Raymond Doyle and the Most Popular Man in the World
Raymond Doyle and the Most Popular Man in the World, Part 3
Bodie was almost to the Whitehall area when a priority A-3 alert came across his radio: there had been an explosion inside the Old War Office - - all agents were to report. Bodie’s heart felt as if it had stopped. He knew that if the explosion involved Jeremy Townshend, Doyle would be there as well.
Pulling up outside the police lines, Bodie rushed into the familiar area where chaos seemed to be prevalent. The old building had not come down. In fact, it had seemed to withstand the impact of the bomb, but clearly there was damage, and Bodie suspected it must be in the area where the interrogation was to take place. Bodie felt such hatred towards Foxworth at that moment that if the man had crossed his sight he would have cheerfully murdered him without a second thought.
Standing outside the police barricades, Bodie, deciding to try and use his CI5 authority to get closer to the damaged area, was stopped by one of the Whitehall bureaucrats whom he had encountered many times over the years. The man was full of self-importance as his world revolved around his own petty problems. Bodie already hated him and now the man who Bodie thought was named Stephens uttered the words which nearly cost the man his life.
“Oh, Bodie, I think the bomb must have been meant for Sir Jeremy. I had just left Townshend so he could go to the interrogation room because I had to do something when the whole world seemed to explode behind me. I certainly hope that the computers and all the records survived that blast. It’s been weeks of work and I would hate to lose it.”
Stephens would probably never know how close he came to being strangled right there on the spot since Murphy, looking badly dishevelled and dirty, came running up to Bodie and Stephens. Murphy immediately assessed the situation and announced, “Doyle was with Sir Jeremy. We haven’t found them yet, but the bomb squad made contact with some of the computer file personnel and they confirmed that the bomb seemed to explode nearby. They are being got out now so it shouldn’t be too long before we know something.”
Upon hearing that news, Stephens hurried away to see to what he could find out about his precious evidence, leaving the two men alone. Bodie was barely holding back his temper as he turned on Murphy and asked, “Why weren’t you with them, Murph?”
Murphy looked faintly guilty as he pulled himself together to brave the onslaught of Bodie’s temper. “I know I should have been there, but Ray said he would accompany Sir Jeremy to the interrogation site so that I could take the phone call that was coming through from Switzerland with some information that Sir Jeremy needed. As soon as I heard the blast, I rushed down there, but could only get part way. The fire department and rescue are doing their best. Everybody insists that that area was made to withstand just such a blast, but an upper floor seems to have caved into the area where they might be. We’ll just have to wait.”
As Bodie heard the explanation, he managed to calm down slightly, realizing that Murphy was not at fault, but this was Doyle that was in danger and once again Bodie had not been there to protect his partner . . . his ex-partner. Bodie was prepared to give Murphy the benefit of the doubt, but was unable to relay that fact as George Cowley pulled up outside the police lines and rushed towards the two men.
Murphy quietly began to relate his brief to Cowley.
Bodie stood there momentarily searching for any sight of the now fugitive Foxworth, hoping he had not got out of the building and could still be wandering around, but saw nothing. Suddenly, there was an increase in activity and to Bodie’s sharp ears, he thought he heard the cries of someone saying that someone had been located. Without a second thought Bodie took off at a fast run to enter the still smoking building.
BDBDBDBD
Mercifully, the search was short. Since there had been witnesses to the exact location of the two men, the rescue had targeted the area immediately as soon as it was determined that the structure was sound. Sir Jeremy and Doyle had been found and after a tedious and long preparation, the two men were pulled out of their dark tomb. Sir Jeremy had some cuts and bruises, but as Townshend had suspected Doyle had a broken right leg and a mild concussion. Both men were immediately taken to the hospital. Bodie was there when they were pulled out; all of his attention on Doyle. He did register, however, Townshend’s words, “Ray saved my life.”
With those words the two men were on their way; Cowley riding in the ambulance with his old friend while Bodie was left to follow behind. He was grateful for the few minutes respite as he tried to collect his thoughts before he entered the structured chaos of the hospital which was now taking care of many of the victims of the bombing.
