The course of true love never did run smooth
The middle-aged couple got off the plane tired from the long flight. After passport control, they picked up their luggage, 1 suitcase for him and 2 for her. Shambling off to customs they joined the mob.
Lu turned to Frank and said. "Frank, I'm exhausted. Please let's go to the hotel and rest in bed for a day."
"Well we could do some other things in bed," was Frank's reply.
"Easy tiger," replied Lu with a chuckle.
They went through customs and went out to get a cab with the rest of the passengers. Frank saw it first a jeep coming in with 3 occupants at high speed then when he saw the gun he instinctively tackled Lu to the ground. Before Lu could get a word out they heard the gunshots. They both took in the scene as the police responded.
DI Jack Mooney was concerned, there had been a murder at the airport. This would be big with huge repercussions for St. Marie. Commissioner Patterson had already called to remind him, not that he needed it. So it was all hands as they questioned the witnesses he took the British couple as he hoped to make a better connection with them.
After introductions, he asked, "Is there anything you can tell me?"
Frank responded, "Well, a jeep with 3 occupants came in at high speed when I saw the gun I tackled my wife."
"Very good" replied Jack "Any other details?"
Frank replied, "I managed to get the license plate and read off the number he wrote on the ticket."
Lu broke in "Also it was a tan color and the right front set had on one of those umm 'Bob Marley' hats."
"You're a mighty observant couple," replied Jack Mooney his brogue rising with his suspicions.
"Oh we're private investigators replied Lu. Shakespeare and Hathaway," she handed him a card.
Jack asked, "On the job?"
"Retired DI," replied Frank.
Jack looked at Lu she gave a wan smile and said "Retired hairdresser."
"Well then are you here on a case then?"
"No," replied Frank "it's our honeymoon."
"Well thank you for your information. Where can I find you if I have additional questions?" They gave him their hotel information and left.
The next morning it looked bad. The guys killed turned out to be career criminals. Drug smugglers to be exact. They looked to be trying to set something up on the island. After getting everybody their jobs for the day Jack went over to Lu and Franks hotel. He found Lu and Frank enjoying a late breakfast.
"Good morning inspector. Please join us," said Lu Jack sat down
"Good morning how are you two enjoying paradise?"
"Quite well thank you," replied Frank.
"Care to join us for breakfast or a drink?"
Jack smiled "Thank you. I've had me breakfast and am, on duty now."
"How is the case going?" asked Frank
"A bit challenging that's for sure. That's why I came to talk to you folks." he continued "I called Arden last night and spoke to a DI Marlowe. I believe she used to be your junior."
"How is Christina doing?" asked Lu
"Well, she seemed to be a bit annoyed at hearing your names. But she did confirm your story. Said she was at the wedding herself."
"Ok," replied Frank.
"Well, she told me a couple of other things. That you used to be one of the best and were still as she put it." Jack paused "A jammy sod. She also said she wouldn't put it past you to be taking a case on your honeymoon."
"No judge of talent that woman," replied Frank .
"I wonder what she said of me?" asked Lu
"Well, she said you have a first-class brain and a keen eye. Also that you are one of the best at getting information out of people she ever met."
"Now I know she's no judge of talent," said Frank to no one in particular.
Mooney continued "I don't care if you are on a case or not. But we have a very small department." he paused. "If you do see anything I would appreciate it if you would let me know."
"Of course inspector," replied Lu.
"Glad to help," replied Frank. Inspector Mooney left.
"Makes a change," said Lu as they continued a relaxing morning.
For the next few days, they enjoyed a nice honeymoon. Lu laid out in the sun and started to get a golden tan. Frank got a mild sunburn. Then he listened to Lu about sunscreen. They ate drank and made love. Exactly what you would expect on a tropical honeymoon. On the fifth day, they rented a jeep for the day to do a little exploring of the island.
As they drove around suddenly Frank said "Lu"
Lu responded "I see it, Frank. Should we follow it?"
"Yes," responded Frank.
Jack Mooney had been having some bad days. The killers had disappeared. They checked around the island but nothing. He talked to Florence, JP and Ruby had been asking everyone with no results. They didn't have a single good lead. Commissioner Patterson kept asking about results and Mooney was forced to admit he had nothing.
