She stood before the notice board staring in disbelief, not quite comprehending what she was seeing. She closed her eyes tightly in the vain hope that she would open them and see something, anything else but when she forced her eyelids to part the image hit her like a punch in the stomach. She felt sick with anger and embarrassment. The barely muted sniggers and whisperers around the room did nothing to ally the horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Steeling herself she turned to face her colleagues most of whom seemed to be taking pleasure in her discomfort. She knew she had to ask but she really didn't want to know. Slowly letting her eyes travel around the room she took in each of them individually, Shaz with her wide innocent eyes belied by the half-smirk on her lips, Ray slouched in his chair chewing nonchalantly on gum, a cheeky glint in his eyes and Chris torn between amusement and guilt. Taking a few deep breaths to steady her nerves she said as smoothly as she could manage

" Who did this?"

No answer. Shaz glanced at the two men as if unsure what to do. Ray shrugged and smirked. Chris looked down at his feet afraid to meet her eye. Infuriated at their apparent lack of caring Alex took a step towards them, her eyes glinting. When she spoke again she was surprised to her voice shake slightly

" Look I don't know why you did it and I don't really care. I just want to know who. I want to know who has such a low opinion of me? Whose mind is so.. so…filthy that this was they're idea of a joke?!"

Still nothing. Feeling her blood beginning to boil Alex balled her hands into fists clenching and unclenching them to try and relieve the tension building in her. She didn't want to believe that anyone could think so low of her but it had to be one of them. Didn't it?

" What's goin' on in 'ere? You lot are supposed to be solvin' a murder"

" Gene!"

Taken by surprise Alex turned towards the door where the DCI stood with his hand on the handle frowning. Seeing her red cheeks and fists his eyes darkened slightly. He stepped towards her his voice soft,

"Everything ok Bolls?"

That genuine concern. Something in it warmed her. She paused, watching those blue-green eyes stare steadily back at her, unsure whether she should show him. Chances were he'd blow his top. Angry as she was she didn't want to be responsible for some-one getting a kicking. Still maybe he could get it out of them who was responsible.

Stepping up to the notice board she removed the paper and held it out to him. He took it wordlessly. Stepping closer she spoke, her words dripping sarcasm

"Did you know we have an artist in our midst? They won't tell me who. Such a shame he's so modest, he's got a lot of tal…"

She stopped, suddenly aware that the DCI wasn't listening. He was staring at the drawing his face ashen. When he spoke his voice was soft but deadly

"Where did this come from?"

Turning slowly he faced the other three. Alex was taken aback at the look in is eyes. They flashed with anger and something else she couldn't quite read. Shaz, Ray and Chris all seemed to wither under his stare. He stepped towards them eyes blazing.

" I asked you a bloody question!" he bellowed making them all jump.

" Easy Guv we were just 'avin a laugh" Ray somehow managed to collect himself and was staring stubbornly back at Hunt. " We just though DI Drake might like to see what a fine artist you are…"

"You what !" Hunt was now standing directly over Ray bearing down on him like a titan. Instantly realising his mistake Ray shut his mouth and averted his gaze quickly for fear the DCI might murder him on the spot

Alex stood routed to the spot unable to move or speak. She felt like she'd been slapped. He drew the picture? Gene? No he couldn't have. He wouldn't. But when she looked at him his eyes told her all she needed to know. They betrayed a mixture of anger and guilt and that something she couldn't quite see.

Tears threatened to well up but she refused to allow them to see her cry. Wouldn't allow him to know how much he'd hurt her. Of all the people who could have done it why him? And then to go and pin it up for all and sundry to see! Her stomach was twisted into a tight knot and she felt dizzy. She had to get out, get away. Hastily she grabbed her jacket and hurried for the door, pushing past Hunt who was still glowering down at Ray apparently unable to decide what to do. Stumbling slightly as those tears she'd been holding back suddenly began to fall she ran as fast she could out of the station. She barely heard Viv call her as she raced through reception passed curious on-lookers and down the steps to the pavement. All she could hear were her own sobs. Somewhere behind her some-one was calling her name. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a tall broad figure following her but she didn't stop. She didn't know where she was going, only that she had to get away. Away from CID. Away from him.