![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
carodee.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
discoveredinaljThis is an old challenge fic that has been languishing in my WIP folder for 12 years waiting for just a few more paragraphs to be written. That made it doubly perfect for December 9th, Long Ago. The story takes place at the very beginning of Ray and Bodie's partnership. I didn't have a chance to get it beta-ed and Brit-picked but hopefully it's not too bad.
Happy holidays to everyone in the Pros community. I hope you all enjoy it!
Title: Cat and Dog
Author: Caro Dee
"Don't lose them, Doyle," Bodie snapped.
Ray turned to glare at him, white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. "I'm practically up his bunghole as it is. Unless they're completely blind, they're going to notice."
They were tailing two minor criminals in a blue Cortina that were rumored to work with someone who had connections with the IRA. It was a simple enough assignment that two new agents couldn't fumble, as Cowley had informed them this morning, Ray thought sourly.
Ray had already successfully worked four ops with various agents. He knew Cowley was starting to assign partners, so he had a sinking feeling when he walked into Cowley's office. Oh God, not Bodie, he thought. He'd only worked peripherally with him on a large-scale operation but the man's attitude was insufferable.
Bodie's eyes had flicked over him, looking none too pleased with what he saw, then turned back to Cowley. Ray took a seat and Cowley immediately broke the bad news that they were partners. Bodie had stiffened. That small indication that Bodie's opinion of Ray was no higher than Ray's of him had Ray seething.
They were off to a bad start, as was proven when they fought over who would drive. Ray won and then discovered his hollow victory as Bodie proceeded to comment unfavorably on his every move. Anger did not make his driving any smoother and Bodie's tongue was sharp beneath the jovial manner.
"Watch it! He's turning."
"I see it! I have got eyes, you know."
The suspects turned left onto a busy commercial street. Just as Ray reached the intersection, the traffic lights turned red. He slammed on the brakes. A crowd of pedestrians carrying festive Christmas bags started to cross the street in front of them.
Bodie swore and slammed his fist down on the dashboard. "I told you to watch it. Who taught you to drive? Your granny?"
Ray's lips thinned as he fought to keep silent. Bodie began tapping his fingers impatiently against the dashboard. Tap. Tap. Tappity tap. Tap. Tap.
"Come on! How long is this light going to take?"
The light changed and Bodie snorted. "Finally! Step on it."
Ray shifted and made the turn, speeding up a little to make up the lost distance.
Bodie went on. "I hope for your sake we haven't lost them. I'm not taking the blame for this."
That did it. Ray turned to him. "Shut up! Will you just fucking shut up! I can't concentrate with you nattering on all the--"
Bodie yelled, "Ray!" There was a sudden bang and Ray slammed against the steering wheel. He gasped and shoved back up. They'd rammed a car. He took a closer look. It was the blue Cortina. They'd rammed right into their suspects' automobile. What were they doing standing still in the middle of the street?
Oh. There was a car in front of them just finishing parking. Damn.
The Cortina's doors open and Thornton and Margolis stepped out on either side. They started shouting angrily as they moved towards Ray and Bodie. Suddenly, they stopped and peered closer at them. "He's got a gun," one of them yelled and they both took off running.
Ray turned to look at Bodie. Bodie'd pulled his gun out and held it at such an angle that the suspects could see from where they stood. What a fucking idiot.
An idiot who was darting out of the car and after them.
"Wait! Wait for me," Ray yelled, shaking his head to clear it. He opened the door and started climbing out. Somehow his left foot caught on the edge of the door and he tripped, falling into an ice cold puddle of slush.
At least the shock cleared his head and, ignoring the fact his trousers were wet from knees to ankle, Ray took off running.
Bodie was already a block ahead of him and he couldn't even see Thornton and Margoli. Suddenly, Bodie darted into an alley. Christ, he'd never catch up now. Looking around wildly, Ray suddenly realized he knew this area. And, yes! Right ahead was a familiar office building with a florist in front. Still a chance then.
Ray sped up and slammed through the entrance into the foyer, narrowly avoiding indignant office workers returning from lunch. Down a corridor here, through a doorway, and he left behind the elegant public area to move through dingier corridors. The slap of his footsteps echoed through the empty hallway and then he was at and out the door into the alley behind the office building, where he used to meet what's-her-name, yeah, Christie, for a smoke and a cuddle.
A quick listen and he had their direction. But as he neared the corner, the sound of running stopped; there was a hoarse shout and a gunshot. Cautiously, Ray poked his head past the edge of the building for a quick peek. Bodie stood there in the alley, hands raised, still holding his gun. He was facing Margolis, but Thornton was behind Bodie, gun pointed at his back. Ray grinned. Thornton must have hidden behind the skips. So the big bad merc got suckered by an obvious ambush. Cowley would be scathing and Ray could only hope he'd be there to hear it.
