THE CAROUSEL

"Love Conquers all Things"

Craig Keith sat at the back of the briefing room, his eyes slightly closed. He had spent all night on a fruitless surveillance, and he was tired. The drone of his superior's voice blended with the buzz of the air conditioning made it very difficult for him to keep his eyes open. He blinked his eyes fully open at the sound of his name being called.

"Yes sir," he answered his mind foggy not remembering the last five minutes, hoping that his superior wouldn't ask him a question.

"Glad to see that you are with us Inspector Keith," Captain Gross said, a hint of humour in his voice.

"Sorry sir," Craig muttered aware that all the eyes of his colleagues were on him. He shook his head to clear the remaining fogginess. He straightened up in his seat concentrating hard for the next ten minutes as the Captain wound up the briefing.

"Right that's it gentlemen. Dismissed," Gross announced shuffling his papers. "Except you Craig. Could you stay?" Craig groaned inwardly moving slowly to the front of the large briefing room, dropping tiredly into a seat his long legs stretched out in front of him.

"Well Craig, I heard that the surveillance drew a blank last night," Gross said looking up from his task of stuffing his papers into his briefcase.

"Yeh, it was. Sorry sir. Probably try again tonight," Craig answered.

Gross regarded the young man in front of him for a moment. His blue jeans and checked shirt were crinkled, and his sandy blonde hair was sticking up more than usual. His normally sparkling green eyes were dull through lack of sleep, and his slender body was slumped in the chair. Gross liked the man in front of him; his wicked sense of humour and easy smile shone like a beacon in their dangerous world. Mind made up he announced, "You look tired Craig. I think you need a change of scenery and I have just the assignment you need."

Craig sat up straight ready to protest, but Gross put his hand up in warning. "Senator John Meredith is having a house party this weekend. There are a lot of very important people attending a party on Saturday evening, and the Bureau has been assigned to provide protection to the Senator, his family and guests. I'm assigning you to Lieutenant Peters. He could use a good man, and you're it."

"But the McIntyre case is important. We're so close," Craig protested.

Gross sighed. "We have been working on the case for over two years now. It can wait another weekend. No is not an option Inspector Keith," Gross answered determinedly. "Do you own a tuxedo?"

Craig groaned and Gross laughed. "Well if you don't hire one on the Bureau. You are to report to Lieutenant Peters early Saturday evening. You will staying the weekend, so pack your toothbrush."

"Yes sir," Craig bit his lower lip.

"Right now go home. Get some sleep. And enjoy your weekend," Gross ordered.

"Yes sir," Craig repeated getting slowly to his feet.

"Oh and Craig. For god sake do something with your hair. It always looks so wild. Tame it for the weekend," Gross teased picking up his briefcase. "That's an order."

Craig smiled. "I'll try, but it has a life of its own. But I don't want to frighten any nice young ladies," he grinned as he started for the door.

****************

Craig drove his battered mustang up the large winding drive; turning a corner he stopped the vehicle to admire the house. Set at the top of the driveway, a large white mansion stood regally, nestling between large trees. Large pillars rose upwards on either side of white steps which led up to a coloured glass door. Craig counted at least thirty windows. Directly in front of the house was a large fountain with stone dragons spitting water instead of fire. Neatly tended flower gardens were laid out in front of the driveway, leading towards the rear of the house.

Sighing to himself, he gunned the mustang towards the front of the house. Sliding out of the driver's seat, he grabbed his overnight bag and walked up towards the front door. He raised his hand to knock on the door as it swung open revealing Lieutenant Peters.

"Ahh Craig, there you are," Peters said as he hurried down the steps. "Captain Gross told me you were coming. Good. Good."

Craig followed the Lieutenant back down the steps. "So Steve. What's the set up?" Craig asked.

"Ohh the usual. Glad you're here though." At that moment, Steve saw the mustang. "Yours?" he cocked his head at Craig with a lopsided smile on his round face.

"Yes," Craig blushed slightly.

"I think you need to move it. It may feel somewhat overwhelmed by the limousines that are arriving tonight," he grinned at Craig.

