upon his return, he knew these were never her true feelings. It was simply out of hurt and frustration.
"Tom? Are you all right?"
Her voice was panic stricken. The DI inadvertently gave a hiss of pain as another sharp contraction hit.
"The baby..sh..she's coming..the caravan's gone"
"I'll be there as soon as possible. Don't move!"
He could feel the cold beads of sweat trickle down his forehead, the contractions becoming closer together. He grits his teeth, feeling as though his body was completely siphoned of its energy. Just then, his saving grace. Catching a glance of bright headlights jaggedly filter over the rolling landscape. She pulled up behind the DI's car, practically flying from her seat. She raced over, even the fur lining on the hood of her coat was rustled in the frenzy. Carrying a couple fresh towels and a small med kit.
"Tom!"
She appeared alongside him. Gently guiding him from the passenger side to the back. She knew instantly whom was responsible for the destruction of his home.
"Ewan's work? The twisted bastard"
All Mathias could do was somberly nod his head. Just as he was settled into the back, he felt a dampness between his legs. Signaling his water had finally broken. Gritting his teeth, hoping his endorphins would perhaps finally take the helm. Although this was more-so wishful thinking on his part. His pants were removed, the one towel acting as additional comfort. Whilst the other was reserved to swaddle the baby. Another sharp contraction nearly knocked the wind out of him.
"I can see the head! You've got this! Just a few more pushes"
Mathias slammed his eyes shut, as if any remaining energy had long since dissipated with the sweat. He groaned in agony, his body pushing her further along. Another powerful contraction, finally passing her shoulders. He cries in pain. Feeling Mared's hand overlap his in comfort and support.
"Don't give up. She's almost here"
A small, but tired smile graced her face. Somehow, he found it within himself to return the sentiment, although not nearly as powerful. He bored down once more, this time, it finally paying off. The small sedan immediately filling with the sharp cries of an infant. Mared on the brink of tears herself.
"You did it, Tom! She's here!"
She beamed. Quickly, she went to work severing the umbilical cord that still connected them. Before wrapping the tiny, helpless newborn in the reserved towel. Mathias could finally feel his breathing steadily returning to something resembling normal. His heart nearly bursting from his chest the second he laid eyes on her. The baby girl's wails had waned as Mared gingerly placed her into her father's awaiting arms. Like a landslide, a single tear finally broke free and ran down his cheek.
"She..she's absolutely perfect"
The words barely able to leave his lips as he felt himself choke up. She had Gwen's beautiful bluish green eyes, and her daddy's dark hair. Mared smiled, watching as this once broken father's heart was beginning to mend. He gently placed a kiss atop her head.
"Does she have a name?"
Came a soft voice. Ever so gently, Tom stroked the downy soft wisps of jet black hair and smiled. Feeling his own voice cracking slightly.
"Carys"
"Welsh for beloved"
She choked in response. Watching as the baby girl was finally drifting off to sleep. She lays a comforting hand over Tom's, once more. Finally, he could let go of the ghosts that had plagued him for so long. Mared brushes a strand of dark auburn hair behind her ear, a worn smile returning.
"She's beautiful, Tom. It's time to start a new chapter"
∼ The End ∼