Secrets have a tendency of being revealed [Locked to Cadogan]

[intotherough.livejournal.com]

It had begun with the golf clubs.

Putting in the hall of Diamond Castle had potentially not been the wisest decision Ben had ever made in his lifetime, but no one had really minded until Cadogan. Well, okay, Isaac had, but he'd just "suggested" the ramparts, and Beth had tripped on one of his balls, but the queen had hardly minded at all. She'd even hit a few balls with him, so clearly there was nothing truly objectionable about it, no matter what Cadogan thought.

So, really, when you thought of it that way there was nothing wrong with slipping into the Ten's room and taking them back. He even fixed his sticky window, and if he left a little fluttering Scottish flag, hey. He had national pride.

He expected it to be done when he got them back; he wasn't putting in the halls anymore, and had no plans to do it where the Ten could find him. All done. No harm, no foul. Back to business as usual. Except then he walked into his room to find Cadogan standing outside his closet.

The one where he kept his journals, where he kept his old Grampian Police badge, where he kept all his files, and Ben stiffened. "May I help you with something, sir?" he said, and his Scottish burr was muted and his voice clipped and cold. He wasn't the affable castle handyman right now.

This was the detective.

Comments

[diemwnt.livejournal.com]

Why yes, Ben. Yes, this almost smile is a clear indication that he does.

In fact, the short list is already written--he's been standing here a while contemplating. Much of it is general; there's gaps in information in many of the lower Numbers files, gaps he hasn't convinced his Ace are worth filling (although clearly, looking at this Three, some investigation is necessary). And, of course, there's also the lingering questions that the Diamonds would love to have wrapped up for themselves before the trial.

[intotherough.livejournal.com]

And Ben's just going to smile back, and wait a bit. He might be - he is - willing to lend a hand to these investigations. And he's given some thought to the upcoming trial. But still.

"I'll only be able to do this if it remains relatively secret." That means you, Cadogan, and the Ace, but few others. He doesn't want word of it spreading until he's figured out the Victor situation. And even after.

[diemwnt.livejournal.com]

That doesn't warrant a written response. A person doesn't have to be a body-language expert to know what the faintly arched brow and tilt of the Ten's head mean.

No one wins if Ben's secret doesn't stay a secret.

[intotherough.livejournal.com]

So long as they're in agreement, but Ben had already pegged the Ten as a smart one. He reaches out to take the list.

"Then I'll just take a look at this and that," he says. "Something t'do when I've time to spare."

[diemwnt.livejournal.com]

The list is handed over, followed quickly by a follow-up note scribbled in fast but infinitely neat print.

[intotherough.livejournal.com]

Ben laughs at that, tipping his head back.

"Anytime you're game, Ten," he says. "Y've just got to say th' word."