She will die if you love her not

It was a rare quiet morning at the offices of Shakespeare and Hathaway. Sebastian was looking through auditions. Lu was checking the books and calling their delinquent accounts to get some money. Frank was looking at a catalog of investigative gear. If Lu did get some money Frank wanted to be sure it went to good use. Suddenly the door burst open and DS Keeler and DI Christina Marlowe came through.

Sebastian tried to stall them with a "Hold on I'll see if they are in"

"Piss off. Official business." was Keeler's brusque response as they walked in on Frank and Lu.

Frank greeted them "Good Morning and what brings Arden's finest to our humble offices."

Christina got right to the point. "Frank the Chief sent us over to warn you. Peter Kane is going to be released from prison."

"Ahh, Killer Kane" replied Frank "I wondered when he would be released."

Christina responded, "You do remember he threatened to kill you."

Frank replied, "That's what they all say. But a few years at her Majesties pleasure usually calms them down."

"Not this one Frank, staff was concerned enough to contact the chief. The chief was concerned enough to send us out to warn you."

"Well, you have warned me. I'll be fine" said Frank dismissively

"Do you want any protection?" asked Christina

"I can handle myself" replied Frank

Keeler interrupted "Waste of time. Let the great detective take care of himself."

Frank replied, "Sargent that is the first thing you have ever said that I have agreed with."

"Frank," said Christina

Frank interrupted "You've warned me. Thank the Chief for me and I'll be fine."

"Call me if you change your mind," said Christina as she and Keeler left.

There was a pause in the office "Well back to work then" said Frank with an air of dismissal.

Later that day Christina met Lu for a drink after a couple of sips of her wine Christina got right to the point. "Ok, you called me. What's this about then."

Lu answered "Sebastian and I looked up the Kane case. He seems an evil bastard."

Christina nodded "He is an evil bastard. You meet all kinds on the job, but this one is different he's scary."

Lu nodded "I saw that from the case file. Why is he being let out?"

"There is nothing more we can hold him on, he has served every day of his sentence." Christina continued "Did you talk to Frank about this?"

"I did but all we got out of him was 'I'm a cop I can handle myself.' wouldn't change his mind one bit."

"Well, nothing I can do then. We can protect him but he has to ask for it. Is there any way can you change his mind?"

Lu shook her head "No he's taking this personally no love lost between him and Kane. Christina, I saw you worked the case with him. Why is he taking this so personally?"

Christina paused thinking back, "It was a long time ago, I just made Detective Sargent and Frank took me on as his junior. Kane was a total psychopath not a bit of care for anyone else. He was smart too he even taunted the police."

"Can't imagine Frank taking that well," responded Lu

"He didn't, and back then he was at the top of his game. I don't think anyone else could have caught Kane. But, Frank did and Kane hates him for that. He swore to kill him."

"Is he still serious?" "He is, staff was very concerned but there is nothing they can do except warn. Can you talk to him again?"

"I'll try but have you any suggestions on what we can do to protect him?"

"Take a bit more care vetting clients. Don't let him alone especially when he is drinking. Keep watch on him as much as you can, be sure he has an alarm system at his place. Keep tabs on him. That's about it."

"I'll try" responded Lu "But you know Frank."

"I do, but you seem to have a good effect on him. Perhaps that will help."

Christina paused for a sip of wine "Do you like him?"

Lu paused for a sip as well "Well Frank likes to keep things professional but yes I do. He's a good man even if he's not handsome." Lu sighed "Though he is the least romantic man I have ever met?"

Christina smiled thinly "That's what the job does to you. You get very thick skin. But I'm glad you're around. He seems to be doing better now."

"He is, the business is going better as well. But I don't want to lose him."

"Nor do I." said Christina "Well good luck and thanks for the wine." She left quickly leaving Lu in the pub.

The next morning they were getting ready it was to be a long day of surveillance and they were getting ready to go out when Lu said: "Frank I have a question and I demand a serious answer."

"Sure" replied Frank a bit puzzled.

Lu continued, "Do you think I can run the agency right now, have I the skills for it?"