"Yeh well. It's a classic," Craig protested. "Got more style than a limousine."

"That it has. That it has," Steve smiled back. "Now let's go over the security arrangements. Then I'll show you where you're bunking."

**************

Lieutenant Peters had spent an hour going over the security arrangements making sure that Craig knew what he was responsible for, which didn't amount to much. His main duty was to be in the ballroom staying alert at all times in case of any trouble. Peters had then showed Craig to a guest house, which the Bureau were using as an operational base. Surveillance equipment had already been set up; the Lieutenant would be supervising the entire exercise from the base.

Craig had showered and he now stood in front of the full length mirror. His neatly pressed high necked shirt felt uncomfortable, and he fumbled awkwardly with his green bow-tie. Cursing Captain Gross, he shrugged his shoulder holster on making sure his revolver was secure. Picking up his jacket, he completed the look with a dark black dress jacket. Brushing at some fluff, "Not bad," he smiled to himself. He had managed to tame his sandy hair although he noted a few stray strands sticking up at the back. Glancing at his watch, he started for the door, quickly making his way across a neatly cut lawn towards the house.

*************

Lieutenant Peters was waiting for him in the grand hallway. Craig whistled silently to himself; the hallway was bigger than his small cosy apartment.

"Ah Craig. Over here," Steve motioned to him. "I would like you to meet Senator John Meredith."

"Good evening Inspector Keith," the man standing beside Steve said offering Craig his hand. "I understand from Lieutenant Peters that you will be in the house tonight keeping an eye on us," he winked.

"Yes sir. I'll do my best," Craig said shaking the older man's hand.

"I am sure you will young man. Now come with me and I'll introduce you to my wife and daughter," he led Craig towards the ballroom. Craig looked over his shoulder, and saw Lieutenant Peters wink at him before turning to leave.

Craig followed the Senator across the ballroom towards the open french doors, and out onto a small patio area, which was decorated with a combination of small coloured fairy lights and an array of floating candles, twinkling and flickering in the darkening night sky. "Elspeth my dear. I would like you to meet Inspector Craig Keith," he motioned to a small grey haired woman wearing an emerald green long gown. She was standing next to a younger woman, who was staring across the lawn, her back to the french doors.

"I am pleased to meet you Inspector. This is my daughter Caroline," she touched the young woman on the shoulder.

Craig drew in a sharp breath as Caroline Meredith turned towards them. She was dressed in a long red strapless dress with high side splits on each side. Her long dark hair hung loosely down her back, and her warm brown eyes stared intently at him.

"Pleased to meet you both," he stuttered flushing lightly at Caroline's intense gaze. The slim woman seemed to find this amusing, and her lips curled into a grin.

Senator Meredith rescued him. "Inspector Keith is here to make sure there is no trouble tonight."

"Then I'm sure there won't be," Caroline teased.

"I do hope you enjoy yourself Inspector. It was lovely to meet you. Now I must go and greet the first of my guests," Elspeth Meredith said as she walked towards the ballroom. "Coming Caroline?"

"Yes mother. Have fun Inspector," she grinned at him her brown eyes sparkling with mischief. Her dress revealed her slender legs as she hurried after her mother. As she stepped into the ballroom, she looked over her shoulder and winked at Craig.

Craig blushed red; Senator Meredith chuckled, "You'll have to excuse Caroline. I am afraid she can't resist teasing people."

"Oh that's quiet alright Senator. I'll get my own back," Craig said quietly.

"I am sure you will young man," the Senator chuckled again. "Come on. I think you deserve a drink."

**************

She watched him from across the room; he stood quietly in the corner his green eyes ever watchful, moving slowly around the room taking in everything and everybody.

She smiled as she looked down his slender frame to see his right foot tapping in time to the music from the small ten piece orchestra. He had an intriguing presence about him she thought to herself. She was startled out of her reverie by someone calling her name.

"Caroline darling," Martin Druce said as he approached her.

"Good evening Martin," she replied as he lightly kissed her on the cheek.

"My dance I think," he announced as the orchestra began to play a waltz. Martin led her to the dance floor, and began to waltz her around.

