Detours

Posted on Fri Aug 30th, 2019 @ 2:35am by Lieutenant Commander Carolyn Corrigan MD

632 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 99 - Exordium / Epilogue
Location: Kitty O'Sheas
Timeline: MD 2, 1700 hours

The sound of Irish music filled the air, haunting and familiar, as Carolyn made her way into Kitty O'Sheas. It was getting busy but she had no difficulty picking out Liam O'Connor as he served up some meals before returning behind the bar. When he saw her in the doorway he smiled, waving her over.

"I wanted to say thank you," she offered by way of explanation as she slid into a bar stool. "I don't remember much of what happened but I think I may owe you for more than just looking after my shoes."

Pouring a couple of drinks which he handed of to Connor at the other side of the bar, Liam wiped his hands on a cloth as he handed her a cold bottle of water. "Important to stay hydrated," he explained with a grin. "And no thanks necessary. They looked like expensive shoes. And I was brought up to look out for a lady. Especially drunk ones."

Taking the water she smiled, "well, I'm thanking you anyway. Having met him again, I definitely do not know what I was thinking."

Liam's eyes narrowed, picking up on the slight shiver as she spoke. Leaning on the bar, he lowered his voice, "what happened?"

"Nothing," she said quickly, a little too quickly because it seemed to make his expression darken. "He was just... intense. It's stupid, all he did was stand too close and touch my hair and my face but it was creepy as hell."

Liam took a deep, calming breath. In his younger days he had plenty of anger issues, something his marine training and years in service had subdued and taught him to control. Last night, Andy had pushed his patience. Now, he was going to far. "I can break his fingers for you, make sure he doesn't bother anyone for a while."

"And then you get arrested and I'd probably end up having to treat him?" she countered, making it clear she thought his plan was ridiculous. "Thanks but no thanks. Besides, a lot of it was probably my imagination. I told him to back off and he did."

"If you change your mind," he said, straightening up. "If you really want to thank me, then how about dinner? Here, tonight. Kitty has made some amazing Irish Stew. I'll save us the finest table. No obligations. Just some friendly chat, some good music to listen to and a little touch of home. Sound good for a second date?"

"Second?" Carolyn frowned. "When was the first?"

"Last night. This morning technically," he grinned. "As first dates go it was unusual. So maybe we'll make it a more relaxed night. No need to dress up or anything."

Carolyn smiled, despite what she had said to Ariana, he was a hard man to stay away from. "Deal but another night? I have to stop by and speak to a patient, kind of and a few things to organise before tomorrow... actually, are you free tomorrow?"

"Why?”

"My friends are getting married," she explained, sliding down from the barstool, knowing she couldn't really put of visiting Freya much longer. “You don’t have to say yes, but think about it and let me know?”

"I don’t have a good track record with weddings,” he warned.

“Neither do I,” she grinned, walking away.

“I thought about it," he called after her, “just let me know where to meet you and when. I’ll even wear a suit if you help me out of it later.”

He laughed when she looked back, sticking her tongue out at him but clearly laughing herself. Especially when she saw Kitty appear out of nowhere and slap the back of his head.

Despite that, he was still smiling as he returned to his work.

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