Promising Start, 2 of 2
anonymous
November 5 2011, 20:53:34 UTC
This also is a 221b, written in 221 words, the last ending in "b".
***
"There may be jokes, at first." Lestrade sipped his coffee.
"Jokes?"
"Middle-aged, lonely DI needs a new sergeant, and lookit, she's a beautiful young thing. How convenient.
"I don't foresee you getting any less attractive or me any less alone," he continued without apology or, apparently, self-pity. "I can ignore 'em if you can."
Frankness was a trait she valued. She repaid it in kind.
"There'll be other talk, too," she countered. "Whose arse is he trying to kiss, requesting a woman, and a black one, at that? Playing some political angle. Only explanation."
"People can be right bastards."
This startled a laugh from her.
"Your answer to all that," he said, "is doing your job, letting your record speak for itself."
"And yours?"
"I need someone at my right hand I can rely on." No hesitation. "I considered the candidates. Did the only thing I could, didn't I? I asked for the best."
He meant it, too.
The higher-ups might have issues with the man and his methods, but rumour had it that his team members, past and present, considered any insult against him to be instant fighting words.
She could learn a great deal from him. What not to do, of course, but also what to do.
Re: Promising Start, 2 of 2morganstuartNovember 7 2011, 18:59:30 UTC
I'm de-anoning to say there's a polished version up now here, and to thank you wholeheartedly for your lovely rec of this yesterday. I really appreciate it!
***
"There may be jokes, at first." Lestrade sipped his coffee.
"Jokes?"
"Middle-aged, lonely DI needs a new sergeant, and lookit, she's a beautiful young thing. How convenient.
"I don't foresee you getting any less attractive or me any less alone," he continued without apology or, apparently, self-pity. "I can ignore 'em if you can."
Frankness was a trait she valued. She repaid it in kind.
"There'll be other talk, too," she countered. "Whose arse is he trying to kiss, requesting a woman, and a black one, at that? Playing some political angle. Only explanation."
"People can be right bastards."
This startled a laugh from her.
"Your answer to all that," he said, "is doing your job, letting your record speak for itself."
"And yours?"
"I need someone at my right hand I can rely on." No hesitation. "I considered the candidates. Did the only thing I could, didn't I? I asked for the best."
He meant it, too.
The higher-ups might have issues with the man and his methods, but rumour had it that his team members, past and present, considered any insult against him to be instant fighting words.
She could learn a great deal from him. What not to do, of course, but also what to do.
"I'm honoured to join your team, Sir."
Let 'em talk, the bastards.
THE END
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