**************

Craig stood in the corner watching as the guests danced to a variety of soft music provided by a small orchestra. His gaze drifted from the dancers to admire the ballroom; it was large airy room with light wood wall panels with large crystal chandeliers hanging from a high ceiling. The french doors opened into the garden, a balmy summer breeze moving the curtains gently. He turned his attention back to the music; he loved to dance but had to keep reminding himself that he was on duty.

He smiled at Caroline Meredith as her partner guided her around the dance floor. He was surprised when she smiled warmly back at him. He didn't believe in the concept of love at first sight, but he thought he may have to modify his thinking. When she had turned and smiled at him, he had the funny feeling he had just met his soul mate.

Craig couldn't take his eyes of her as she danced with her partner, who didn't do the waltz any justice, his steps wooden and jerky. Craig immediately recognised her companion as Martin Druce, a partner in Washington's most powerful law firm. When the music stopped, Caroline excused herself and moved towards the french doors disappearing into the night. Craig decided to follow. He found her in a large stable block whispering to one of the horses, fondly stroking the animal's nose.

"Hello," he said. "You know the security doesn't cover this area," he waved his hand around the stable.

"I know. Not really my scene," she indicated back to the party; the soft strains of the music filtering through the clear night.

"Oh," he replied surprise showing on his face.

She smiled. "So you thought I would like the party scene. No. That's my mother's speciality. I'm just along for the dancing."

Craig smiled back. "Not really my scene either. But I like dancing."

"I noticed," Caroline grinned.

"What," he stammered.

"Saw your foot tapping to the music. Hey cool. An officer of the law who likes to dance," she teased.

"My secret is out. Don't tell anyone. I'll never live it down," Craig said seriously putting his hand across his forehead in mock horror.

Caroline laughed lightly. "I promise. Your secret is safe with me," she saluted.

"Nice horse," Craig decided to change the subject quickly. "What's he called?"

Caroline looked back to the white horse, smiling fondly. "Yes, and he's all mine. He's called Arctic Knight." The horse nuzzled her at the sound of his name. "Do you ride as well as dance Inspector?" she asked shyly.

"It's Craig, and actually I do. My parents breed horses in Indiana. Grew up among them," he answered grinning at the surprised look on the young woman's face.

"Another secret," she teased. "Would you like to come riding tomorrow morning?"

"On one condition," Craig replied.

"And that is," she stared at him, her brown eyes gleaming.

"That you dance with me," he said mischievously.

"Here?" she asked.

"Where else. A society girl like you couldn't be seen to be dancing with a plain old law enforcement officer," he said as he took her hands.

"Well it is my favourite dance" she murmured. The strains of the carousel waltz drifted on the gentle breeze across the lawn. Craig smiled as he started to dance her around the stable block. They laughed as they twirled around and around, their only audience being the horses. They were so engrossed in the dance, neither of them saw Senator Meredith standing in the shadows. Smiling to himself, he turned and walked back towards the mansion.

**************

Craig was waiting in the stable, talking to a large brown mare when Caroline joined him. She was wearing light brown trousers, long black boots and a crisp white shirt. Her dark hair was tied loosely into a plait which hung down to her waist. Pulling on her leather gloves, "Are you ready Mr. Law Enforcement Officer?" she asked.

Craig bowed slightly. "After you Miss Senator's daughter."

She frowned at him, "OK truce. I'll call you Craig. You call me Caroline." Craig nodded using his most disarming smile, which made Caroline flush slightly.

A small man approached the couple leading two horses - one was Arctic Knight, the other a large black horse. "Good morning Miss Meredith," he said.

"Morning Alfie," she smiled at the man.

"I thought the gentleman would like to ride Bounty Hunter," he indicated the black horse.

"Good choice Alfie as always," she said as she swung herself up onto Arctic Knight. "Come on Craig," she encouraged as she turned her mount round and trotted towards the stable door. Craig put his foot into the stirrup and swung his leg over the horse, guiding the animal after Caroline, who had began to gallop across the fields.

