Opposing Forces (8 page)

“Yes, Sir.”

“The next incident was on 24 June and concerned another noise violation, again involving Miss Carrington.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Several squad cars were sent to the lakeside location of the party and it was down to you to serve the violation.  From the witnesses present, after a verbal altercation, you accidently grabbed Miss Carrington’s breast. She responded by slapping your cheek, whereupon you actually punched her full in the face.”  The Chairman could barely believe what he was reading.  How could anyone actually punch a harmless woman in the face?  He laid his papers back down on the desk and stared hard over his glasses at the officer before him.  “I think you need to explain your actions, for neither myself nor the rest of the panel can see how you can justify such violence.”

“Miss Carrington was being particularly insulting and I had warned her that if she kept mouthing off, I would arrest her.  She persisted so I went to grab her arm to restrain her but regrettably she moved and I ended up grabbing her breast.  A most unfortunate accident.”

The female on the panel spoke up.  “What is your justification for punching Miss Carrington in the face?”

“She struck me.”

“She slapped you for grabbing her breast, a perfectly natural and instinctive response for a woman. Did you not think that perhaps restraining her might have been more prudent?”

“Striking an officer is an offence.” Pascal stuck to his guns.

“Punching Miss Carrington sparked yet another full scale fight, with more bad publicity and even larger law suits.”

One of the panel whispered something to the Chairman who nodded. “Chief Grundberg has recommended that you are dismissed from service on the grounds that you are not capable of making a balanced and reasoned decision.  From what you have told me today, all the evidence is pointing towards your impaired decision making skills.  Do you have anything you would like the panel to take into consideration?”

Pascal was feeling particularly uncomfortable.  He could not believe Chief Grundberg had recommended his dismissal.  “Yes, Sir.  I have served the police force for three years and have had no formal complaint brought against me before. I do believe the decisions I made were correct.  I also believe that Chief Grundberg has been coerced into requesting my dismissal by Miss Carrington.  She has the Chief running around after her like a dog on heat.”  He spoke with such venom in him voice.

The Chairman almost laughed out loud at the last comment.  He would dearly like to see Chief Grundberg running around besotted by a woman; it just would not happen.

“Thank you, Officer Dumont.”  The Chairman spoke in hushed tones to the panel. It was an easy decision to make, they all agreed that Chief Grundberg’s case for dismissal was justified.  Dumont was an embarrassment to the police force.

The Chairman looked back up at Dumont.  “Officer Dumont, the Tribunal has made its decision.  Having heard from the witnesses and now yourself, we are of the belief that you are no longer capable of making rational decisions in line with that expected of an officer of the Vaudois Police Department.  We therefore concur with Chief Grundberg’s recommendation that you are dismissed from duty, effective immediately.  You will receive three months’ salary as is recommended.  Any firearms licence you hold is now revoked.  Employment Services will be in touch with you with a formal notification of our decision.”

Pascal glared at them, they were fools.  Fools who no doubt had been heavily influenced by Chief Grundberg.  It was that Carrington bitch who had a hold over the Chief, one that he would dearly like severed.  She would pay heavily for this humiliation.  Pascal stormed out the building and headed to the nearest bar.

The Chateau Villette was heaving, its annual charity ball was in full swing.  Maisie’s meticulous planning over the last few months had paid off in spades. The place looked amazing, the food was delicious and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Maisie caught sight of her reflection in a mirror.  She was wearing a long red dress that gently skimmed her curves.  Her wild blond mane was pinned up, her eye make-up was subtle, her lips a deep red.  She felt pretty.  And she was on her best behaviour, making sure all the guests had a good time.  The happier the guest, the more eager they were to hand over large sums of money for good causes.

She flitted from room to room, keeping an eye on events and making sure everything ran smoothly. 

“Maisie, darling, you have out done yourself again.”

“Thank you, Baroness. I’m glad you are enjoying the party. How is the Baron?”

“He is recovering well. He was not happy at missing tonight.”

“Well, please pass on my good wishes to him. We will certainly miss him tonight.” And all his bottom pinching, Maisie thought.

“Wonderful event, Maisie.” Another happy customer.

“Herr and Frau Branner, how good to see you.”  She took the hand that was offered.

