Title: New Years Eve
Author: Loz & Meegan Boulton
E-Mail: loz06(at)yahoo(dot)com
Rating: T
Category: Neil.Andrea...Who else? Oh and the supporting cast, can't forget them.
Series: Stand alone, not related to anything else I've done. See also 'How this works'
Spoilers: So minor it shouldn't ruffle any feathers.
Archive (if applicable): www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net(slash)loz06
Feedback: The good, the bad and the very ugly it's all appreciated. I'd love to hear which of the endings was your favourite.
Summary: A NYE party at Okaro's can have so many different endings for Neil and Andrea.
How this works: Ok so you used to be able to get those books where you could 'choose your own adventure' and this is kind like that. You read this first part and the rest are alternative endings to this part with different sets of circumstances and outcomes for Neil and Andrea.
Note: This is actually a co-effort with Meegan Boulton so all compliments/criticisms etc should also be sent in her direction even though I'm the one posting this story.
Future: This story is not finished and I anticipate there will be as many as 9 or 10 alternative endings.
Disclaimers: It's a new year and I still can't claim ownership of The Bill.
Andrea Dunbar looks up from her last piece of paperwork to see Catherine Hartman looking decidedly annoyed. She doesn't know anything about the young PC beyond her name and rank; they'd never worked together due to the fact they're on different reliefs or shared anything personal about themselves. On occasions they'd run into each other, always around the time of the change of shift and when their paperwork piled up, on many occasions they'd expressed their mutual loathing for that part of the job.
"Oh... You didn't get the message Inspector Gold is in a bad mood today?" Andrea looks to her fellow officer with sympathy.
"I've seen better temperaments on bucking bulls but it's not that, I'm rostered on for New Years Eve and I actually had an invite to a great party this year," Catherine slides out a chair and falls dejectedly into it.
"Yeah, I saw the roster," Andrea's face is apologetic though she is in no way responsible. "I'm on New Years Day; sometimes I think that's worse because you can go out New Years Eve but not drink much."
Catherine nods, "That was me last year; I volunteered to work Christmas this year so I thought I might be excused for New Year's."
"Mmm you could take your case to Inspector Gold," Andrea suggests cheekily.
"I'm not going near that powder keg with my little spark," Catherine replies and the two women laugh at the small joke. "I better get on with it," She sighs standing up and out of her chair.
"I'll see you around," Andrea says going back to her work; she notices the date at the top of the page in her handwriting – the twentieth.
She might be free to ring in the New Year but so far she has no plans.
As Andrea exits the locker room she pushes her left arm into the sleeve of her jacket, only for it to become stuck. Down the corridor someone laughs raucously, attracting Andrea's attention as she struggles to get her arm into the more than ample space.
"Hey, what's going on?" Andrea asks approaching Yvonne, Honey, Tony and Roger whose laughter it was that filled the corridors. With the sound of tearing stitching Andrea's arm final slides into place.
"These," Honey says holding up a plain white envelope, gradually the other three do the same.
"Is there one for everyone?" Andrea doesn't wait for an answer, stepping between the group to check her space. A similar envelope waits innocently to be collected.
"Roger suggested it was a transfer notice, all the women are being moved out so a MET super station can be created, men only," Yvonne's dry tone clearly indicates she doesn't appreciate the joke.
"Then how do you explain the fact you got an envelope?" Andrea asks Roger, clearly pleased she's blown his theory out of the water and had the chance to show him up.
"She's got you there Roger," Yvonne laughs and he shrinks back, a wash of embarrassment on his face.
Next to him Tony laughs.
"You got one too," Roger reminds him.
"I'm hoping it's a late Christmas bonus so I can hit the New Year sales," Honey turns her envelope over in her hands, the look from the others suggests she has little hope of it being true.
"Could be a pay rise," Tony suggests, the look Honey received transferred to him.
"Better working conditions," Roger joins the conversation again.
"Yeah, compensation for broken nails," Yvonne jokes, it goes down well with the other women.
"We might all be getting fired," Honey brings down the mood with her suggestion.
"Just for that you're opening yours first," Tony tells Honey and then unexpectedly lets out a long groan.
"What?" Yvonne snaps up, eager to know what he's thinking.
"I bet it's an invitation to another one of those open mike comedy/karaoke nights Gary was performing at."
"That last one was terrible; he'd have to have guts after being booed off stage at the last one," Andrea comments as she holds hers up to the light. "Are there any hatches, matches or dispatches happening?"
Her question is met with silence, when she looks to her friends it's clear she might as well have been speaking an obscure African language. "Is anyone getting engaged, married, is anyone pregnant or retiring?" She translates.
"Not that I know of but this might be the announcement," Roger suggests.
"It's from Mr. Okaro," The group turns to Honey who scans the sole piece of paper that was in the envelope.
"The Super?" Yvonne confirms finding the envelopes and notes a strange way of communicating with the rest of the station.
"Mine's an invitation, he's having a New Years Eve party," She continues to read. "Honey Harmon and partner are invited to attend," She continues to read, putting on a posh voice. "Provided I'm not working," She editorialises.
In a flurry of tearing envelopes the other rush to see if theirs contain the same thing.
"So, are you going to this New Years Eve party then?" Marilyn asks, as she, Yvonne and Andrea sit down in the canteen the next day.