Craig hadn't been in the saddle for a long time, and he suddenly realised how much he had missed it. He urged his horse forwards; he was magnificent - the powerful hooves hammered the ground, his ears pricked up. Craig easily caught up with Caroline, slowing his horse to trot.

She glanced sideways at him, "You were right. You do ride well." Craig smiled warmly at her. "And dance very nicely," she added with a cheeky grin.

Craig blushed despite himself, and Caroline laughed lightly at his embarrassment. "Sorry. Didn't mean to embarrass you."

"But you do it so well," Craig teased causing Caroline to blush slightly. "Gotcha," he teased chuckling.

"Race you," she shouted as she spurred her horse forwards across the field.

"Cheat," he yelled as he urged Bounty Hunter to a gallop following Arctic Knight across the fields, the horse's hooves pounding the uneven ground confidently.

They had come to stop with Craig catching up, overtaking and winning the race easily. Breathless, they dismounted the horses leading them towards a small park. They walked in companionable silence for a while.

"Do you want to ride a different kind of horse?" Caroline asked unexpectedly.

"A different kind of horse," Craig looked at Caroline puzzled.

"Yes. Come on," she encouraged as they tied the horses up by a small fence, leaving them to graze peacefully. Caroline shyly took Craig's hand and pulled him towards the centre of the park.

He heard the music first; glancing up he saw the most beautiful carousel he had ever seen. It was painted in bright colours - reds and golds. A small wisp of smoke was coming from the top disappearing into the bright blue sky.

He counted them, thirty-six brightly coloured horses adorned the carousel. Gold poles attached the horses to the top of the carousel, and they moved slowly up and down as the carousel spun around. He instantly recognised the music - the carousel waltz.

"Isn't it just beautiful," Caroline breathed, a look of rapture on her delicate features. "My father used to bring me here when I was a child. We used to ride the carousel for hours, just the two of us. It's run by steam."

"Yes. It is beautiful," Craig agreed. "Do you come here often?"

"No. My fiancee wouldn't like it," she replied sadly.

"Your fiancee?" Craig asked.

"Martin Druce," she answered softly. "I was dancing with him last night."

"Oh, the block of wood from the big law firm," Craig muttered. "Why wouldn't he like you riding the carousel?"

Caroline frowned at him which immediately turned into a grin. "Conduct unbecoming of the future Mrs. Druce."

"He just don't know what's good for him," Craig pulled her towards the carousel. "Come on. Let's go for a ride."

They waited until the carousel came to a full stop, and then carefully climbed the steps, choosing their mounts. Caroline beamed at Craig as the music started. The carousel started to turn; the gold poles moving slowly up and down. Their horses moved in time with the poles and they grinned as the carousel began to move faster, their horses matching the speed. They both hummed to the familiar tunes the carousel played.

Craig glanced across at Caroline; she had her head thrown back holding onto the pole, looking up into the carousel studying the mechanism. Craig reached out his hand touching hers; she glanced at him smiling and took his hand. They laughed as the carousel began to slow.

They rode the carousel for half an hour before reluctantly climbing down from their vividly coloured horses. Craig quickly paid the owner, thanking him for his indulgence, and taking Caroline's hand, he led her back towards the horses.

"So when are you and Martin getting married?" he asked.

"Oh sometime in the fall," she answered.

"Perhaps the Bureau will have to provide the security," Craig murmured.

Caroline turned a shocked face to him. "Oh I hope not. I don't want you to be there," she turned her head away from him.

Craig regarded her for a moment, pulling her towards him he lightly kissed her lips. She didn't resist putting her arms around his neck. Pulling away, Craig looked down on her face, "Do you love him?"

She again turned her head slightly away, biting her bottom lip. "My mother thinks he's a good choice."

He drew her face back level with his. "I didn't ask that. Do you love him?" he persisted.

"No," she whispered pulling out of his grasp and running towards the horses. "We'd better get back," she shouted as she quickly mounted Arctic Knight and urged him the direction of the mansion.

Craig watched her gallop over the field disappearing from sight. Sighing heavily, he mounted his horse slowly trotting back in the direction of the house.

