Title: Coming of Age
By: Sharon Doyle
Started: 3rd July 2002 Finished: 9th July 2002
Disclaimer: Not mine! Genre: Angst Rating: PG
Authors Notes: This is a particularly hard to write because of the sensitive issues. I hope I can do it justice. Only time will tell! Once again, thanks to the wonderful Penny and Caterina who are always willing to read through before I post!
~*~*~*~*~
"No Boss, no. It's not right." Tess stated, shaking her head emphatically.
"What do you mean it's not right, Sergeant?"
"Well, you know," Tess looked somewhat embarrassed. "It's just not right."
Tom laughed, "Sergeant, don't tell me you're worried about what people might think. And I thought you young things didn't care anymore. Look, Tess, it's not permanent, there is nowhere else."
"Of course I'm not worried Boss but."
"No buts.Jo is already living with Ben and PJ. Look at this mess Tess," Tom motioned around the bar of the Imperial, "burst water pipes don't exactly provide the best living arrangements. There's nothing Chris can do"
***
Tess put her key in the lock and opened the door. She giggled quietly to herself as she remembered the events of the last few hours. Walking through the empty house, she savoured the warmth of the fire she'd left on to keep the chill from the room. Soaking wet, she was glad she'd done so.
"Just chuck your stuff in the spare room," she turned to watch Jonesy follow her into the watch house. "You want to have the first shower?" she asked hospitably.
"We could always share," Jonesy replied cheekily.
"And that's exactly why I told the boss this wouldn't work." Tess stated. "Right I'll go first."
As the hot water hit her cold, wet body Tess pondered how she would cope with the next few weeks. She'd been battling her attraction to her constable for months now; the close confines of the watch house certainly weren't going to make things any easier. At work she could lose her self in her job, pull rank where necessary, usually to cover up a situation that could easily have spiralled out of control.
"Tess, getting cold out here, you finished yet?" Jonesy yelled from outside the bathroom door.
"Yeah, yeah, just a tic."
"Tell me what you're doing," Jonesy continued.
Tess laughed as she opened the door, "anyone ever tell you you're a pervert?"
"Nah, but I love it when you do," Jonesy's eyes raked Tess' body, taking notice of the T-shirt that skimmed her thighs, lingering on her breasts.
"Keep your eyes to yourself constable," Tess awkwardly sidestepped to avoid the broad expanse of Jonesy's body standing in the doorway.
"Made you a hot chocolate, need it after the Imperial springing a leak," Jonesy said as he lightly brushed Tess' leg and closed the bathroom door behind him.
Tess drew in a deep breath at his touch. "Just make yourself at home," Tess muttered under her breath.
***
"Good, you're in sergeant," Tom came from his office as Tess and Jonesy went through to the locker room to unload their gear.
"I need you and Jones down at the hospital. Dr Mel's just called, she suspects a rape."
"Suspects?" Tess questioned.
"Yes, the victim, Shannon Greaves, is not very coherent of last nights events. We're waiting on blood results but Dr Mel suspects she's been drugged."
"Shit," muttered Jonesy.
"Rophynol?" asked Tess.
"That's Mel's gut instinct though obviously we have to wait for the results. We need to speak to this girl's friends and anyone else that may have been at Shorties last night."
***
"Nothing Boss, either they're not saying, or they really don't know," Tess replied to Tom's silent query.
"I don't get this, makes no sense at all, why wouldn't they want to help her?" asked Jonesy.
"It's a girl thing, they'll talk to Shannon, before they say anything."
"So there's nothing we can do till they get a chance to speak to Shannon?"
"Got it in one, constable," Tess replied.
***
"You not going to bed tonight?" asked Jonesy stifling a yawn.
"Nah, well yeah, later just gonna watch this doco."
"And I pictured you as an early to bed girl."
"Well you pictured wrong then."
Jonesy moved to stand behind where Tess sat on the sofa, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, "you okay Tess, been quiet all night?"