"I might do," Says Andrea. "But you can just imagine it? It's gonna be all the top brass from around the borough, and knowing Okaro, the council and every church, mosque and synagogue from here to Wales."
"You're right," Agrees Yvonne. "I've had better fun watching paint dry."
"Well, Reg and I are going. I've never been to a big police do before. Oh my God, what am I going to wear?!" She exclaims, getting up suddenly and running out of the canteen.
"Trust me, you're not missing much," Mutters Yvonne, giggling.
"So, what are you lot planning on doing for New Years?" Tony asks, as he and Roger join them at the table.
"I'm not sure, might end up being a quiet one at home with the cat. I'm rostered on the next day."
"Yeah, so am I," Says Andrea. "What are you guys doing?"
"Same here, Tony and I were thinking about heading down to the Queen's Head for a few quiet ones, why don't you join us?"
"Don't you think we should drop in on the Okaro's party? Super or not, it's going to look dodgy if half of Sun Hill doesn't make an appearance," Andrea feels a little sorry for Adam, Super or not, he's a decent bloke underneath.
"Yeah I guess so," Tony agrees. "Mind you, I wouldn't mind seeing what the Super's home life is like. Anyone met his missus?"
"No, but I've heard a lot about her," Says Yvonne. "I know, why don't we get a group together, have a few down the pub, drop in on the party and if it's as boring and la-di-da as we think it'll be, back to the pub again?"
"Yvonne, thought you'd never ask," Laughs Roger.
"Here's a man who will no doubt be painting the town red on New Years Eve," Andrea enthuses as Lance sits down at the table. Leela slides in next to Tony and Andrea flashes a friendly smile.
Lance laughs once but looks a little uneasy. "Mark can't decide where he wants to go or what he wants to do. I've told him anything is fine with me..." Lance trails off.
"You two are OK aren't you?" Honey asks concerned.
"Yeah, he just can't decide if he wants to play it safe in a gay club or be a little more adventurous, or stay in," Lance shrugs. "That's just how he is," Despite the explanation Yvonne senses there's something more.
"Did anyone get one of these?" He holds up the same envelope Honey, Yvonne, Andrea, Tony and Roger had yesterday.
Everyone at the table nods and Lance's face washes with relief, looking more like his usual self.
"I thought it was this formal sit down dinner and Mark and I were going to be the token gay couple. After he announced my sexuality to the press..."
"You should come," Tony encourages. "He owes you a drink or six."
"You're all going?" Leela pipes up.
"We're going to head down to the pub first and then head over to the party, if it's lifeless we're going to head back to the pub," Andrea explains their plans.
"Safety in numbers?" Leela offers and the group laughs.
"What are your plans?" Honey asks, "Are you going?"
"Oh.. I've kind of got family here at the moment, we're doing the whole huge family celebration thing, I shouldn't try to get out of it, my dad will nag me, family responsibility coming first and all, some of them I haven't seen since I was a kid," Leela explains.
"Oi you lot, refs are over," Gina Gold bellows from the doorway, the group turn to look at her. "Well chop, chop, can't defend the downtrodden from your tea cups."
Tony, Roger, Yvonne, Honey and Andrea make moves that look like they're getting up, satisfied Gina Gold heads back through the maze of corridors of Sun Hill.
"God, wonder if she's invited," Honey near groans as the group turns back. "Judging by her mood it's reason enough to stay at the pub, probably nag us about how much we're drinking and the fact we have to work the next day."
It's cold outside and no one is in a hurry to get back on patrol or even into the relative comfort of the area car.
"Of course she'd be invited; you do know she and Mr. Okaro used to date," Tony offers and the others look at him amazed. "Oh it was before your time," He waves off.
"I'll say," Yvonne chuckles earning herself a 'be careful' look from Tony.
"Less of the 'old' thanks Yvonne," Roger requests.
"You know I can't really see her at a party," Andrea crinkles her brow trying to picture Gina Gold in a social scene.
"Oh she'd fit right in," Roger disagrees. "She drinks and smokes and that laugh of her, she knows everyone."
"She might become less uptight and more human," Leela offers.
"So we'll meet at the 'usual'?" Andrea suggests, behind her Smithy enter the canteen and hovers by the door.
"About eight," Lance suggests and the group agrees.
"Now we just need an excuse to use if the party's boring," Honey leans in closer.
"Oh leave that to me," Tony volunteers. "When you have as many women turn you down as I have, you come to hear a few excuses, some creative ones too."
"Aww, we still love you Tone," Leela pats his shoulder.
"Yeah, thanks," Tony says grudgingly.
"Oi you lot, out on patrol now!" Smithy roars and the group jumps. Slowly they push back their seats, saying goodbye to Leela and Lance.
"Sarge," They mumble as they pass Smithy whose look very much resembles Gina's.
"Looks like Smithy could do with some of the Super's free drinks as well," Tony comments when he Roger and Yvonne are out of earshot.
"Or something else," Yvonne chuckles, the other two cringe with the image.
Behind them Honey and Andrea approach Smithy. "I've just got to blow my nose sarge," Honey almost asks permission, for a few days now she's sounded sniffly.
"Powder your nose PC Harmon?!" He roars and Honey jumps.
"Blow my nose sarge, I've got a cold," Honey correctly him softly.
"I suppose you'll be needing sick time now as well," He grumbles loudly. "Well get on with it."
Honey moves quickly into the female locker room with Andrea.
"What's wrong with him?" Andrea groans.