**************

Craig stood in the hallway watching as the Senator and his wife bade their guests farewell. When he had got back to the stable block, Caroline had disappeared into the house, and he hadn't been able to find her.

"Hello Craig," a soft voice behind him. He turned, and she was standing behind him, a light smile on her face. "Would you like some coffee," she offered indicating the kitchen area.

"Yeh, that would be nice," he followed her towards the back of the house. Sitting down at the large wooden table, he watched as she prepared the coffee.

"So you're leaving today," she said setting a mug of steaming coffee in front of him.

"Yeh, job done. Gotta go back and catch them criminals," he half-smiled, tilting his head to one side.

Caroline studied her hands avoiding his gaze. "Yes, of course."

"But I enjoyed my weekend," he said softly taking a sip of his coffee. "Especially the dancing and the riding bit."

She glanced up sharply, softening her face quickly into a warm smile. "I did too. Thank you for sharing the carousel with me. It made me wish for my childhood again."

"We can do that everyday if you'll come ride the carousel with me every day for the rest of our lives. Don't ever want to ride a carousel with anyone else," he looked at her, hope shining in his green eyes.

She stood up. "I can't," she whispered tears shining in her eyes.

He grabbed her wrist turning her towards him. "You could if you wanted to."

Caroline wrenched her wrist from his grasp. "I can't. I just can't," she said turning and running from the room. Craig watched her leave wishing he could follow her, but knowing that he shouldn't. He finished his coffee, leaving by the kitchen door, and strolled slowly towards the guest house to pick up his overnight bag.

**************

She watched as Craig shook hands with Lieutenant Peters. She ducked away from the window as he looked up towards the house, as if he was searching for her. She peered cautiously around the curtains as he slid into the driving seat of his battered mustang and drove towards the gate, out of her life forever.

"You could go after him Caroline my dear," her father's voice startled her, and she turned towards him.

"I can't," she murmured glancing back out of the window. "I don't want to let mother and you down."

Her father moved towards her, turning her and taking her into his strong arms. "Oh Caroline. All your mother and I want is for you to be happy."

"What about Martin?" Caroline looked up at her father's smiling face.

"We don't care who you marry as long as you are happy. And I know you won't be happy with Martin. He's just too wooden," her father chuckled.

"Father," Caroline looked horrified.

Her father kissed the top of her head. "Well you have to agree that it's like dancing with a block of wood. I saw you dancing with that young man in the stables, and the two of you didn't look a bit wooden. In fact, I think you fitted together quite well."

"It's too late. I hurt him," she began to cry as her father enfolded her into his warm hug rubbing her back trying to soothe away the pain.

***************

A week later Caroline found herself walking slowly towards the park, leading Arctic Knight behind her. Tying him up carefully to the small fence, she wandered towards the music of the carousel. It was playing her favourite waltz, and she felt her stomach tighten at the memory. She bit her lip, fighting off the urge to cry.

"Caroline," a voice shouted. Glancing up she blinked in surprise, but increased her step towards the carousel. "Come on. Tom here said he would play the carousel waltz for us for as long as we want," Craig shouted as he indicated the smiling owner.

He offered her hand as she stopped by the carousel hesitancy showing on her face.

"Want to ride with me on the carousel forever," he asked smiling.

"What are you doing here?" she stammered still unsure.

Craig looked at his feet. "Come by every day since last Sunday hoping you would change your mind. Tom's been teaching me about the carousel," he offered her his hand again. His green eyes sparkled with hope and love. "Please ride the carousel with me Caroline."

She couldn't resist this man; taking his hand she let him pull her up onto the carousel. "Oh Craig. Yes please. I'll ride the carousel for as long as you want me," she breathed.

"Forever," he replied looking into her eyes. Her brown eyes shone with tears of happiness.

Standing between two brightly coloured horses, Craig drew her into a loving embrace, lightly kissing her lips. She didn't resist, leaning into the kiss and returning it.

The couple lost in their love for each other didn't notice as the carousel started to move, the horses moving slowly up and down in rhythm to the carousel waltz.

THE END