S2 E8 – After the Rant

Part 1 of 3

Everyone eyes the ranting man before them as if seeing him for the first time.

Every single one of them remembers seeing him for the first time, too. Has it really been two years since he washed up on their shores? It seems so long ago in one way yet a mere blip in time in another way. He has somehow come to mean so much to them yet he remains aloof and alone. His daily displays of perverseness and sheer unpredictability are part of their life now. True, he's been more laid-back of late but he is really out-doing himself right now in the 'Up-tight Department'!

The Commissioner stands serenely at Poole's side, eyes downcast and ears perked. I've already heard most of this but there is an emotional tone to Poole's voice now that was lacking on the drive in from the airport. He smiles small and waits. Did the trip to London make certain facts clearer to the man as I hoped? If so, will Poole act upon those facts? If not, will he need a not-so-gentle nudge from me? He folds his hands and waits, patient as a cat. A cat with an agenda.

Everyone else leans back and watches Poole with interest.

Catherine smiles quietly to herself, amused by his outburst. So ENGLISH. Still! She keeps a sly eye on her little girl too who, for some unfathomable reason, finds this man so fascinating. Now that he is back after almost a week's absence, perhaps NOW something will happen? I will watch most carefully.

Fidel grins in mixed embarrassment and pride. How like the Chief to blow his top as soon as he steps through the door. An ordinary person would whoop with relief to be back after such a long journey and time away. But not the Chief! Oh, no! He is exhausted and frustrated and angry… and so he will tell the whole world! He is still the Chief and he will proclaim it loud and clear. I'm glad he's home. Then he leans to his side ever so minutely and side-whispers, "You owe me $10.00."

Dwayne rolls his eyes, slides the bill across the table, shakes his head, never taking his stare off his boss. Sit down or go home, man! You need a good meal, a stiff drink, a solid night's sleep - and tomorrow you'll be right as rain - still stroppy - but a lot less shouty! I'm awful glad you're here but dial it back! Tell us ALL about it… tomorrow!

Camille drinks him in with her eyes. She is so overcome with a hard surge of something welling in her souls that she doesn't see her mother's knowing glance. And even if she did, she doesn't care anymore. THIS is the reason I'm still here on the island. THIS is the reason I've passed up several undercover offers. THIS man… right here… is the whole reason for everything. I was content to let things ease along between us… but that was before he left. His sudden absence shook me to my bones. Shook me hard enough to scare me. While he was gone, I learned two things, two very important things.

She takes a deep fortifying breath. I need him badly and I am finally ready to do something about it.

She smiles as she steps forward and studies his face. He looks like a small child faced with an impossible task. Tying his shoe laces, for example. He is flushed and steamed and overwhelmed. How uncomfortable he must be! He is taking deep breaths and flexing his neck, his whole body stiff and probably sore from the long flight. Oh, Richard, let me comfort you!

She slips a hand beneath his and takes the briefcase. His attention is suddenly snapped down to her as she raises her head just enough to whisper close to his ear, "I'm SO glad you're home. Now, let me take care of you." The look he gives her is inscrutable yet his fingers let go of the case.

She puts the case down into a vacant chair then a stilling hand onto his wrist as he begins to stir. Whatever he was going to say or do, he halts in sudden immobility. She looks to her mother, "Maman, can you please prepare a plate for the Inspector? I believe something has been simmering in the kitchen for a while now, if my nose doesn't lie?"

All the men's noses suddenly scent the air. Ah, yes! Beef! And what's that second ambrosial smell? Salivary glands kick in. One path to a man's heart is indeed through his stomach. There are others.

Catherine nods, "Oui, Cami, beef stew with baby vegetables and home-made bread."

"Sounds wonderful! The Inspector and I will be back in 30 minutes. Let's all eat then, OK?"

Catherine smiles and goes off to the kitchen, a chef with a VERY eager audience.

Three of the four men look totally cheated and give Camille a mystified look but they get no help as she turns to the green pair and draws their owner out the door and onto the sidewalk. Two pairs of eyes watch this for a moment then turn to the final pair that are looking down at a hat in hand very contentedly. So, no nudge needed. Camille is on the case and Richard is home for good. These satisfied eyes glance up and see the question hanging in the air.

The Commissioner purses his lips and murmurs, "I believe developments are afoot. Please keep me abreast of developments, if you would be so kind? I must away." As he passes the table where Dwayne and Fidel are puzzling all this over, he adds, "Officers, please stay put and detain our Chief of Police if he returns before the allotted 30 minutes! Sit on him if you have to!" He processes majestically away, leaving his officers more puzzled than ever.

"Sit? Sit on the Chief? What do you think he means?" Dwayne blurts.

Fidel scratches his head, "I'm not sure. I wish Juliet was here, she could probably tell us."

Dwayne nods sagely, "Ah! Woman things. Gotcha." He takes a sip of beer and thinks it over. The Chief gone for a week and Camille like a shark with a sore tooth, the station empty and echoing without the usual arguments and laughter, the Chief back and Camille acting like a woman on a mission. And Fidel thinks Juliet thinks something is going on? He nods again, "Oh, yeah, I think things could get interestin' real soon now."

Fidel raises an eyebrow, "More interesting than usual, you mean?"

"Oh, yeah, this could go a couple of different ways but ALL the ways will be interestin'. Why don't you give Juliet a call, tell her what just happened, and ask her opinion on the matter, hmm?"

Fidel gets onto his phone with his wife and there is a three-way interactive discussion that gets quite heated at times. Once the call is done, the men both sit back and drink their beers in contemplative silence, thinking their own thoughts and watching the door.

Oh, yeah, this oughta be good!

End – part 1