From behind her tissue, Honey rolls her eyes, it should be well known by now to everyone.
"Oh, yeah," Andrea says, now remembering as Honey throws her tissue in the bin.
"Hey look at this," Honey stops Andrea as she was about to push through the door. Out of the bin she pulls the same envelope they'd all received yesterday.
"Whose is it?" Andrea asks, knowing they're safe from Smithy and Gina. Honey doesn't hesitate to open the envelope and when she read the name on the invitation she laughs out loud.
Andrea joins her when Honey passes her the invitation and she reads the name.
"So typical of Amber," Honey says snobbishly.
"She's taking a big risk putting it in the bin inside the station," Andrea drops the envelope back into its resting place. "Anyone could find it."
"Anyone just has," Honey says with a slightly evil twinkle in her eye, picking it back up again. After a minute she reconsiders and puts it back in the bin again.
"I can just see her now, she's probably gloating about how she can't go because she's got some fabulous party to go to with all these celebrities," Honey rolls her eyes.
"More like she's just covering for the fact she's spending the night at home with her cats," Andrea corrects.
"Her ugly hairless cats that scratch her," Honey giggles as she makes the scenario up.
"You know I'm actually looking forward to this party of Mr. Okaro's," Andrea admits honestly when she's stopped laughing.
"Me too... I'm hoping I can drown this cold in free drinks," Honey says her voice back to sniffly again.
The two women laugh as they walk out of the locker room, heading back to work.
Honey and Yvonne who are sitting either side of Andrea, turn, stare and start laughing as Andrea chokes on her drink, the foam going up her nose. The almost painful tingling rendering her unable to speak.
On the other side of the round table Sheelagh, June, Laura, Will and Dan raise their eyebrows at Andrea as she coughs and splutters, her eyes watering.
"Well that was entertaining," June laughs and next to Andrea, Honey and Yvonne, pleasantly buzzed from a few beers have tears rolling down their cheeks.
"No, um..." Andrea waves her hand towards the bar.
"Oh my," Yvonne sounds completely sober suddenly, after a few seconds something clicks and she starts laughing uncontrollably again.
Across the bar Amber Johansson stands dressed in full uniform and next to her is Catherine Hartman.
"It's a costume party," Honey manages between giggles. "She's going to a costume party, what's her party trick, handcuffing everyone?"
"It's not a party trick, that's a regular recreational Saturday night for Amber," Yvonne adds.
"Actually I don't think that's it..." Andrea says clearly, the penny just having dropped with her.
"Gina Gold placed Amber in B relief as of tonight, she's working," June Ackland informs them, having gravitated to their conversation from another. She looks a little taken aback as the three collapse against each other laughing and quickly slides back into Sheelagh and Laura's conversation.
"The only partying with celebrities she'll be doing is scooping them drunk out of the gutter." Yvonne's words are punctuated by fits of laughter. "No wonder she put her invitation in the garbage."
"Oh stop," Honey sings out, still laughing. "I'm going to pee my pants."
"Oh God I already have," Andrea sobers quickly, discovering she's sloshed her drink down her skirt in the midst of one of her laughing fits.
Across the table Will nudges Dan as he looks in the direction of the three women. "What's wrong with them?"
"I think they're having a laugh at Amber's expense and they're probably drunk too," Dan shakes his head, a wry look on his face and downs the last of his beer.
"No, no, I'm not drunk, I can't be drunk at Mr. Okaro's party," Yvonne yells having somehow overheard Dan.
She sits up and smoothes down her clothes and hair. "I want to get promoted one day."
"Another round, my shout," Dan announces standing up. "Same again for everyone?"
"We can't," Andrea elbows Honey gently, who lifts her head off Andrea's shoulder. "Look at the time."
"Oh, we're late," Honey says grabbing her bag from the table.
"I'll get us some cabs," Yvonne slides out of her chair and heads outside.
"Not for us Dan," Andrea tells him standing up. "The next round's on the Super, we're done paying for drinks tonight."
"We'll share a cab with you," Andrea offers the rest of the table who make their way talking and laughing out into the crisp night air which quickly knocks the silly giggles out of them.
"So we've got an excuse right?" Honey confirms as the cab pulls away from the pub. "In case this is all tea, scones and scrabble."
"Tony assured me it's under control, if it's boring he'll be out the front, we drive by. Pick him up and head back to the pub," Andrea explains the carefully laid plans.
"Excellent," Yvonne sits back into her seat, satisfied she'll enjoy the night no matter where it happens.
"Is that..?" Honey trails off and immediately shushes Dan and Yvonne so she can better hear. "That's music, surely it's not coming from..."
As the cab in front of them pulls up, with the others from Sun Hill in it, in front of Adam Okaro's place, astonishment covers Yvonne's face.
"No sign of Tony," Andrea comments. "Must be safe to go in."
"Of course it is," Yvonne says as they pool their money to pay the driver. "I could hear the music down the end of the street."
"I wonder if Barton Street has been here already with a friendly 'please turn the noise down'?" Honey says as they pile one after another out of the cab.
All three women stand on the pathway, starting up at the Okaro family home.
"This place is huge," Yvonne says continuing to be near stunned, behind them the cabs pull away unnoticed.
"The lights, the music, they have a good relationship with their neighbours," Andrea decides.
"People in this neighbourhood can probably afford hefty soundproofing," Honey adds wryly.
