![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
byslantedlight.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
ci5hqOur Reading Room this week is Bodie's Letter by Ellis Ward (it's also a bit shorter than some of the stories we've had recently, if you're not sure whether to try reading it and joining in. *g*)
It's ten years or so into the future, and George Cowley is dead. I'm starting to think we should have called this Reading Room series the Mortuary Room series - how many fics have we had where one of the characters hasn't died? Even Murphy got it in the neck last week - and last week we thought that Cowley had died in Where the Worms Are. But in Bodie's Letter, George Cowley really has died.
Worse still - no really - it turns out that Bodie and Doyle have been separated for those ten years, thanks to no other than the machinations of George Cowley. CI5 was shut down, the lads were going to leave together, Bodie went on one last babysitting job and then he was going to find them a place. He sent Doyle a letter from the Algarve, telling him he'd sorted it all out and that Doyle should come - but the letter Doyle received told him that Bodie had changed his mind, it wouldn't have worked, and goodbye.
Now Cowley is dead, and he's trying to put their world back to rights, from the grave.
I have to admit that I really like this kind of story - tragedy, tragedy, lads separated, pain, tears... and then the tentative joy of reunion, and the complications of trying to patch their lives back together, of discovering each other anew... I love the slow and wary circling that they do, working out whether they can still trust each other, whether they're still them... Although we know the answer's yes - and if you ask me, so do they, from the moment that they're each contacted by George Cowley's ghost.
But what did you think? *g* Would Cowley really have done this? If he did, would the lads give each other up that easily? Did they give each other up that easily? Are these our lads - can you see it playing out this way? Doyle sharing a building with Cowley, the two of them facing down Whitehall together while Bodie is off somewhere else? Even though it was Bodie that Cowley had wanted, Bodie that he wanted to stay, if he couldn't have them both?
It's ten years or so into the future, and George Cowley is dead. I'm starting to think we should have called this Reading Room series the Mortuary Room series - how many fics have we had where one of the characters hasn't died? Even Murphy got it in the neck last week - and last week we thought that Cowley had died in Where the Worms Are. But in Bodie's Letter, George Cowley really has died.
Worse still - no really - it turns out that Bodie and Doyle have been separated for those ten years, thanks to no other than the machinations of George Cowley. CI5 was shut down, the lads were going to leave together, Bodie went on one last babysitting job and then he was going to find them a place. He sent Doyle a letter from the Algarve, telling him he'd sorted it all out and that Doyle should come - but the letter Doyle received told him that Bodie had changed his mind, it wouldn't have worked, and goodbye.
Now Cowley is dead, and he's trying to put their world back to rights, from the grave.
I have to admit that I really like this kind of story - tragedy, tragedy, lads separated, pain, tears... and then the tentative joy of reunion, and the complications of trying to patch their lives back together, of discovering each other anew... I love the slow and wary circling that they do, working out whether they can still trust each other, whether they're still them... Although we know the answer's yes - and if you ask me, so do they, from the moment that they're each contacted by George Cowley's ghost.
But what did you think? *g* Would Cowley really have done this? If he did, would the lads give each other up that easily? Did they give each other up that easily? Are these our lads - can you see it playing out this way? Doyle sharing a building with Cowley, the two of them facing down Whitehall together while Bodie is off somewhere else? Even though it was Bodie that Cowley had wanted, Bodie that he wanted to stay, if he couldn't have them both?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 04:38 am (UTC)love the slow and wary circling that they do, working out whether they can still trust each other, whether they're still them...
Beautiful summary, BSL! I loved rereading this one - it hurts so good (as the song says). Started it before bed and couldnt put it down until I finished it! Who needs sleep, when B & D are in this situation?!
Would Cowley really have done this? If he did, would the lads give each other up that easily? Did they give each other up that easily?
In the story, I was able to believe it, as angry and betrayed as it made me feel. Cowley doing it for the good of the country is so much more believable than for his personal desires. I thought it odder that they gave up on each other, although C played right into the doubts and worries they already had. D, at least, chased after B. B not coming for D?, I dont understand. (Also don't quite understand why D doesn't read B's real letter... Ok, one more niggle - the shooting of photos... Maybe darts? ) But the way they explain it, process it, makes me see how it happened.