"Commissioner if we find them we can catch them but we have to find them." he finally said. "We just need a break and we haven't got one yet." Finally, one day while going over the case again with Florence his phone rang. He didn't recognize the number so he answered it with "Mooney"
"Inspector, Frank Hathaway. You asked us to call you if we found anything. Well, we found your Jeep and set up surveillance on it."
"What!" replied Jack "That's very dangerous Frank these men are killers. Tell us where you are and get out."
"Oh don't worry." said Frank "We do this all the time Lu is very good at this. Frank gave his location Come get me and let's catch these crooks."
Lu meanwhile was watching the house carefully getting every detail. But she got tunnel vision only paying attention to the house and not her surroundings. All of a sudden there was a rap on her window surprised she turned only to find herself looking down the barrel of a pistol.
Jack could only get a couple of other officers to come with to help with the arrest. They had to move fast. They showed up in two cars and went to the house. The jeep was still there but otherwise, it was quiet. There was no sign of Lu which worried them. They crept up on the house and kicked in the door and nothing. The house was empty it looked like they left in a hurry.
"JP get the fingerprint kit." said Inspector Mooney "Let's get what we can."
All of a sudden Frank's mobile rang. He looked and saw Lu on the screen. He answered it saying "Lu where are you?"
"Listen copper and listen good said a voice in a Caribbean accent." Frank put the speakerphone on motioning for quiet. "We got your partner and her car. But we trade em bot for a boat at dusk."
"How can I get a boat?" replied Frank
"Well copper you gets da boat or da casket your choice," came the reply.
"Ok I'll try. but I have to talk to Lu," said Frank.
"You better watch what you asking"
Frank cut him off "I have to have proof she's alive or no deal."
"Ok copper but no funny business."
Lu came on "Oh Frank I'm scared they will kill me if you try to track me. Please just do as they say." the voice came back on
"We call you, we tell you where. Don't try anyting funny or da lady cop gets it." The mobile went dead.
Jack Mooney said "Florence let's you Frank and I get to the station. Ruby, JP see what you can find here and meet us back there."
They drove back in silence. They were all worried about Lu. Back at the station they went to work and found a boat they could use. Also, they went over things trying to see what happened. They called Commissioner Patterson to see if they could get some help for a hostage rescue. They went over the words of the call with the kidnappers trying to see if they could make any sense. Somewhere in the middle of this Ruby and JP returned. They had some good evidence but nothing helpful. They had just disappeared again. This time with Lu.
Finally, Florence spoke up "One thing bothers me about what your wife said."
"What do you mean?" asked Frank
"She said don't try to track me. That is a bit unusual for English I would have thought she would say don't try to find me."
Jack replied "Florence people talk in different ways. It may not mean anything."
Frank was sitting there thinking and then he exploded. "Bloody hell! Of course." They looked at Frank as he continued. "We've got them. Bloody bastards will pay for this."
"Frank, what are you talking about?" Asked Jack in a very puzzled manner.
"Sorry I've been a bit numpty." Replied Frank
"They have Lu's mobile. We all have tracking software on our mobiles in case of trouble. All we have to do is track her mobile."
"Ahh" replied Jack "But how do we do that, and what if her mobile is off."
"It will track even if the phone is off it comes up and listens for a signal. If that signal is on then it discretely powers up and will start tracking. It won't even look like the mobile is on but it will work like a GPS tracker"
Ruby spoke up "What software are you using?"
"Trackwell," replied Frank.
"Oh I know that one!" replied Ruby moving to a computer to log in.
As she logged she asked Frank "Do you have the number and passcode?" Frank pulled a piece of paper out of his wallet and gave her the codes.
JP asked, "Ruby how do you know about that software?"
Ruby replied as she was logging in. "My cousin was worried about her Fiance he claimed to be working two jobs but she thought he was fooling around. We put the software on his mobile and tracked him."
"What did you find?" asked JP
"He was working two jobs to pay for the wedding also the ring. My cousin married him. They have 3 kids now."
JP shook his head "Remind me not to let you near my mobile."
