It's a small world...
Rookie Blue Inspired Fiction – Gail and Holly
Chapter One
It had been 12 months. 12 months since Gail had stepped on Canadian soil. 12 months since she had stepped foot on the soil she fought so hard to protect; for the soil, people, place she called home. 12 months, and now she was finally returning home.
Gail was never one for admitting her fears. She was a soldier, a Major in the Canadian Armed Forces. She was responsible for commanding a regiment of 487 service men and women. She was not often afraid. She was not afraid of war; it was her job to fight, to protect and to serve. She was not afraid to die; it was a hazard of the job. She was, however, afraid of returning home. She was afraid of facing that which she left behind.
It was the 1st of November 2014, and Gail could see the sea of service men and women, her family, in formation in front of her. They were assembled to formally switch to redeployment, from which the regiment would branch out into different roles, bases or head into pre-redeployment. Looking out before her, Gail could spot the faces she fought beside on the battlefield, the ones she played cards with late into the night, the ones who she would encourage to send letters home, to participate in the base-camp shenanigans, to remain hopeful. She was proud of her brothers and sisters and would forever be grateful and indebted to them for the journey they went on with her and for protecting and fighting for her as much as they protect and fight for their country. Behind them, in the bleachers at the back of the hall, Gail could see the reason they all were here. She could see their families; the ones that sacrifice birthdays, Christmases, anniversaries, weddings, Halloweens and everyday life experiences so that their loved one can fight for their country. In Gail's mind, they are as much her family as the men and women she served with. It was a difficult life, one that bonds people like no other. It was by no means perfect, in fact it was probably quite the opposite but it was family, her family.
Gail stood proud on the stage. She, along with the other ranking officers and her brethren on the floor, stood to attention as their General went through the formal procedures of debriefing the regiment. In fact, it wasn't until she heard the words, "special acknowledgement" that she focused in on her General's words.
"I promise I will not take much longer in these proceedings so that you may reconcile with your loved ones; however there is one special acknowledgement which I must make before I can be satisfied with your debriefing. I address you all as what we are, and that is family. Every man, woman and child in this room and beyond is connected, we share a bond that no other individual out with the reach of the armed forces will understand. So family, brothers and sisters, I ask you to stand to attention as we recognise one of our own. Major Abigail Peck has exemplified what it is to serve and protect. Not only has she served this body with pride, efficiency, bravery and honour, she has lead this regiment to success on its mission, in the process allowing us to take one step forward in fighting our nation's enemies and putting an end to this war. It is due to this stellar work, that Major Abigail Peck will now be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Major, please step forward."
For Gail it was all a bit of a blur. She barely recognised the eruption of applause and shouts from the hall. Although if she focuses hard she's sure she heard a shout along the lines of "Way to go Little Peck", a call which could only come from none other than her big brother, Steve. The thought of which could only make Gail grin. She would kick his ass for the "Little" later. As she stepped forward to receive her promotion, repeated her Oath of Allegiance and received her stripes, Gail was overwhelmed by the looks of pride she received from her superiors. She shook each of their hands and saluted to each before turning to address her regiment. She uttered the words they had all been waiting for, "Regiment dismissed" and as the regiment gave their final salute and dispersed to their families, Gail finally felt like she was home.
Gail made her way through the crowds and towards the bleachers, passing her fellow soldiers embracing their families. She was beginning to think she had imagined hearing Steve's voice when over the crowd she noticed his bright red hair. Smiling to herself, she bee-lined in that direction. As she made her way through a parting in the crowd, she spotted Steve as he was turning and started running. Finally noticing her, Steve turned and Gail rushed into his open arms. She held on tight as he clung to her, whispering "Welcome home Little Sis" into her ear. Pulling back she allowed herself to address her brother and the rest of her Toronto family in front of her.
"Hey there big brother, long time no see" she smirked.
"Yeah little sis, it's been what? 12 months? I'm surprised you can still recognise me." Steve bit back.
"Yeah well, there is no denying that fireball hair Steve. It burns into your eyes and demands to be recognised."
Gail then moved her attentions from her brother to take in the rest of her welcoming committee. She made her way through each of them in turn, greeting them and catching up.
"Wow! You're engaged?" Gail exclaimed, Chloe's left hand in hers.
"Yep! Finally, thought I'd make an honest woman out of her." Dov said, smiling at his future wife.
"I'm so excited Gail. You have to come to the wedding and help me plan. Oh I can't wait to go dress shopping." Chloe exclaimed practically buzzing with happiness.
"Whoa, there. Wait. Slow down. You mean, you are actually telling me that Dov Epstein grew a pair? Wow, and I thought I'd never live to see the day..." Gail responded as the others laughed, and Dov scowled. That scowl was quickly removed however and Chloe kissed his cheek.
"Yeah well it seems like he's not the only one growing up now is he kiddo? Congrats, Lieutenant!" Oliver beamed.
Gail blushed and shrugged it off. Looking at those before her, she realised that two significant people were missing. She turned to Steve.
"Mom and Dad were too busy?"
Steve shifted his weight between his feet and looked around the room before conceding, "You know they would if they could Gail..."
