S1 E6 – He Ran Hot
Fidel is the first to discover why the Chief isn't in the office. He is home, burning up with tropical fever... the doctor is with him but it doesn't look good… and they need him alive because there is a sudden murder investigation dropped on them like a ton of bricks. Should they be nervous?
Dwayne actually notices the first clues… much to his own surprise… and Fidel trusts his lead… much to both their surprise. The dynamic has changed. What caused that? As they confer on the crime scene beach, they both find comfort in playing 'What Would The Chief Do?' It is surprisingly effective. They are off to a good start.
Then the phone calls... the Chief in his lucid moments. It feels so wrong hanging up. Like a betrayal.
Then! The temporary D.S. shows up and takes over the Chief's desk! She actually dumps his belongings into a box. What cheek! Fortunately, they didn't see her going through his desk drawers or there would have been an open revolt! They would have wondered about the book, though. What lizard? Where?
Dwayne accompanies the D.S. on interviews, doing Camille's job. It is surprisingly easy, asking the right questions, comforting the distraught, annoying the interloper. He likes it. The chewing out is worth it. Now he gets it… why Camille winds up the Chief… it's fun… a fine line… but fun.
Lead follows lead, the case is building just like it should. Follow the steps, listen to your inner Poole, and hope it all comes to a head. The whiteboard is defended vigorously. How dare she question his methods? How many murderers has she caught in the past months? Hah!
They DO spend a lot of time talking about the Inspector. It keeps him with them. They can almost see him, almost hear him, giving orders and advice. It's very comforting. They should be listening to this ghost Poole, not her.
Finally, it is time to put the clues all together but it doesn't make any sense. Where is the tiny detail that's missing? Who has the ability to find it? Recognize it? He's not here. Time for subterfuge.
A clandestine visit and somehow the story starts to make sense. Even in his fever-storm, he's a better copper than anyone AND he gives credit where credit is due. Fidel was sure his idea about the bandana is right and he is assured it is so. Confidence. A glimpse into a mind he admires greatly. School is truly in session and here is a student ready to soak it all up.
Helping him drink, his trembling hands. Pouring out the plant pot, his ignoble treatment. Signs of weakness? Or internal fortitude? Fortitude, most certainly. A weak man wouldn't soldier on like this.
Now Dwayne sneaks off to see the Chief. Comfort in the face of the enemy. All for one and one for all.
The D.S. insults Dwayne, can't be bothered to learn Fidel's name. Is this what the Chief endured back home? No wonder he stayed here. Who can work with enemies?
The beach incident-room is a revelation! They are confident, the Chief is on the case and he won't stop until it's solved. Privately, Fidel decides to save all the maps and schematics and notes, take them home, study them, try to follow the cool thinking behind it. If he can just fathom the tiniest bit of his mind… what a step up it would be for him!
Dressing him, preparing him for battle, it is a proud moment, like squires readying their knight. That pride fades in comparison to his actual denouement at the station. It is glorious to witness. And calling her 'Helena', a master stroke! Fidel retells that story again and again to anyone who will listen.
"That's the day I realized the Chief has a wicked sharp sense of humour. Don't cross him. I wonder why he didn't use it on the Croydon crowd?" Dwayne scoffs, "Probably too stupid to understand anythin' he said!" The two men consider it, accept it, clink their beers to it. Yeah. Neanderthals, every last one of them. Croydon, a hissing in the dark.
They listen to the Chief's reveal, each recognizing their own part in the story. Real pride burned in their hearts that day. And when he insults her right back about being a lowly D.S., Dwayne almost cheers and punches the air. What a boss! Thank you, sir! He even manages to apologize to his team on the D.S.'s behalf… forcing her to show her true nature to everyone and thereby negating everything she has said or done. What a coup!
Moments later, out on the veranda, looking down into the cool evening light, they pause and feel such solidarity. Them against the world. The moment of almost tender regard between the Chief and Fidel feels huge. That's when Fidel knew for certain. He is going to do everything in his power to become the Chief in turn. He wants to share this glorious feeling with his junior officers. The Croydons of the world shall not win! Not when there is an Honoré model to emulate!
The complacent feeling of comradery lasts right up until the taxi pulls up. Uh oh. Male bonding is great and all but… clear the decks! Sorry, Chief, you're on your own with this one. Wise men know when to scarper. We'll come back later to help pick up the pieces, take you home, put you to bed. After all, what are friends for?
END – S1 E6 – He Ran Hot