"Are you coming inside ladies?" Sheelagh calls from the front steps.
"Imagine what it's going to be like inside," Yvonne whispers as the three hurry to catch up with June, Laura and Sheelagh.
The inside of the Okaro home is equally as impressive, The warmth sides out through the front door, inviting them in.
"Can I take your coats ladies?" Yvonne almost jumps, disarmed by the handsome man who's welcoming guests.
"Certainly," Honey smiles flirtingly, shrugging her coat off her shoulder.
"Mmm, I am impressed," Andrea smiles knowingly at Yvonne.
It's never a secret on Honey's face when she sees someone she fancies and she's always quick to respond when there's a possibility on the horizon.
Strength in numbers the three women walk shoulder to shoulder through the entry space and into the main entertaining area.
The party is well and truly underway.
"This place is huge," Andrea yells above the music, a staircase makes it's way to the second floor and archways give promise to further rooms.
"Yeah, how the other half live," Honey says as she scans the crowd for people they know.
"Let's go and check out who's here," Yvonne leads them into a throng of couples and groups who hold delicately their glasses of champagne and spirits, trying almost ineffectively to carry out a conversation above the music.
They squeeze their way past the temporary dance floor and into the kitchen where drinks are being poured and carried out for the guests. Searching for somewhere to position themselves they make their way into the front room which is somewhat sheltered from the music, the only real competition for their conversation is from the fire that roars and crackles.
Andrea grabs a glass of bubbly for each of them from the waiter who passes them on his way out of the room. Yvonne smiles at the other group in the room and makes her way to the free sofa.
"Every single brass from the MET is here," Yvonne whispers loudly, an element of disbelief in her voice. "I had to 'Sir' my way around the room, I was tripping over them."
"Not to mention every other officer from Barton Street and Spicer Street as well as Stafford Row," Honey adds.
"I've seen members of the local council, community leaders, prominent estate residents who work with us," Yvonne lists.
"Yes, it's definitely the United Nations of New Years Eve parties," Andrea jokes and the three of them laugh uncontrollably.
"Actually..." Yvonne turns serious. "It's very politically savvy of the Super to hold a party like this, spread some goodwill throughout the community leaders and council, promote the relationship between the MET and the community, network a bit between local stations."
"Oh you need to switch off," Honey groans. "You haven't drunk enough yet."
"Oh come one it's all for the show," Andrea says tapping into her cynicism she though she'd left at the door with her coat and the cute guy.
"Who cares," Honey sounds off. "Free food, free booze, cute guys."
"Tony!" Andrea shouts delighted, having seen he and Roger pass outside the room.
"Can you believe this?" Tony asks sitting down next to Andrea. "This is...I'm lost for words."
"Oh come one, half of them here tonight are freeloaders or they're just here to nose around the house...I mean the number of brass who disagree strongly with Okaro on issues and they're here tonight. This party is all for the show," Roger taps into his cynical side which happens more often for him than it does for Andrea.
Much to his confusion the three women are holding back giggles, "What?"
"That's us, we're here to check out the house and the free booze," Tony reminds him.
"No, I mean..." Realising he's put his foot in it, Roger sighs as he shakes his head and gets up. "I'm off to find the food."
"Have you been out the back?" Tony asks Honey. "There's a huge glass room and backyard area."
"Great, show me and lets find some food and another drink on the way there," Honey agrees, suddenly filled with exuberance.
"I'm going to catch up with some people from Barton Street I used to work with, you'll be alright?" Yvonne asks Andrea.
"Sure, I'm going to snoop..." Andrea fake coughs. "I mean explore some more."
"Report back," Yvonne maker her promise before leaving Andrea alone.
She drains the champagne to the laughter of the group sitting around the fire. Her fingers play at the stem of the empty glass like it were piano keys, she suddenly feels a little hesitant without the armour that is her girlfriends.
A young couple, making their way sloppily through the crowd bump past Andrea and for the second time tonight she spills her drink. Cursing the two stains she now wears, a waiter appears at her side with a cloth to dab away the mess. With a polite smile she silently thanks Adam Okaro's forethought but wonders if he realises there's no cloth big enough to save his floor and carpet from similar treatment.
Andrea grabs a dainty delicacy off a silver tray that flashes by as she makes her way considerately past people. After chewing it twice Andrea looks desperately for a plant to sit it into, desperate to evacuate the sour taste from her mouth.
Discreetly as possible she does so into an elegant green plant but still needs a toothbrush and mouth wash. Andrea looks around to ensure no one has seen her, only to find Steve Hunter watching her every move.
He dances clumsily as though he were a mechanical toy with each limb having only 3 positions of movement. She watches with all the fascination of a car crash, so horrific but unable to look away. Steve looks as embarrassed and uncontrollable as Andrea is watching him.
Realising she's staring, Andrea waves her hand once at Steve and flashes him a tiny smile. He stops dancing when someone taps him on his shoulder from behind.
Andrea moves on when a petite blonde smiles flirtingly with Steve.
"Andrea!" Someone calls from across the room and she turns to see a total stranger coming her way.
She smiles back at the short rounded man whose face has lit up at seeing her. Andrea desperately searches her memory but comes up with nothing.
"So good to see you," He says enthusiastically and hugs Andrea much to her shock.
"Uh, hi," Andrea says bewildered and extracts herself from the embrace quickly.