"I'm fine okay, I'll see you in the morning," Tess looked up and gave Jonesy a slight smile.
Tess turned away from Jonesy's ever-watchful eyes. He had such a way of knowing her feelings. It scared Tess to think someone else was so in tune with her feelings. For so many years Tess had erected impenetrable barriers, yet in a few short months Jonesy had found his way through. He was right, something had been bothering Tess all night. Something that, for the last 10 years she had tried so hard to keep in the deepest recesses of her mind. A memory far too painful to confront, yet one that had now surfaced and couldn't be ignored.
Started: 3rd July 2002 Finished: 14th July 2002
Disclaimer: As per part 1
Genre: Angst Rating: PG
Author's Notes: To a special person in my life, Penny. Melbourne WILL happen! To Caterina and Fantasia, thanks for your feedback and Caterina, thanks for finding my typos. And thanks also to anyone else who sent feedback.it's always appreciated.
*~*~*
Tess sat on the edge of her bed, the early morning sun shone through the net curtain that adorned the small window. All night persistent thoughts had kept her from drifting into the slumber her body craved. Thoughts a decade old, thoughts that Tess tried so hard to stifle, thoughts that threatened to ruin the life she had forged. All night her mind replayed the event that shaped her very being.
***
"C'mon Tess, it's gonna be great! Think of all those cute guys."
The two friends sat in the cafeteria at their university, barely a week into their degrees. Sophie already relished the freedom of university life; Tess on the other hand sat shaking her head.
"Soph, do I have to? You know it's not my scene. I'm here to get my degree, nothing else."
"All work and no play."
"Will give Tess straight A's" quipped Tess.
"Just this once, please," wheedled Sophie. "It's our first uni party - then I'll leave you alone."
"Sure you will - till the next time!"
"So you'll come?"
Tess nodded, "But only cos someone has to look after you - I 'know' what you're like."
"Just one thing I forgot to mention Tess," Sophie looked sheepishly at her friend. "It's a Roman theme - we have to wear toga's."
"No way!" Tess shook her head emphatically, "I'm not wearing a toga."
***
"Hey Tess, it's nearly seven, Tess you in there," Jonesy knocked on her bedroom door, startling Tess from her reverie.
"Umm yeah, coming," she called out softly. Quickly getting dressed Tess ran her fingers through her short hair.
***
Tess knocked on Sophie's door; she never let her friends come to her house. Sophie knew about Tess' mother, but respected Tess' privacy.
"God, you look gorgeous - look at your hair."
Tess pulled nervously at her waist length locks, "you think I should put it up?"
"No way! You're gonna blow the guys away - wish I hadn't asked you to come now," Sophie teased. "C'mon let's go, take your car seeing as you won't drink as much as me," she laughed.
"Ohhhhhh Soph, please don't do what you did at the graduation, I'm not hauling you to your room again."
***
"Sarg, what's taking you so long? The Boss has just called, there's been another assault, we have to get to the hospital."
"Shit!" muttered Tess under her breath, "just what I need today." Quickly putting on her boots Tess left her room. "What have we got?" she asked.
"Jacinta Cleary, 22, sexual assault. Dr Mel's doing the usuals."
"Right and was she at Shorties?" Tess asked as they made their way through to the station.
"She was found in the lane behind the club an hour ago, other than that nothing as yet."
Tess busied herself with allocating their weapons, as she grabbed her file she popped her head quickly into Tom's office, "Jones and I are off down the hospital now Boss. Is their any word on Shannon's friends?"
"Yes sergeant, they'll be here at 10."
"We'll be back by then," she said closing the door.
As they left the station Tess threw the keys to Jonesy, "you drive," she said.
Jonesy looked up quizzically, it wasn't like Tess to relinquish control especially when they had to be someone urgently.
The short drive to the hospital gave more time to contemplate. More time to dwell on the past. More time to wish that somehow her life could be different. More time to wonder what it was about her that made these things happen.
