S2 E8 – WHAT Was He Thinking?

Part 2 of 2

Later That Same Day

Selwyn stands just out of eyesight and listens to the team interact. This discussion about the Post Office is most enlightening. Poole's interactions are positive. The team seems to be a well-oiled unit, much more tightly knit than before. Perhaps this plan will work out for the best? As he glides into their view, he is gratified by their reactions. He likes to think his gravitas will never fail him.

When he takes Poole aside, he is even more gratified at the man's absolute non-response to all the hints about going back to England. When he DOES realize what is being asked of him, Poole's first reaction is to check on Sergeant Bordey. Once the discussion is well under way, the glances to the Sergeant become more urgent and the man does NOT seemed pleased at all at the prospect of returning to his home country. Excellent! More than excellent! Poole's behaviour leads Selwyn to hope that the man's other lack in his life may already be partly solved.

Once the boom is lowered and the deadline is set, Selwyn leaves with speed and once more retreats out of eyesight but not out of earshot. Sergeant Bordey's reaction to Poole's news is the most gratifying of all! So, it is reciprocal then, but their awkward conversation leads him to understand that no personal understanding has been reached between them as yet. He sighs quietly as he turns away and makes for his car. Typical! Two years together and they STILL haven't declared themselves? What will it take… an act of God? As he settles into the back seat, he sighs again. Let's hope it doesn't come to that!

A week later, Friday, 4:30 pm

Selwyn knows Poole is on the plane. He'd plucked a strand of silk, so to speak, and the answer had been in the affirmative. Poole is on his way. Good. One question answered. Now begins the delicate task of maneuvering the man into position for phase II of 'Operation Wedded Bliss'. Let's hope he is amenable to the whole idea. Some men just aren't suited to matrimony… such as Officer Myers for example. Selwyn chuckles to himself. Dwayne Myers… married! Now THAT would indeed be an act of God! Saint-Marie might fall into the sea… not to mention losing a most effective tourist attraction!

As soon as he spies Poole, he knows something is wrong. The man looks apoplectic. Tired, worn out, hot, weary, hungry… and apoplectic. Not a good start. The reason is soon apparent. Luggage! Again with the luggage! The man is cursed with bad suitcase luck! Selwyn can't help saying, "Perhaps you should stay put this time! No more gallivanting about!" Poole's irate nod and loud agreement is accepted with great relief.

The visit to the lost luggage desk is an almost EXACT replay of dialogue from two years ago except THIS time Poole knows the woman's name and he is quite polite about it. For him. This time he asks her to check that his luggage was actually sent and, if so, where else it could have been sidelined on the way here? He ends the discussion by asking her to please call him after 8 am. Selwyn nods, impressed by the man's forbearance.

The drive back to Honoré is quiet. They pass the time with formal chit chat, something Selwyn doesn't remember Poole doing quite so easily before but, as they near town, a noticeable change comes over the man. He quiets. He tenses up. He begins to fidget. If Selwyn didn't know any better (and he DOES) he would think this man is readying himself for something stressful. However, Poole does NOT request conveyance to his house. He seems eager and reluctant at the same time to go to La Kaz upon Selwyn's assurance that everyone will be awaiting their arrival. "I'm sure you will be warmly welcomed back. Everyone is most pleased you are home," Selwyn rumbles with just the tiniest stress on the last word.

Poole leans forward and almost starts to ask something but he thinks better of it (another first) and just shakes his head, "I'm sure they hardly missed me at all. It will have been a quiet week without me."

Selwyn purses his lips and pontificates, "Never underestimate a quiet week. It makes people think things over; major Life decisions, career choices," he pauses then adds, "partnerships."

Poole's eyes gleam briefly then he shrugs, "Well, I've come to some decisions of my own. I wish now to be assigned permanently here to Saint-Marie. England was a nice place to visit but," he chuffs a laugh, "can you believe it? It was too cold!" He looks out the side window, "And too quiet. I missed…"

"Yes?"

"I missed… my people."

"I see. Well, I can tell you that your people missed you too. Why, I had several good arguments all lined up and had to write them all down in the event of your return." He places a brief hand on Poole's forearm, "I, for one, am pleased you are with us now. I would like to see you in my office at your earliest convenience to discuss your reassignment and your future here on Saint-Marie. I have something that needs a devious mind to help me formulate and you're just the man for the job."

Poole looks slightly alarmed yet a little gratified, "I'm not sure if I should be pleased or worried!" Honoré is coming into view now as the car descends into the little valley. Poole lapses into silence and sits forward, straining towards his future and, Selwyn hopes, his happiness.

As the car pulls up, Selwyn restrains Poole just before the man bursts out of the vehicle, "I would appreciate if you would let me precede you. There is still a question I need an answer to and I think I will ferret it out more quickly if you give me a one-minute head start." Poole frowns but sits back with good grace. As Selwyn steps out, he can't help but smile when he sees the man check his watch. He leans back in to say, "One minute. Then you may enter." He closes the door upon a most perplexed man.

When Selwyn sees their faces upon his solo entrance, and when he sees sergeant Bordey's reaction to the absence of Poole, he has his final answer. Thank goodness. As he launches into his prepared speech, he crosses his fingers because this could get tricky! He spins the moment out for as long as he can. He is VERY certain Poole will enter exactly on time. And here he comes. Right on schedule.

And he IS stroppy and prickly and mad as a hatter but it isn't pique - it's relief, and embarrassment, and a secret joy at being home. The decorations are noted. The teams' happy eyes are noted. Her unshed tears and the catch in her voice are noted. And if Selwyn can see it then HE certainly does! He may be shy and constrained and tightly buttoned-up… but he isn't blind.

Selwyn makes his escape in his most dignified manner, sure at last that Poole and Bordey will reach some sort of agreement this day. As he relaxes into his car once more and tells the driver to take him home, he huffs a breath. And if there is no agreement THIS day, there will be stern words exchanged upon Poole's keeping our appointed meeting tomorrow.

Yes, if necessary, I will ORDER the man to marry that lovely French woman as a necessary concession to the transfer of Commissioner-hood in the near future. He smiles. Camille will be pleased, I am sure, AND, if I play my cards right, I will never have to pay for another drink at La Kaz!

He sighs. Life can be good. Despite English men and all their oddities.

END