Are these our lads - can you see it playing out this way? Doyle sharing a building with Cowley...
D is different. His portrayal handling C's death and arrangements is so calm and methodical and mature. I think his strange liminal space is portrayed really well. Again, not sure he would move in with C, but the explanation flows with the story. Also not sure about the whole C prefers B business... I thought canon makes clear that D is the one most like C in capabilities.
What i love most is the gorgeous portrayal of their getting back together. Impressed with the way the author handles it, avoiding the usual cliches and traps. I like the pace of it, even though part of me wants to just smoosh them together immediately and never let them apart again... For example, that D thinks about how B will translate his ten years into good stories, and then he asks B to tell him the stories, and his reactions. My heart!
Listening to every word, floating on the solacing ebb and flow of Bodie's voice, Doyle felt himself relax from the inside out. Ten years ago he would have traded his soul for this moment; but, unfortunately, ten years ago, he could not have appreciated the unutterable preciousness of it. Only now, after the emptiness, the anguish, and the unwilling resignation that had conspired to make each day of the last decade of his life a joyless hell, could Doyle apprehend the enormity of what he had - at least for this day - regained.
So gorgeous. All of it.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 05:22 am (UTC)Oh yes, that's so wonderful! (I had to repeat it! *g*)
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 08:37 pm (UTC)What, Doyle wondered, had Bodie done with his life these past ten years? By now he must have a whole new collection of far-fetched tales and amusing anecdotes spun out of gruesome reality for eager listeners. Even knowing the truth, Doyle had enjoyed Bodie's yarns; for that matter, Bodie had enjoyed telling them. To him.
Upon that thought, emotion, acidly painful and too long denied, rose up inside him like bile, taking him unaware. Before he quite realized what had happened, his eyes burned with unbearable grief, glittering moisture blurred his vision, and his bottom lip stung, held ruthlessly in place by sharp teeth, which refused the animal cry of anguish that strove to erupt.
Those two words, "To him"... completely break my heart.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 02:29 pm (UTC)I totally agree with you. Finding their way back to each other so slowly is gorgeous.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 05:09 pm (UTC)I think the idea of Doyle (and the author) going to practice their guns was a good one enabling them to communicate again but on a different level.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 08:57 pm (UTC)I loved "You've had it all, you greedy buggers," Bodie was muttering to his coterie..." too. Oh, Bodie.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 01:36 am (UTC)Also don't quite understand why D doesn't read B's real letter...
Maybe to avoid the pain of it? It would really bring it even harder home, I think, to see that original evidence of what happened. Even though he knows, it's a bit more abstract when its something you've been told. Seeing all the love that he'd missed out on for ten years... oh, my heart breaks for them!
Ok, one more niggle - the shooting of photos... Maybe darts?
Hee - presumably not terribly high calibre, or it wouldn't have taken long! But I can see the love turning to disappointment, and then anger, and both of them taking it out in the safest way they can - on targets... And that they both kept the damaged targets for so long after... again - oh...
even though part of me wants to just smoosh them together immediately and never let them apart again
Yes! Yes, and yes and yes! (I might need to read something like Island Innocents before bed tonight, come to think of it... smooshed and together, and... just smooshed. *sighs*
And yes - your last quote, yes!
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 04:50 am (UTC)Oh yes!
This is so nicely described, I just can nod. :-)
I think, it really is a brilliant story!
"Would Cowley really have done this?"
I think "Yes". He really was thrilled by the "Greater Good". (...and you see what happens if a PM has no good counsellor...! ;-))
"If he did, would the lads give each other up that easily? Did they give each other up that easily?"
It's a storyline I can follow and believe. Yes, the author has done a perfect job to convince me. Both are full of insecurity at that time - such a letter must have been devastating!
"....Doyle sharing a building with Cowley..."
Why not? It's not that they have a private life anyway.
"...the two of them facing down Whitehall together while Bodie is off somewhere else?"