“It is always a pleasure to give to such a worthy cause. And get so spoilt in the process.”

She slipped through to the main bar.  Time for drink.  She grabbed a glass of Chateau Neuf du Pape, she needed something decent to get her through the evening.

Back in the main hall she ran into another long standing guest. “Councillor Rosselin, how fabulous to see you again.”

“Maisie, my dear, you’re looking even more gorgeous than usual.” He kissed her cheek. “We’re all wondering whether this party is going to end like your last few.”

She laughed lightly.  “You can’t believe everything you read in the tabloids, Councillor. Surely you of all people would know that.”

“It must be fun to be so notorious.”

“Not as much as you would think.”

“By the way, I believe you know my friend here.”

Just as Maisie turned to greet the Councillor’s guest, someone behind her bumped her arm and her red wine flew out of its glass and down the front of Chief Grundberg.

“Sorry, Maisie,” Herr Branner sighed. “At my age I’m a little unsteady on my feet.”

Maisie was mortified.  “Oh my God, Chief Grundberg, I can only apologise. That really was not my doing.”

He gave her a blistering smile.  “I’m sure I probably deserved it though.”

She went bright red. “If I was going to throw wine over you, it certainly would not be such a good one.”

“Ouch, that was hurtful”

Councillor Rosselin chuckled.  “I’m going to step back before Maisie throws anything else.”

“If you remember correctly, Councillor, it is the Police that start throwing things.  I’m usually the innocent bystander.”

“First move was down to you this time,” Steffen challenged.

She was not going to let the bloody man parade his wine stained shirt to all and sundry.  Not with her lawsuit up soon. 

“Would you like to follow me, Chief Grundberg? I’m sure I can repair the damage to your shirt,” she smiled sweetly at him.

Councillor Rosselin grinned mischievously.  “When a woman who looks that gorgeous offers to wipe the wine off your shirt, you certainly don’t hesitate, Steffen.”

Steffen looked a little embarrassed as he followed Maisie out of the main hall and up the stairs.  She led him into her office on the first floor.

“What size chest are you?” she asked.

“Forty-two inch.  Do you have spares?”

“Yes of course.  We often shoot ads here and as you might recall, most of our male models wear black tie.  Take your shirt off, I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”

Steffen most certainly was not going to remove his shirt; the last thing he wanted was a case of sexual impropriety with Maisie Carrington.  He gazed around her office, he loved the décor; she had stuck to her roots and gone with a Georgian theme. Perfectly in keeping with the age of the Chateau. He might not particularly care for her lifestyle but she certainly had class. 

He jumped when she flew back into the office a few minutes later carrying a clean, crisp dress shirt and a dinner jacket on a hangar.

“Your shirt?” she queried, wondering why he had not removed it.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, Miss Carrington, but I really don’t think I should start removing my clothes in your office.”

Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink.  “For God’s sake, Chief, I’m not going to claim indecent exposure. But if you’re worried about your precious reputation, allow me.”  She undid his bow tie and started to unbutton his shirt.

Steffen was enthralled as he stared down at Maisie’s small fingers grappling with the stiff buttons on his shirt.  She looked at his cufflinks, the design was most unusual.

“It’s my family crest.”

“It’s an unusual one.  Being English I have seen many coats of arms.”

She pulled his shirt off and held out the fresh one for him to put on.  She was painfully aware of him watching her as she did the buttons back up.  Once her hand missed the button and she accidentally touched his bare chest. Her colour deepened further; he did have a beautiful six pack.  She reattached his cufflinks.

“If it’s all the same to you, I’ll leave you to tuck your shirt in.”

“Shame. I was looking forward to that.”

Maisie threw him a scowl. “Does your jacket need replacing or is it fairly wine free?”

“My jacket is fine.”  He looked in the mirror and re-tied his bow tie.

“I’ll have your shirt laundered and returned to the station. Now you’re cleaned up, shall we head back downstairs?”

“Probably best as the rumours will be rife already.  I wonder how many people saw you lure me upstairs.”

“If they know me well, they’re probably wondering where I’m hiding the body,” she gave him a caustic smile.

“You really know how to hit low, Miss Carrington,” he winced.

“The English aren’t known for mincing their words, Chief Grundberg.”  She held the door open.  “Shall we?”