Ruby shot back. "Oh JP I already told Rosie you are the most married man I know." In spite of himself, Frank chuckled and shook his head.
"That's our Ruby, always full of surprises." said Jack Mooney They watched the screen in silence, and then BEEP "Tracking Active" appeared on the screen. Ruby expertly located her mobile.
Jack's mobile rang and he answered it. "Commissioner Patterson is on his way with our GIGN squad." He told them.
"GIGN you mean the hostage rescue folks?" asked Frank "Yes we have a small unit that trains for it here," replied Jack.
Ruby said, "Who did you rent the car from?" Frank told her.
"Let me make a quick phone call," she replied The team arrived with Commissioner Patterson. Jack Mooney quickly brought them up to speed then Ruby came in.
"Inspector we've got them I called the rental car company and they have GPS trackers with Ignition locks." "They are sending someone over now to assist us." They sat down and planned their response. They would take them on the way to the boat. In the meantime, they would have surveillance on Lu to keep her safe. Two of the team left for that. They started to get ready and
Commissioner Patterson spoke. "Inspector Mooney we can't take a civilian with us on this," he said pointing to Frank.
Jack responded, "Commissioner we're not exactly overmanned on this operation, also Mr. Hathaway is a retired DI."
"I know." Replied the commissioner so "I brought something. Mr. Hathaway could you stand and repeat after me." Frank stood and the commissioner read the oath while Frank repeated it.
"Welcome aboard Reserve Officer Hathaway." The commissioner handed him a badge. Frank took it and pinned it on.
He told Commissioner Patterson "Thank you, sir."
"Officer Hooper." continued the commissioner "Please see to it that Officer Hathaway has the equipment he needs." While Frank got kitted up the team tracked Lu's phone marking locations for attention later in the day.
Frank's phone rang. It was Lu's number. Frank picked it up on speaker. "Hello."
He heard Lu's voice "Frank it's me they want the boat at Pirates beach at dusk. They will come and if the boat is ok they will let me go."
"Lu are you ok?" asked Frank. "I will be if they get their boat. Bye" said Lu as she hung up.
Frank looked at Jack he chuckled "Clever bastards. That's a tough beach to track them," They got ready and loaded up. They plotted routes and then made plans. Then they loaded up. Ruby stayed with the rental car guy. The GIGN squad and Jack, Florence, and Frank in a car. They waited to track the Jeep's movements. They would use cell phones it would be radio silence until they attacked the car.
As they rolled Frank sat nervously in the back seat. Jack drove Florence sat in the passenger seat with her pistol and also Jack's pistol ready to provide cover fire if needed. Frank's job was simple. Pull Lu in the car close the door and tell them to leave. He would also help with any minor first aid and assess if they needed more. He had done this kind of thing before in drills and even a time or two for real. He shouldn't be nervous but he was. This was his Lu and he didn't want to lose her. Jack Mooney had noticed and before they left said to him.
"Frank there's no harm in staying behind if you don't feel you can do it."
Frank stared back at Jack and said "Do you really believe that?"
"No... I really don't." replied Jack "But we can't have you letting us down Frank. You yourself know how dangerous it can be."
Frank replied "It's nerves. I'll be fine when it happens."
"Ok" replied Jack. They left and drove to the ambush point.
Lu was driving the Jeep with the crooks beside and behind her. They were extremely nervous and she was scared. She didn't have much hope of survival but at least she married a man that loved her. She opened the window slightly so that she could scream and hopefully someone would hear her. It might help them find the crime scene. As she drove the car stopped on the display the message showed "Vehicle Disabled". She felt a hard bump from the back of the car. Not knowing what else to do she screamed at the top of her lungs. Just in time to catch some mace. Blinded, Coughing, crying and totally disoriented she felt hands pull her out of the jeep and take her to another car. She then got pulled in and heard a voice that sounded like Frank saying "Go Go Go" and the car moved.
Someone then started working on her and she heard Frank saying "Lu are you ok?" As he washed the mace off her. She started to recover and could see that it was Frank with Jack Mooney in the front and someone else with them.
"What happened?" she asked.