Hours later, Doyle was in a private room, provided by CI5. He had become somewhat of a celebrity for saving Townshend’s life, a fact that Townshend made sure that everyone knew. Townshend had been scarcely injured, but George Cowley was taking no chances. He was being moved to an ultra-safe private sanatorium where he would immediately give his sworn testimony. He would be out of the country within a few days, and George Cowley was going to accompany his friend the entire time.
As Ray Doyle opened his eyes, he could hear the clear voice of George Cowley arguing with someone. Even though his head and leg hurt, it was easy to recognize the equally belligerent tones of William Bodie, who seemed to be arguing quite loudly for a medical establishment. Doyle tried to wait patiently for one or both of the men to enter his room, but sleep overcame him.
When he awoke the next time, only Cowley was in the room. The elderly Scot had taken a comfortable chair near the bed and seemed to be completing some documentation. Cowley’s head shot up as he realized Doyle was awake and staring at him.
“Ah, laddie, finally awake. How are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better, sir. My head and leg are hurting, but it’s kind of surprising to be alive after all that rubble seemed to cave in on us. Speaking of us, how is Sir Jeremy?”
“Much better than you, my lad. Jeremy sends his best wishes. He wanted to stay here until you woke, but I insisted that he be transferred to a safe place where he could complete his testimony. He should be leaving for Switzerland within a day or two.”
“Good, I really messed up, sir. I should have recognized faster that the room was booby-trapped, and I didn’t. Did they get Foxworth? He was acting so strange.”
“Aye, he was stopped at the airport. It’s the same old story - - money. He needed more and sold out his country to get it. It was a good thing that Bodie put all the puzzle pieces together so we knew who we were looking for.”
“Bodie?”
“Aye, finding the mole at Whitehall was one of the tasks that I assigned him. He was on his way to the continent for a terrorist group meeting, but was so bothered by some facts that he had read about Foxworth that he reported to me instead. Unfortunately, it was too late to stop the bombing, but we got Foxworth, and he’s still singing about all the people involved.”
Doyle closed his eyes for a moment then he opened his sticky eyes to ask the one question that he needed to know, “Where is Bodie, sir?”
Cowley smiled at his agent. “Don’t worry, lad. He is raising all kinds of rumpus interrogating Foxworth and his friends. I need to talk to you for a moment and then I will let you rest.”
“What is it, sir? Is it something to do with Bodie . . . or Sir Jeremy?”
Cowley nodded and sat down again, pulling his chair closer to the bed. “In a way, it’s about both men. I’m sorry that that I didn’t handle the situation with you and Jeremy better. When Jeremy told me that he was going to offer you a job with his organization, I wasn’t surprised. Jeremy’s always been able to recognize efficient and qualified men, but I didn’t act fast enough to avoid grief for all concerned.”
“I don’t understand, sir.”
“I’ve known for a long time that you’ve been concerned about the approach of your fortieth birthday. I’ve known that it wasn’t so much you reaching forty, but the fact that if you came off the streets, Bodie would be left without a partner and his back would be vulnerable. For the last eight years, you have taken that responsibility very seriously, and I know it was bothering you. When Jeremy made his offer, I thought that it was an opportunity for me to offer Bodie a job off the street as head of the mobile anti-terrorism squad. The problem was that I neglected to tell anyone what my plans were for you, and Bodie became extremely worried that you would feel uncomfortable working for him on the squad. When he heard that Townshend was offering you a job which would take you to Switzerland, well . . . let’s just say that he didn’t handle the situation very well.”
Doyle tried to nod, but his aching head stopped him so he said, “I see, so you actually had plans for me as well?”
“Indeed, I did 4.5. I’m not getting younger. I’ve spent the better part of my life serving this country in various ways. I would like to retire in a year or two, and I would like to have my own man in place before that happens. To be honest, I had hoped that you would become Deputy Controller of CI5 now and on my retirement, take my place as the Controller.”
Doyle’s green eyes stared at the older man, amazed and unbelieving. The first thought that entered his mind, he blurted out, “Does Bodie know?”
Secretly pleased at Doyle’s concern for Bodie’s feelings, Cowley shook his head. “No, I never got the chance to tell him, and now there’s an added problem.”
“What’s that, sir?”
“Bodie seems to be upset by something, and he has been mentioning the possibility of leaving CI5 all together.”