***
Blaring music greeted the two girls as they entered the university's gym. Fake columns depicting the Roman theme adorned the walls. They looked around their surroundings quietly, feeling slightly unsure of themselves. People milled around them, many draped in the same attire as Tess and Sophie.
"Wow!" breathed Sophie, "this is nothing like high school."
"I know," yelled back Tess. "I can't see anyone I know. Don't you feel kinda like we shouldn't be here?"
"Nah, come on, let's get a drink," Sophie grabbed Tess by the hand and led her to a long table. Glasses in hand they wandered to the side of the gym, leaning against the wall, they slowly sipped their drinks.
"I don't feel right Soph, there isn't anyone here we know. We should just go home."
"No way! How we sposed to meet people if we don't come to these things? Anyway, behind you, six o'clock, he's checking you out. Cute too!"
Tess turned to look over her shoulder, and found herself staring into her admirer's eyes. He lifted his drink in acknowledgement, smiled and started to wander towards them.
***
"We're here Tess."
"What? Oh yeah right, well what are you waiting for, don't need me to hold your hand do you?" As soon as the words left her mouth Tess could have kicked herself.
"Not a bad idea Tess," he grinned at her.
Tess strode on ahead of Jonesy not bothering for a backward glance. She could feel his eyes boring into her back, felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny but there wasn't anyway she would allow Jonesy to see that it bothered her.
"Dr Mel," she said as she approached the nurse's station where Mel was leaning over, her head buried in a patients file.
"Sergeant, right, last night's victim, someone found her behind Shorties, called an ambulance, but didn't hang around."
Tess nodded, "We'll get the tape of that call."
"Anyway, we've done the tests, waiting on results. The other victim, Shannon, results came back positive for Rophynol. Obviously we can't be sure till the tests come back, but I'd say we're dealing with the same thing. One other thing bothers me Tess."
"Yes?" Tess questioned.
"Come with me, take a look for yourselves," Mel motioned for Tess and Jonesy to follow her before walking down the stark corridor. Turning left into one of the rooms she put her finger to her lip, indicating for silence.
Jacinta Cleary lie on the bed, covered in a blanket and wearing only a hospital gown. Her face was covered in lesions and bruises, her eyes firmly closed. An older woman sat holding her hand.
"Outside," Mel whispered. Once outside she turned to Tess and Jonesy, "Well?" she asked.
"It could be just a coincidence," Tess said.
"Mmm, it could be but."
"We've got to get back to the station, let us know when she wakes, we need to find out who she was with, she's not going to remember much of what happened."
"Will do Tess and I'll let you know when the bloods are back."
Rain permeated the air outside the hospital, causing Tess and Jonesy to run for the patrol car. Automatically Tess ran for the driver's side, realising too late that she didn't have the keys. She stopped at she reached the door, only to have Jonesy dangle the keys in her face.
"You want these?" he asked.
"Don't be stupid, I'm getting wet," Tess snapped, tugging at the shirt that was plastered to her body, outlining the lace underwear she enjoyed wearing under her utilitarian police issue uniform.
"I know, "Jonesy muttered raising his eyebrows cheekily. "Looking good!"
"Why does everything have to turn into some sort of sexual innuendo with you?" Tess snapped, she stormed to the passenger side, not waiting for Jonesy reply.
Tess pulled at her wet shirt on the drive back to the station, desperately trying to keep it away from her now chilled skin. She ignored Jonesy's sideways glances, not allowing him to see her discomfort.
Reaching the locker room Tess grabbed a dry uniform, "stay out!" she ordered Jonesy, as she shut the door, not trusting his integrity. Towelling dry her hair, she left the locker room and walked through to the Boss' office, Jonesy followed closely behind.
"Well?" asked Tom.
"Nothing yet Boss, we'll talk to the friends soon, there is one thing though.there's a distinct similarity in the two victims. Both roughly the same age, blonde." Tess voice trailed off.
"Coincidence?" asked Tom.
"It's possible."