He followed her out of the office and back downstairs.  Councillor Rosselin saw them reappear.  “You should be ashamed, Steffen.  I’d have made sure I was alone with Maisie for much longer.”

Maisie turned bright red again and excused herself.  Steffen watched her leave with amusement.  He had to admit that tonight she did look particularly stunning.  Her simple make-up just highlighted her lovely mouth.  He would be a liar if he said he hadn’t thought about kissing her when she buttoned his shirt.  She looked so enticing and the faint colouring to her cheeks was very much a turn on.  When her hand accidentally brushed across his chest, he could definitely feel himself getting aroused. But she was most strictly off limits. 

She intrigued him though.  He had seen so many different sides to Maisie Carrington, he could not fathom her out. 

Maisie was walking on cloud nine.  Her boss, Claude, had just congratulated her on such a successful evening, she was practically floating on air.  Happy boss meant good bonus.  Life could not get much better.

“As you’re looking in such a good mood, I’ll risk asking you to dance.” Steffen soft voice sent tingles down her spine.

She spun around to face him.  “Surely the last thing you’d want is to be seen with me, Chief?”

“On the contrary, it would be an honour.”  He took her arm and propelled her to the room next door before she could turn him down. “I take it you know how to waltz?”

“The Viennese, of course.”  She rested her left hand on his shoulder as he took her right hand in his.

Maisie felt very exposed dancing with him as everyone in the room was watching as he span her effortlessly around the floor.  He really was an accomplished dancer.

“You certainly look different from the last time I saw you,” he smiled down at her. 

“Yes, I’m wearing shoes,” she responded flatly.

“And a longer outfit.” His eyes twinkled.

“And have no black eye.”

“And it seems that it is possible for you to host a party and not get arrested.”

“I do believe you have your facts wrong, Chief Grundberg.  I am not hosting this party, Claude is on behalf of Chateau Villette.  I just did the work behind the scenes. Although it would be highly entertaining to see your goons kick down the front door and arrest the guests here right in front of you.”
 

“I’m glad you’d find the whole scenario so amusing.”

“Even more so if someone didn’t recognise you out of uniform and handcuffed you too.” She started to dissolve into giggles at the thought of the Chief being arrested.

His grip on her tightened slightly.  “So you like the idea of me wearing handcuffs, Miss Carrington.  I had no idea your tastes were so kinky.”  His grin widened on seeing her blush.  “It seems I was lucky to make it out your office unscathed.”

“I am English, Chief Grundberg.  I prefer a riding crop to handcuffs.  It’s much more fun. For me at least.”

It was his turn to laugh.  “Perhaps we should steer this conversation down another avenue, as I for one am starting to get some very ungentlemanly thoughts.”

“Yes, if someone were to overhear, it could be embarrassing.”

“This is the first time you have danced tonight. Am I particularly honoured or are you not usually permitted?”

“It is a working evening for me, making sure everything runs smoothly and the guests are content and eager to relieve themselves of their money.  Most are aware it is my job so to be truthful, I’m rarely asked. And as I did tip wine over you, it would have been the height of rudeness to say no.”

“So you’re doing this to save your neck.”

“Although not my toes. You do know you’ve stepped on my foot twice?” She tried to keep a straight face.

“I have not,” he hissed glancing down at his feet.

Maisie laughed again.  “The Swiss are so easy to wind up, it’s really not sporting of me to tease.”

“Wind me up and I might just shoot you,” Steffen gave her a dark look.

“That would save your Department a lot of money and time,” she grinned and as the music ended, in true Swiss tradition, she dropped into a deep courtesy as he bowed formally. 

As Steffen pulled her to her feet, an interesting idea popped into his head. “Have dinner with me, Maisie,” he asked out the blue.

She looked up at him in surprise.  “Is this your new tactic to try and get me to drop my lawsuit?”

“No. It has nothing to do with that.  I’m just a man asking a woman out for dinner.”

“Not on a date?”

“No, not a date.  I think I should probably try and get to know you a bit better.  I have a feeling our paths are going to keep crossing.”

Maisie thought about it for a moment.  If nothing else, it could help bolster her lawsuit. Show that she had tried to find common ground with the Police Chief.

“Very well, Chief, you may take me to dinner.”