Doyle laid there stunned. He was going to lose Bodie now that everything seemed to be working out? “I don’t understand, sir. Why would he do that?”
“Somehow, he feels responsible for not identifying Foxworth’s duplicity in this whole affair until it was too late. He feels, I think, that he failed to protect you. To be honest, I’m not sure that he ever felt that his duty was to protect Townshend, but you are another concern. He’s had very little sleep since this all happened. He’s running on pure adrenaline right now, and as soon as I get done visiting you, I’m going to order him to stand down.”
Doyle frowned as an idea formed in his head. “Sir, could you tell Bodie that he has to report to my hospital room before he is free to stand down. I think I badly need to talk to our guilt-ridden agent, don’t you?”
Cowley smiled and agreed, “Indeed, I do, lad. You mean a great deal to Bodie, and if he listens to anyone it will be you. I will leave you now to think over my proposal.” Cowley headed for the door, but stopped and turned to face the injured agent as if a thought came into his mind. “Agent 4.5, you have my permission to gain Bodie’s promise to stay with CI5 by any method that you deem necessary. We must keep this crazy ex-merc from doing damage to himself.” As he walked out the door, George Cowley winked at Doyle.
Raymond Doyle knew where his future lay; now he just had to convince the most stubborn and lovable individual on the face of the planet that his future lay in the same place.
BDBDBDBDBDBD
Doyle’s eyelids felt like they were weighed down with cast iron, but his instincts told him that someone was in his hospital room, and the very aroma of that individual announced to the Bodie-sensitive Doyle that it was his former partner. Opening his eyes carefully, Doyle tried to focus on the man who had made his emotions go haywire for the last eight years.
“’Lo, sunshine. Feelin’ better?”
Doyle made an effort to smile, but his head still hurt and just seeing Bodie made his heart pound. Clearing his throat, Doyle whispered, “Better than before but the noggin is still givin’ me fits.”
“Considering that part of the Old War Office fell on it, that doesn’t seem surprisin’. You and Sir Jeremy were lucky to be in such a reinforced area.”
Doyle attempted to nod, but the pain wouldn’t let him so he gave a ‘hmmm’ of agreement and wait for Bodie to spill whatever was bothering him. Doyle didn’t have long to wait.
“Just got done with Foxworth. He spilled his guts. We now know who were involved. Seems Sir Jeremy ticked off some mighty big people in various business enterprises, and they wanted to silence him before he finished his testimony. Cowley told me that Sir Jeremy has finished his interrogation while at the special sanatorium and is getting ready to return to Switzerland. I think the Cow is going to escort him.”
“Not surprised. They seem to be pretty close. Reminds me sort of . . .” Here Doyle stopped as he realized the word he did not include would cause pain to both men. “I’m glad that that’s finished. I really ought to get into contact with him, but . . .” Once again Doyle interrupted his words as he saw the reaction on Bodie’s face when Doyle announced that he was thinking of contacting Townshend. The look of dismay on the handsome face was quickly hidden, but Doyle could see the anxiety that was plainly written there.
“What’s the matter, Bodie? Is being here holding you up from your work with the Mobile Squad?”
Suddenly, Doyle knew he had hit on the true problem. Bodie was thinking about doing something that was not to be tolerated, but Doyle would have to wait until the ex-merc decided to confess.
The deep, blue eyes seemed to stare off into space as if Bodie was trying to decide what to say next. Sighing, he made a gesture of resignation and then announced, “Truth is, sunshine; I’m thinkin’ of resignin’ all together. I’m not sure that I can handle the Mobile Squad. It would be perfect for Murph, but I’m not sure that I can take all that runnin’ around again. Me merc days have given me a bad taste for always bein’ on the run.”
Doyle said nothing, just stared at the man he loved. Those words gave him new hope that something good could come out of the whole mess. Carefully and with a slight emphasis, Doyle asked, “What makes you think that CI5 will accept your resignation, after all it owns you body and soul. At least that’s what Cowley told us a long time ago. Remember when we were trying to solve Ann Seaford’s murder?”
Bodie nodded, but Doyle could see him bristle at the suggestion that the ex-merc might be tied to the organization. To Bodie, his allegiance was to the scruffy, moody ex-copper lying in front of him and not to the organization. “I remember, but my contract will be up in a few months so if I tell the money-hungry Controller that he can keep my pay, he’ll go along with it.”
