S1 E4 – Aboard the 'Roast Beef'

On the veranda:

"What do you think they're talking about?" Fidel asks Dwayne as they watch their superior officers bob gently on the ocean just out of ear-shot.

"I've been watchin' and listenin', doing some detectin' of my own, you know. I think she has somethin' to tell him that he needs to hear. I hope she can get through to him."

"What do you mean?"

Dwayne gestures towards the boat with his beer bottle, "HIM! All alone. Not a friend in the world. Thrown out of his world and into ours. Unwanted goods washed up on our shore. This is his chance if only she can make him see it."

Fidel nods, "I hope he stays. He's brilliant. I have so much to learn."

Dwayne eyes the younger man, "Me, too. We need him and he needs us." Under his breath he whispers, "C'mon, Camille. If anyone can do it, you can."

Aboard the 'Roast Beef':

She steels herself and turns to face him, leans forward, elbows on knees, "We are not just colleagues. We are friends. Don't you know that yet?" She puts a hand on his arm before he can correct her again, "If I DID push you in, do you think those two would watch and laugh?"

He lowers his eyes, a bit ashamed to admit, "Well, it's been the pattern of my life so far."

She shakes her head, "They would race down to help. Do you believe me?"

He sighs, "I'd like to."

She frowns, her suspicions confirmed, "So. You are used to being lied to. The butt of jokes. Overlooked. You know all about bullies. That's some life you want to hurry back to."

He frowns. She has a point. When said like that, why would anyone want to go back?

"Another thing, I would never push you in. I care about you. I would never hurt you in any way."

He meets her eyes briefly, a tiny lop-sided smile changing his whole demeanour, "Well, this conversation is a bit painful."

"The truth usually is. Can you accept the fact that WE accept you? Here? Now?"

He nods, "All right, I'll try."

She decides to push a bit further, "You've impressed the hell out of everyone, do you know that? Dwayne will walk through fire for you. Fidel thinks you have ESP. The Commissioner is already refusing requests from other islands that want you. Even Maman… "

"Maman, what?"

Now it is Camille's turn to lower her eyes, "Even Maman knows you're special. She made that wonderful meal for you and she prepares the milk for your tea every day before she opens the kitchen."

"She does? Thank her for me, will you?"

Camille shakes her head, "No. You will thank her yourself. It's time you begin integrating with the people. Stories are swirling around about you. You need to show people your true self."

He smiles guardedly, "And what is my true self?"

She ticks off on her fingers, "Smart, driven, unrelenting to find the truth, trust-worthy, moral, honest…"

He holds up a hand, "Stop. Enough. You're right. I'll try to settle in. Looks like I'm here for a while."

The next words are out before she can think, "And perhaps you will find a someone to be with."

Whatever familiarity they've built up crashes into an awkward silence. Neither of them will look at the other. Camille winces. Stupid! Why do I always ruin the tiniest gain I manage with him? He is trying to laugh it off like he's done through the whole Megan Talbot case but she can hear his pain. She has to make him listen this time.

She holds up both hands, "I'm so sorry. Please. I take it back. Your private life is none of my business. Forget all those little snipes and jokes I've said over the past few days, past few weeks even. I had no right to say any of it. I know you have feelings."

He listens, nods, "Why were you so angry? You know I can't read body language. That's your job."

"Why was I angry? At first, it was because of circumstance, being forced to work with a stranger. Then it was our different methods. I apologize for calling you a rude man. You were just as lost as I was, but we're developing a good working rapport, everyone sees it."

He blushes ever so slightly, "Do they?"

Body language. He's hiding something. She takes a chance, "Do you want to know what made me so mad this past case?" He nods, a bit wary. "It was your reaction to Megan Talbot. I know you couldn't help it but is that what you're really like when you're not being "The Chief"?"

He winces, "I acted inappropriately. You don't have to remind me. It won't happen again."

"Too bad. I liked it." At his surprise she hastens to add, "I mean I like to see signs that you're a real person." Then, once more, the words slip out before she can catch them, "It gives me hope."

Her gaze flicks to his, sees his confusion, then she looks away. Is he going to call me on it? She waits. He does not. She sighs. Baby steps.

Feeling she's tortured him enough for one day, she clinks beer bottles with him, "So, that's settled. You're 'the Chief', we are your friends, you are needed and appreciated. Does that about cover it?"

"I think it does. Thank you. I feel a little less lost now. If only this heat would let up."

"Um, I hate to tell you but it's only May. Our summer is just beginning." He groans. "But… I will take you shopping, if you like, for lighter suits. There's no sense in suffering unnecessarily, is there?"

He smiles gratefully, "None whatsoever, at your earliest convenience. I can always use them again if I ever travel to warmer climes. If I… " He winds down, wondering if England is really his future after all.

"If you leave us, you mean. I hope you don't. I hope we can give you everything you need to be happy. I speak for many people. And who knows, maybe you'll find someone for real."

"Maybe I should ask Dwayne to help me get a date." He sees the thunder flash across her face, "What? You don't like that answer? Hmmm."

"Hey! Keep that big brain of yours off me! I can almost hear little computer noises!"

He mutters, "Motive…."

"No, you don't! Stop it!"

He looks speculative, "You wanted me to say 'No' to the idea of me finding a companion. Why?"

She shakes a finger at him, "Keep this up and I WILL push you in!"

She catches up the oars and rows them back in. When they get ashore, he takes her hand to help her out. Walking back up the beach, his hand touches her lightly on her upper back. She gives him a small smile and he bows gallantly. Baby step for her. Giant leap for him. She hopes they can keep on this path together because she has good feelings about this man.

If only no more English Roses need rescuing.

Next Day:

Camille mentions Richard's idea about finding the missing gun in the Talbot case during lunch. Fidel goes to his Chief and, together, they plot the boat's course and the ocean tides on the big map that hangs over the Chief's desk. Fidel finds the dumping point AND the gun, thereby wrapping up a major loose end and nailing the coffin closed on Patrick Knight. Praise and a glowing report in Fidel's growing performance file pleases everyone.

END – S1 E4 – Aboard the 'Roast Beef'