Ready Or Not
Disclaimer: anything you recognise belongs to Southern Star and Channel Seven.
Summary: A difficult case delving into the sinister past of Amy's family brings a new beginning into her life and PJ's.
Part 1
He knew, Amy thought, he knew all along and never told me. He knew what Uncle John was doing…and he didn't do a thing to stop it.
These thoughts swam through Amy's head, and she wasn't happy with them. If there was ever a time she didn't want to be thinking, it was now. The only thing that ran through her mind were outraged thoughts that Brendan had known all along yet hadn't done a thing to stop it. He had let it go on night after night for years…
PJ was being the most patient being on earth, Amy realised, as she looked up from her unfinished report and cast him a glance. He too appeared engrossed in unfinished paperwork, but spared a moment to meet her gaze. Amy flushed and looked down again.
Last night had been something completely different for Amy. She had never gotten that close to another human being since she had dated Garth, and even so, that had only extended to hand holding and five second hugs.
Yet, for some reason, Amy had let PJ hold her for a while. She had let him comfort her in what she realised was one of her darker hours. He had always cared for her so much…like a brother or father even.
Amy almost scolded herself for thinking of PJ as a father. Every 'father' she had ever had had ended up letting her down or abandoning her. Her father had died in that car crash…her uncle had abused her and violated her…and even Garth had run a mile.
But PJ hadn't…he was still here.
"Hey, PJ…Foxy," a voice said as the door opened. Amy looked up, but she didn't need to. She already knew who it was. Only one person called her Foxy.
"Yeah, Alex?" PJ asked as he sat back in his chair, lacing his fingers behind his head.
"There's been an assault. Guy's at the hospital. Thought you might like to know." Alex said as he peered through the door.
PJ nodded and cast Amy a glance. Their eyes met and Amy sighed.
"We're on it," she said.
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Amy yawned as she sat in the passenger seat of PJ's car while he drove them to the hospital. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye.
"You okay, Amy?" he asked in a concerned voice. Amy looked over and forced a smile.
"Didn't sleep well last night," she admitted. "I kept thinking of Brendan."
PJ tapped his fingers on the steering wheel and turned a corner.
"He was a kid himself…he didn't know what to do about it…he probably didn't want to believe it. But, all that aside, it's not your fault. That whole part of your family are jerks. Not one of them is worth your tears." PJ told her with that tone that always made Amy feel warm, comfortable and appreciated.
"I've heard that so many times, but I still don't quite believe it." Amy responded as she leant against the window with tears in her eyes.
PJ placed a hand on her knee and gave it a small squeeze as they pulled into the hospital car park.
"Some day, Amy, just maybe…you'll learn that it's the truth," PJ finished as he parked the car and climbed out. "Now let's go see our assault victim."
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Heading back into the station, PJ glanced back to Amy, who seemed highly volatile. PJ rushed Amy into their office without a word to the others. Even Alex's call of 'Foxy' went unheard.
"Sit," PJ instructed, and Amy did so. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She resembled a young child. "Now, Amy, I need you to hold it together."
"He's my cousin," Amy interrupted. "Something's going on, and Brendan won't talk to me. Why did he keep telling me not to get involved?"
PJ placed his hands on Amy's shoulders and gripped them tightly.
"I don't know, but we'll find out. Now, I really think you should take yourself off the case."
"Why does everyone tell me that?" Amy shouted in hysterics. PJ pulled Amy into a hug, despite her struggling. Finally Amy stopped resisting and started crying into PJ's shirt. After several minutes, PJ placed a hand under Amy's chin and rose her face so they looked into each other's eyes.
That was when, just with their eyes, a mutual decision was made. They both closed their eyes gently and their lips brushed lightly. They came apart far enough so Amy could take in PJ's expression. It was like a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He wanted this…he had wanted it for such a long time. And, the truth was, she had as well.
"I think I'm ready," Amy whispered and PJ smiled.
And they kissed again, this time more passionately than before.