“Ahh, that may be true. Cowley is always looking at the money angle, but the Deputy Controller couldn’t care a rat’s arse about money. He expects you to honour your contract and do your duty until he gives you permission to leave. After all CI5 controls your body and can even donate it to science so why would he let you throw yourself away when you are still a valuable agent?”
Bodie frowned, “What’s this about a Deputy Controller? I haven’t heard anything about him. You just tell me who he is, and I’ll make sure that he understands my position, even if he is worse than Cowley although I don’t know how that could be.”
Doyle’s green eyes twinkled. “Oh, I guarantee you that he’s much worse than Cowley, especially when he’s fighting for something he wants very badly.”
“Well, how come he wants me so badly, and how come I don’t know about it?”
Before Doyle could answer, Murphy sauntered into the room, looking faintly nervous. “Cowley wants to see you, Bodie. It seems that there some flak on about a certain individual who neglected to appear for an anti-terrorist meeting and needs to do some explaining.”
Bodie looked totally annoyed, blurting out, “I thought Cowley would take care of that. He knew I was staying in London; why do I have to take care of this, it’s his job.”
Murphy shrugged his shoulders, “Far be it from me to divine the thoughts of our beloved leader. He says to get your arse into headquarters now.”
Bodie crooked one eyebrow and mumbled to Doyle, “And you wonder why I want to get out of CI5?”
Doyle smiled and said, “Now, now, Bodie, if you don’t deal with Cowley, you’ll have to deal with the Deputy Controller, so best you move along.”
Once again, Bodie started to demand who this mysterious Deputy Controller was, but seeing the look on Doyle’s face, just shrugged and left.
Murphy, on the other hand, stuck around, moving closer to the bed. Looking at his friend for a moment, he queried, “Deputy Controller, huh? So Cowley told you?”
“How’d you know about it?”
“Well, the Cow approached me about joining Bodie on the Mobile Anti-Terrorism Squad. He thought he might keep Bodie with us if he could assure Bodie that he would only deal with the everyday workings of the squad, and I would be responsible for the stuff going on overseas and various other places. Don’t know why he thought that, but I’m really interested so he wants me to sit down with him and Bodie and talk it over. He mentioned his plans for you as he was explaining it.”
Doyle’s green eyes sparkled. “Should have known the Cow would leave nothing to chance. Now, how about you takin’ me home tomorrow?”
Doyle heard the amazement in Murphy’s voice as he asked about Doyle’s fitness to leave.
“Yeah, I’ll be on crutches, but my head is better and my leg will wear a cast for several weeks, but I want out of this place, and if I tell them you’ll be taking me home, I’ll be out of here early.”
“Well, okay, but you better be telling me the truth or my arse will be in a sling with both Cowley and Bodie.”
“Now why should Bodie care?”
“Give me a break, Doyle. I’m not blind. The moment Bodie saw Townshend’s interest in you; it was like a speeding train heading for a blockade. Those blue eyes lit up with hostility. Anybody who hurts Raymond Doyle has to deal with William Bodie, and everybody knows it.”
Strangely Murph’s words gave him a great deal of comfort. His relationship with Bodie had been so tension-filled these past weeks that he wasn’t sure what his status was with Bodie anymore. The two men had hardly talked, and Bodie had seemed so intransigent over Townshend that Doyle wasn’t sure that the two men had anything in common left, but if Murphy was right, maybe they could still piece this together without the threats of the Deputy Controller.
BDBDBDBDBD
The next morning Doyle was dutifully released into the care of Colin Murphy, who promptly deposited his charge at Doyle’s flat. The brief trip had exhausted the injured agent so much that he was grateful to rest in his bedroom while Murphy checked to make sure that the flat was up to standards in the way of food and other items.
Almost on the point of falling asleep the phone rang. Doyle answered the ringing quickly because it jarred his still tender head and was surprised to hear Sir Jeremy Townsend’s voice on the other end.
“Ray, just wanted to check on you before I leave this scepter’d isle. My testimony’s all finished and George is hustling me off to Switzerland before I can get myself in more trouble.”
