The journey was eventless and they were at the Hall just after 11 AM. The little girl's excitement was palpable as the car drove up the driveway and Dempsey stopped in front of the steps. She stood motionless in front of the building, holding onto Harry's hand with her mouth wide open. Both Harry and Dempsey smiled at her reaction.

Within seconds Freddy came to welcome them

"Harriet my darling, how are you? I'm so happy to see you here. The fresh air of the countryside will do you the world of good."

"James, my boy" shaking James' hands "you look a damn sight better than the other night that's for sure"

"That's not difficult, Freddie. Thank you for allowing us to use Windfield Hall. I really appreciate what you're doing"

"Don't mention it, James. Anything to help you and my daughter!"

Ada, however, froze on the spot at the sight of the old man and hid behind Harry's legs, shivering, feeling like she was back at the warehouse.

"Ada, it's OK sweetheart. Let me introduce you. This is Freddie, my dad. He won't hurt you; I promise. He's not like the men who used to come to the warehouse. You can trust him like you trust me and James."

"Hello Ada,'' smiled Freddie kneeling in front of the little girl, "Harriet talked a lot about you and she mentioned you liked animals. We've got a dog here, named Lucky. Would you like to meet him? He's very friendly, I'm sure he'd like to play with you.", asked Freddie.

"I like animals. They're always nice to me. Can I go say hello to the dog, Harry?" enquired the little girl, shy and unsure.

"Of course, sweetheart. Go follow Freddie and we'll be right there with James.", she reassured the little girl.

And then Ada was off with Freddie, holding his hand and then with an air of conspiracy Freddie whispered, loud enough for Harry to hear "and you know what Ada, I've heard there's a chocolate cake waiting for us in the kitchen too", he winked at her.

Dempsey giggled "Wow, he's a natural your dad."

"Hum, he's gonna spoil her appetite, yes. If we listen to him, she'll be eating cakes, scones and pancakes for the duration of her stay", she huffed and puffed.

"Come on Makepeace. Let's see what death by chocolate cake looks like" laughing at her face.

"You're just as bad. My god, what am I going to do with you two?!"

After showing Ada her new bedroom and the house, they all sat down in the garden while Ada played with Lucky who seemed to enjoy the attention of the little girl who was giggling and running around.

"Ah, it feels wonderful to have children's laughter echoing through the hall again. It's like the good old times again. You had the same boundless energy!", smiled Freddie. "Anyway, darling, how are you feeling now? You really need to take it easy. I don't want you to do much while you're here and actually you should go lie down for a bit. Me, Abbott and Mrs Bradshaw can easily look after Ada. James, I suppose you want to inspect all the security that was installed in the Hall prior to your arrival?"

"Yes, sir. I'll need to go and set up everything with my team. There will be 2 other SI-10 officers here full time who will be here shortly and then the unmarked car that's followed us will go back to London."

"Perfect, I will have bedrooms and meals organised for your team. You let me know what you and your men need and we'll make it happen. Abbot has been told to be on high alert and we've only got minimal staff while you're staying here. Abbot will be at your service 24/7."

"Thanks Freddie. I really appreciate that. Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to make sure that your daughter here follows doctor's orders and goes down for a nap for a bit." with a meaningful glance to his partner which didn't allow for any form of protestation.

"Ada, sweetheart, you stay with Freddie while I go have a nap for a bit. But if you need me, you know where my bedroom is, right? You can always come join me if you want. Have fun, sweetheart", giving a kiss to the little girl.

"Come on, partner, off you go, upstairs, come on, I'm following you. Got to make sure you take your pills too."

Harry was about to protest that she really didn't need any painkillers, that she was absolutely fine, but before she could utter a word, Dempsey put his hand up and said "And, no, don't be stubborn about the painkillers! Don't even try to argue or we will cancel the whole operation this very second and I will send you back to hospital."

"You know you're bloody annoying. There, happy?", she said, swallowing the pills he gave her.

