Dennis let out a slow breath and surveyed the building in front of him. 3 years. 3 years since he'd stepped foot in Ashfordly Police Station, and he wasn't quite sure he was ready to be back. He was on the verge of turning on his heel and leaving when a young man in uniform he didn't recognise exited the front door.

The policeman straightened his back when he saw the man stood in the car park, and Dennis subconsciously straightened his uniform as well.

"We weren't expecting you until this afternoon, sir."

"Aye, I know, but I decided it was best to get the introductions over and done with as soon I arrived in town."

The policeman nodded and turned to walk Dennis back into the building.

After another calming breath, the scot followed him in.

…

Alf bit happily into his sandwich. Mrs Ventress had packed him his favourite sort of lunch today, a pickled egg sandwich and a pack of biscuits. Now he was alone in the station, he'd make himself a lovely cup of tea shortly and then put his feet up.

His plans were ruined when the young constable Taylor rushed back into the station and hissed, "Alf, he's here already!"

From habit rather than because he needed to stand to attention for his superiors anymore, Alf stood from his seat and began brushing crumbs from his cardigan before he looked up as a man entered the front door.

"Sarge!"

Dennis gave a slight smile, seeing the remnants of a sandwich all over the older man's front. "Things haven't changed much, I see. And it's Inspector now."

Alf looked down at his front, then up with a slightly guilty smile. "No one told us it would be you."

"Aye well, it was a last minute decision. Is the sergeant in?"

"Ah, no. He's out, but he should be back shortly."

Dennis nodded and stood silently for a moment before asking the man who stood behind him, "Are you going to introduce yourself to me lad, or do I have to guess who you are?"

Constable Taylor rushed round to stand in front of the inspector. "Sorry, Sir. I'm Probationary Constable William Taylor."

"Well as you weren't expecting me until later, I'll excuse the dirty shoes and missing button this time."

William looked down and realised the state of his uniform. He mumbled an apology and rushed from the room to right the situation.

Turning his attention back to Alf, Dennis raised an eyebrow. "No one has managed to make you retire, then?"

Alf gave a proud smile. "Not yet. I only do 4 days a week now, though. On Fridays, I help out at Ashfordly hall with security."

Dennis nodded once more and looked round at the increased number of desks that now crowded the room, and the mess they all appeared to be in. He'd have to remedy that situation, for he couldn't abide disorganisation.

Alf watched the scot silently for a short while, sure he'd heard that the man had retired from the police force, but decided presently that he'd find out the information later. "Phil is still here, still as messy as ever. Then we've got William, a constable named Rob Walker who has taken over Mike's old patch, and another constable called James Ward. No relation to Gina."

"And the sergeant?"

"Well, we did have Sergeant Noakes for a while, you'd remember her, but then we-"

"I didn't ask for a history lesson, Ventress."

"Right. No. Sorry. Mike is the Sergeant now. He left just after you, and came back about a year ago."

Dennis was relieved the man he'd have to work closely with was at least someone he knew. This situation would probably be hard enough without having to discuss everything with a stranger. "Right, well, I might go into town and familiarise myself with the place again, and then I'll pop back later to meet everyone."

Alf watched him walk towards the door, but was unable to stop his curiosity getting the better of him and finally called out the question that had been playing in his mind. "How is Jenny?"

Dennis stopped, hand on the doorknob. He paused for a moment before glancing back towards the man he'd last seen 3 years ago in less than pleasant circumstances. "…She's fine."