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Sullivan froze as he walked into the police station with his hand on the arm of the handcuffed Flambeau.
“Father,” he said staring at the figure standing by the front desk, not noticing the interested look he was getting from his prisoner.
“Ah there you are at last. And with a prisoner, though I expect based on last time, it won’t be long before you let him escape,” finished Sullivan senior in a sour voice.
“Actually Mr Sullivan, the Chief Inspector is the only police officer who has managed to arrest me twice due to his skill at his job,” interrupted Flambeau.
Sullivan senior snorted, obviously unimpressed by Flambeau’s comment. “I suppose you’re going to take hours now trying to get information out of him. Well, I’ll try and find something to do in this dull little village. If I’ve got time, I’ll come and see you later.” And he walked off without another word.
“I’m sorry Sir, I was about to call and tell you he was here,” said Sergeant Goodfellow.
“It’s fine Sergeant,” Sullivan waved his comment away. “Is interview room one free?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good, I’ll interview Monsieur Flambeau in there,” said Sullivan and lead his suspect away.
“As I’m sure you know Inspector,” began Flambeau before Sullivan could begin asking questions. “I recently lost my father after not seeing him for twenty years. I regretted that; however, I believe you would be better off if you didn’t see your father for longer than that.”
Sullivan hesitated, not sure how to answer. He had heard the rumours about Flambeau’s father but didn’t know the truth of them. He wanted to ask more but before he could there was a knock at the door and Goodfellow looked in.
“Sorry sir, phone call for you. It’s the yard.”
“Thank you, Sergeant,” answered Sullivan and stood waiting for a constable to enter before going to his office to take the call.
It wasn’t long before he returned to the interview room telling Flambeau “Scotland yard are sending a couple of officers to collect you in the morning, so for now you’re going to have to go to a cell.”
“Ah, what a shame, and I was so looking to our chat,” smirked Flambeau.
“Hmm” Sullivan grumbled doubtfully and took Flambeau to a cell.
A few moments later he returned carrying some magazines neatly clipped together.
“It will be a long night so I, ah, thought these might help keep you entertained. And to remind you that there are officers outside the door and guarding the building,” said Sullivan handing them over.
“Thank you, Inspector. I have no intention of trying to escape at the moment,” smiled Flambeau.
Sullivan nodded to him and left, making sure to lock the cell door and avoid catching Flambeau’s eye.
*****
Later that evening Sullivan was helping Sid prepare their evening meal in the police cottage kitchen and explaining what had happened.
“Flambeau ‘elping a copper, who’d have thought?” said Sid. “Mind you, it’s no weirder than us dating I suppose.”
“I know, it makes me wonder what he’s planning,” answered Sullivan thoughtfully. “I just hope the magazines I gave him will keep him quiet until the two officers come from the yard tomorrow to collect him.”
“Only two?” said Sid in surprise, “after last time? And magazines clipped together, anyone would think you wanted him to escape," smirked Sid knowingly.
“Nonsense," answered Sullivan. "He can't possibly escape with the help of a simple clip and I did offer them a couple of constables, or even to go myself, but they think they know better.”
“Heh," Sid chuckled knowingly at the smile Sullivan gave him. "Still, I reckon he’s right about your dad,” said Sid, he’d heard about Sullivan’s upbringing and just how difficult his father had made it. “You know I didn’t know my dad. But I’d rather that than yours. And I’ve made my own family ‘ere. Your family now too of course.”
Before Sullivan could answer there came a knock at the door. Sullivan frowned, they weren’t expecting anyone, and he had a bad feeling about who it could be.
Sid hesitated, checking there was nothing obvious that might show Sullivan had a visitor, while listening to the conversation in case he had to slip away.
“Father,” came Sullivan’s voice, and Sid could tell from the tone he didn’t mean Father Brown.
“I couldn’t believe it when I went to the station, and they told me you’d left. With such an important prisoner in the cells,” started Sullivan senior.
“I trust my team,” stated the Inspector. “They have him well guarded and don’t need my supervision. I’ll be back in the morning when the officers from the yard arrive.”
“Well, I’m not surprised they don’t trust you with him,” grumbled Sullivan senior.
“Was there something you needed father?” asked Sullivan. “Or was your only intention to come here and insult me?”
Sullivan senior gasped “how dare you speak to me like that! Apologise right now or there will be consequences.”
“I won’t apologise father; you can no longer threaten me.”
“I’ll cut you off, your allowance and any inheritance you expect to get in my will, will go straight to your sister,” stated Sullivan senior in a triumphant manner.
“Well, that would be very helpful,” answered Sullivan.
“What do you mean?”
“I already send my allowance straight to her and have done ever since I started working. I’ve also told her that any inheritance I get will be hers because I want nothing from you.”
“You’ll regret this,” snarled Sullivan senior.
“I don’t think so. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meal cooking.”
Sid heard the front door shut and footsteps stamp off down the path.
“Proud of ya,” said Sid hugging him as he walked into the kitchen.
Sullivan sighed, shuddering slightly in Sid’s arms. “Thank you, I’ve been wanting to tell him that for years but was never brave enough. I thought you might try and hit him after what he said.”
“Thought about it, but I figured not only would you not want to arrest me after hitting your dad, but I knew you didn’t need me to, that you’d be brave enough to stand up to him,” answered Sid. “And remember you’re not alone anymore. You’ve got me and the others to back you up if he tries to cause trouble.”
“I know,” smiled Sullivan. “I can hardly believe everything that’s happened over the last year. A new, proper family…and you.”
“We’re all lucky to have you too,” answered Sid. “’specially me.”
Sullivan smiled happily and hugged him for a moment longer. “Now how’s tea coming on?”
“Nearly done,” answered Sid, “why don’t you set the table, and I’ll plate up?”
Sullivan gave him a peck on the lips and went to do exactly that, thinking about how lucky he was.