Frank thought for a minute wanting to tread carefully. The last thing he needed was to spend the day with an angry Lu. "Do you really want my answer?" He asked.

"Yes, Frank I do," Lu replied.

"Well, you are talented and coming along well. You could be great someday, but you're not ready yet." Frank paused "Sorry, you asked for an honest answer there it is."

"Actually, Frank I agree with you. I'm not ready yet."

Frank clearly puzzled said, "Well then why are you asking the question then?"

Lu sprung the trap. "Because Frank that means we need you for the business. We can't afford to lose you and so we must protect you."

"Oh Bloody hell! If I need protection it won't be from the likes of you two."

Lu interrupted "Frank I have a lot of my own money in the business. Also, you know the business has gotten a lot better. I don't want to lose my investment."

"Have you given some thought as to how you are going to do this? How are you going to protect me? Armed Guards at my flat perhaps?" Frank added a bit sarcastically.

Lu shot back heatedly "I was thinking about a moat but no doubt you would fall right in when you come home pissed." She paused "Let's be serious. We can do this, Sebastian will do a bit of vetting on clients to be sure we know who they are. Also, we will stay with you after work to make sure you get home. Just keep a watch on things and be careful. I know it's not foolproof but we can do it. We can also do it for a long time."

Sebastian jumped in "I have grown rather fond of my regular paycheques. I would awfully like for them to continue."

Frank knew he was caught "All right but I'm still going out to the Mucky Mallard. A lot." Lu and Sebastian exchanged a quick smile as they left.

So the plan went into effect when a new client called Sebastian checked them out and if there was anything a bit dodgy they were "Too Busy to take on your case."

Lu and Frank kept a close watch on the other always keeping in touch either directly or through Sebastian. When they were together each kept one eye open for other dangers. It became second nature for them to keep track of the other. Frank no longer drank alone either Sebastian or Lu stayed with him until he made it home. He wasn't always happy about that but it was nice to know that at least two people cared whether he lived or died. It was two more people than he ever expected to care about it. Most of the time Lu went with him and they soon were a regular couple at the pub. The world-weary retired cop and the outgoing friendly blonde were often seen at the Mucky Mallard.

After a while, Lu told Frank "I can't stand another pub meal. Tell me what you want and I'll cook it for you at my place." So they would occasionally go to her place for dinner and Frank found out that Lu was a rather good cook.

They kept it up for several months. In fact, they kept it up so long that the biggest problem became everybody thinking they were a couple. They were most emphatically NOT a couple. They would tell you that given the slightest opportunity.

When another regular at the pub threatened to steal Lu away from him Frank responded with "Oh her, she's just here watching her money."

When Lu's mother at one time said "You aren't getting serious with that, detective are you?" Lu archly shot back "Mother this is business. We need Frank for the business. So we have to protect him. That's all."

So they kept going and people just accepted it. Frank even suggested ending it but Lu shut him down.

"Woman's intuition Frank." She said, "I don't trust Kane and I'll not give him an even chance."

One time when they were alone Christina said "Thanks for keeping an eye on Frank." "No bother" replied Lu "He's good company."

The months went on and everybody adapted to things. Until 11 months after Kane's release. Lu and Frank were on a surveillance job it was a routine job sitting in the Mini Cooper watching and taking pictures. As dusk came they were wrapping up and then the crack of a rifle rang out with Frank moving very strangely it took Lu a second to realize he was bleeding. She tried to start the car but one of the bullets hit the engine disabling it.

Thankfully for Lu and Frank another car pulled up "Are you ok?" the driver asked.

"NO! call an ambulance he's been shot." Said Lu She was rather busy at the moment trying to stem Franks bleeding and keep him alive she kept talking "Hang on now. Just a bit longer for the ambulance. Come on you can do it."

Frank was losing blood badly all he said was "I love you Lu." before passing out.

After what seemed an eternity the ambulance arrived and all Lu heard was "He's still alive let's go". They loaded him in and roared off.

In a daze, Lu gave her statement to the Police. She didn't really understand what just happened and was in shock. Her work had just taken a decidedly ugly turn. Christina understood and told her to wait. Not having anything else to do Lu waited. Then they went to the hospital.

