Chapter 1 – Barriers
Run.
He should run and he knew it. Only scum shot police officers and they were always caught.
But something was holding him back. Just the thought of Alex lying in a hospital bed was stopping Gene from running.
And yet, at the same time he couldn't bring himself to visit her. He was too scared of what he might find. Not that he would ever admit that to anyone.
He'd spent the past 3 nights in Alex's flat, unable to get a decent sleep. Everything made him think if her when he was awake, and when he tried to sleep all he could see was Alex hitting the ground after the bullet penetrated her stomach.
As a result he was currently slumped on Alex's sofa, extremely hung over and feeling like utter shit.
It was 12 o'clock and somehow Gene had made it to the hospital. He flashed his badge at the front desk and asked where Alex was.
When he entered the ward, he saw there was a nurse by Alex's bed. " 'ow is she?" he grunted at the nurse.
"She's stable" the nurse replied, evidently trying not to seem too repulsed by his appearance. "Who are you?"
"DCI Gene Hunt" he muttered back. "She's me DI."
"I'm sure she's glad you're here" the nurse said comfortingly. "You should try talking to her. They can hear you sometimes."
With that she left.
Slowly, Gene sat down on the edge of Alex's bed. "Bloody 'ell, Bols. You gave us a right scare" he said, trying to sound normal. It didn't work.
While he tried to think of something else to say, he took Alex's hand in his. "I've been a bloody idiot, Bolly" he mumbled. "If I'd just be honest with yer it wouldn't 'ave 'appened. I'm such a bloody coward!"
He couldn't think straight. Why couldn't he just talk to her properly? He was right, he was a coward. The only time he could her hand was when she was unconscious. The only girl he'd ever truly loved, and he couldn't tell her.
He glanced up at the clock – nearly 3pm.
He got up and leaned over Alex, gently stroking her cheek. "Just wake up, Alex" he pleaded.
He planted a soft kiss on her forehead and whispered "Love you, Bolly knickers."