Over the next few months, Detective Bates had a bit of a rough time settling into the new environment of the Downton Station. Chief Grantham had been welcoming, or course, but some of the staff went out of their way to make him feel not welcome. Captain Carson seemed wary of the fact that Bates was crippled but he was determined to show Carson that he deserved to be there. He needed to convince himself as much as he needed to show Carson. Mr. Molesey, his partner, was a bit clumsy and but was one of the nicer people in the office. And then there was Anna. The moment she stepped into a room with him he felt at ease. With her he was no longer a broken-hearted, crippled man. With her he felt strong and important. She made him remember why he became a detective in the first place. He came into work early just so he could have a few moments with her, and today was no exception.
He walked through the glass double doors and his eyes habitually landed on her on her office door. Hmmm, he wondered the door was open but she wasn't sitting in her usual hunched position at her desk. Maybe she went to the bathroom, he thought. He decided to go ahead and get the coffee started. However, to his surprise, when he opened the breakroom door the strong smell of coffee wafted into his nose. Anna stood humming at the sink washing out the coffee grinder. She turned to him and smiled brightly.
"Good morning, Bates, your coffee is sitting on the table." She said with a nod of her head. He smiled back and chuckled lightly.
"What did I do to deserve this?" He sat down at the table as she shut off the kitchen faucet and grabbed her own cup of coffee.
"Oh nothing," she said slyly, "I've just noticed that you like your coffee strong before you can get any work done, and I was already making mine so…" He smiled and sighed with content after taking a sip. The coffee was perfect and sent a warm, fuzzy feeling throughout his body. Or maybe it was more than the coffee...Good god Bates hold yourself together, man. She's much too good for you. But ohh the way he made her feel…
"Do you always get lost in deep thoughts so early in the morning?" She asked. He couldn't help but laugh. He hoped it wasn't obvious what he had been thinking about.
"Not always, but when I do brood, it's usually something I care about."
"Mmm and what might that be?"
To his relief, Chief Grantham opened the breakroom door before he had the chance to answer.
"Oh hello! Bates, Smith." He said acknowledging them individually. "Smith, I assume I'll be seeing you on Saturday for Mary's Birthday?"
"Yes. Of course. I'll be there early to help."
Mary was Chief Grantham's daughter who Anna had become quite close with over the years. Grantham turned suddenly and faced Bates.
"Why don't you join us Bates? It's been far too long since you've seen Cora and the girls. I'm sure they would love to see you.
"Oh, no I couldn't-"
"No, no, no," The chief cut him off. "I won't hear any excuses. You simply must be there."
"Yes. You should come Bates." Anna said with a soft smile.
"Well…" He looked between the two of them, "Alright. Only if you insist."
"Good man." Chief Grantham patted his shoulder and made his way out of the room.
"Well," Bates downed the rest of his coffee and stood up from his chair, "Guess I'll see you Saturday." He winked.