"You just got rescued," replied Jack Mooney.
"I must look an awful sight," she said.
"You look fine to me Luv," said, Frank.
Jack continued "We're headed to the station to debrief you. The force is going to be doing some raiding tonight and any information you have would be very helpful."
Lu replied, "I'll be very glad to help." "Hi I'm Sargent Florence Cassell," said Florence introducing herself.
"Pleased to meet you," replied Lu.
"May I ask why you screamed?" said Florence.
"Well not much else to do. Screaming would help distract. Also if someone heard it you might be able to find the location at least. But mainly because I didn't know what else to do." Lu replied.
"Monsieur was right you are a brave woman," said Florence.
Back at the Jeep Commissioner Patterson was pleased. His men rescued Lu without a single shot being fired. That would keep things low-key while they cleaned up. This island was his home and he took personal pride in the police force. JP and one of the other officers took the prisoners in while the rest of the team got ready to go raiding. Ruby would stay and process the car.
However Ruby interrupted by asking "Commissioner can I go with the raiding team?" A couple of the men gasped the Commissioner was known as a hard man.
"Officer Patterson you have your orders and I expect you to carry them out." He replied in a harsh tone.
"Yes Sir" she replied clearly upset. He took a very small amount of pity. After all, this was his niece.
He told her "Ruby, it is important that this evidence gets processed properly and tracked properly. Otherwise, our work here will count for nothing."
"Yes Commissioner I will get you a report as soon as I am finished," said Ruby.
"I would expect no less." replied the Commissioner.
Back at the station, Lu cleaned up while Jack made some tea for Frank and him. Florence saw Lu grimace when she saw the tea and quickly asked "Would you like something else?"
"You wouldn't happen to have some Earl Grey would you?" asked Lu
"We have some French Earl Grey." replied Florence "Would you like some?"
"Yes, that would be lovely," replied Lu.
Jack broke in "We have the raiding team out we tracked your cellphone and got your locations. Can you tell us some names and who you saw so that we can clean this up properly. Whatever you've got we can use."
Lu took a sip of tea "Oh that is a lovely tea." she said to Florence.
"Now inspector I wasn't there long but I have three names" she gave the names and everything else she remembered including license plates and descriptions of the people she saw and their cars. Lu's good memory was on full display. Florence was checking things out and communicating with Commissioner Patterson and the raid team. They added one more location, based on Lu's info.
"How did you get caught?" asked DI Mooney
"Well they crept up on me while I wasn't paying attention"
Frank jumped in "Lu you can't do that. You could have gotten killed."
Jack jumped in "Hold on Frank. We're trying to get information here, you can talk about that later."
"All right," said Frank a bit upset. They finished up and then left the station to visit Catherine's place for a nightcap. They all needed one.
They intended to just have one quick drink and leave but…. The night just kept going. First Ruby and JP showed up. Of course, they just couldn't leave so they stayed for another drink and to hear the results. Then Commissioner Patterson and the GIGN team showed up and it became a full-on celebration. It seemed there was about to be a drug war on the island. A drug war that would not happen because most of the combatants were now in jail. They had not only solved the case but destroyed a budding crime ring on the island. Lu and Frank each bought the hostage rescue guys a round.
Commissioner Patterson said to Lu and Frank "We thank you for your most able assistance. Is there anything we can do for you to show our thanks?"
"Oh I would absolutely love a spa day" replied Lu Florence broke in "Oh I know the perfect place. I'll give you the address."
Now it was the Commissioner's turn "Why don't you take her there?"
"Commissioner I do have to work," replied Florence.
"Sargent, Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway are here on their honeymoon. I am certain they did not come to take a working vacation." He continued "We do owe them a great debt."
"Yes sir" replied Florence with a smile "Well I don't need a bloody spa day." broke in Frank.
Jack Mooney held up a hand to stop him and said "Commissioner do you think we could arrange a spot of fishing for Mr. Hathaway here."
"I think so." came the reply.
"Would there be any beer involved?" said Frank
"There might be." replied Jack with a smile
"Sounds good" replied Frank.
