S2 E8 – WHAT Was He Thinking?

Part 1 of 2

Earlier that day

Selwyn Patterson keeps a VERY keen eye on his Chief of Police. Perhaps TOO keen an eye. It is painful to watch Poole try to interact with others at the fundraiser; he insults the servers, he insults the other guests, he even insults the host.

Selwyn sighs. The man is a walking testament to bad luck and oblivious attention to detail - which was exceedingly ODD when you think about it. Here, the sharpest tool in my crime-fighting kit, a dull spark in real life. How will my plans EVER come to fruition if the man simply can't put one foot in front of the other when out in public? I had such high hopes for him. He was to be my springboard to higher office. What am I to do with him now? My schemes will amount to nothing if…

Here Selwyn's inner turmoil comes to a full stop. He is now watching the DI interacting with his DS… and this is VERY interesting! The man is obviously appealing for help without realizing it and the woman is giving advice without meaning to. Their actions are highly entertaining and… here's a surprise! Poole has come up with some solution that does NOT amuse her. Even better, she then comes up with something that pleases her but not him! Oh, and now, if I'm not mistaken, and I seldom AM, they have reached a compromise that they are now planning to put into effect. All they need is someone to practice on and here I am orbiting closer and closer. Ah! He's seen me. He's giving her some sort of instructions. Let's see how this plays out, hmm?

And it plays out beautifully… if a bit stilted.

Poole is quite good at watching Bordey with his peripheral vision and he doesn't miss a single cue. When Selwyn tests the waters with the comment about the budget, Poole is almost calm in his reaction. When Selwyn prods a bit deeper with the comment about the Police Committee, Bordey's reaction is pure spite but also very astute. Selwyn takes Poole in hand, just to see what he will do… and the man comes almost willingly… but there is almost certainly going to be a vigorous discussion between the two of them when they are somewhere private once more. Well, that is THEIR problem, not mine. My problem is to find a replacement… and perhaps things aren't as desperate as I'd thought?

Time will tell.

The discussion with the Police Committee members goes smoothly as soon as Selwyn realizes that Poole is now taking his cues from HIM. Ah! Of course. Transference. With some coaching and some practice, perhaps the man will earn his stripes in the political arena. It's all very well and good to bang up the criminals but there are many different types of criminals and you have to learn to deal with the hand you are dealt. Either that or learn to reshuffle the deck without anyone noticing. But, one step at a time, and we'll build from there.

"You know, Inspector, politics and crime-fighting are very closely allied," Selwyn says as he takes Poole to the drinks table for refreshment.

"They are? Isn't it all boring meetings and glad-handing and fundraisers?"

"Indeed, no. Nor is it all about the crab and the 'plonk'. Both our areas of expertise involve puzzles and observation. For instance…" and he spends many minutes pointing out certain people and his thoughts on them. Poole is intrigued and begins asking questions of his own about the inner workings of local politics. Selwyn is happy to pass on his knowledge.

When he returns Poole to his DS, he is most intrigued to overhear them talking about two Committee member's reactions to Poole's presence in their circle. Well, well, well… I've always had my doubts about those two and now my top cops have their eye on them both! This might work out better than I thought. Perhaps I will take a discrete look into their business practices… maybe sic my accountant onto them. That ought to clear the deck and open up new avenues of governance.

All in all, the Commissioner is MOST pleased with this day's work.

The Next Day

When Selwyn places the telephone receiver back into its cradle, he is most thoughtful. Hmm, SOCA wants a senior officer to escort Vicky Woodward back to England and my first impulse was to offer up Poole. Impulse isn't my usual practice. But, it's the perfect test of the man.

Selwyn settles back into his hydraulically enhanced office chair and laces his hands over his stomach. He cocks his head and studies the wood grain on his desktop. Yes, yes, perhaps this is the best approach. How do I know the man has switched allegiance from England to Saint-Marie? How do I know the man is ready to dedicate himself to my island? I sense he is waffling. He wants to stay but WILL he? His job is here. His home is here. His friends are here. There is only one thing missing in the man's life but does he realize it? Perhaps a prolonged absence from Saint-Marie will serve multiple purposes. If he returns to England and cannot bring himself to come back then all my questions will be answered.

He stands and begins to pace, hands behind his back, thinking hard. The man needs to know for certain. He needs to feel the cold rain on his face and see his country again. Hopefully, his concept of satisfaction will have changed enough for him to make a well-informed decision. He pauses mid-stride. It will be hard on his team but perhaps THEY need to re-evaluate the situation too. A little shake-up might do them all a bit of good.

He nods to himself. Yes, it will keep them on their toes and I would like to see how they operate in Poole's absence. Just in case. Just in case I need to find a new Inspector. Selwyn is a bit surprised to find this thought makes him sad. He shakes his head. Who would have thought it? A major thorn in my side is now someone I will miss if he leaves. Life certainly has a way to keep you guessing, doesn't it?

As he reseats himself and begins preparations for his scheme, he smiles. Sometimes it's good to be the spider in the centre of the web. So satisfying. He is positive he is ready for a larger web.

END – part 1