3

Javert was lost. It had Valjean wondering how the man had even found his office in the first place. He had given the bristling inspector directions to the nearest police station but before they could leave the building, the light snowfall that covered the rolling hills with a dusting of white had become a raging storm. Valjean was particularly grateful for the sudden weather because he feared it would fare very badly for the inspector when he arrived at the station. Jean Valjean had become well known in the area as an upstanding citizen and Javert was no longer a part of the force. No doubt he would go raving mad when they took him and not Valjean into custody for unlawful imprisonment. He would face serious charges then, a man who lived by and upheld the law above all else. It wouldn't be right.

While one man was grateful, the other was anything but. Javert was furious, torn between his obsessive need to carry out justice and his common sense screaming at him to keep out of the storm. A voice in the back of his mind urged him to carry out his vengeance and he struggled to regain control of logical thought. His prisoner was in custody, and it would be prudent to stay inside until the weather cleared. If he did venture out there was also a chance of Valjean escaping again, despite his cooperation so far.

"We will stay here for the night," he informed the convict brusquely. Valjean gave a muted sigh of relief and nodded. Taking hold of his prisoner's arm, the inspector directed him toward the "elevator." They had taken it on the way down and Javert had marveled at its efficiency of transportation.

It suddenly occurred to the dedicated officer that not only was he unfamiliar with his surroundings, he had no idea where his quarters were. He remembered nothing of where he had come from or how he had found the superintendent's office. Did he even live in the building? He stopped short, unsure of how to proceed. Valjean, sensing his distress, softly cleared his throat.

"Monsieur, since you are unable to fulfill you duties tonight, my rooms are at your service." Having barely escaped the embarrassment of having nowhere to go, he nodded, signaling Valjean to proceed.

They arrived with little fuss, each man in his own world of thought. Due to the storm, most of the residents were inside their own rooms keeping warm and passing the time. Thankfully, this meant that the corridors were deserted. If anyone had been privy to the situation, a commotion would have undoubtedly ensued.

Javert looked at the door then back to his captive, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

"The key?"

"In my right pocket." Nodding, he made to search the other man's jacket.

"Ahem, sorry, uh… pants pocket."

Pursing his lips in irritation, Javert reluctantly reached into the pocket, uncomfortable with the proximity in which he found himself with the man he had hunted for the better part of his life. The pants were well tailored, the pockets deep, and try as he might, Javert could not keep his hand from sliding down Valjean's leg as he sought the elusive key. The convict was equally unsettled, looking away from his captor to try and regain some sense of dignity. Finally grasping the thing Javert quickly removed his hand and opened the door.

The residence was clean and sparsely decorated, enough for one man to be comfortable. Javert found himself thinking how it resembled his own accommodations, that is, the ones he thought he had. The one difference was that the quality of the furniture was much higher then anything the inspector had ever owned. He scowled.

"How much did you steal and con to be able to afford such a living?" Valjean tensed but remained silent. It would do him no good to try and defend himself. Javert would never believe him anyway. He made his way through the front room to the kitchenette. Javert followed close on his heals, suspicious of an attack. But Valjean simply sat down at the table, exhausted from the events of the day. His paperwork alone would have been enough without throwing this on the fire.

"You wouldn't begrudge a man his supper, would you? You're more than welcome to join me." Javert eyed him questioningly, but saw only a tired and hungry man. Shrugging, he nodded his consent.

"Ah, but I am afraid you will have to prepare it, unless you see fit to release me for a few minutes." The inspector thought for a moment, frowned, then motioned for him to stand. Valjean was in no shape to make an escape attempt presently, he could see that clearly. He would have to have his hands free to eat anyway and Javert had to admit he was quite famished himself. The cuffs fell away and Valjean rubbed blood back into his raw wrists. Thanking the inspector he set about his task.

The meal wasn't fancy but it was filling and flavorful. Valjean even swore he saw Javert relax a little. After the dishes were done, Valjean went to prepare his evening toilet. Javert was being unusually lenient and allowed his prisoner to proceed unfettered. But as Valjean stepped into his room, Javert grabbed him by the collar, the clink of chains following soon after.

"At least allow me a moment to remove my coat and shoes," Valjean pleaded, ready to collapse onto his inviting bed.

"Be quick about it," was the curt reply. Jacket, waistcoat, cravat, shoes and stockings were laid on a nearby chair. He even stole a moment to unbutton his cuffs. Sighing, the captive obediently returned to the doorway.

"Very well, monsieur, I am ready now." The manacles were replaced but this time not as tightly. It would be awkward sleeping with his hands behind his back, but he was so fatigued that the thought of discomfort barely registered.

"Wait," he called out as Javert started to close the door. "The room next to this one is unoccupied and you are welcome to use it." Another nod and he was gone. The door closed, cutting off all light to the room, and the key turned in the lock. As if Javert didn't feel secure enough having his prisoner chained.

Valjean pushed the thought from his mind, got into bed, managed to pull the bedclothes mostly over himself, and fell asleep the moment his head touched the pillow.

As always, reviews are most welcome and appreciated.