5.06- Tricks of the Trade: 10/22/95
A little distance never hurt anyone, Harry muses to himself as he gazes through the slats of his office window at the empty desks in front of him.
Harry knows his godson is gay; he's known for years and has patiently waited for Matthew to tell him. He'd never take away his autonomy or voice, and he wonders if they'll finally have that particular conversation while he's in town. Maybe Matthew thinks his old Uncle Harry is too old-fashioned and unprogressive, but he hopes he has the chance to show Matthew his unconditional love.
In the meantime, Rita doesn't know he's gay, and Matthew thinks Harry doesn't know he's gay. Therefore, he's unapologetically going to use this situation to his advantage.
He has to admit his wife is a genius. Frannie, ever the matchmaker, has been in his ear for months, searching for any sign that Chris and Rita were beyond friends after their respective breakups. Other than bickering like an old married couple over some recent cases, nothing has seemed amiss.
Until last week.
Chris was in an accident, a teenager under the influence was killed, and Rita was there, like always. Supportive as his partner, faithful as his friend, and when he saw them hugging and holding each other in front of this same office window, he knew.
Even if they didn't yet.
Harry's stomach had been churning ever since Chris broke up with Jillian. He knew that relationship was doomed from the start, and was unsurprised when Chris rationalized why he was staying in Palm Beach. He didn't even say Rita's name in his murmured excuses, but Harry knew.
Chris' heart didn't belong to a place; it belonged to a person.
Harry knew when they thought Rita was dead, his tearful confession of love playing out over those minutes and hours of absolute dread. When Chris had been shot months later, Harry saw the mirror image of this scene play out in a hospital waiting room, green eyes shedding countless tears as Rita sobbed on his shoulder.
His best homicide team: partners, best friends. Soulmates. A tale as old as time. A logistical nightmare for Harry if it comes true.
But enough is enough. He can't sit by and let these kids squander any more time.
So, Fran decided they needed a little push. Enter Matthew. Nothing like a bit of jealousy to get Lorenzo's blood boiling. After Eric, he knows Chris might be a little extra-protective of Rita and who she shares a meal with. Chris going undercover turned into an added bonus. This male prostitution ring fell into their laps (no pun intended, although Harry chuckles at how his brain works sometimes), and he knows how worried Rita gets when she can't go undercover with him.
One thing he's learned is when they are pulled apart, be it for work or relationships, they always come back stronger. And this week, it's a little of both.
At that moment, they both stroll in together, side by side, chuckling about something mid-conversation. Chris heads to the coffee pot, pours them both a refresher, and places Rita's mug at her desk before taking his seat. Harry notices that Chris is still in his undercover garb- pool boys don't wear suits- and he takes this as an opportunity to stir the pot.
"Lorenzo, how's the swimming pool industry going?" Chris barks out his signature laugh as Rita gives a small snort of amusement.
"Uh, good, laying the groundwork, getting her to trust me. It's been interesting."
"Laying the groundwork, I bet. I heard from Vice that she can be a real animal. She hasn't attacked you yet?"
"Well, she tried. So far, I've been able to hold her off."
Harry glances at Rita and sees a flicker of tense alertness. Her lips are pursed into a smirk, and her pen seems to be working a little more animatedly on the paperwork in front of her. He stifles a grin, mentally cataloging this moment to recall to Fran later. She was going to plotz.
"You stay safe, okay? I can pull you out of there if I need to. Have you ever had to go this far undercover before?"
At that, both of his detectives' heads jerk away from their respective tasks, and their eyes meet. Aha. He's struck a nerve, but his need for Alka Seltzer has skyrocketed. Oh, Frannie better be right about this plan of hers because he can't take much more of this.
"Um, no, Cap, not really. But I've got it handled."
"I'm sure you do." It's the first time Rita's contributed to the conversation, and her tease comes out a little abrupt. "Well, I'm off to meet Matthew for lunch. Chris, call if you need me, okay? Be careful."
"Have fun, Rita. Oh, and Frannie wants to have you and Matthew over for dinner tomorrow!"
"Sounds good, Cap. See ya."
Chris merely nods as she walks out of the bullpen, and it's his turn to brood. Harry's eyes sparkle with mirth, proud of his meddling, but those antacids are calling his name.
He retreats to his office, hoping he's doing the right thing.