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crack_van2011-08-02 08:54 pm
msmoat.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2011-08-02 08:54 pm
Entry tags:
Of Tethered Goats and Tigers by Tarot (NC-17)
Hello! I'm msmoat (aka PFL), and I'm driving the van for The Professionals in August. I wish I could say I was driving like a true Professional, but the truth is I've had no practice making handbrake turns whilst under fire (although I can do a nicely controlled spin on snow). So, the driving might be a little erratic here but since you all will be reading, maybe you won't notice! *g*
Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Length: 317K
Author on LJ:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
sidhe_woman
Author Website: Tarot at The Circuit Archive
Why this must be read: This is one of my favorite Pros stories. I read it early in my Pros obsession, and it has held up through all these years. It features two separate case stories with fully developed plots, and a complex, shifting relationship between the lads that is grounded in trust. But when that trust is tested, due to one of the cases, there is a gradual buildup of tension that grips the reader just as much as it grips the lads. And when it explodes, in a glorious confrontation between Bodie and Doyle, well, it is for me one of the most satisfying first time stories. *g*
The basic set up is that Cowley asks Doyle to work with him in a covert op to trap a blackmailing Soviet agent who has caused great damage to British and American security forces. Doyle is to pretend to be Cowley's lover--keeping the op secret from everyone. The secrecy is crucial as that will draw the Russian in, yet Cowley sets the stage for the trap by appearing to be "grooming" Doyle as his successor and favorite--and feeding the CI5 rumor mill. Bodie, who is involved in his own op, at first doesn't notice anything "wrong" except that Doyle is less available, and gets pulled away from his proper partner duties. Gradually, however, the unthinkable dawns, and Bodie's reaction to that is...absolutely splendid.
Have an excerpt:
[Two agents have confided the rumors of a relationship between Cowley and Doyle to Bodie. It was quite brave of them, really. *g*]
"No. They wouldn't be so bloody stupid." But his voice was a whisper. "Look. I'd've known, wouldn't I? If Ray was queer -- fuck it, he doesn't even swing both ways. Straight as a bloody die, he is! We've had enough double-dates and weird parties for me to know if he wasn't. As for Cowley -- for God's sake, we're talking about an ex-MI5 man who's made CI5 what it is. Do you honestly think Cowley is going to risk losing the Department, or endangering its security merely because he's in lust for a bloke? It doesn't wash, mate. That man would sacrifice his own mother for CI5 -- he may well weep tears of blood while he did it, but he'd do it."
"I heard --"
"Yeah. Okay. You heard. Maybe you were meant to hear. Thought of that one? If I were you, I'd forget about what I did or didn't hear, and carry on as if nothing had happened. Could be Cowley's mole-hunting." He turned on his heel and walked away from them, furious, confused and hurting. His spur-of-the-moment could be the truth, but regardless of his arguments against Morgan's evidence, he could see a possible pattern there that might link the two men. More unlikely things had happened in the past, and Cowley's own private life of virtual celibacy was in itself a strong factor. Not that he gave a damn either way. The Old Man could screw his way through the whole of CI5 for all he cared -- it wouldn't change either his loyalty, confidence or blind trust. But when he got to Ray Doyle, Bodie drew the line. Drew the line, built the security fence and put up the signs. Keep Out. Restricted Area.
***
Oh, yes, I do love a confused, possessive Bodie. *g* Go on, give it a read if you haven't before. Or revisit it. Guess what I'm reading on my Kindle tonight?
Of Tethered Goats and Tigers
Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Length: 317K
Author on LJ:
sidhe_womanAuthor Website: Tarot at The Circuit Archive
Why this must be read: This is one of my favorite Pros stories. I read it early in my Pros obsession, and it has held up through all these years. It features two separate case stories with fully developed plots, and a complex, shifting relationship between the lads that is grounded in trust. But when that trust is tested, due to one of the cases, there is a gradual buildup of tension that grips the reader just as much as it grips the lads. And when it explodes, in a glorious confrontation between Bodie and Doyle, well, it is for me one of the most satisfying first time stories. *g*
The basic set up is that Cowley asks Doyle to work with him in a covert op to trap a blackmailing Soviet agent who has caused great damage to British and American security forces. Doyle is to pretend to be Cowley's lover--keeping the op secret from everyone. The secrecy is crucial as that will draw the Russian in, yet Cowley sets the stage for the trap by appearing to be "grooming" Doyle as his successor and favorite--and feeding the CI5 rumor mill. Bodie, who is involved in his own op, at first doesn't notice anything "wrong" except that Doyle is less available, and gets pulled away from his proper partner duties. Gradually, however, the unthinkable dawns, and Bodie's reaction to that is...absolutely splendid.
Have an excerpt:
[Two agents have confided the rumors of a relationship between Cowley and Doyle to Bodie. It was quite brave of them, really. *g*]
"No. They wouldn't be so bloody stupid." But his voice was a whisper. "Look. I'd've known, wouldn't I? If Ray was queer -- fuck it, he doesn't even swing both ways. Straight as a bloody die, he is! We've had enough double-dates and weird parties for me to know if he wasn't. As for Cowley -- for God's sake, we're talking about an ex-MI5 man who's made CI5 what it is. Do you honestly think Cowley is going to risk losing the Department, or endangering its security merely because he's in lust for a bloke? It doesn't wash, mate. That man would sacrifice his own mother for CI5 -- he may well weep tears of blood while he did it, but he'd do it."
"I heard --"
"Yeah. Okay. You heard. Maybe you were meant to hear. Thought of that one? If I were you, I'd forget about what I did or didn't hear, and carry on as if nothing had happened. Could be Cowley's mole-hunting." He turned on his heel and walked away from them, furious, confused and hurting. His spur-of-the-moment could be the truth, but regardless of his arguments against Morgan's evidence, he could see a possible pattern there that might link the two men. More unlikely things had happened in the past, and Cowley's own private life of virtual celibacy was in itself a strong factor. Not that he gave a damn either way. The Old Man could screw his way through the whole of CI5 for all he cared -- it wouldn't change either his loyalty, confidence or blind trust. But when he got to Ray Doyle, Bodie drew the line. Drew the line, built the security fence and put up the signs. Keep Out. Restricted Area.
***
Oh, yes, I do love a confused, possessive Bodie. *g* Go on, give it a read if you haven't before. Or revisit it. Guess what I'm reading on my Kindle tonight?
Of Tethered Goats and Tigers
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<spoiler></spoiler> Perfect line used *perfectly*.
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Will put this on the list to re-read immediately.
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Caprivan. :)