(Written for the Drabble Day "line" challenge on the_safehouse livejournal community: use the line "You know better than that. You can't let emotion into these things." (Steve (Thingymy), The Italian Job))


"RAY!"

Bodie knew his shout would go unanswered as his partner stormed off, anger obvious in his walk.Bodie refused to abandon his cool in front of Murph and his new partner Steve so he did not run, simply picked up his pace. He caught Ray up as he turned into the alleyway that led up towards where their car was parked. It was out of the way of any houses and was sheltered by a row of hedges.

Ray had obviously heard him come up and turned on him his face wild. "Don't Bodie! Just don't."

"Damn it, Ray. Don't do this."

"Do what Bodie? Not get jealous as you make eyes at some pretty bird ? Sweet talk her into bed?"

Bodie's own anger exploded and he slammed Ray against the wall, winding him. Ray looked mutinous but he didn't struggle. Controlling the anger that he felt coursing through him at Ray's lack of trust, Bodie stared at him hoping to convey the truth of the situation. "You know better than that. You can't let emotion into these things."

Ray's face went ice cold and his eyes blazed with disgust. He shoved Bodie's arm off. "That's cold even for you, mate." Ray stormed off leaving Bodie confused.

What the hell was wrong with him?

Then realised and his anger returned in full force. "Bastard. The bastard."

Deciding to abandon any semblance of calm he ran after Ray and caught up with him at the Capri. He touched Ray's shoulder in sudden understanding at his partner's strange behaviour.

Ray shrugged him off and Bodie forced out through gritted teeth; "Don't you get it Ray? It was an assignment. The bastard told me it was an assignment," although this time his anger was not concentrated towards his partner.

At the words Ray turned round and eyed Bodie closely. Bodie allowed the scrutiny.

After several moments of charged silence Ray looked away.

"Christ, Bodie, I'm sorry. He said..."

"I can imagine what the bastard said Ray. I can imagine."

Bodie felt the cold burn of betrayal.

-- THE END --

June 2005