"Yes, now, shoes off and lie down. I'll close the blinds"

"You don't want to sing me a lullaby while you're at it, Dempsey?" she enquired with a frown

"Tinkerbell, there are many things I'd like to do to you while you're in bed, but singing you a lullaby really isn't among them", he playfully informed her.

"You'll have to share your list with me Lieutenant…. that could make those naps more interesting" she replied with a meaningful glance.

"Oh, I bet, darling, but right now, you need to rest. But the day you're back to 100% health, there'll be no stopping me going through that list with you", his dark eyes stared into her blue eyes sparkling with desire.

"Not fair", she grumbled

"You're cute when you're grumpy, you know that?"

"Get out of here Dempsey and go play with your toys!"

"Yes, Sergeant", he answered with a mock salute.

As Dempsey went down the stairs, he heard his colleagues' car arriving. He went to meet them.

"Hey, guys. Whatcha got there?" watching Watson unloading bags after bags from the boot.

"Spikings thought you might need artillery to fend off potential attackers. So, we've arrived with presents so to speak. Dempsey, exactly, what are we preparing for here? Second world war, because I tell yam that stuff is pretty impressive!"

"We don't quite know but treat this as a safe house with several people to protect. So, if O'Cryon's clients find out we're here, it could get ugly".

"How's Makepeace doing? Is she recovering OK? I heard she had been shot several times at the docks the other day. Shouldn't she be in hospital really?"

"Too stubborn for her own good but she's as fine as she can be. But don't count on her during the next couple weeks. She needs to rest and her movements are still very limited so firing guns is not an option, got it?"

"Sure, too bad though, she's a really good shot. The best of us all really!"

"True. Don't let her hear ya though, can't have her bragging and think she can out shoot me", he said with a smirk. "So, let's put all this in the room downstairs which will serve as our headquarters while we're here."

The men and their equipment settled in their new quarters and over the next couple of hours, Dempsey went to check and double check all the cameras and safety devices planted all over the house and the grounds. From a distance he could hear the laughter of Ada followed closely by Lucky the dog. Those two seemed to be having a jolly good time together. Freddie was watching over them with a smile on his lips and laughing at their antics. Ada finally looked and behaved like a child and Dempsey thought it was a lovely sight. He was glad that Harry took an interest in that young girl. It made their job feel more relevant. They didn't always get to see the impact of their work on your average Joe. That felt right, really right.

He was walking back to the house when he saw his partner approaching the group. She was awake it seems. He was glad she had a rest, she definitely needed to slow down and he'll make sure of it. Ada ran directly to Harry and hugged her and rested on her lap with the dog at their feet looking lovingly at his new playmate.

"Did you have fun out here with Lucky and Freddie sweetheart?", asked Harry beaming at the little girl who was snuggling against her.

"Yes, Lucky's the best. He's really good at fetching sticks you know and Freddie showed me the lake and silly Lucky went straight in for a swim", she giggled.

"Silly doggie", smiled Harry, "Oh here's James" looking over to her partner walking over to them.

"Hey partner, how ya doing? Better?"

"Harry, why is James talking funny? He's not like you and Freddie.", asked the little girl, puzzled.

Harry snorted and explained "Well you see Ada, Lieutenant Dempsey here is American, from New-York. He's not from here, not really."

"Oh!", answered the little girl with a frown, "that's far away. Does he live there then? Is he going to leave us?" she asked, suddenly feeling sad because she thought he was quite nice too.

"Nah don't you worry little girl. I ain't going nowhere! I'll stay with you and Harry. After all I need to make sure that Harry behaves herself, right?', answered Dempsey with malice.

"Oh, I'll help you. I'll be bossy like you."

Freddie burst into laughter at that, followed by Dempsey who tenderly picked up the little girl in his arms, "I have a feeling you and I are going to get on very well, Ada, don't you think Harry?"

"Hum, the blind leading the blind. God saves us!" she giggled.

"Come on, James. Let's go see Mrs Bradshaw, we need to get Harry something to make her feel better. Chocolate always makes me feel better. Come on. Make yourself useful. After all you're supposed to be her guardian angel, it's an important job!", Dempsey got dragged along by the little girl, a question mark on his face, feeling a little bit powerless in front of the whirlwind that Ada was. "Mrs Bradshaw, Harry is awake and we need to make her feel better. I'm sure she needs a slice of your chocolate cake. And you, James, you make her a nice cup of tea. Harry likes tea A LOT."

