Work Text:
Despite the number of people milling around, Robbie Lewis had been keeping watch to see when James entered the pub and waved to attract his attention. He walked over to the table to join him, followed by two others.
As they sat down, James said, “Right, what’s everyone drinking?”
Once they had given him their orders, he went to the bar, and Ellie Tomlinson, James’ DS, introduced the other woman to Robbie as DC Amanda Rockey. James brought the drinks back and since it was early December, the conversation turned to Christmas preparations.
Ellie said, “Robbie, do you join the inspector for all his various gigs and church services?”
Robbie shook his head. “I might go to one or two of the gigs, and I’ll show my nose at the carol service, but otherwise I leave him to it.”
Amanda asked, “Is this the civic carol service that we’re being encouraged to attend?”
“Yes. I always used to go when I was still on the force, and I don’t mind still turning out now. Will you be there?”
She pulled a face. “I’m not a great one for saying I’m religious by going to one service a year. And generally I find the church is too wrapped up in the symbolism and not involved in life as it is.”
“That’s not always the case,” James said.
“No. And I’m not saying that there aren’t people who take their faith seriously, sir. But it’s things like the three gifts which the kings brought, and how symbolic they were. And then people laugh and say if they’d been women, they’d have been more practical.”
“I’ve seen those cartoons,” Ellie agreed. “where they bring babygrows and Moses baskets. But those things don’t last long.”
“They’re necessary though.”
“So what you’re saying is that the church should be both about the present and the future,” James said. “I’d agree with that.”
“But does it really make any difference?”
James thought for a moment. “I tell you what. Our church band is leading an informal service at Epiphany, when the three kings come. We normally take a collection for a suitable charity. If you can find a local group who would benefit from items for babies, we can organise to take suitable donations both of goods and cash. If they can give us a list of things they particularly want so much the better.”
“My sister has contacts with the local baby bank, I bet she could put you in touch with someone,” Ellie said. “She also said they’re always after toiletries.”
“If that’s what they want then we could do both toiletries, which don’t have to cost a lot for those who don’t have much spare cash, and baby items,” James said. “How does that sound, Amanda?”
“That sounds great, thank you very much. I’ll get onto it.”
Later, as James and Robbie returned home, Robbie said, “That was kind of you to make that offer. Are you sure the rest of the band will agree?”
“So long as it’s something suitable, they’ll be very happy,” James said. “Amanda Rockey’s right; far too often the church has concentrated on its own position and beliefs, without looking to those outside its immediate sphere. This way we can join in one of the church festivals and show our concern for those around us. Those who, incidentally, also find themselves at the bottom of the pile where other institutions, including the police force, are concerned. You don’t need to light a candle in a brightly lit church, but in the areas where there is still darkness.”