"I think we should head down there tonight Boss, three nights in a row," Tess shook her head, "you never know we might get lucky."
"What are you thinking Sarg?" asked Jonesy.
"I'm blonde."
"Yeah but you're not the same age as those girls." Jonesy laughed.
"Hey, if I borrow some of Jo's clothes I'm sure I can tart up a bit."
"If you're sure about this Tess?" Tom continued after seeing Tess nod. "Okay, well you'll head down there with Parish, Jones and Stewart can cover. I'll let the Inspector know what's going on."
***
The interview with the victims' friends shed little light on the case. All they knew was the perpetrator was from out of town. The girls had confessed to having had too much to drink to notice what the man looked like. As a woman Tess couldn't fathom the girls not having some sort of signal between each other.
***
Tess' new companion had gone for drink top ups, leaving Tess with Sophie.
Sophie leaned over to whisper in Tess' ear, "You two seem to be getting on really well, I'll leave you to it."
"I think we'll go outside where it's a little quieter, I'm sick of yelling. Damien's really nice isn't he?" Tess smiled.
"Sure is, you've hooked yourself a good one I reckon. K, well I'll give you an half an hour, you're not back by then, I'll come looking."
Sophie watched as Tess and Damien left the gym hand in hand, checking her watch she took note of the time. The thirty minute signal had worked for them well in the past, ensuring neither of them got into any trouble. Not that Sophie had to worry about Tess, usually the situation was reversed. Tess must really like him, thought Sophie; she doesn't usually go off like that.
***
Tess sought solace from her memories, in the quiet of the front verandah; peacefully she sat for a few moments watching the small town of Mt Thomas go about its business. Mrs Parker, waved as she walked her poodle Lucy past the station. Grace said hello as she came to see Tom and the children form the primary school all smiled as they made their way home. Little had changed in the last forty-eight hours for most of the residents, yet Tess knew that for the victims life would never be the same. Evil had entered their lives; an evil that no matter how hard they tried would never be vanquished.
By: Sharon Doyle
Started: 3rd July 2002 Finished: 9th July 2002
Disclaimer: Not mine! Genre: Angst Rating: PG
Authors Notes: This is a particularly hard to write because of the sensitive issues. I hope I can do it justice. Only time will tell! Once again, thanks to the wonderful Penny and Caterina who are always willing to read through before I post!
~*~*~*~*~
"No Boss, no. It's not right." Tess stated, shaking her head emphatically.
"What do you mean it's not right, Sergeant?"
"Well, you know," Tess looked somewhat embarrassed. "It's just not right."
Tom laughed, "Sergeant, don't tell me you're worried about what people might think. And I thought you young things didn't care anymore. Look, Tess, it's not permanent, there is nowhere else."
"Of course I'm not worried Boss but."
"No buts.Jo is already living with Ben and PJ. Look at this mess Tess," Tom motioned around the bar of the Imperial, "burst water pipes don't exactly provide the best living arrangements. There's nothing Chris can do"
***
Tess put her key in the lock and opened the door. She giggled quietly to herself as she remembered the events of the last few hours. Walking through the empty house, she savoured the warmth of the fire she'd left on to keep the chill from the room. Soaking wet, she was glad she'd done so.
"Just chuck your stuff in the spare room," she turned to watch Jonesy follow her into the watch house. "You want to have the first shower?" she asked hospitably.
"We could always share," Jonesy replied cheekily.
"And that's exactly why I told the boss this wouldn't work." Tess stated. "Right I'll go first."
As the hot water hit her cold, wet body Tess pondered how she would cope with the next few weeks. She'd been battling her attraction to her constable for months now; the close confines of the watch house certainly weren't going to make things any easier. At work she could lose her self in her job, pull rank where necessary, usually to cover up a situation that could easily have spiralled out of control.
"Tess, getting cold out here, you finished yet?" Jonesy yelled from outside the bathroom door.
"Yeah, yeah, just a tic."