Mrs Bradshaw couldn't help the smile on her face, "I'm sure there's enough chocolate cake for all of you, sweetheart. I'll make a pot of tea for Lady Harriet, Mr Dempsey, don't you worry. Coffee for you and your guests?"

"That'd be lovely, yes".

Ada was beaming. "I'll help Mrs Bradshaw. Come on James, let's take those 2 plates to your friends in their office. If they have to work, they need chocolate at least." As she entered the boys' headquarters, she was moving Dempsey along, "Come on, James, chop, chop!"

"Jeez, you're bossy, you know that?"

"Harry says it's good for a woman to know her own mind."

"What a surprise. A mini Makepeace in the making. We're doomed!"

Both officers were chuckling at the scene displayed in front of their eyes. The legendary Dempsey being bossed about by a 10-year-old little girl.

"Guys, that's Ada who, it seems, will be feeding you chocolate for the remainder of your days here."

"Hi Ada, we'll all get along very well if you keep on bringing us chocolate cake like that", smiled Watson.

"You see, James? I'm always right!", declared Ada in front of a stunned Dempsey. "You're welcome, sir. Enjoy your cake. Come on, James, let's go see Harry now" and she pulled him along as he looked powerless at his colleagues, who were laughing far too much to be of any use to him.

"Thanks guys, I'll remember that. Solidarity and all that"

Ada was happily munching away on her cake while chatting to Freddie who was quite taken by the little girl.

"Harry, we need to talk", moaned Dempsey as he sat down next to his partner. "You've created a monster. She's bossing me around!"

Harry couldn't help giggling "It will do you good to have some female resistance. It's good for your ego to be challenged a bit! But I'm sure you'll manage to charm her too… eventually"

"Hum, the only female around here that I really want to charm is you, princess", he whispered, smiling at his partner, while stroking her hand. "How are you feeling? You look a bit pale. Don't think I haven't noticed you tensing when you move. Your dressing will need changing soon anyway so it would be good if the doctor could check you out too. The full work!"

"Dempsey! There's really no need. I'm fine!"

"I swear you should get "I'm fine" tattooed on your forehead! Yes, there is a need for a thorough examination and we're not going to have that conversation again. Do as you're told, Sergeant" insisted Dempsey

"Now who's bossy…Lieutenant!", humphed Harry

"It's because I care, Harry. Remember that I almost lost you. And quite frankly, we've hardly had any time together since we…well since the evening before you left…and, I don't know about you, but I'd quite like many more evenings like that. And I'd rather be a bit forceful now than living the rest of my days living with regrets of what could have been. I CAN'T LOSE YOU, HARRY!" he stated quite forcefully with a voice breaking with emotions, "don't you understand that? Don't you understand what you mean to me?"

"Dempsey…. I'm sorry…. I didn't mean to upset you but I'm not used to be fussed about. I've been on my own for so long, give me time, please."

"Don't you want us to be together? If you have any doubts, if you've changed your mind, tell me now, Makepeace. Tell me RIGHT NOW."

"No Dempsey, that's not it." begged Harry with tears in her eyes, I just need time to get my head around everything that's happened lately. You know how I feel about you, about us. But since that wonderful evening, an awful lot has happened and I haven't had the time to react to that chain of events. But you are the only thing I'm sure about Dempsey. Despite all my fears and the current uncertainty, you're the one who keeps me sane and I want to hold on to that. Please, don't give up on us before we've had a chance to work things out. It's a new us and we need to define our new relationship: partners and lovers. Give us time Dempsey."

"OK, Harry, OK, come here" as he held her in his arms, burying his head in her hair and breathing her perfume. "It's just that I was so scared at the docks, I felt so powerless, baby. I felt my world ended on that dreadful morning. I need you, princess", looking into her eyes and kissing her with as much tenderness as he possibly could.