He holds her at arms length and inspects her, "You look so good...come and dance with me."
"Uh I was heading to the ladies," Andrea tips her head behind her knowing full well she has no idea what she's indicating to.
"Come on, powder your nose later," The mystery man almost whines.
"Oh no, can't," Andrea half laughs. "I'll be right back, meet you out there."
She skips away as quickly as possible, not looking back and for the first time that night she's grateful for the large number of people to get lost in.
"Who was that?!" Andrea laughs to herself now she's safe but it's cut short when she suddenly has a view to the opposite corner of the room.
Standing alone in the corner, Gabriel Kent wears his usual look, a creepy scowl and tonight he seems to ooze an Ebenezer Scrooge vibe that's even more evil than the original. He lifts the drink in his hand every now and then and takes large mouthfuls of whatever it is that he's drinking neat. His eyes scan the room, pausing on each person as he does a visual sweep...watching everyone enjoying themselves. His eyes bore into Andrea like they have everyone else as though he's trying to put her off balance, that all of his anger is directed towards her and the others in the room enjoying themselves...it makes Andrea incredibly uncomfortable.
He's cloaked by his own negative energy, it surrounds him and it's not hard to see why no one comes his way. Andrea moves on, shaking slightly like Gabriel Kent can be rid of like water off a ducks back.
Andrea spots some stairs and the opportunity to escape not only the music but the crowds, the guy she can't remember meeting and the field of vision of Gabriel Kent.
She looks up at the stairs which curve gently back around from where they originated from. She stumbles on the first one but catches herself from an embarrassing fall with the hand rail. To her relief when she turns around, no one seems to have noticed.
The potential embarrassment of being caught in the stumble is forgotten as her eyes cast over to the far corner of the room.
Samantha Nixon sits in the corner in a dress that seems to have been made just for her, it brings out a feminine side that Andrea has never seen in the detective before. Sam Nixon usually slides easily into the often masculine culture of CID and holds her own very well but tonight there's none of that and Andrea's not the only one that has noticed. Sam shifts and the silk dress that covers her crossed legs does as well. The red material slides away exposing a perfectly porcelain leg and it's as though she's turned chameleon, making the change from business to feminine and finally sexy as Phil Hunter approaches her.
It almost defies possibility but in the sight of a beautiful woman, Phil Hunter appears nervous. His suit is impeccably cut and moves with each step as he holds a delicate flute of champagne out to Sam. She takes it from him and Andrea watches the body language from her which mirrors that of a first date. Phil looks nervous as does Sam who fidgets and studied her lap.
Vuyouristically Andrea remains riveted to her spot on the stairs watching their every move – a shy smile, head bowed, laughter and conversation that comes when ones guard has dropped.
Andrea has always found Samantha Nixon to be guarded about her private life and certainly not the type to mix business with pleasure. From that Andrea considers the promise of a New Year, a rebirth and shedding of the mistakes of the past, a time to be more open about things and to, for one night, care less about the rules and regulations that govern life...instead take a chance and go with something that just feels right.
Phil shifts closer to the sofa and so does Samantha who boldly straightens the collar of his shirt, an action Andrea knows herself would have been impulsive but at the same time would have felt so natural.
Although an invisible and unquantifiable element, it's plainly visible to Andrea as the electrical spark, responsible for the beginning of so many relationships, passes between them.
Oblivious to the loud and often gaudy party around them, Phil and Sam entreat into an even more private corner of their own, the corner sofa that they sit in has erected an invisible barrier for privacy.
But when Phil leans in a little closer Andrea knows she will have to shake herself from her guilty viewing pleasure. It's too soon for a public kiss.
Like a true gentleman, though Andrea's not sure she's ever seen it in him, Phil guides Samantha out of the room and away from the noise with a protective hand on the small of her back.
Feeling a sudden pang of emptiness and loneliness, in amongst a crowd of over a hundred people who are laughing and enjoying themselves, Andrea continues her way up the stairs.
Tastefully decorated, the hallway of the second story runs from the front of the room to the back. Dimly lit by only a small lamp, all the doors are closed but one which stands slightly ajar and after a moments consideration Andrea heads towards it.
"Hey," A female voice hisses loudly from the top of the stairs and Andrea jumps, her nerves wired because she's snooping.
"Honey," Andrea admonishes. "You scared me half to death."
"Sorry," Honey giggles and catches up to Andrea. "How'd you get up here?"
"I was just wandering after you guys ditched me," Andrea teases.
"Hey, we..." Honey begins to protest. "This guy hit on me back there."
"Really, who?" Andrea asks curiously.
"I don't know, he came up to me and made out like we were friends."
"What did he look like?"
"Dark hair, kinda round."
"He did the same thing to me," Andrea blurts out and the two look at each other dissolving into giggles. "How did he know our names...how pathetic."
"Anyway I danced with Steve to get away from him," Honey adds casually.
"Steve is a horrible dancer," Andrea comments from first hand knowledge.
"I know," Honey shakes her head. "I should have done something about that...Oh did you see Phil and Sam?"
"Yes," Andrea responds enthusiastically. "I was spying one them from the top of the stairs."
"I saw them sneaking away, taking a stroll down the street," Honey gossips.
"Ooo holding hands?" Andrea guesses.
"Yep and he gave her his scarf."
"A grand gesture for Phil," Andrea correctly observes.
"Mmm, seems to me that Phil's good at the grand gesture but not so at the hard relationship stuff," Honey analyses.