"Tell me what you're doing," Jonesy continued.
Tess laughed as she opened the door, "anyone ever tell you you're a pervert?"
"Nah, but I love it when you do," Jonesy's eyes raked Tess' body, taking notice of the T-shirt that skimmed her thighs, lingering on her breasts.
"Keep your eyes to yourself constable," Tess awkwardly sidestepped to avoid the broad expanse of Jonesy's body standing in the doorway.
"Made you a hot chocolate, need it after the Imperial springing a leak," Jonesy said as he lightly brushed Tess' leg and closed the bathroom door behind him.
Tess drew in a deep breath at his touch. "Just make yourself at home," Tess muttered under her breath.
***
"Good, you're in sergeant," Tom came from his office as Tess and Jonesy went through to the locker room to unload their gear.
"I need you and Jones down at the hospital. Dr Mel's just called, she suspects a rape."
"Suspects?" Tess questioned.
"Yes, the victim, Shannon Greaves, is not very coherent of last nights events. We're waiting on blood results but Dr Mel suspects she's been drugged."
"Shit," muttered Jonesy.
"Rophynol?" asked Tess.
"That's Mel's gut instinct though obviously we have to wait for the results. We need to speak to this girl's friends and anyone else that may have been at Shorties last night."
***
"Nothing Boss, either they're not saying, or they really don't know," Tess replied to Tom's silent query.
"I don't get this, makes no sense at all, why wouldn't they want to help her?" asked Jonesy.
"It's a girl thing, they'll talk to Shannon, before they say anything."
"So there's nothing we can do till they get a chance to speak to Shannon?"
"Got it in one, constable," Tess replied.
***
"You not going to bed tonight?" asked Jonesy stifling a yawn.
"Nah, well yeah, later just gonna watch this doco."
"And I pictured you as an early to bed girl."
"Well you pictured wrong then."
Jonesy moved to stand behind where Tess sat on the sofa, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, "you okay Tess, been quiet all night?"
"I'm fine okay, I'll see you in the morning," Tess looked up and gave Jonesy a slight smile.
Tess turned away from Jonesy's ever-watchful eyes. He had such a way of knowing her feelings. It scared Tess to think someone else was so in tune with her feelings. For so many years Tess had erected impenetrable barriers, yet in a few short months Jonesy had found his way through. He was right, something had been bothering Tess all night. Something that, for the last 10 years she had tried so hard to keep in the deepest recesses of her mind. A memory far too painful to confront, yet one that had now surfaced and couldn't be ignored.
Started: 3rd July 2002 Finished: 14th July 2002
Disclaimer: As per part 1
Genre: Angst Rating: PG
Author's Notes: To a special person in my life, Penny. Melbourne WILL happen! To Caterina and Fantasia, thanks for your feedback and Caterina, thanks for finding my typos. And thanks also to anyone else who sent feedback.it's always appreciated.
*~*~*
Tess sat on the edge of her bed, the early morning sun shone through the net curtain that adorned the small window. All night persistent thoughts had kept her from drifting into the slumber her body craved. Thoughts a decade old, thoughts that Tess tried so hard to stifle, thoughts that threatened to ruin the life she had forged. All night her mind replayed the event that shaped her very being.
***
"C'mon Tess, it's gonna be great! Think of all those cute guys."
The two friends sat in the cafeteria at their university, barely a week into their degrees. Sophie already relished the freedom of university life; Tess on the other hand sat shaking her head.
"Soph, do I have to? You know it's not my scene. I'm here to get my degree, nothing else."
"All work and no play."
"Will give Tess straight A's" quipped Tess.
"Just this once, please," wheedled Sophie. "It's our first uni party - then I'll leave you alone."
"Sure you will - till the next time!"
"So you'll come?"
Tess nodded, "But only cos someone has to look after you - I 'know' what you're like."
"Just one thing I forgot to mention Tess," Sophie looked sheepishly at her friend. "It's a Roman theme - we have to wear toga's."
