on canon review (Canon is Broadchurch)(x-post to d_p)

[tieclips]

I'm not sure why you're choosing to pick me up right now. To be honest, I really don't want to know. You've got your problems, you've got your reasons, and I'd rather not have to sit here and have to dissect every one of your insane desires that you get in that funny head of yours after you've had a drink.

I'm not just a passing fancy. You know that. I've got my stakes stuck firmly in the sand here. Whether or not you want to try to make this happen or not is up to you. I'm not exactly keen on going anywhere.

Comments

[roman_candle_of_invention]

That's the spirit! Make 'em work for it.

[She crosses her legs. Did somebody say drink?]

Although a drink does sound lovely, if you're offering, darling. Roberta. [She offers out a hand.] And you've drawn your line in the sand and are getting right grumpy about it, I'd say.

[tieclips]

I've been told that I'm not an easy man to work with. Suppose that extends to this place, too.

[ He raises an eyebrow and shakes her hand. Purely professional. ] DI Alec Hardy, Broadchurch police. Am I grumpy? I've every right to be grumpy, that's for sure.

[roman_candle_of_invention]

[She smiles saucily as he shakes her hand. Not quite purely professional, that. Although she is married with children. Never you mind that. But she grins wider as he speaks.]

Broadchurch? Is that anywhere near Blackpool? [innocently.] I went there on holiday once, it was lovely. [She raises an eyebrow of her own.] Why, what have you to be grumpy about, Policeman Alec Hardy?

[tieclips]

[ Must she smile like that? He can't say he likes it when women smile like that. It gives him the impression that they've got something up their sleeves. ]

No, it's much further south. In Dorset. Little nothing of a town, really.

[ Does she have to question him? ]

I don't like dealing with idiots. I prefer to work with professionals; someone who's actually dedicated and takes it seriously. I haven't got time to be mucking about with amateurs.

[roman_candle_of_invention]

[Oh, best not look so suspicious at her or she'll smile even wider at him. He is rather entertainingly adorable, after all.]

Mm, Dorset...I don't think I've ever been there after all. Professional criminals, Mr. Hardy? I would think the amateurs would be much< easier to catch. Or shall I start calling you Mr. Holmes, instead?

[tieclips]

It's sleepy. I don't think a woman like you would enjoy it. It's something you've probably got to be born into dealing with.

[ He visibly bristles and raises an eyebrow. ]

Detective Inspector Hardy. And as for the amateurs, generally the detectives can handle that. I don't mind peeking if it crosses my desk, but I usually have more pressing things to attend.

And I'd rather you not. I haven't earned it.

[roman_candle_of_invention]

[Sorry. She's enjoying needling him. He has a nice bristle. She gets a little twinkle in her eye...and then presses her lips together for a second, studying him. She whuffs out of her nose after a second and the hard, searching look in her eye goes away, to be replaced by more charm.]

You can correct me on mistitling you but have no qualms at all passing judgements over what sort of woman I am within two hours of us meeting, hmm?

What are you looking for here? [She coughs.] ...Detective Inspector?

[tieclips]

[ Alec knows when he's being studied. Too many people thought themselves clever enough to try to read him. Unfortunately, he's normally got the charisma of a brick, but he's been advised to relax more. Good, and this is what it gets him. ]

I don't recall passing any sort of judgment. Interesting that you thought I was being judgmental, though.

[ The condescending tone does nothing to shift his expression. ]

Something to do, really. I hate tedium. Makes me anxious.