“I’m glad to hear that you’ve finished. Good to hear that you are all right. Thank you for calling.”
“Just wanted to make sure that you are all right. They say that we were both lucky to be where we were so that the reinforcement saved us from a worse cave-in. I want you to know how much I appreciate the protection you gave me and the fact that you saved my life. I won’t forget that.”
“Didn’t do much, sir. In fact, if I had reacted a bit faster, might have saved us both.”
“Nonsense, but I do want you to know that I meant what I said about the job. You would make an excellent assistant and bodyguard. You are certainly welcome to recover over here at my home. I feel that I owe you a debt that I can never repay. I’ve talked to George, and he’s told me about his plans for you. You are a lucky man to have so many options, but I do want you to know that the offer is still on the table.”
“Thank you, sir, but I need to think over Mr. Cowley’s proposal. It does have its attractions as well.”
“Yes . . . yes, I see. I’m sorry that I caused Mr. Bodie so much distress. Well, let me know what you decide. In the meantime, George is chomping at the bit to escort me to Switzerland so I’ll be saying good-bye for the moment. Please remember to contact me if there is anything I can do, and give my apologies to Mr. Bodie. Sometimes I am like a bull in a china shop. Good-bye for now.”
Suddenly all Doyle could hear was the tone that the phone had been disconnected, but he stared at the phone for several seconds, letting the words run through his mind once again. So even Townshend had noticed Bodie’s dismay at Townshend’s proposal. No wonder Bodie was suspicious that Doyle’s relationship with Townshend might be ongoing. Something was going to have to be done.
Fortunately for Doyle, William Bodie had decided that Raymond Doyle had violated every tenet of protocol in leaving the hospital, and the ex-merc arrived at Doyle’s flat prepared to confront the escaped fugitive in his own lair. As soon as Doyle saw the raging anger in the beet red face at his door, Doyle figured that now was the time to confront another bull in a china shop and put an end to the misunderstandings that had abounded for weeks.
“Come in, mate. You look slightly perturbed.”
Walking into the room as only he could do, Bodie thundered out, “Don’t give me that you dumb crud. You tryin’ to kill yourself or something? Where’s Murphy? I went by the hospital and they told me that you had checked out in the company of Mr. Murphy. Why isn’t he here?”
Doyle backed away slightly under the pressure of the passionate figure. This wasn’t easy to do since he was on crutches, but he stood his ground after a slight retreat. “He was here for awhile. He’s out gettin’ food since I didn’t have much in the flat.”
The look of hurt that crossed the handsome face penetrated right to Doyle’s vulnerable heart. It looked like he had hurt Bodie once again - - he was always doing that, but what was so bad about asking Murphy to bring him home?
“Sit down, before you fall down.”
Doyle didn’t argue; thankful that he was still on his feet. Carefully placing himself in the most comfortable chair in the flat, he sat and waited for the coming storm.
“Why did you leave the hospital? They told me that you insisted on leaving even though the doctor wanted to keep you another day?”
“You know how I hate hospitals. They kept me long enough to know that my brain wasn’t sloshing around anymore and with my cast on, I was ready to leave. You’ve done worse when you’ve been in the hospital.”
Accusing green eyes stared into blue ones which forced them to drop, but then Bodie took up the attack again. “How come you asked Murph to take you home?”
“’Cause I knew he would do it; I figured that you’d go all stubborn on me and make me stay another day.”
Bodie couldn’t argue with that so he let the matter drop since he had a much bigger issue to deal with. “Okay, I’ll let you have that one, but what about this Deputy Controller who wants my body to be shackled to the bones of CI5 forever? What about him?”
“You haven’t talked to Cowley?”
“You know I haven’t; he’s cosying up with Townshend in Switzerland.”
Doyle’s mouth dropped as he gasped, “You don’t really think so, do you?”
“How should I know, but I know something’s going on. Since when does George Cowley take off during the middle of the week to lollygag to Switzerland with a very good friend? He didn’t even run to see Annie that fast.”
Doyle looked thoughtful as he speculated, “You’re right; he said he wanted to retire in a couple of years and that he wanted to spend time in Switzerland. You know old war buddies could be a lot more than that, but I thought Townshend had been married?”
“Maybe that was camouflage?”