Sure. That's Cowley's plan. And we know he is perfect in triple thinking.
And he keeps an eye on Bodie to fix their relationship after his death.
Can anybody hate him for that?
...do Bodie and Doyle hate him for the rest of their lives?
Much to think about at the end!
Yes, it's a very good story! And your review is great as well!
Thank you! :-)
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 01:53 am (UTC)Both are full of insecurity at that time - such a letter must have been devastating!
Yes! That's it exactly - and the author makes us feel that, I think!
It's not that they have a private life anyway.
This is so sad - not just for Cowley, but that he's dragged Doyle there with him...
And he keeps an eye on Bodie to fix their relationship after his death. Can anybody hate him for that?
Oh, I don't know about that! Was that why he kept an eye on Bodie? I think he probably decided that he'd been wrong eventually, but had kept an eye on Bodie just because he didn't like to let anyone go. Which episode is it where he says that "you never leave the services", or something like that? Need to Know, maybe...
And thank you! I'm glad you liked this one!
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 12:58 pm (UTC)As for Cowley, while they may have hated him at the beginning, and with good reason, their best revenge would be to forget completely about him. No visiting the grave, no toasts on the anniversary of his death, that sort of thing.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 03:45 pm (UTC)Doyle at least did try to track Bodie down.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 01:20 pm (UTC)realized that I need someone I can rely on. And let's face it, mate, your track record is the pits. It wasn't an
easy decision, but I've decided to stay with Cowley. Nothing you can say will change my mind, so don't bother
trying, okay? It really is the best for both of us. If you think about it, I know you'll agree. Bye, Ray. as opposed to Sorry, Ray. Can't handle it. You know me, so you'll understand. Best thing for both of us, I can understand why Doyle tried to find Bodie but Bodie didn't try going after Doyle.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 10:41 pm (UTC)But all those 10 years, Doyle didn't know that.
And it seems Bodie was already suspicious, so maybe could have made the effort.
But then we wouldn't have had the story. ;)
And they were both vulnerable, and had their pride.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 11:57 pm (UTC)Wait... maybe that's what you just said. *g* Yeah - Bodie's note gives Doyle leeway to go looking, whereas Doyle's note is finite...
no subject
Date: 2019-11-11 03:17 pm (UTC)[Cowley, you wicked, scheming, playing-on-everyone's-insecurities-and-fears-so-well man!]
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 01:57 am (UTC)I did wonder at Doyle's anger toward Bodie. He had, after all, found out the truth of the matter by then. It was as if he demanded actions from Bodie that he hadn't done himself.
Oh, but Doyle had done something! He'd purposefully stayed in CI5 (even though he'd been planning on leaving) so that Bodie would know where to find him. And I expect that if Cowley was tracking Bodie, and had separated them to start with, he would have rated any information about Bodie as for his own eyes only and made sure that Doyle couldn't access it... But then Doyle thought Bodie had rejected him, and how many of us would go after someone who told us "No thanks, actually I don't want to be with you any more, bye..."? I know I wouldn't be able to bring myself to do it, to risk the pain of being told the same thing to my face, or worse, seeing someone avoid me because they didn't want to talk to me...
their best revenge would be to forget completely about him. No visiting the grave, no toasts on the anniversary of his death, that sort of thing
Boy, you're harsh....! *g*
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 01:17 pm (UTC)Dear Bodie: I've changed my mind. After thinking it over, I've
realized that I need someone I can rely on. And let's face it, mate, your track record is the pits. It wasn't an
easy decision, but I've decided to stay with Cowley. Nothing you can say will change my mind, so don't bother
trying, okay? It really is the best for both of us. If you think about it, I know you'll agree. Bye, Ray.
So Bodie had just as good a reason not to go after Doyle as Doyle had not to go after him.
Yeah, I can be a real hard case. ;-)
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 11:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 12:58 pm (UTC)As soon as Bodie had found them a place, he would get word to Doyle by way of a third party - Doyle's mother. Regarding this detail, Bodie had been adamant. When Doyle had chided him for his cloak-and-dagger mentality, Bodie would only say that he had his reasons.