Christina opened up during the drive. "This is the worst thing that can happen, do you want to talk?"

"Yes, thanks. I just don't know what to think, I don't even know if Frank will live."

Christina replied "Well nobody called that's a good sign. I expect he's in surgery."

"What do you think happened." "Either we have a very unlucky hunter or Kane got access to a rifle and decided to take out Frank. We will be looking in on him."

"I can't believe I missed this possibility. Stupid stupid stupid" Said Lu "I'm not even sure I want to continue doing this."

"There are a lot of ways to die." Christina replied "You take on the job you take on the risk. Also, don't blame yourself. You won't catch every possibility."

Lu thought for a minute "I suppose you're right."

Christina came back "Look I can tell you how rare this sort of thing is, but in the end, people will kill sometimes. If you can't accept that then this job isn't for you. We all have to make peace with it."

"I understand, but hearing it is not the same as feeling it."

"I know when I used to do undercover work it was very scary. But it's time to search yourself and see what you are made of."

Lu thought for a moment "I guess so but it may take a bit." she paused "Any way at least Frank said he loved me."

Christina was a bit surprised "Really that is unusual for Frank."

"Would he not mean it then?" asked Lu

"No I think he means it, but Frank is not a fan of commitment. His marriage ended badly. Also when we had to investigate domestic cases he always saw love leading to bad things. He swore many times he'd never get married again."

Lu responded, "It doesn't have to be that way." "True enough, but it's not me you have to convince." Came the quick response. "Anyway here we are."

They went in and talked to the doctor. Frank was alive but things were touch and go. For now, they were keeping him sedated to heal.

"He's very lucky." said the doctor. "Another couple of centimeters either way would have been fatal."

"When can I talk to him?" asked Christina. "Oh I expect 2 or 3 days if things go well." replied the doctor.

Christina asked Lu "Can I give you a lift home?"

"Thanks," said Lu. "I'll clean up and get some things. Then get a cab back."

"You should sleep." said Christina worriedly "Thanks but I'd not sleep. I'm staying here." Replied Lu

The next morning a very tired Christina showed up at the hospital. "How's he doing?" she asked Lu

"He's still alive and according to staff it just takes time." was Lu's tired response

Christina continued "Well I've some good news it was Kane who shot him. We caught him."

Lu interrupted "Is he in custody?"

"No, he's dead. He tried to shoot it out with the firearms unit."

"I suppose I should be sorry..." said Lu

"Don't be, this island is a better place without him on it," said Christina brusquely.

"Well, I'll stay with Frank then. Sebastian is watching the office."

Christina replied, "Ok I'm off home to rest call me when he wakes up."

"Thank you, I will" replied Lu Christina left.

The next two days went rather slowly. Frank was sleeping and Lu watched him. Sebastian came over and made sure she had at least a bit of time for a meal. But she pretty much stayed there talking to an unconscious Frank trying to get things through to him and doing what she could to keep him comfortable. 3 days later Frank finally started to wake up. The staff crowded Lu out and she called Christina. When Christina and Sargent Keeler arrived when they walked in Lu and Frank were there. Lu looked a bit upset she but she left when they asked taking a water bottle out of her bag before leaving. A quick trip to the loo and then she went back and waited just outside the door. Frank had taught her well.

They asked their questions Frank didn't have a lot to add as he was shot in the back from long range. It went pretty routine until the end when Christina asked

"So the last thing you said when before you lost consciousness was 'I love you Lu' is that correct?"

"That's right but don't tell Lu. I'm telling her I have traumatic amnesia."

"What!?" replied Christina.

Frank replied "If I tell her I remember then I have to act on it. Probably wind up marrying her."

"What's wrong with that?" asked Keeler

"Christina, explain to this numbskull I'm not the marrying kind. It's not my nature."

"That's rotten," replied Keeler.

Frank shot back "You live your life and I'll live mine."

"Frank it is rotten." Christina said "Lu has really helped you out she deserves better. Don't you love her?"

