Reading Room XVI: Stories with Sequels - Firewalls by Elspeth Leigh

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Title: Firewalls

Author: Elspeth Leigh

Pairing: Bodie/Doyle

Link to story: Circuit Archive

This is the first of two in this series and a pair of old favourites of mine. I can't help it, but that when I read one, I have to read the other.

Elspeth Leigh has written many stories, both thought provoking and disturbing, but these are my favourites by far. Bodie and Doyle suit my picture of them, in their behaviour and their relationships.

Both stories are a great combination of present and past, with the present being Bodie and Doyle older and wiser matured into their current roles in CI5 (trying not to give too much away), yet still together as only our lads can be. The humour, their dedication to each other, their street smarts and their life-time of learning are beautifully presented and totally believable.

Firewalls beautifully incorporates flashbacks to an important case in their earlier partnership, whose events ultimately helps lead them to where they are in the present in their relationship. Elspeth Leigh uses the firewall analogy well, incorporating it into the storyline through CI5's IT department, ruled well and truly in present time by Susan, and in their personal lives.

One of the moments which sums the feel of the story up nicely for me:

"Piss off, yourself. You think I trust them? You think I like them poking around in our business? Fer chrissake, Ray, we're going to have

our security so tight we'll be able to tell how much and what colour when one of them takes a shit."

A smile quirked at Doyle's lips. He couldn't maintain his anger.   "Yeah?"

"Yeah." Bodie was still glaring, but his anger was receding. Their jobs were high stress, high tension. An occasional blow-up was inevitable,

but they could never stay angry with the other--never had.........

Doyle collected the drying cloth while Bodie turned back to the sink and the cooking pan. After a few seconds, Doyle looked up at his mate.

"I think colour would be enough," he deadpanned.

Bodie slung the wet dishcloth at him.

(edited some parts out to maintain some mystery).

So now for the questions:

1. Did you enjoy Firewalls?




2. Do the lads here fit your picture of Bodie and Doyle, in the present and in the past?




3. Does the computer analogy work for you?




4. Do the flashbacks work for you?




5. Does this first story make you want to go on and read the follow-up? Like, immediately?