"No way!" Tess shook her head emphatically, "I'm not wearing a toga."
***
"Hey Tess, it's nearly seven, Tess you in there," Jonesy knocked on her bedroom door, startling Tess from her reverie.
"Umm yeah, coming," she called out softly. Quickly getting dressed Tess ran her fingers through her short hair.
***
Tess knocked on Sophie's door; she never let her friends come to her house. Sophie knew about Tess' mother, but respected Tess' privacy.
"God, you look gorgeous - look at your hair."
Tess pulled nervously at her waist length locks, "you think I should put it up?"
"No way! You're gonna blow the guys away - wish I hadn't asked you to come now," Sophie teased. "C'mon let's go, take your car seeing as you won't drink as much as me," she laughed.
"Ohhhhhh Soph, please don't do what you did at the graduation, I'm not hauling you to your room again."
***
"Sarg, what's taking you so long? The Boss has just called, there's been another assault, we have to get to the hospital."
"Shit!" muttered Tess under her breath, "just what I need today." Quickly putting on her boots Tess left her room. "What have we got?" she asked.
"Jacinta Cleary, 22, sexual assault. Dr Mel's doing the usuals."
"Right and was she at Shorties?" Tess asked as they made their way through to the station.
"She was found in the lane behind the club an hour ago, other than that nothing as yet."
Tess busied herself with allocating their weapons, as she grabbed her file she popped her head quickly into Tom's office, "Jones and I are off down the hospital now Boss. Is their any word on Shannon's friends?"
"Yes sergeant, they'll be here at 10."
"We'll be back by then," she said closing the door.
As they left the station Tess threw the keys to Jonesy, "you drive," she said.
Jonesy looked up quizzically, it wasn't like Tess to relinquish control especially when they had to be someone urgently.
The short drive to the hospital gave more time to contemplate. More time to dwell on the past. More time to wish that somehow her life could be different. More time to wonder what it was about her that made these things happen.
***
Blaring music greeted the two girls as they entered the university's gym. Fake columns depicting the Roman theme adorned the walls. They looked around their surroundings quietly, feeling slightly unsure of themselves. People milled around them, many draped in the same attire as Tess and Sophie.
"Wow!" breathed Sophie, "this is nothing like high school."
"I know," yelled back Tess. "I can't see anyone I know. Don't you feel kinda like we shouldn't be here?"
"Nah, come on, let's get a drink," Sophie grabbed Tess by the hand and led her to a long table. Glasses in hand they wandered to the side of the gym, leaning against the wall, they slowly sipped their drinks.
"I don't feel right Soph, there isn't anyone here we know. We should just go home."
"No way! How we sposed to meet people if we don't come to these things? Anyway, behind you, six o'clock, he's checking you out. Cute too!"
Tess turned to look over her shoulder, and found herself staring into her admirer's eyes. He lifted his drink in acknowledgement, smiled and started to wander towards them.
***
"We're here Tess."
"What? Oh yeah right, well what are you waiting for, don't need me to hold your hand do you?" As soon as the words left her mouth Tess could have kicked herself.
"Not a bad idea Tess," he grinned at her.
Tess strode on ahead of Jonesy not bothering for a backward glance. She could feel his eyes boring into her back, felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny but there wasn't anyway she would allow Jonesy to see that it bothered her.
"Dr Mel," she said as she approached the nurse's station where Mel was leaning over, her head buried in a patients file.
"Sergeant, right, last night's victim, someone found her behind Shorties, called an ambulance, but didn't hang around."
Tess nodded, "We'll get the tape of that call."
"Anyway, we've done the tests, waiting on results. The other victim, Shannon, results came back positive for Rophynol. Obviously we can't be sure till the tests come back, but I'd say we're dealing with the same thing. One other thing bothers me Tess."
"Yes?" Tess questioned.
"Come with me, take a look for yourselves," Mel motioned for Tess and Jonesy to follow her before walking down the stark corridor. Turning left into one of the rooms she put her finger to her lip, indicating for silence.