Apparently Bodie had suspicions about what might happen to them so surely after receiving Doyle's letter and brutal change of heart he would have made more effort to find out why etc.?Admittedly it was in Doyle’s writing so perhaps he felt too much pride? It just seems that one uncharacteristic letter balanced against everything else they had managed to persuade him. And if Doyle had made all the effort to speak to Bodie by travelling to the Algarve, surely in the course of his visit it would have become clear to the boatman that his intentions were honourable and that he hadn’t let Bodie down so badly?
Would Cowley really have done this?
Well the lengths he went to seem ridiculous and Cowley being Cowley, surely he’s not supposed to end up in the position that one or two people are so dispensable to ci5? Aren’t organisations designed to avoid that kind of scenario if they’re to survive? And, given the nature of their work, any one of the three of them could die suddenly. But given we are where we are, was Cowley ruthless enough to do this? Probably.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 03:19 pm (UTC)The title of the story is Bodies's Letter, so I was waiting too, even expecting something about this letter.
Did I miss something ? Doyle did know immediately after he'd read his letter to Bodie he'd never written, what he would find in Bodie's. Why this titel ?
Anyway, reading this story was a pleasure.
One bit of me thinks there would have been a lot more soul searching between them after a 10 year separation and much more anger directed at Cowley! But the other half feels maybe this is how it would have been: they’re blokes, blokes tend not to articulate their inner feelings and so Bodie and Doyle might not have either
I am pleased they didn't do this soul searching thing and they don't have to, in my opinion. They still know each other quite well, the connection between them is still working, obviously. But they have to deal with themself, and so there is no time and energy to be angry about Cowley. Both of them are totally aware of the real important thing - their relationship and how to go on.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 03:53 pm (UTC)It was heartbreaking to think of the enormity of what Cowley has done to them, and I wonder if Cowley offered Doyle the apartment above him not only for his own comfort, but to keep an eye on Doyle emotionally. Not sure on that, but Cowley must know how badly he hurt both of them, and it seems he had people in place watching Bodie for him, too.
I'm so glad Cowley at least came clean from the grave and they now have a chance at happiness together! :)
Edited to add: I think I've posted this in the wrong place, as a reply to a reply, and not the post itself. Hope that's okay.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 09:29 pm (UTC)And glad you're here, too.
I agree with you - Cowley knew what he'd done to them, and tried to make it up to them, as best he could, before and after his death.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 02:09 am (UTC)but to keep an eye on Doyle emotionally
I'd like to think that - but I could just as easily believe that he thought it might be easier to stop Doyle going to far after Bodie, too...
You're definitely nicer about Cowley's motivations in watching Bodie than I feel - I remember him saying in one ep that no one ever really leaves the service, and I can imagine him keeping an eye on Bodie just in case he ever needed him again...
But I'm glad Cowley at least came clean from the grave too! Hmmn, I wonder if Betty would ever have told Doyle if all this hadn't happened...
(And of course it's okay - it's just nice to see you back! *g*)
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 04:47 pm (UTC)Anyway, reading this story was a pleasure.
Because the letters are at the heart of the story? They drive the story along? I think I might have misunderstand your question!
One bit of me thinks there would have been a lot more soul searching between them after a 10 year separation and much more anger directed at Cowley! But the other half feels maybe this is how it would have been: they’re blokes, blokes tend not to articulate their inner feelings and so Bodie and Doyle might not have either
I am pleased they didn't do this soul searching thing
I think I'm probably pleased as well because there's a lot of soul searching in a lot of stories! But I think it might have been more plausible for them to have done so, for Doyle at least..
and they don't have to, in my opinion.
I'm not sure.
so there is no time and energy to be angry about Cowley.
This is the point, how much time Cowley had lost for them - 10 years is a big chunk of a life especially in their line of work where they might die young. And I think anger gives you a *lot* of energy.
Both of them are totally aware of the real important thing - their relationship and how to go on.
I think that's true.
[Apologies for all the edits!]