"Speaking from experience," Andrea teases.
"No way!" Honey defends, as though even speaking the words is the worst possible thing in the world.
"So how'd you get up here?" Andrea switches the topic of conversation.
"I was looking for the bathroom, everything I've drunk tonight has gone right through me."
"It's downstairs," A young masculine, it turns Andrea around again.
"Hello," Honey says in her best kindergarten teacher voice while Andrea mumbles something about being frightened twice in one night and having ten years added to her age. "Are you allowed to be awake still."
"Duh, I'm almost ten," The reply drips with tween attitude, it does not have the desired effect, making Honey smile instead.
"Mum and Dad said we could watch the fireworks on TV and then we had to turn out the lights," A young girls face appears around the edge of the door.
"Will you be able to sleep with all the music?" Andrea chimes in.
"Probably not," The young boy says with maturity beyond his years, indicating he finds what's going on downstairs a pain.
"You're not supposed to be up here," The young girls says.
"We got lost, we're looking for the bathroom," Honey repeats.
"It's downstairs," The young girl disappears behind the door and the young boy a moment later. Gigging floats from inside the warmly lit room, both Andrea and Honey clearly hear the comment 'they're drunk' above all the noise.
"Hey have you seen Jo's girlfriend?" Honey asks, the noise growing as they head towards the stairs.
"No, why?" Andrea asks, curious.
"I'll point her out," Honey says critically as they head back downstairs.
There seem to be even more people in the room now, if that's possible and an eighties dance remix pumps loudly from the stereo. Feeling a little more upbeat, Andrea dances her way down the stairs. She scans the top of the crowd but sees no one she knows.
"I should have asked where the bathroom was," Honey dances at the bottom of the stairs and it's not because of the beat of the music. "Don't turn around now but here comes Jo," Honey says in a low voice, forgetting about her bladder.
"Go, find a loo, it'll look obvious if we're both staring," Andrea ushers Honey away and then turns around.
Jo's face brightens when she sees Andrea but she's obscuring the view of her partner though their hands are joined.
"Great party," Jo says as she breezes past. Andrea nods and smiles then discreetly turns and watches the couple once they've passed.
What she sees makes her bottom jaw drop.
Six inch black heeled boots, fish net stockings, a skirt which sits on her hips and just covers her backside with a thin mesh shirt that hides nothing, especially not the shiny black bra with embedded diamantes.
"O-K," Andrea says, understanding what Honey was talking about now.
When Andrea's done waiting for Honey who takes forever she wanders towards the kitchen in search of something to eat. She pushes the door open but it swings inward too fast, a jovial Adam Okaro on the other side of the door.
"Oh Andrea, I'm sorry about that," A gentleman he holds out his arm, encouraging her into the kitchen. "I keep telling Denise we need a glass panel or something."
"It's a great party Sir, thanks for inviting me," Andrea says, unsure really of what to say.
"Well I wish I could take all the credit," Okaro steps away from the path of a caterer. "Denise did it all, she's an organising genius, between charities and school functions she's had plenty of practise and she makes it look easy."
"I'd imagine running Sun Hill's not easy either," Andrea comments, sweetening the party host a little.
"Yes, thank you Andrea," He laughs. "I've got this speech to give at midnight and I need to practice, walk with me while I try and find someplace quiet to rehearse it."
"Sure but I'm not sure you'll find a quiet place," Andrea assures him, grabbing some food as it passes on a polished silver platter.
"Tell me about it, everyone for a ten mile radius is here tonight and Barton Street's too afraid to turn up about the noise because all the brass here would turn them away," Adam says over his shoulder, leading them through an expected maze of people and furniture.
"It's just as well," Andrea says, she's glad it goes unheard but.
At the back of the house Adam Okaro opens the door to a sitting room similar to the one she'd been in earlier with Honey and Yvonne.
"You've had a great year as an officer Andrea," He takes Andrea by surprise.
She'd been scanning the decorations of the room and the people sitting in chairs around a low table.
"Thank you Sir, that's very kind of you to say," Andrea accepts graciously.
"You'll be finished your probation soon, which direction would you like to take in your career?"
"I really hadn't thought about it," Andrea answers honestly. "I sort of thought I should get some more experience on the street."
"That's a good idea but you shouldn't procrastinate for too long," Okaro advises.
"I guess I could see myself in CID someday," Andrea shrugs.
"Good," Okaro accepts. "Now tell me if you think this sounds OK."
Andrea listens to the speech that will be delivered just before midnight, gives it her stamp of approval and graciously exits the presence of the Superintendent.
She resumes the search for her friends.
Like the front of the house it's quieter at the back where Andrea is and a familiar raucous laughter rises to compete with the music. Inside the room, Tony and Roger sit in a cushioned sofa across from Gina Gold in a single arm chair. They've commandeered a bottle of champagne from somewhere which sits on the table between them. A heavier spirit bottle sits facing Gina and the half a tray of food that sits between them is too much of an enticement for Andrea.
"I'm starved," She emphasises, not waiting to be invited to sit down.
"Andrea!" The guys cheer, raising their glasses.
"Guess you don't need Tony's excuse to get you back to the pub then," Gina comments after Andrea has almost literally stuffed her face.
A look of almost horror crosses Andrea's face, "You told her?" She scolds Tony.