Jacinta Cleary lie on the bed, covered in a blanket and wearing only a hospital gown. Her face was covered in lesions and bruises, her eyes firmly closed. An older woman sat holding her hand.
"Outside," Mel whispered. Once outside she turned to Tess and Jonesy, "Well?" she asked.
"It could be just a coincidence," Tess said.
"Mmm, it could be but."
"We've got to get back to the station, let us know when she wakes, we need to find out who she was with, she's not going to remember much of what happened."
"Will do Tess and I'll let you know when the bloods are back."
Rain permeated the air outside the hospital, causing Tess and Jonesy to run for the patrol car. Automatically Tess ran for the driver's side, realising too late that she didn't have the keys. She stopped at she reached the door, only to have Jonesy dangle the keys in her face.
"You want these?" he asked.
"Don't be stupid, I'm getting wet," Tess snapped, tugging at the shirt that was plastered to her body, outlining the lace underwear she enjoyed wearing under her utilitarian police issue uniform.
"I know, "Jonesy muttered raising his eyebrows cheekily. "Looking good!"
"Why does everything have to turn into some sort of sexual innuendo with you?" Tess snapped, she stormed to the passenger side, not waiting for Jonesy reply.
Tess pulled at her wet shirt on the drive back to the station, desperately trying to keep it away from her now chilled skin. She ignored Jonesy's sideways glances, not allowing him to see her discomfort.
Reaching the locker room Tess grabbed a dry uniform, "stay out!" she ordered Jonesy, as she shut the door, not trusting his integrity. Towelling dry her hair, she left the locker room and walked through to the Boss' office, Jonesy followed closely behind.
"Well?" asked Tom.
"Nothing yet Boss, we'll talk to the friends soon, there is one thing though.there's a distinct similarity in the two victims. Both roughly the same age, blonde." Tess voice trailed off.
"Coincidence?" asked Tom.
"It's possible."
"I think we should head down there tonight Boss, three nights in a row," Tess shook her head, "you never know we might get lucky."
"What are you thinking Sarg?" asked Jonesy.
"I'm blonde."
"Yeah but you're not the same age as those girls." Jonesy laughed.
"Hey, if I borrow some of Jo's clothes I'm sure I can tart up a bit."
"If you're sure about this Tess?" Tom continued after seeing Tess nod. "Okay, well you'll head down there with Parish, Jones and Stewart can cover. I'll let the Inspector know what's going on."
***
The interview with the victims' friends shed little light on the case. All they knew was the perpetrator was from out of town. The girls had confessed to having had too much to drink to notice what the man looked like. As a woman Tess couldn't fathom the girls not having some sort of signal between each other.
***
Tess' new companion had gone for drink top ups, leaving Tess with Sophie.
Sophie leaned over to whisper in Tess' ear, "You two seem to be getting on really well, I'll leave you to it."
"I think we'll go outside where it's a little quieter, I'm sick of yelling. Damien's really nice isn't he?" Tess smiled.
"Sure is, you've hooked yourself a good one I reckon. K, well I'll give you an half an hour, you're not back by then, I'll come looking."
Sophie watched as Tess and Damien left the gym hand in hand, checking her watch she took note of the time. The thirty minute signal had worked for them well in the past, ensuring neither of them got into any trouble. Not that Sophie had to worry about Tess, usually the situation was reversed. Tess must really like him, thought Sophie; she doesn't usually go off like that.
***
Tess sought solace from her memories, in the quiet of the front verandah; peacefully she sat for a few moments watching the small town of Mt Thomas go about its business. Mrs Parker, waved as she walked her poodle Lucy past the station. Grace said hello as she came to see Tom and the children form the primary school all smiled as they made their way home. Little had changed in the last forty-eight hours for most of the residents, yet Tess knew that for the victims life would never be the same. Evil had entered their lives; an evil that no matter how hard they tried would never be vanquished.