"Yeah, I've heard that before". The blonde shook her head, forcing herself to calm down, allowing herself instead to be disheartened that her parents after all this time still didn't want to know her.
"What about my favourite little man? Where's Leo?" Gail said smiling as she turned to Traci.
"He's with Dex this weekend but we'll make sure to set something up soon. He's been asking to see you ever since Steve and I told him you were coming home."
"Good. I can't wait to see the little fella. Maybe, I could take him for a weekend or something; give you some time to yourself?" Gail asked raising her eyebrows at Traci before turning and winking at Steve. Steve's complexion reddened matching his hair as he stuttered an incoherent response, causing Gail and the rest of the gang to laugh. "Relax Steve, it's just an offer." Gail smiled. Not everyone in the group was going to let Steve's display of embarrassment go lightly though and Sam and Ollie soon started ribbing him, imitating his stuttering. Gail had missed this; missed these people. She was grateful to be home.
Allowing herself to drift from the conversation, Gail glanced around the room smiling as she could see the relief and joy that filled the room. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a familiar face swinging a small girl with her bright blonde hair in pigtails around in his arms. Gail smiled realising that this must be her buddy, Aaron Stewart's little girl, Lucy. She had Skyped the little girl with her daddy and decided she would introduce herself. Excusing herself from the group and ignoring the questioning looks, she made her way through the crowd towards the Cadet.
"You know Stewart, you should be proud, you're kid is even more cute in person." Gail smiled as she approached the two. It was only as she arrived at the duo that she noticed, a tall, dark haired, tan skinned, bespectacled beauty standing next them. Gail was overwhelmed by this strangers' appearance. She let her eyes trace this woman's body, taking in her long legs and muscled physique, before settling her gaze, moving it between the brunette's plump lips and soulful brown eyes. It wasn't until the brunette clearly noticed Gail's appraisal of her body, giving her a lopsided smirk that she snapped out of her reverie.
"Yeah, well I am most definitely proud of my Luce, and there really is no denying her cuteness Major, or should I say Lieutenant. Congratulations ma'am." Stewart smiled, the little girl on his hip, she had her arms around his neck clinging to him.
"What have I told you Stewart? It's Gail when we are off duty."
"Right, sorry, Gail." Aaron replied smiling.
"So, you must be Lucy," Gail started addressing the little girl, "you know you are much bigger now than when I last saw you through the computer".
Peering out from her daddy's neck the little girl looked at Gail, "You're the lady who sang to me?"
Gail laughed, "Yeah, sorry about that kid. Singing isn't one of my best talents. I promise next time we hang out, I won't force you to listen to that okay?"
"It's okay. It wasn't so bad" Lucy said drawing out the "so" adding a sarcastic edge. All three of the adults laughed.
"You know I knew I'd like you kid." Gail smiled.
"Oh sorry, Hols; Lieutenant Colonel Gail Peck, this is my sister Doctor Holly Stewart." Aaron said blushing with embarrassment.
"Relax Aaron, it's not like you forgot something important" Holly said smirking at her younger brother, laughing as his blush reddened. She turned towards Gail, "It's a pleasure to meet you Lieutenant. I've heard lots about you."
"Likewise Doctor, and please like I told your blushing brother here it's Gail. Oh really? All bad I hope?" Gail smiled.
Holly raising her eyebrows at Gail gave her a lopsided smile, "Holly, please and not as bad as you might think. Although I'm sure I could wriggle a few secrets out of him."
Gail laughed, "Yeah we shall see about that." Gail looked between the three Stewarts and took a deep breath to force the bubbling nervousness she could feel in her stomach to relax. "Well I best get back to my own band of misfits, you..." Gail said turning her attention to Aaron and pointing at him, "are not to report to the garrison for three weeks. You hear me?"
Aaron smiled, clearly grateful for the extra time off Gail was giving him, "Yes, Gail."
She turned to Lucy, "As for you. I have a funny feeling you and I will be spending a lot more time together, what do you say?"
Lucy smiled and nodded her head vigorously, and just before turning to Holly she could see a mischievous smirk cross the little girl's face, "Only if you promise not to sing though."
Gail, Aaron and Holly laughed out loud as Lucy looked very pleased with herself. Gail smiled brightly at Lucy, "Deal". Turning back to Holly she smiled as she noticed a surprising look of gratitude cross the woman's face.
"Well I shall see you round; I better get back to my brother before he sends out a search party. Certainly wouldn't be the first time."
Aaron laughed, "Thank you Gail, for everything. Say hi to Steve for me." As Gail turned to leave, she caught a quizzical look shared between the two Stewart siblings, recognising Aaron's response as an "I'll tell you later" look. Gail had only taken two steps away from the trio when she heard the brunette say, "Wait. Steve Peck? As in Toronto PD, Detective Steve Peck?"
Whipping round to face the brunette, displaying her own patented, suspicious look of confusion, Gil questioned the stunning woman, "Yeah?"
"Well I think we shall be seeing more of each other than we thought. I'm a forensic pathologist with 15." Holly smiled, "Small world..."
"That it is" Gail thought and she smiled and turned away.