“Well, it doesn’t make any difference, I guess.”
“What do you mean it doesn’t make any difference? That’s what’s allowing this crud of a Deputy Controller to come in and mess up my life.”
Doyle frowned at the implications of that statement, “How do you figure that? After all, you signed a contract, what’s wrong with him insisting that you honour your agreement?”
“Who are you? You’re certainly not Raymond Doyle, the man who was always threatening to walk out when George pulled an Operation Susie or some other underhanded deal.
Doyle had the grace to blush slightly. What Bodie had said was true, but now Doyle wanted Bodie to stay and he was determined to pull out all the stops, including being hypocritical if it would get the stubborn ex-merc to stay. “Well, I happen to know this Deputy Controller pretty well, and I know he wouldn’t hesitate to use all the power of CI5 to keep you in his control, so I just thought you might want to save yourself a lot of bother by playing it smart and staying around.”
For a moment, Bodie just stared at the obviously exhausted man who seemed to be at the end of his tether. As usual Bodie relented when Doyle seemed so vulnerable. “Okay, I’ll talk to the Deputy Controller and see if we can’t work something out. I really don’t want to go on the road, but if Murph would be willing, maybe something can be done. Just tell me who he is and I’ll make an appointment since George is unavailable.”
Now the green eyes sparkled as he whispered with as much affection as he could muster, “Oh Bodie, are you that dense?”
“Dense, am I? What’s the big secret? Is it somebody I loathe and detest and you can’t face tellin’ me?”
“Bodie, it’s me, you dumb crud. Cowley’s offered me the position of Deputy Controller and when he retires in a couple of years, I’ll move up to Controller.”
Bodie’s left eyebrow shot up in disbelief, “Why didn’t he tell me; why didn’t you tell me?
“I’ve been trying to, but he just told me when I was in the hospital, and you haven’t been around too much. Does it bother you?”
“I thought you were goin’ to Switzerland with Townshend?”
“That’s another thing; you assumed a lot and never really asked me what I wanted to do. Sir Jeremy is a nice man, and he still would like me to be his assistant, but I want to work with my most popular man in the world, and not him.”
“Your most popular man in the world - - now who would that be?”
“The man who advised me to stay cool and not get involved. The man who has guarded my back for the last eight years. The man who means more to me than anyone else in the world. The man who if he wants to leave CI5 would take me with him, I hope.”
Bodie stood there amazed, really registering the last phrase as being paramount, “You’d leave CI5 and go with me, even though you’d be head of it?”
“You bloody moron, you are my life. What would I be if you left me behind - - just a shell, like George Cowley who’s slaved away for whatever. Hopefully, he’s seen the light, and I promise you that I know what my priority is or really who my priority is.”
Bodie looked him over carefully, seeing the exhaustion in the skinny man’s frame. “Come on, angelfish, let’s get you into bed. We can talk about this after you’ve had a rest.”
“No, I won’t go to bed until I hear what your plans are.”
Bodie approached Doyle, standing directly in front of and hovering over the tired man. “All right, here goes, listen carefully: I’m going to take you to bed, undress you, and cuddle in with you. Then we’re going to sleep, and then I’ll get up and make us some food. After that, if you are strong enough, I’m going to love your body until you scream for mercy, and then we’re going to cuddle some more and then maybe, just maybe we’ll show up at CI5 and take over our new jobs. How does that sound.?”
For the next several hours, that is exactly what the two men did. The silence was bliss; both bodies cuddled together in a tight embrace, hands roaming all over each other’s bodies, bringing needed release and comfort. As Bodie’s stomach began to make sounds of hunger, the phone rang. Bodie rushed to the loo while Doyle answered it.
“4.5?”
Recognizing the voice, Doyle immediately replied, “Yes, sir.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine, sir. My headache’s almost gone and my leg is doing well. I’ll be on crutches, but I am mobile.”
“Good, I know you are due for some sick leave, but I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to throw you head first into the running of CI5. I’ve decided to stay a few days in Switzerland, and I thought you could take over as Acting Controller until my return. Has Master Bodie been persuaded to remain with us?”
Doyle smiled as he realized that George Cowley’s triple think mechanism was certainly in high gear. Doyle replied immediately, “Yes, sir. I think you could say that Bodie is willing to stay. He has some conditions, but he is definitely interested.”