"Ok then, I'll pick you up tomorrow" Jack responded
They finally left and went back to the hotel. Frank was still a bit upset at Lu for getting caught and as they were getting ready for bed he said: "Lu you can't forget situational awareness you could have died."
Lu was in no mood for it so she replied a bit sharply "Frank I know. I think being kidnapped and maced will stay in my memory. I have no desire to repeat that."
"Ok. But mind you don't forget," said Frank.
"Frank drop it. Just shut up and hug me." Frank hugged her and they fell asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning Jack Mooney picked them up early but not too early. They dropped off Lu at the spa and Jack and Frank went to the boat. After a successful morning fishing, they went to get cleaned up. That afternoon they met up at Catherine's and sat drinking beers slowly and mostly talking. Stories about their police pasts were flying around with a lot of laughter. They had a lot in common. Jack also enjoyed having a mate to yarn with.
Finally Frank said, "Jack were you ever married?"
Jack paused "I'm a widower Frank."
"Sorry" replied Frank "But I have a serious question and you might be the man to ask."
Jack chuckled "Ok then. Tell Father Jack all about it."
"I'm serious Jack, do you ever regret being married?"
Jack replied "Frank, the only regret I have is that it ended too soon. My Kathy would have loved this place."
"That's good to know," replied Frank.
"Oh, marriage has it's challenges have no doubt. But if you can work through them it's wonderful on the other side," said Jack. "But anyway how did you two ever meet?"
"Ahh now there's a yarn," replied Frank.
"Well we have the time for it." replied Jack "Catherine, another round while we hear the story of Shakespeare and Hathaway." Catherine brought two more beers and since it was quiet stayed nearby to listen. Frank told the story of Lu coming to his office her marriage and the murder of her husband. Then the story of her not wanting to do hair anymore and becoming a detective. Jack was shaking his head at the end. "I've never heard a story like that. Catherine, have you ever heard of such a thing?"
"Mon Dieu I have not." Replied Catherine "I have never even read it in a romance novel."
"Did you just fall in love working together?" asked Jack
"No that's part two," replied Frank and told the story they had just gone through.
"She's a smart one too." said Jack "Frank, I think you two are made for each other. I might add that anyone else would have to be Barking Mad to get involved with either of you."
Catherine shook her head "I don't always agree with Inspector Mooney. But, I think he is correct this time."
Jack finally ended it by saying "She loves you, Frank. Just love her back and you'll be fine." They sat quietly drinking and watching the ocean.
A bit later Florence and Lu arrived. Frank and Jack rose from their seats and Jack said "Ahh Frank have you ever seen such lovely ladies?"
Frank was quiet Lu looked stunning. With her golden curls, golden tan, and island clothes she looked amazing. To Frank, she was the prettiest woman on the island. He hugged her and whispered "You never looked lovelier"
Lu just smiled it had been a wonderful day. "How was the fishing?" she asked
"You'll soon find out." said Jack "Catherine is cooking it for supper."
"Really?" said Florence to Catherine
"Oh they had a great catch today," said Catherine.
"Who caught the most?" Asked Lu
"Ahh that would be your husband." replied Jack, "I thought he was going to have them jumping into the boat."
"Really?" said Lu with an air of disbelief.
"I'm a man of many talents," replied Frank. Dinner was wonderful and they all had a great time. The commissioner came by and joined them they had another wonderful night. When they got back to the hotel they definitely celebrated their honeymoon.
The next day they did some shopping and packing. They met their new friends to clean up loose ends and to have a quick drink and Jack promised to take them to the airport for the trip home.
The next morning Jack picked them up early. They went by the police station and it was hugs and tears all around as they said goodbye. Lu was pleased. Back home she was accepted on sufferance as Franks partner, here she was a full-fledged detective on her own. Her confidence had increased.
The ride to the airport was quiet. As they got there Jack said "Well Goodbye you two. Come back any time."
Frank shook hands with Jack saying "Thanks for everything Jack. If you ever need anything give us a call."
"I might just do that," said Jack.
"We would expect it," replied Lu giving him a hug.
They walked into the airport ready to go back to their old lives. Who knew what their next adventure would be. The only certain thing is that Shakespeare and Hathaway would face it together.