O.K. Here we are at the start of another story...Got no feedback as to where any of you might like this to go...So ...It will go it's own way - like mine normally do..

Hope you get on with it.....

Disclaimer as Norm

Interest comes in strange packaging.

Gillian had just spent 5 minutes outlining the details of a new case that had come in.

Looking over at her partners face, deep in thought, she knew he hadn't heard a single word.

"So what do you think Cal?

"Wot- Oh yeah – well stick Loker and Torres on to it, see what kind of mess they can make before we step in and clean it up"

Gillian sighed. "Cal, do you even know what you are 'sticking' Ria and Eli onto- did you hear a single word I said about the case?"

"Yeah, course! – well ..no actually. Sorry luv"

He flashed her a semi apologetic smile.

"Ok Cal, What's the problem here? Is it Emily? or Zoe again?"

Cal did a full 360 in his chair before finally allowing his legs to end up on his desk.

"No, nuffin like that really. I have a new neighbour"

"And, is there a problem already?"

"No, don't think so anyway. She seems nice enuf, a bit …dropped back to the 60's/70's, but harmless- anyway, all that sort of thing is very 'in' now, according to my daughter, who thinks she is just 'too awesome and cool' "

"So why the deep attention then? Is there something about her that worries you in some way?"

"No, not really. Actually I didn't get to speak to her that much- couldn't get past Em, You know what that daughter of mines like – Poor woman got the usual 'Spanish inquisition' ending with the standard question of 'and are you single?'"

Gill smiled, remembering some of her experiences with Emily's Q&A sessions.

"Well why don't you do the neighbourly thing and invite her round for light supper one evening, or a Sunday brunch?"

"Sunday bloody brunch! Wot the hell is that? – I think you're right tho, maybe a lunch or dinner. Like you to be there as well Foster, if you can make it. see wot you think?"

"You know I will Cal, just let me know when. Now – this case- do you want me to start again?"

xXx

It was a simple but pleasant spread that Emily had put together for the Sunday 'brunch' that Gill had finally persuaded Cal into.

They were in the garden as the weather kind of called for it.

Gill could see where Cal had got his initial description from as she watched his neighbour involving herself in a game of badminton that Emily had talked her into.

She had a long flowing crushed cotton skirt on with a tight 'tie dye' top.

Her hair was past shoulder length and wild, some bits had tiny plaits, other bits had brightly coloured beads were weaved in.

A multitude of beads and bangles danced round her neck and wrists as she jumped about in chase of the shuttlecock.

"Very 'free love' and 'peace' – but pleasant enough I would have said"

Cal just nodded and continued to watch the antics of his daughter and the neighbour.

Gill tried again "You didn't mention she was English"

"Didn't I?. Don't suppose it mattered enuf to mention it at the time. The accent doesn't 'jump out' at me as much as it does to you I guess"

"Did you get a chance to read over the case yet Cal?"

"Yeah, I guess we need to look into it- although interviewing hoards of sulky, hormone riddled teenagers doesn't exactly fill me with enthusiasm. I think I will leave the initial 'mass' interviews with Torres and Loker, you and I can start with the teachers and move on to whoever those two pull out as worthy of extra interest"

"Ok, that sounds like a good opening move, shall we make a start tomorrow?"

"Might as well"

Cal was exhausted.

He had come to the conclusion that the supposedly 'adult' teachers in todays schools could be just as infantile as some of the pupils when it came to answering questions on subject that they didn't want to get involved in.

He had though decided that although none of them appeared to be involved in providing the new drugs that were swamping the local high schools, they certainly were aware of it happening, despite their repeated claims of no knowledge.

What galled him most was the complete lack of concern they all seemed to exhibit.

Looking around he saw that Emilys school bag and coat were on the stairs so he knew she had at least found her way home, but the lack of greeting advised him she was not in the house- he could guess where she was.

Pulling out his cell he dialled.

"Hi Serena, Just checking my daughter hasn't sent you completely round the bend yet. You can always throw her back over the garden fence if you want"

She had a low, warm chuckle. "She's just fine Cal. I've been teaching her some of the finer points of Cockney slang, she now understands parts of conversations she had with you from years back …"

"Yeah well don't tell her too much, I like to think there are still some things I can baffle her with"

"I Promise. You sound very tired, and a bit stressed. Why don't you have a long shower, get changed into something old and comfy and pop over – dinners on me"

"Sounds like a plan. See yer in 30 minutes"

He hadn't actually been inside his new neighbours house yet, it was pretty much what he had expected though.

Multi coloured material hung over some of the numerous lamps.

Candles and incense sticks abounded, weird new age art adorned the walls, and, 'Bean bags'

Christ he hadn't seen those since his student years!

Not able to resist he threw himself into one.

"Forgotten how comfortable these were, it's just the getting up out of them that's the bitch!"

That low soft chuckle again.

"I'm sure Emily and I can help with that when the time comes"

A large bowl of spaghetti bolognaise was thrust in front of him on a tray.

"You're not a veggie then?" he questioned, at the same time 'tucking in'

"I am yes – but I don't suppose you are- I'm not a fanatic 'imposer' if other people want to eat meat, I don't have a problem with it"

"Live and let live?"

"Pretty much"

By the time he had finished Emily had appeared from upstairs.

"You wanna see the vinyl collection Serena has dad, it's awesome and…you are really stressed aren't you?"

"Thanks for pointing that out Em, although that amazing 'spag bol' and this bean bag has helped quite a lot already"

"You wanna let Serena give you a massage, she has qualifications and all sorts in it"

"Yeah but I think we have imposed enuf for one day luv, lets give the lady some peace and pop off back home shall we"

Cal tried valiantly to lift himself from the body encompassing mould of the large cushion, but his back had certainly been playing him up for a lot of the day, and now it just gave up completely.

Serena came over and started pulling at his sweatshirt.

"I think your daughter may be right Dr. Lightman . I can probably help…Emily, would you hand me that rack of oils over there please"

Although his sweatshirt was now on the floor beside him, Cal tried to protest.

"No – Really..I'll be fine once I actually get up"

"Just turn over Cal, and try to relax"

As he felt the warmed oil start to spread over his shoulders and the surprisingly strong fingers attacked the first of the knots in his muscles, Cal decided that polite protocol could go to hell!, he started to relax for the first time that day.