Ray stepped forward, heel coming solidly down on something slippery and fell backwards on his bum. The injustice of it all swept over Ray. He'd be lucky to qualify as a janitor at CI5 after this.
The noise startled both criminals, as they stared back at the fallen man, who was swearing a blue streak and pointing a steady gun at them from that awkward position. Bodie took advantage of the distraction to fire at Margolis as he dropped and rolled, turning towards Thornton. Ray could see he wasn't going to make it in time. He sighted and fired, dropping Thornton with a single shot to the right shoulder.
Bodie stood and walked over to Margolis, prodding the limp body with one foot. "This one's dead," he announced.
"Cowley won't like that," Ray said, savoring Bodie's grimace of agreement. "Mine's still available for questioning."
Bodie covered the whimpering Thornton, while Ray stood up. He surreptitiously checked and, yes indeed, he had ripped the back seam of his trousers in that fall. How can all these things happen to just one person? Bloody unfair! He glanced up to see Bodie regarding him with that look of unholy glee.
"You've been through the wringer, haven't you?" Bodie said, smirking. "There are rose petals in your hair, darling."
Doyle ran a quick hand through his hair to dislodge the unwelcome decoration, jaw clamped shut against the fury running through him. He was pretty sure Cowley wouldn't give him a new partner if he murdered this one. Not that that was going to be an issue after today. He glared sullenly at Bodie, who was speaking into his R/T.
"We're to sit tight until transportation back to headquarters arrives," Bodie informed him.
Ray nodded wearily and leaned against the building.
"Hey, what about me?" whined Thornton. "I need to get to hospital."
"Shut up!" Ray and Bodie said in unison, and exchanged startled looks.
Ray saw that Bodie was staring at him. His face was blank but his eyes were sharp and assessing. "That was a nice shot, especially considering your position at the time."
Ta and fuck you very much, Ray thought. "I'm decent with a gun."
"Top marks, I hear." Bodie said, tilting his head. "You're a clumsy boyo, but maybe that's just first day nerves." He grinned suddenly. "Can't blame you for wanting to impress me, but you don't have to try so hard it puts you off your stride."
Ray stared at him, mouth working indignantly before exploding. "Impress you? Impress you! Listen to me, you insufferably conceited arsehole, I don't need to impress you. I'm bloody good at my job. What's more, I'm not impressed with you. That was an obvious trap and you fell for it like a rank amateur. And another thing. I don't want to be partnered with you any more than you do with me, but you don't go running off on your own like that. If I hadn't known a shortcut, you'd likely be dead by now. Killed by two low level, barely competent criminals. Bloody embarrassing!"
Nostrils pinched in a pale face, Bodie gave him such a vicious look that Ray almost stepped back. Warily, he adjusted his stance in case Bodie attacked. For a moment, the two faced each other like growling dogs. Then Bodie laughed ruefully and his body relaxed. Ray didn't let his guard down.
"You're right. Neither of us is covered in glory today," Bodie reluctantly admitted. "But you did back me up when it counted and I appreciate that. Look, let's admit we can't stand each other. But I don't need to like someone to work with him. Let's give this partnership a try, shall we? See how it goes."
"Sure, Bodie," Ray grinned through his clenched teeth. "We'll give it a try." He was lying, of course. So now Bodie wanted the partnership? Bodie had decided Ray was adequate? Condescending arse. He'd work with the sod only as long as it took to prove he was the better man. By then, Cowley would know to partner him with someone he could work with.
The transport arrived and took them all back to headquarters. He was still simmering when Bodie drove him to his flat to wash up and change. He was vaguely mollified when Bodie's report to Cowley mentioned nothing of Ray's embarrassing string of bad luck. Cowley was blistering about the dead man and the damaged car, so, although not keen on his own reprimand, the sight of Bodie squirming more than half cheered Ray up.
Outside of Cowley's office, Bodie paused and turned to Ray, saying abruptly, "I could use a drink to wash the taste of that away. Join me for a half pint?"
Ray narrowed his eyes suspiciously but decided Bodie was serious. He shrugged and said, ungraciously, "Haven't got anything better to do."
It took three pints of the best and an hour of laughing hysterically at Bodie's clowning impression of Cowley to decide that, off the job, maybe he wasn't a total bastard. It wasn't until after he lay happily panting in the arms of the pretty blonde that Bodie had practically shoved into his arms, that he decided, maybe, just maybe he'd give the fellow a chance. After all, Ray still had to prove he was the better man. Good thing that wouldn't be hard to do.
END
Happy holidays to everyone in the Pros community. I hope you all enjoy it!