"In Tony's defence it was only because the Inspector said she brought her own scotch in case it was all alcopops," Roger explains.
"Fair enough," Andrea says simply and pours herself a glass of champagne in someone else's glass. Roger starts in on a bad joke and Andrea decides to stay with them for a while.
Somewhere between Tony's fifth story, Gina's third glass of scotch and Roger's seventh joke, the person standing in the doorway grabs Andrea's peripheral vision.
Jonathon Fox, good looks accelerated by his head of silver hair, features kind and well blessed despite time, body tall and lean, does not take his eyes off one member of their private party.
Sitting across from him in his office once, Andrea wondered if she were older if Jonathon Fox would be someone she'd consider dating, She'd shaken the thought off then and there and had gone back to discussing the case.
Jonathon's eyes watch the moves of only one person in the room and it's not Andrea. He sips from his glass at intervals, waiting for the object of his affection to turn around.
"Who else came with you?" Gina asks Andrea, having dropped out of the conversation taking place between the boys. Andrea takes the opening and nods her head delicately and subtly behind Gina towards Jonathon, naturally Gina turns.
His head immediately dips, embarrassed to be caught in such a vulnerable and open look. He gathers courage and looks up, a smile gradually spreading over his face.
"Excuse me," Gina says quietly and heads towards Jonathon.
Andrea wants so desperately to watch the interaction, though she and Gina have never really forged a friendship, Andrea could conceive of her superior being lonely.
She wanted the best for her.
And gossip though she had in the past, together these two seem like a good match.
After a minute or two Andrea does a sweep of the room, pausing longer as she passes Gina and Jonathon.
It's like watching a repeat showing of Phil and Sam earlier in the evening. The chemistry weaves its way between them, Gina smiling like Andrea has never seen before.
They laugh together and the tension between them eases further.
"What time is it?" Andrea snaps her head around and asks Tony and Roger.
"Ten minutes till New Year," Tony announces.
"Is there something going on in the main room, speeches and a countdown or something?" She's deliberately vague.
"I'm not going out there, I heard someone saying that the karaoke machine is being rolled out soon," Roger shakes his head.
Andrea's interest fades and she subtly turns around the watch Gina and Jonathon again. An affectionate hand rests on her arm, he's telling her that something is alright.
"Guys I'm going to dance," Andrea says absently as she turns back to Tony and Roger. "And I'm going to count down to New Year and I'm going to watch the fireworks," She lists.
"Have fun," Cynical Roger returns.
Truth...she doesn't want to be alone when she counts down to the number one.
"Ask me what you want to know," Andrea clearly hears Jonathon says as she passes on her way out. On the other side of the doorway she pauses...eavesdropping. "The answer is the one you want to hear, I'm here alone... I'm free."
Outside the room Andrea's back thumps against the wall. She looks to the ceiling, blinking away a tear.
She's not sure why.
"Champagne for the midnight toast," A young waiter appears in front of Andrea, taken by surprise she mumbles an incoherent thank you, the glass rests limply in her hand, her party spirit suddenly flat.
Each of the hundreds of people who have piled into the main room turns around as the music suddenly cuts out and the room fills with light. Andrea's ears instantly start ringing, her eyes squinting in the new brightness and like everyone else she looks around for the source of the disruption.
"Sorry for the interruption folks," Adam Okaro as he rises above the crowd. "But I wanted to say a few things before we ring in the New Year."
The United Nations of parties is accompanied by a speech that's worthy of the general assembly. An effortless and appreciative host, Adam Okaro first thanks everyone for coming and his family and neighbours. The obligatory jokes sprinkled through it elicits polite laughs but Andrea doesn't laugh she's heard them already.It's then down to business, MET business.
Okaro boasts what a great year it was for Sun Hill, their glowing stats, clear up rates the best they've ever been. Those who received commendations and awards are named and in the same breath the rest of their station are thanked for their tireless hard work and dedication. Having praised the MET he moves onto the community of the borough of Canley, emphasising that there is still work to do despite a great year, the successes they've had and the relationships formed.
It's word for word what he read to Andrea earlier in the night.
"That's enough for me," He concludes to applause. "I'll get down before the final countdown begins," Having heard the speech twice, that's what Andrea really wants to applaud.
"But first I'd like to propose a toast, to the New Year, here's a toast to the future, a toast to the past, and a toast to our friends, family and colleagues who are far and near. May the future be pleasant; the past a bright dream and may our friends remain faithful and dear."
As Andrea raises her glass a familiar hand grabs her shoulder.
"Where have you been, I've been looking all over," Andrea exclaims having spun around, a little relieved also to have found her friends.
The music goes back on, barely a whisper compared to the level it was at and her attention is turned to a number of televisions in the room which flash celebrations from other parts of the world.
"I'm excited now," Yvonne says and grips Andrea's hand almost to death. Like a child at Christmas Yvonne jiggles a little on the spot with anticipation. The lights in the room dim as the clock counts five minutes, four minutes and three. Party streamers and whistles are passed around. Two minutes then one and then there are only seconds left to count.
There's nothing to be heard over the voices when yell as they count down from ten. Yvonne, still full of anticipation can't stand still, their hands still clasped tightly. Andrea counts, mouthing the numbers until they get to three.
It's then she closes her eyes and makes a wish.
The room erupts and Yvonne scoops Andrea into her embrace, streamers fly past Andrea's head as she hugs her closest friend. When Yvonne lets her down Andrea looks around, no one is alone, not even her.
