This is set after the end of Judgement. Makepeace's friend Sarah was raped and murdered a week before her wedding. Sarah's father was an old associate of Spikings – Sir Lionel Hackett, he had abducted a murder suspect Bates – the wrong guy.

Dempsey dropped Harry back at her home,

"You OK?" He asked with genuine concern

"Tired, I could sleep for a week" she replied

"I could sleep a week with you" Dempsey offered

"You couldn't"

"You're right; we wouldn't actually sleep much of the time"

Makepeace got out of the car, "I'm sure you'll find someone to share your bed Dempsey, now mine is waiting for me." Before he could answer she turned around to face him and continued "Thank you for your support today"

Dempsey smiled softly; Makepeace noticed the difference between that and his usual lecherous grin, "See you in the office" he half asked, half stated.

"Thursday, I've got things to take care of tomorrow"

"I'll do the paper work then for you" Dempsey offered

"That's part of your job Dempsey" Makepeace pointed out, shaking her head wondering how he could make what he should be doing sound like a favour.

Dempsey drove off, going directly home, throwing his shirt on to a pile of laundry he crashed on his bed, pulling the duvet over his eyes to darken the room a little he spoke out loud "Actually Harry I'm dog tired too, sleep well"

Harry spoke to Sarah's fiancé on the phone and arranged to visit; she also offered to help with any funeral arrangements. She made herself a cup of tea took it up to bed. It was stone cold when she woke.

Sir Lionel Hackett was admitted to hospital rather than taken to the station.

For once Spikings was grateful to Dempsey who managed to make Bates disappear into the ether.

Bates had been allowed to go home once released from the Judges threats and Dempsey visited him on Wednesday morning. Dempsey reported to Spikings that he had merely pointed out to Bates that if he pressed the Judges error the police force would throw the book at him for stealing, driving under the influence, failing to come forward and thus hampering police enquiries and for attempted murder of his mother (although Dempsey guessed it was a pure accident). By the time Dempsey pointed out to Bates how easy it was to get mixed up in the low life if you acted like it and Bates was pleading his sorrow for his mis-demeanours and promising to be good he had completely forgotten the judge by the time Dempsey left.

With the rapist in custody Sarah Hackett's body was released for burial and the funeral took place the following Thursday by which time the Judge was released from hospital where he was being treated for a nervous breakdown. Harry took the Wednesday off to help with preparations.

Dempsey wondered if he should go to the funeral or not, he never went to funerals of cases he dealt with but this was Harry's friend and he wondered if that made a difference. Makepeace hadn't said anything other than she had two days off, one to help with the various preparations, the other the day of the funeral. Dempsey found himself caring about how Makepeace was coping. He wanted to ask her but didn't know how, he had tried very hard not to make any quips, Makepeace had noticed and presumed he was in a mood with her and guessed it must be because she had called him a bastard. It didn't quite square up she reflected back: immediately after her outburst he had held her to comfort her so kindly; gentle yet firm and reassuring and he had worked so hard on the case she couldn't imagine him holding that against her but she could come up with no other reason as to why he was so silent. He hadn't even asked about the funeral even though on more than one occasion she had told him about plans for it.

Spikings solved Dempsey's problem by asking him and Chas to hold the fort whilst he attended the funeral, He would support His Lordship for the day.

Thus on the Thursday Harry looked around the packed church trying to spot Dempsey, but she just saw all the wedding guests, wearing black instead of their finery. It brought tears to her eyes. The church was packed she told herself he must be at the back somewhere. She wandered through all the guests, for many it was just a different opportunity to catch up with people they hadn't seen for years. She stopped and accepted condolences on behalf of the family from many as she passed through the reception and dining rooms of the Hackett residence.

"Are you looking for someone in particular dear?"

"No, No" Harry reassured yet another family member, but felt she was hopeless at lying and a terrible actor. Spikings was no help; His Lordship had attached himself to his lapel it seemed and never let him go, talking frequently and loudly about Malaysia and needing to be reminded what the occasion was. He really wasn't fit mentally or physically.

Eventually Harry arrived back home, as she walked through her door her answer machine was flashing at her. She automatically hit the play button and listened as she took her shoes off, then her coat. Dempsey's voice rang out.

"Hi ya Princess I thought you'd like to know I managed to supervise SI10 for a whole day without shooting anyone." He paused trying to say what he had rang for "Well actually I rang to find out how your day went, I'm sure you did good, err… if you want to talk or you want some company phone back, but I guess you might be better off with one of your hot baths, a glass of wine and an early night."

Harry smiled, relieved that Dempsey's absence was explained and actually grateful for his offer of conversation or company. She started to wander up stairs grateful for the offers but deciding the bath was what she really needed.

"If you don't feel up to coming in tomorrow I'll cover for you, you can do all the desk work for me in return."

"No way Dempsey – you're a lazy American oaf" she spoke back to the answer phone and paused on the stairs in case he continued

The answer machine was quiet so she continued to climb the stairs

"Good night Harry" His voice carried a gentleness she wasn't used to.

Dempsey had put the phone down quietly; he had wanted to say something but didn't know what, so after a pause he had said goodnight and after another pause wondering what the right thing to say would be just hung up. He doubted that Makepeace would be that bothered.

As she heard the words goodnight Harry she felt his arms hold her firmly against his chest, his hand stroke her hair and his head touch hers. She could hear the London traffic and see the Thames lit at night.

He could be such a kind and caring partner at times and right now she really appreciated the support he had given her.

She ran her bath.