Title: Cat and Dog
Author: Caro Dee
"Don't lose them, Doyle," Bodie snapped.
Ray turned to glare at him, white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. "I'm practically up his bunghole as it is. Unless they're completely blind, they're going to notice."
They were tailing two minor criminals in a blue Cortina that were rumored to work with someone who had connections with the IRA. It was a simple enough assignment that two new agents couldn't fumble, as Cowley had informed them this morning, Ray thought sourly.
Ray had already successfully worked four ops with various agents. He knew Cowley was starting to assign partners, so he had a sinking feeling when he walked into Cowley's office. Oh God, not Bodie, he thought. He'd only worked peripherally with him on a large-scale operation but the man's attitude was insufferable.
Bodie's eyes had flicked over him, looking none too pleased with what he saw, then turned back to Cowley. Ray took a seat and Cowley immediately broke the bad news that they were partners. Bodie had stiffened. That small indication that Bodie's opinion of Ray was no higher than Ray's of him had Ray seething.
They were off to a bad start, as was proven when they fought over who would drive. Ray won and then discovered his hollow victory as Bodie proceeded to comment unfavorably on his every move. Anger did not make his driving any smoother and Bodie's tongue was sharp beneath the jovial manner.
"Watch it! He's turning."
"I see it! I have got eyes, you know."
The suspects turned left onto a busy commercial street. Just as Ray reached the intersection, the traffic lights turned red. He slammed on the brakes. A crowd of pedestrians carrying festive Christmas bags started to cross the street in front of them.
Bodie swore and slammed his fist down on the dashboard. "I told you to watch it. Who taught you to drive? Your granny?"
Ray's lips thinned as he fought to keep silent. Bodie began tapping his fingers impatiently against the dashboard. Tap. Tap. Tappity tap. Tap. Tap.
"Come on! How long is this light going to take?"
The light changed and Bodie snorted. "Finally! Step on it."
Ray shifted and made the turn, speeding up a little to make up the lost distance.
Bodie went on. "I hope for your sake we haven't lost them. I'm not taking the blame for this."
That did it. Ray turned to him. "Shut up! Will you just fucking shut up! I can't concentrate with you nattering on all the--"
Bodie yelled, "Ray!" There was a sudden bang and Ray slammed against the steering wheel. He gasped and shoved back up. They'd rammed a car. He took a closer look. It was the blue Cortina. They'd rammed right into their suspects' automobile. What were they doing standing still in the middle of the street?
Oh. There was a car in front of them just finishing parking. Damn.
The Cortina's doors open and Thornton and Margolis stepped out on either side. They started shouting angrily as they moved towards Ray and Bodie. Suddenly, they stopped and peered closer at them. "He's got a gun," one of them yelled and they both took off running.
Ray turned to look at Bodie. Bodie'd pulled his gun out and held it at such an angle that the suspects could see from where they stood. What a fucking idiot.
An idiot who was darting out of the car and after them.
"Wait! Wait for me," Ray yelled, shaking his head to clear it. He opened the door and started climbing out. Somehow his left foot caught on the edge of the door and he tripped, falling into an ice cold puddle of slush.
At least the shock cleared his head and, ignoring the fact his trousers were wet from knees to ankle, Ray took off running.
Bodie was already a block ahead of him and he couldn't even see Thornton and Margoli. Suddenly, Bodie darted into an alley. Christ, he'd never catch up now. Looking around wildly, Ray suddenly realized he knew this area. And, yes! Right ahead was a familiar office building with a florist in front. Still a chance then.
Ray sped up and slammed through the entrance into the foyer, narrowly avoiding indignant office workers returning from lunch. Down a corridor here, through a doorway, and he left behind the elegant public area to move through dingier corridors. The slap of his footsteps echoed through the empty hallway and then he was at and out the door into the alley behind the office building, where he used to meet what's-her-name, yeah, Christie, for a smoke and a cuddle.
A quick listen and he had their direction. But as he neared the corner, the sound of running stopped; there was a hoarse shout and a gunshot. Cautiously, Ray poked his head past the edge of the building for a quick peek. Bodie stood there in the alley, hands raised, still holding his gun. He was facing Margolis, but Thornton was behind Bodie, gun pointed at his back. Ray grinned. Thornton must have hidden behind the skips. So the big bad merc got suckered by an obvious ambush. Cowley would be scathing and Ray could only hope he'd be there to hear it.
Ray stepped forward, heel coming solidly down on something slippery and fell backwards on his bum. The injustice of it all swept over Ray. He'd be lucky to qualify as a janitor at CI5 after this.