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 09:39 pm (UTC)Interesting question! As I recall, when I first read this, I assumed it was going to be Bodie's letter to Doyle that Doyle reads after Bodie dies. But when I read it, I somehow assumed the title referred to the initial envelope that Doyle pulls out of the safebox, the one that contains the dossier of info on Bodie and the forged letter from Doyle. But that isn't really Bodie's letter, is it? head desk.
Now, I'm thinking it refers to the real letter that Bodie wrote? (but equally could be both the real and the forged letters). And thinking more about it, I start to wonder if it might be the forged letter from Doyle that Bodie kept in his wallet and tore up...
"But, hurry, will you? I'm feeling like a one-legged man in an arse-kicking contest. No fun being alone. Hate to admit it, but it must be love."
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 09:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 02:18 am (UTC)Although I tend to think the same of myself if I misread something or misunderstand, too... Need to stop doing that!
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 10:16 pm (UTC)That's what I thought!
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 05:21 am (UTC)"But, hurry, will you? I'm feeling like a one-legged man in an arse-kicking contest. No fun being alone. Hate to admit it, but it must be love."
Is it possible Bodie uses the word "love" in this letter for the first time for their relationship ? That might be quite important for Doyle.
I have to read the story again.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 09:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 05:08 am (UTC)While I was reading the story I was focused on the present and their future. Or maybe scared they wouldn't have a future together. Even if the letters are essential to the story, for me, they are "only" the reason for the last ten years.
I think I have to have a re-read to get all of the story.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-11 12:10 am (UTC)That said, I reckon a better title might simply have been Letters, because Cowley forged a letter from Doyle too, so... yeah, good question! *g*
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 09:21 pm (UTC)I love the way you think about stories! I hadn't even considered that there are two halves... I had the opposite reaction to the second half, though - for me, the "flatness" felt like a symptom of who they are now, how they've changed. Older, more mature, less likely to go off with fireworks. I thought that the ways in which they "broke down" were believable - we get to see Doyle's crises when he's alone, but the times we see Bodie's despair were well done, too, in my opinion. That response from Doyle slays me!
Cradling him against his chest, Doyle comfortingly kneaded Bodie's hunched shoulders. "Don't." Of all the horrors of the world - and Doyle had had the misfortune to witness most of them - only a despairing Bodie was beyond bearing. "Please, don't."
I thought Betty was a bit wet, too, and not very perceptive! How could she live with herself knowing what she knew?
You are so right. I was bopping along thinking how awesome that Betty has Geoff, another little detail of this future world. She did show some of how badly she felt, but she still defended Cowley til the end. And she didn't let on about Bodie knowing, either, did she?
Apparently Bodie had suspicions about what might happen to them so surely after receiving Doyle's letter and brutal change of heart he would have made more effort to find out why etc.? Admittedly it was in Doyle’s writing so perhaps he felt too much pride? It just seems that one uncharacteristic letter balanced against everything else they had managed to persuade him. And if Doyle had made all the effort to speak to Bodie by travelling to the Algarve, surely in the course of his visit it would have become clear to the boatman that his intentions were honourable and that he hadn’t let Bodie down so badly?
This is the crux of it, isn't it? Why did they give in to their insecurities and doubts, rather than fight and believe in each other and themselves?! Their mutual Achille's heels... ESPECIALLY given that there was forethought of someone trying to tamper with them... Hindsight is 20/20, I guess. With Ned, I supposed that he had seen Bodie fall apart because of Doyle's letter, and so had a grudge against Doyle, but don't know?
Well the lengths he went to seem ridiculous and Cowley being Cowley, surely he’s not supposed to end up in the position that one or two people are so dispensable to ci5? Aren’t organisations designed to avoid that kind of scenario if they’re to survive? And, given the nature of their work, any one of the three of them could die suddenly. But given we are where we are, was Cowley ruthless enough to do this? Probably.