Voices sing Auld Lang Syne, growing in strength and numbers.
"Where did you go just then?" Yvonne leans over, speaking right against Andrea's ear.
"When?"
"Right before midnight?"
"I made a wish," Andrea replies, unable to drown out the noise. Yvonne can lips read and hugs her friend tightly.
"You OK?" Yvonne asks concerned.
"Sure, New Year, clean slate," Andrea puts a smile on her face.
"Let's get another drink," Yvonne says brightly, Andrea's midnight one had spilt on the ground when Yvonne hugged her. In the background the music picks up again, drowning out the traditional New Year song.
"Can we dance instead?" Andrea requests, leading Yvonne by the hand through the groups of guests and onto the temporary small dance floor.
Closing her eyes the music pounds in Andrea's ears and mimics her heartbeat and she loses herself in it for song after song. She barely notices if Yvonne's still with her or when Honey joins them, allowing herself to move with the flow of the music.
"I'm going to get some air, it's hot in here, come with?" Yvonne asks Andrea as one song fades and is intertwined to the next.
"Take Honey, I'll be here when you get back," Andrea shakes her head, the exercise endorphins have her feeling good and she wants to hold onto the natural high.
"Promise I won't ditch you again," Yvonne teases but something has already stolen Andrea's attention.
A familiar and grinding voice drowns out the lyrics to the pop song, it's mere seconds till Yvonne and Honey's look sours and they turn to look behind them.
Andrea clamps her hands over her ears to drown out the voice and her teeth grate as Gary Best butchers he pop song.
"Make him stop he's killing my natural high," Andrea whines to her friends. Silently she curses the person who gave Gary the microphone.
"Look at him up there, he's acting like Robbie Williams performing at Wembley Stadium," Honey shakes her head, embarrassed for her colleague who jumps and stomps his way across the raised stage area. A nearby TV flashes the lyrics but Gary doesn't need them.
"Well that's killed it for me," Yvonne shrugs. "I'm not coming back in."
Andrea is happy to go with them now.
"I could use some water," She yells to Yvonne who has taken the lead with Honey beside her.
Suddenly Yvonne does an about face and Andrea finds herself stopping suddenly. Honey smiles and turns swiftly mere seconds later.
"Come on guys I'm thirsty and I want to get away from the cat strangling that's going on," Andrea has tired of the jokes.
"Nine o'clock," Yvonne says and Honey agrees.
"What?" Andrea says annoyed. "It's gone one."
"Look to nine o'clock," Honey elaborates and Andrea flicks her head to the left.
"Our nine o'clock, your three o'clock," Yvonne corrects and Andrea shoots her look to the right.
The DCI and an attractive brunette stand talking to Terry Perkins and Ramani DeCosta which ordinarily wouldn't be unusual except for the little fingers of the left and right hands reach out for one another, they duel, touch and retract in a subtle intimate game.
"Aww, that's so sweet," Honey gushes.
"Yeah, they're closeted and their not even gay," Andrea says ironically.
"OK, time for some fresh air," Yvonne senses the shift in Andrea.
The brush past is severe enough to bump Honey into Yvonne who's just about to turn around and abuse the careless party-goer when Andrea practically squeals.
"You made it!" She makes her way around Yvonne to Lance so they can do their handshake. "Good to see you Mark."
"Sorry about the bump there, this place is packed," Lance apologises after greeting Yvonne and Honey.
"You decided to come that's terrific," Andrea is enthusiastic, knowing Lance's frustration at Mark's unwillingness to partake in public events.
"Lance said the Super owed him a beer," Mark reasons. "And I though we should put in an appearance. I hear from Tony this is quite a diverse party, so I guess we add to the mix."
"So where's the best spot to be?" Lance asks looking around.
"That sound that's making me grate my teeth is Gary singing," Andrea explains. "We were just getting away from it when you bumped into us." Andrea explains.
"The food and the alcohol are that way," Honey points in the general direction of the kitchen.
"The quietest spots are in the front and back rooms," Yvonne adds.
"And upstairs is out of bounds according to Okaro's kids," Andrea finishes and Mark looks questioningly at her.
"Long story," Andrea waves her hand indicating for him not to bother.
"You want a drink?" Lance asks the three women.
"No thanks, we're going to head out the back where it's quiet," Honey declines the offer. "See you later?" Yvonne indicates and the four say their temporary goodbyes.
"I'm glad you came," Andrea says to Lance and Mark before heading after Honey and Yvonne.
The room suddenly empties of Gary Best's voice and Andrea says a silent thanks on behalf of her ears. The next song starts, strains of 'on a night like this' fill the room without accompanyment from anoyone else.
"I love this song," Yvonne stops and turns to Honey, they both look to Andrea.
"Not even if my butt could look as good as hers," Andrea replies to their visual suggestion. "I'll see you out the back when you're done."
Andrea happily watches her friends disappear onto the dancing floor crowd and then continues on, politely cutting a path for herself towards the peace of the back room.
"Excuse me," She says politely, squeezing past a tall and well built man, her destination in sight.
That's when she sees him.
Instantly she wishes she could turn back and hide behind him.
She can't turn back because he's seen her too.
The man she didn't think she would see in a party this size.
The man who has consumed her past 12 months.
Neil.
Instructions: Now move onto reading alternative endings all of which stem from this point.