Cowley’s voice sharpened as he asked, “What kind of conditions would he be wanting?”
“Well, he would prefer to be stationed here and let Murphy do the travelling portion of the job - - unless, of course, it was absolutely necessary. He would also prefer a change in housing so that he would be allowed to share accommodations with another member of CI5.”
“Oh, and who would that be?”
“Well, I thought as the Deputy Controller, I would be allowed to take over new lodging. I was thinking of Safehouse 10 which I know is going to be sold. It would be perfect for me as well as Bodie and it would save on renovation and security set ups since it’s already been used as protected housing.”
If Doyle had seen the smile on Cowley’s face, he would have known that Cowley had already anticipated this request, but the Cow’s voice gave nothing away as he asked, “And are there any other conditions?”
“Uh, no sir, except that it might be a good idea to review the non-fraternization policy and speak to the minister about two of his agents living together, if you know what I mean?”
“I see, 4.5. Well, I think that can be handled. I’ll think this all over. In the meantime, I have talked to Murphy and he will handle details at CI5 until you and Bodie can report for duty in two days time. If I need to get in touch again, I assume that I will find you both at your flat until then?”
“Yes, sir. We will be here.”
“Good, take care of yourselves. Good-bye.”
+++++++++
George Cowley turned to his friend Jeremy Townshend. “Well, I would say that the two gentlemen in question have resolved their differences, and are going to make a fine administrative team.”
Townshend nodded affectionately at the man he had known for almost thirty years. “Indeed, I’m glad they realized how important they were to each other before they became estranged. If I had been half as smart, maybe we would have both had different lives.”
Cowley knew that his friend was thinking of his wife, Claire. He had married Claire as a convenience, deciding that his family obligations came first. George Cowley had not argued because he felt his future lay with public service, but neither man could deny that perhaps they should have chosen different paths. Now was the opportunity to change that path. Claire was gone, and Cowley had plans to retire in a few years and make a new life - - perhaps it would be with Townshend, but that remained to be seen.
Townshend smiled, “Come on, George, let’s finish that game of chess, and then we’ll have a late night snack and talk over old times.”
“Aye, laddie, sounds good to me.”
+++++++++++++
Bodie was cuddled up to the slender man who lay spooned against his chest. Bodie’s warm hands roamed all over the furry chest, gently caressing the tender nipples. Tiny bites along the shoulders, and kisses along the luscious neck failed to bring arousal since both men were sated and exhausted from their previous lovemaking. Bodie blew into Doyle’s ear, as he whispered, “Now I can see why you’re thinking of getting off the street. You can’t take it anymore since you’re almost 40, huh mate?”
That immediately got a reaction from the tired Doyle, who flipped over with surprising speed, seeing that he wore a cast. He grabbed Bodie’s face between his hands. With green eyes blazing, he blurted out, “I’ll show you who’s too tired. I can get it up with the best of them.”
Bodie laughed, “Okay, sunshine, I believe you, but since you’re going to be my boss, we have to be careful here. Wouldn’t want anybody accusing you or me, for that matter, of sexual harassment or anything.”
“I’ll show you sexual harassment. Let’s make this clear right now, dear employee. Your Deputy Controller expects you to sleep with him every night and make love to him every day. Failure to do so will result in overtime service to achieve the demands of the Deputy Controller. Your contract is for life, and nothing, but nothing will be permitted to break that contract. Are you willing to commit to such conditions?”
Using a very credible Cowley brogue, Bodie replied, “Aye, laddie, I am.”
“Excellent, and in return, I will only be your boss on the job; in all other things we are equal and you may make demands on me as your lover, partner, and friend, is that clear?”
For an answer Bodie gave his lover a mind blowing kiss. “Sounds good to me; now how about we make each other one more promise?”
“And what would that be?”
“When we are both in the old folks’ home, we still get it on every day.”
Doyle laughed, “Oh, Bodie, I can tell you’re going to be insatiable. I love you.”
“I love you, too, angelfish. Now how about some food?”
The End
***Note: The person that I envision as Jeremy Townshend is the actor, Jonathan Pryce. You are free to envision anyone you want.