Again, you get right to the point of the irony - no one should be indispensable, no power should be so unchecked... He is ruthless, and will get what he wants. Although in this context, I can see it happening, it is still hard to accept. Why just B or D? Was their relationship really that much of a political bad? The part in his letter to them both about how "it won't be many years taken from them anyway because he doesn't have that many years left to live?" made me simultaneously angry and sad. How dare he? and at the same time, bigger picture.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 10:11 pm (UTC)Thank you! I really like the way *you* think about stories, you always come up with interesting ideas and make me think. In fact a lot of people in the discussion make me think which probably says more about me than the rest of you! (Or maybe it doesn't....)
I had the opposite reaction to the second half, though - for me, the "flatness" felt like a symptom of who they are now, how they've changed. Older, more mature, less likely to go off with fireworks.
That's interesting, yes, I can see that which I suppose would mean the author wrote it like that deliberately.
I thought Betty was a bit wet, too, and not very perceptive! How could she live with herself knowing what she knew?
You are so right. I was bopping along thinking how awesome that Betty has Geoff, another little detail of this future world. She did show some of how badly she felt, but she still defended Cowley til the end. And she didn't let on about Bodie knowing, either, did she?
No, she didn't.
This is the crux of it, isn't it? Why did they give in to their insecurities and doubts, rather than fight and believe in each other and themselves?! Their mutual Achille's heels... ESPECIALLY given that there was forethought of someone trying to tamper with them... Hindsight is 20/20, I guess.
I can believe that Bodie's natural cynicism might lead him to think that Doyle's apparent change of heart was rooted in the idea that nothing that good ever lasts but I would have expected Doyle to fight more, which he did.
Again, you get right to the point of the irony - no one should be indispensable, no power should be so unchecked... He is ruthless, and will get what he wants. Although in this context, I can see it happening, it is still hard to accept. Why just B or D? Was their relationship really that much of a political bad? The part in his letter to them both about how "it won't be many years taken from them anyway because he doesn't have that many years left to live?" made me simultaneously angry and sad. How dare he? and at the same time, bigger picture.
Yes! Whenever Cowley's life was to end, it was entirely wrong of him to assume that Bodie and Doyle would have lots of years left after him. Anything could have happened and he behaved like some kind of God.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 02:06 am (UTC)Admittedly it was in Doyle’s writing so perhaps he felt too much pride?
Yes, I think that's probably an important part of it - Cowley forging their handwriting, which I'm sure they wouldn't expect... Because who would go to so much trouble to separate them, as forging those letters? Bodie thought something was up, but to that extent?
surely in the course of his visit it would have become clear to the boatman that his intentions were honourable and that he hadn’t let Bodie down so badly
Ah, but would Doyle want Ned to know so much about him, and would be that honest and open? At a time when that kind of honesty was fairly dangerous, and he'd grown up knowing it? And we don't know this Ned either - his intentions may not have been very good...
Aren’t organisations designed to avoid that kind of scenario if they’re to survive?
Cowley was CI5 though, wasn't he... and of course CI5 shut down before Cowley did in fact. I can't remember if it tells us who Cowley and Doyle were working under, actually... I think Cowley was ruthless enough though, definitely... *g*
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 01:32 pm (UTC)Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ (https://www.dreamwidth.org/support/faqbrowse?faqid=303).
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 03:43 pm (UTC)Yes, it's my cup of tea too, though I don't need tears *g*
It's a brilliant and plausible story, especially the Cowley thing. Concerning the lads, I would have thought they wouldn't give up their love so easely. Doyle made a try but it was Bodie, who had made a run already. That's typical Bodie.
Thank you for hosting this lovely story.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-09 09:12 pm (UTC)I love the basic idea, find it maddening but believable, both as something Cowley does and the lads' reactions from their own insecurities. It breaks my heart, but love how given a little push, they take back what was stolen from them.
no subject
Date: 2019-11-11 12:11 am (UTC)Yes! This, definitely! *g*
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 01:30 am (UTC)I don't know - I think Cowley set them up really well, so that they each thought the other had changed their minds, and it was all so new and tentative for them to start with, that... I think I can see it happening. I love that Doyle stayed with CI5 so that Bodie would know where to find him...
no subject
Date: 2019-11-10 04:26 pm (UTC)I'm going to start with the fact that I *do* love this story, overall I find it basically plausible and I do see the general lads in there. But I did have a few "but - ?"s as well.
