"I..I'm not sure what to make of this"
She stammers anxiously. The response was to be expected, it wasn't realistic to think she would be fine with news of this nature suddenly dumped on her after a combined 6 months of not knowing a thing.
"Sorry I didn't break this to you sooner. I just didn't.."
"Chief, we have'a-"
Dwayne unwittingly interrupts. Not only pausing because of the looks he received from Camille and his superior. But also catching a brief glimpse of Richard's burgeoning midsection. He sighed, but figured there was no point in keeping the jacket buttoned any longer.
"What is it, Dwayne?"
He asks irritably. Eyes shifting over to Camille, arms at her sides. Still unsure of what to say next.
"Yeah, ah, sorry, but we have'a body at de Saint Marie bike race"
"Bike race? (Richard repeated and looked on skeptically) isn't that a bit...juvenile?"
Dwayne and Camille share in a bit of a chuckle before she goes into detail of the competition.
"lt's like Saint Marie's version of Tour De France, much of de island is French, so..."
"That'll do for the history lesson now, Camille. Thank you"
Richard interjects with an open palm held up and out. She knew how much her fellow Detective was set-off by the mention of anything French. So pushing his buttons every now and then was entertaining to say the least.
"You need to take it easy, we can handle it"
Camille comments, glancing over in Richard's direction. If looks could kill, the body count would be higher than one, judging from his reaction.
"Camille, I'm perfectly capable of handling this myself..I'm pregnant, not disabled"
At that very moment, Richard wanted nothing more than for the island to inexplicably sink into a watery grave. He shut his eyes, loathing himself. He hadn't even realized Dwayne was still standing by the doorway. Hearing all that was said.
"Ah, congrats, chief! Sooo..when's de big day?"
Dwayne asks with a grin. He really just wanted for the subject to be dropped, but seeing as there was still 3 more months left. There wasn't much of a point to continue dodging it. He sighs.
"December 10th, somewhere around there..'an don't go blabbing to the entire bloody island about it"
Dwayne raises a stiff right hand to his forehead in a saluting manner.
"Ah, no problem, chief"
With that, he disappears back inside the small Honoré station. He hears Camille suddenly chuckle softly.
"It's gonna be a wild few months"
"That it is indeed" he adds with a long exhale.
The team arrive at the scene of the event. A man lie dead near the starting line. Navy blue helmet, complete with a lighter blue and red nylon cycling attire. A few gray tented booths strewn about. What seemed particularly odd was the absence of his bike. Only a worn water bottle by his side. Suddenly, a young woman in a red silk top and jean shorts (leaving little to the imagination), materializes.
"He..he was my husband"
She sobbed. Camille tried her best to comfort her. Meanwhile Dwayne and Fidel were busy gathering witness statements and any evidence that would hopefully lead to catching their killer and cracking the case. He orders Fidel to bag the water bottle and dust for prints.
Out the corner of his eye, he see's a man acting rather suspiciously by one of the tents. He sighs then trudges over to ask him a few questions. He holds up his police shield and introduces himself.
"Detective Inspector, Richard Poole. Have a few questions for you, if you can spare a minute"
"Actually, I am a bit preoccupied at the moment. Can this wait?"
His manner was curt and tone impertinent. Not exactly helping his case to rule him out as a suspect. Poole lets out an exasperated exhale and attempts to continue.
"Well murder can't, now..I'd suggest you cooperate or I'll have you arrested for obstruction in a murder invest.."
"All right, all right"
He cuts Richard off, finally deciding to make a smart move for once and work with the investigators. His voice suggested Cardiff region of the U.K. Probably here on holiday or..something else.
"Name's Tom Hughes, I'm, well, was, the victim's sponsor. Drake was considerin' retirement the following year at my insistence"
Hmm Poole hummed. Making a mental note and writing it down for later.
"And why were you so hung up on early retirement?"
"Oh, y'know how it goes (scoffs), he wasn't gettin' any younger"
The Detective raises a brow suspiciously.
"Really? Because according to our findings, the victim was only 26 years old"
Richard was just about to press on further when Camille suddenly appeared beside him.
"Any luck?"
She leans in slightly and whispers. He shakes his head. His feet and back were starting to ache so he thought it best to wrap things up now. Camille appearing when she did being an unknown blessing in disguise.
They thank Hughes for his time and retreat back to the rusted, sun bleached Land Rover. Camille slides into the driver's side, flashing an almost knowing look towards Richard.
"I don't trust him"
She said, an edgy tone to her voice. The Detective shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The heat combined with the extra weight made him feel like he was in his own amped-up version of Hell. He sighs.
"I don't either, if I'm honest"