15: What lies beneath.
PelaamΒ© June 2008.
Outwardly Jaze looked calm and collected. Inwardly he was playing out in his mind, again and again, how he could strangle the man to his right and hide the body. He was certain he could do it. He glanced at the third man in the room, who sat impassively behind his desk. The inexpressive-faced, iron-grey man, Alan Baskervale, was his Chief and the only other person able to dictate what Cobalt Blue did over and above Jaze himself. And who was currently listening to a request for Stewie to be loaned out to another Team for an undercover assignment.
"We have a female officer working on one of Cannelli's men, Chief," the nasally tones to his right brought Jaze's attention back to the man he detested unreservedly. "There is an equally good chance to get the information from this other source."
Marchant held the same rank as Jaze and had recently transferred to the Division. Over the past few months he had shown, in Jaze's opinion, his true colours. He was sexist, racist and homophobic. He was already skirting disciplinary action and Jaze was convinced that he was keen to make this case a success to help defuse the situation he was in. And Jaze had no intention of allowing his fiancΓ© to be endangered by someone who would lay any number of bodies down to save his own worthless skin.
"Ginelli is a fa...is gay," Marchant said, hoping his near slip had gone unnoticed. "He has a liking for pretty, blond twinks. Donovan is perfect. A luxurious environment, all expenses paid. All he has to do is catch Ginelli's eye and he'll enjoy every minute of it."
"Are you suggesting that Stewie will enjoy having to get physically close to this man?" Jaze growled menacingly. "Is that all you want him for? Because he's small, blond and you think he'll enjoy intimacy with this scumbag?"
Marchant stared at Jaze through watery-blue eyes. He had heard the rumours about Kingston, but found it hard to reconcile them with the raw, powerful male that glowered at him. The Division was everything and nothing like he had expected. The cases brought the opportunity for personal glory, but the personnel were like a mine-field. They did not back down from him and a couple had even gone straight to the Chief, something he was unused to. He was used to like-minded men or those he could bully. Now he needed to crack a high profile case. He needed Stewart Donovan because he knew Ginelli would take one look at him and start to salivate.
"Chief, you know Stewie's record," Jaze said, turning away from Marchant. "He has commendations and no one can doubt his commitment to the job or his bravery. However, if all is needed is some pretty, little blond, then I would suggest that Marchant look elsewhere. There are any number of uniforms who would jump at the chance to be included in an undercover operation."
"Of course that's not the case," Marchant said, licking at dry lips. "I am perfectly aware that Donovan has an excellent record and his undercover work is exemplary. That's my main reason for wanting him. I need a man experienced in working undercover." The lie fell easily from his lips. He had no doubts regarding the blond's sexuality and therefore considered him expendable. At that moment he would say anything he thought might sway Baskervale, just so long as he got the blond.
Baskervale sat listening without giving any of his inner feelings away. He was not responsible for Marchant coming to his Division. Nor was he pleased to have the man. Marchant had used up the last of his favours to get the transfer. Now the man was on his own and would sink or swim through his own talents β or lack of them. Baskervale was pleased, however, that his people knew they did not have to tolerate bigotry of any kind...from anyone. He was also quite sure that Jaze was just waiting to make his move, that the outwardly calm facade was just that; a facade. All he had to do was let the big man bide his time and strike when ready.
"So," Jaze said slowly. "You need experienced undercover personnel for the success of this case." He looked thoughtful, as if musing on the merits of the request.
"Of course," Marchant replied. He gave a mental smile. Got him, he thought triumphantly.
"I'm happy to give Vermillion Red any assistance I can to ascertain the details of the drug shipment that Canelli has coming in," Jaze added, nodding. "As such, whilst they focus on their Team member, Leo and I will take responsibility for Stewie. After all, you did say you needed experience and where your Team would recognise a subtle call for help from one of their own, the same goes for Leo and me."
Marchant blinked. That was not what he wanted at all. He tried to think of a way to deter Kingston while still keeping Donovan.
"Are you and Leo up to date enough to take the time?" Baskervale asked, already certain of the answer, before Marchant could formulate an argument of his own.
"We just cracked our last case. Shaz is taking a couple of days off but I'm certain Leo will put his time off back to support Stewie," Jaze confirmed.
"There's really no need..." Marchant began.
"I'll have Leo get what we need," Jaze said, cutting him off. "I'll retain command of Stewie, you can keep me updated as necessary and I will ensure you are kept informed of any progress," he added, barely glancing in Marchant's direction.
"Sounds good to me, Jaze," Baskervale nodded. 'I'm sure I can trust you to handle the situation. Keep me in the loop."
It was a dismissal and both men recognised it as such and stood to leave. Outside the office door, Marchant glowered at Jaze.
"This is still my case and I am in charge, Kingston. Don't forget it," he rumbled angrily.
"And Stewie is my man and don't you forget it," Jaze growled back. He frowned at the retreating form as Marchant stormed away. He neither liked, nor trusted the man. With Leo and himself as Stewie's back-up, however, he was happy to let the blond undertake the mission.
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