Disclaimer: I don't own 'Waking the Dead' or any of its characters, the BBC has that honour – I'm just taking them out to play for a bit. The character of DI Daniel McCaige is, however, all mine :)
Pairing: Boyd/Grace.
Rating: T/M, for now, for language, adult themes.
Spoilers: This story is set about eight months after 'End Game' so there will definitely be spoilers for that episode – plus, more than likely for 'Magdelene 26'. Other than that, there is nothing specific at this point; I will add spoiler warnings for individual chapters if I think of anything as I go! :)
A/N: So, a brand new fic for a brand new year and decade! This story will introduce my own character, Daniel McCaige – I have written two original stories using this character before so I thought it might be fun to incorporate him into the wonderful world of 'Waking the Dead'! Hope you enjoy this first, very brief taster/teaser – as always, I welcome any kind of feedback: positive, negative or indifferent, I just like to know what you're thinking as readers so please feel free to be as honest as you like, I promise I will never be offended! :) Oh, and one more thing, most importantly – my thanks to shadowsamurai83 for the beta on this fic; your keen eye and your thoughts are very much appreciated!
Prologue
1987
The blaze glittered alluring against the canvas of the inky night sky and Alice Baker smiled with relief as she watched the intense heat beginning to rise, the panic ensuing amongst the people below her elevated viewing position. A glow of contentment diffused through her chest as she listened to their screams for help, their laboured, gasping breaths as they staggered hopelessly from the beautifully flickering building, the spectacular orange flames a glorious contrast to its dull mediocrity, searing their mark across its walls like a sunset.
"There are still people alive in there! We have to help them!"
"We can't! The radiation risk is off the scale, don't you fucking dare go back in there...!"
Alice frowned as the words bellowed below her, a curl of anger snaking through her gut, and she shook her head emphatically in the darkness. Why can't they understand? I did this for them, for all of them, so they'd be free.... The ones left are not people, not any more, not for a long time. I did this all for them.... Bitterness filled her mouth, the taste permeating her tongue, but she swallowed its acid fluidity, forcing it to the pit of her stomach, righteous indignation asserting itself once more in her mind. I know they'll call me mad, insane, unhinged. But I know what I am. And I know what they are. And one day they'll thank me....
Her own words echoing loudly in her ears, her face alight with her joy, Alice turned her back on the chaotic scene before her eyes and began to walk slowly away.