The noise startled both criminals, as they stared back at the fallen man, who was swearing a blue streak and pointing a steady gun at them from that awkward position. Bodie took advantage of the distraction to fire at Margolis as he dropped and rolled, turning towards Thornton. Ray could see he wasn't going to make it in time. He sighted and fired, dropping Thornton with a single shot to the right shoulder.
Bodie stood and walked over to Margolis, prodding the limp body with one foot. "This one's dead," he announced.
"Cowley won't like that," Ray said, savoring Bodie's grimace of agreement. "Mine's still available for questioning."
Bodie covered the whimpering Thornton, while Ray stood up. He surreptitiously checked and, yes indeed, he had ripped the back seam of his trousers in that fall. How can all these things happen to just one person? Bloody unfair! He glanced up to see Bodie regarding him with that look of unholy glee.
"You've been through the wringer, haven't you?" Bodie said, smirking. "There are rose petals in your hair, darling."
Doyle ran a quick hand through his hair to dislodge the unwelcome decoration, jaw clamped shut against the fury running through him. He was pretty sure Cowley wouldn't give him a new partner if he murdered this one. Not that that was going to be an issue after today. He glared sullenly at Bodie, who was speaking into his R/T.
"We're to sit tight until transportation back to headquarters arrives," Bodie informed him.
Ray nodded wearily and leaned against the building.
"Hey, what about me?" whined Thornton. "I need to get to hospital."
"Shut up!" Ray and Bodie said in unison, and exchanged startled looks.
Ray saw that Bodie was staring at him. His face was blank but his eyes were sharp and assessing. "That was a nice shot, especially considering your position at the time."
Ta and fuck you very much, Ray thought. "I'm decent with a gun."
"Top marks, I hear." Bodie said, tilting his head. "You're a clumsy boyo, but maybe that's just first day nerves." He grinned suddenly. "Can't blame you for wanting to impress me, but you don't have to try so hard it puts you off your stride."
Ray stared at him, mouth working indignantly before exploding. "Impress you? Impress you! Listen to me, you insufferably conceited arsehole, I don't need to impress you. I'm bloody good at my job. What's more, I'm not impressed with you. That was an obvious trap and you fell for it like a rank amateur. And another thing. I don't want to be partnered with you any more than you do with me, but you don't go running off on your own like that. If I hadn't known a shortcut, you'd likely be dead by now. Killed by two low level, barely competent criminals. Bloody embarrassing!"
Nostrils pinched in a pale face, Bodie gave him such a vicious look that Ray almost stepped back. Warily, he adjusted his stance in case Bodie attacked. For a moment, the two faced each other like growling dogs. Then Bodie laughed ruefully and his body relaxed. Ray didn't let his guard down.
"You're right. Neither of us is covered in glory today," Bodie reluctantly admitted. "But you did back me up when it counted and I appreciate that. Look, let's admit we can't stand each other. But I don't need to like someone to work with him. Let's give this partnership a try, shall we? See how it goes."
"Sure, Bodie," Ray grinned through his clenched teeth. "We'll give it a try." He was lying, of course. So now Bodie wanted the partnership? Bodie had decided Ray was adequate? Condescending arse. He'd work with the sod only as long as it took to prove he was the better man. By then, Cowley would know to partner him with someone he could work with.
The transport arrived and took them all back to headquarters. He was still simmering when Bodie drove him to his flat to wash up and change. He was vaguely mollified when Bodie's report to Cowley mentioned nothing of Ray's embarrassing string of bad luck. Cowley was blistering about the dead man and the damaged car, so, although not keen on his own reprimand, the sight of Bodie squirming more than half cheered Ray up.
Outside of Cowley's office, Bodie paused and turned to Ray, saying abruptly, "I could use a drink to wash the taste of that away. Join me for a half pint?"
Ray narrowed his eyes suspiciously but decided Bodie was serious. He shrugged and said, ungraciously, "Haven't got anything better to do."
It took three pints of the best and an hour of laughing hysterically at Bodie's clowning impression of Cowley to decide that, off the job, maybe he wasn't a total bastard. It wasn't until after he lay happily panting in the arms of the pretty blonde that Bodie had practically shoved into his arms, that he decided, maybe, just maybe he'd give the fellow a chance. After all, Ray still had to prove he was the better man. Good thing that wouldn't be hard to do.
END
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2017-12-09 09:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-09 09:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-09 10:02 am (UTC)Thanks for getting it out into the light!
no subject
Date: 2017-12-09 04:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-09 06:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-09 06:46 pm (UTC)Love stories showing their beginning
Date: 2017-12-09 07:25 pm (UTC)lbc
no subject
Date: 2017-12-10 06:39 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-10 09:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-10 04:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-10 07:56 pm (UTC)Glad you were able to get it finished, thanks for sharing it with us.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-12 12:25 am (UTC)