"She does deserve better, and I do love her" agreed Frank "It's not her, it's me. All the women love me but I'd no doubt be a miserable husband. It's just not who I am. Can you see me coming home giving Lu a peck on the cheek 'Evening Luv is supper ready? Remember it's dart night at the pub.' Can you see that?"

Christina replied, "No but marriage doesn't have to be like that."

Frank shot back "How would you know. Yours wasn't a great example…"

"Frank it's not going to work." interrupted Christina

"It will if both of you keep your mouths shut."

"No it won't," replied Christina. Frank opened his mouth to speak but Christina shushed him. "Lu unless I miss my guess is just outside the door listening to all this."

At that moment Lu walked in "I'll go you one better. Look what accidentally turned on as I left the room." she pulled a recorder out of her bag. She rewound it and hit play.

Frank heard himself say "I do love her" Lu grimly looked at a gobsmacked Frank.

Frank recovered fast "Hey! That's illegal taping. Christina, you need to do something about it."

Christina laughed "Oh no, you'll not draw me into this. Lu said it was an accident and I believe her. I think Frank. That you are hoist by your own petard."

"Sargent?" Frank said looking at Keeler

"DI said it was an accident, not for me to argue," Keeler replied dismissively.

"Settle it among yourselves." Christina said, "Now Sargent let's get on to other business." They left.

As they walked down the hallway Keeler asked "What do you think will happen?"

Christina replied "They will get married. They will both become great detectives and make a lot of money. And they will remain thorns in our side for years to come." Keeler sighed

Frank and Lu were silent as they left staring at each other. Finally, Lu said "Well, there it is. We love each other. Now, what do we do with that?"

Frank replied, "Lu I'm still lousy husband material."

"Oh stop it Frank" Interrupted Lu "We've worked together all these years if I don't know you now I never will. Besides I didn't do so well as a wife the last time."

Frank couldn't help but smile "True but at least we met each other. There is that."

"We have had our adventures." replied Lu "But I want more why can't we be partners all the way?"

Frank replied "Yeah but what are you going to do if you see me with some young beauty. I don't need jealousy getting in the way of work."

Lu replied "You could ask yourself the same if you substitute posh-boy. I'd trust you. It's just the nature of the business, and you would have to trust me."

"Well, it is a strange business. But what about your mother?" replied Frank

"She's going to have to accept it. It's my life, not hers." Lu paused "Frank I simply can't keep this up. I'm not going to spend every day in that office with you ignoring my feelings" "If we can't get serious I need to go to another agency or start my own. It's all or nothing Frank that's the choice"

"Lu, I don't know what to say."

"Look Frank if you want a day to think I can understand. But it's all or nothing, no in between."

There was a long pause "Ok" said Frank "I need to think."

"Cheers, then Frank I'm off home then. Bye."

The next morning Lu woke up and saw her mobile had a text message from Frank. She would have heard it but after the last few days, she needed several glasses of wine to fall asleep. She read the message got dressed and went to the hospital. She walked into Frank's room and holding the phone said to Frank "Did you mean this?"

"Yes" replied Frank, "I said ALL."

"Why?" asked Lu

"Well in the words of Professor Henry Higgins, 'I've grown accustomed to your face.'" Replied Frank.

Lu smiled "Cheers then I'll get to the office Luv. You get better." She walked over and gave him a passionate kiss. As she left Frank was totally puzzled. He had expected a big scene and tears. Instead, Lu was cool and composed. "I'll never understand women he muttered to himself."

The days went by and Lu was at the hospital helping Frank heal. She saw him get up and start moving and helped to strengthen his muscles. When Frank was discharged she told him he was coming to her house. She learned how to change bandages and watch for infection. She also learned how to help Frank with his therapy. He came home very weak. Lu tucked him in and then went to sleep. A few days later and Frank was finally strong enough to come to the office. He barely made it up the stairs and staggered in.

"Damn!" He said. "A morning after without a night before. "

Sebastian said, "Be nice or we will leave you up in the tower."

Frank shot him a dirty look. "I won't always be like this." He reminded him.

They worked and Lu kept close watch over him checking on him to be sure he did not wear himself out. But Frank was careful and he made it through the day.

When they got home he said. "I'll give up supper just let me sleep."