1. Would Cowley do this to his best pair? Instead of, say, try to convince Bodie to come back? (Easy, this one. :D)
Of course, yes. And I guess the revelation that they're sleeping together stops him from keeping the team. AND he kept an eye on Bodie for all that time. So even though part of me feels he could've kept Bodie a little closer though still away from Doyle, this isn't outside the realm of possibility.
2. Would the lads get over the whole plot against them in a day?
This is a bigger "but?" for me. The same day of the reading of the will, they're back together and sleeping with each other.
There's ten years of resentment and anger and mistrust built up in both of them - while IMO they would eventually get through it, shouldn't it take more time? If nothing else, the world has changed so much and so quickly that they'd wonder if some other Cowley-created surprise might pop up somewhere!
3. Would Bodie agree to come back to CI5?
I'm a bit sticky with this (and the related #4). I don't think the answer is an unqualified no - but I don't think it's an unqualified yes, either. He does ask Doyle about selling it all and going to Oz (which they might end up doing within a year, anyway), though he just as well could stay in London without rejoining CI5 (or more accurately its successor function). But it seems like he'd be more resistant to the idea than he actually is.
4. Would they have accepted Cowley's "blood money"?
IMO Doyle saying "this is what I've been doing for decades and I'm good at it" is consistent so it make sense that he (and by extension, Bodie) stays with the position. But there's nothing in the will stating that they had to keep the house, etc - or even the money, for that matter. Bodie does have his own housing elsewhere in London, and there are other places to live. No matter how "good" his reasoning, George Cowley did them a huge injustice. I would think they'd want at least a partial fresh start.
5. Did Cowley *really* leave something to Margaret Thatcher? LOL.
This is the #1 question! :D Actually, the story mentioned that everyone at the will reading received something,and she was there. So did Cowley leave her a dossier? A brooch with a secret compartment? Enquiring minds want to know ~ :D
no subject
Date: 2019-11-11 12:29 am (UTC)1) - My understanding was that Cowley did it because he wanted at least one of them there to help him. Like Betty said He knew what you and Bodie were planning... If he'd been able to keep you both he would have - if you hadn't got involved with each other.
2) There's ten years of resentment and anger and mistrust built up in both of them - while IMO they would eventually get through it, shouldn't it take more time?
Yeah, I guess that's probably mostly plot device, cos maybe EW didn't want to write a novel... *g* But on the other hand - they were still in love with each other, and they both found out that neither of them had rejected the other... and that they'd both had reasons for not searching harder for the other. I can believe that the truth was kind of like a house of cards when it fell down - finished and flat and gone, leaving room for them to trust each other again because they knew what Cowley had done...
3) Would Bodie agree to come back to CI5?
You mean to join Doyle in the job he'd been doing with Cowley (cos CI5 had been disbanded)? I can see him wanting to work with Doyle again, rather than as bodyguard to the rich and irritating, but I'm less sure about him wanting to be an advisor to politicians, so that's the bit that gets me hung up...
4) Would they have accepted Cowley's "blood money"?
Bodie does say at the end "It's hard to hate him outright" because he tried to fix things at the end... and Doyle said he was happy where he was, in his own flat and taking over Cowley's job - as long as he can have Bodie. I think I can probably see that, because they're both pretty practical - I can even see them thinking that revenge would be drinking all Cowley's scotch... *g*
5) Did Cowley *really* leave something to Margaret Thatcher?
Actually that's something else that gets me - I can't imagine Doyle working as adviser to Thatcher! Not after what we saw of him in Mickey Hamilton and so on, and in the face of what Thatcher actually did as PM. I think he'd've had more sympathy for people like the miners, whereas his job as her domestic security advisor would have been helping her crush their protests and so on... I can see Cowley being less partisan about her, but not Doyle... Mind you, I'd like to think that Cowley left her a revolver and a simple suggestion that she do the decent thing... *g*