"Ok said Lu I'll help you"

As he fell asleep he said to Lu "You're an angel of mercy." "Night" Replied Lu.

Frank healed, not quickly but he healed. But he stayed with Lu at her house. Lovers, now they shared a bed. Lu enjoyed sleeping next to Frank. He was like a big teddy bear and with his body heat she never woke up cold. Surprisingly he was considerate taking out the garbage without being asked and helping in the yard. Plus he was always willing to go out for dinner if she was tired. Frank was also enjoying things. Lu kept the house clean and was a good cook. She also had a good sense of style. Something he totally lacked. Between losing some weight and some new clothes Frank's looks improved, even Christina mentioned it. Lu also liked pleasing people it was her nature. She really wanted Frank to be happy, so she rarely said no. Frank didn't want to admit it but he did smile a bit more these days. At the office, though it was all business, well mostly all business. Lu would give Frank a quick squeeze with a sexy smile now and again when nobody was looking.

Finally one Weekend morning she broached the subject. "We need to get married, Frank."

Frank groaned inwardly "Don't these things take time, We need to find a place and then get a planner…."

"Stop! Just stop right now." interrupted Lu "I did that the last time how did that work out. The registry office will be fine. "

Frank was surprised "Really!? Is that what you really want?"

"Look Frank" replied Lu "Not only did I spend the night in jail I had to work with my mother for several months before the wedding. I'm not sure which was worse."

Frank smiled "Well I'm not complaining. But I'm still lousy husband material."

Lu laughed as she walked over and kissed him. "To be good husband, learn you will."

"That's the worst Yoda I've ever heard," replied Frank.

They didn't have a totally small wedding. Lu's mother kicked up a fuss and Sebastian was horrified "We are not celebrating your marriage at a Fish and Chips shop." was his comment. They even tried to talk Lu into a ceremony but she was adamant. Finally, they talked her into a small casual supper after the wedding.

Gloria helped as well telling Lu "Let's go dress shopping and I'll fix you right up for the wedding.

"I don't want a gown," said Lu.

"Sweetheart it's your wedding, buy whatever you want. I'll make sure you look wonderful in it."

"Why can't you be my mother?" was Lu's response.

Sebastian did most of the planning calling a few favors in from clients as needed. Lu kept an eye on him to be sure things did not get out of hand.

Frank just said, "Let me know when to show up, what to wear, and make sure there is something I will eat."

Frank and Lu went shopping for a ring and after they picked one out he turned to Lu and said "It's beautiful but can we afford that?"

Lu smiled "Yes luv we can." Frank was a bit surprised. Apparently, he was richer than he realized.

So Francis Hathaway married Luella Shakespeare. Gloria had kept her promise and Lu looked wonderful. The wedding went well. The Judge knew Frank from the old days and when the Arden police heard about it word traveled fast. There was a crowd of police and court people that came over to see Frank married off.

As one of the officers said. "Some things you won't believe unless you see it with your own eyes." They finished the wedding and then went to supper.

Supper was a lively affair with the surprise being Lady Beade and her companion Ron. Lu had let Sebastian handle things and did not know she was coming.

Lu was surprised and hissed at Sebastian "What is she doing here?"

"She asked for an invitation and it didn't seem right to refuse." was Sebastian's answer.

When they met Lu said, "I'm rather surprised to see you here Lady Beade."

"Oh I simply couldn't miss the most interesting party of the season." was the reply.

"You flatter me, Lady," said Lu looking over the assortment of cops, crooks, actors, and solicitors she had to admit to herself it was a bit of a diverse crowd.

"I wish you every happiness." continued Lady Beade

"Thank you, Lady. But what about you and Ron?"

"Ahh, the problems of having a Title and Estate. We can't get married at this point perhaps when our daughter takes over. Also, I've heard you two are quite successful now perhaps you could come to this year's End of Summer Ball."

"Umm, we would be honored, Lady." Was Lu's response.

After several hours the party ran down one of the guests asked "So where are you going for your honeymoon?"

"Oh, we're off to St. Marie. Two weeks of sun and sand," replied Lu.

"And Rum" added Frank.

To be continued…..