Chapter One

Memories

Had it really been a year since he had lost her. Smithy woke from yet another nightmare, sweat was pouring off him and the bedclothes were all rumpled up.

He was chasing Pete Larson when Louise ran out in front of the car – he hit her, sending her up and over the bonnet of the car. He couldn't stop the car quick enough…

The clock on the bedside table read 5.30. Smithy got up and went into the bathroom. Looking at himself in the mirror, he realised what day it was. How could it of happened, he still couldn't get his head round that fact that someone had murdered the woman he loved, again. He thought he was unlucky enough losing Kerry like that, but to lose Louise as well, when they were just about to embark on a new life together. Tears slipped down his face and slashed into the sink below.

Turning away from his reflection he stepped into the shower, hoping that the cool water would wash away some of the feelings. Steeping out he dried himself and preceded to get ready, he planned to go to the cemetery on the way to work. Picking up his car keys, mobile and the flowers he had brought he stepped out the house.

Once he arrived at the cemetery he just sat and stared at the rows of graves stretched out in front of him, he was back in the arms of the woman he loved, smelling her hair, tasting her lips… A knock on the window brought him back to his senses. Gina looked through the window at him and opened the door.

"Thought I'd find you here"

"Gina" Smithy said slightly shocked and confused to see her stood there. "What?"

"I stopped by your place, found you weren't in, and knowing what day it is, thought you might need a shoulder"

"Thanks" He got out the car and hugged her. Gina had been there for him for the last year, whenever he needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to shout at about how unfair it all was, she was there.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No I need to do this on my own"

"Ok, I'll wait here"

"Thanks Gina"

Smithy walked through the rows of graves, till he came to the one. Kneeing down he cleared away the dead flowers and re-placed them with the red roses he had brought.

"I miss you so much" Arranging the flowers Smithy smiled to himself, Louise would of loved the flowers but would of told him off for all the fuss he was making.

Gina stood by the car waiting for Smithy, she knew that today would be hard for him, but she also knew that he wouldn't want any fuss – so that was why she had arranged for the new Sgt to start today. 'Something to keep him occupied' she thought.

About 20 minutes later Smithy walked out of the gates and headed back towards his car and a waiting Gina.

"You ok?" she asked as he leant on the car next to her.

"Yer, just can't believe it's been a year already"

"I know but it will get easier"

"I don't know Gina, it's still too raw I wake up some nights still expecting her to be there"

Gina placed her hand on his shoulder " I know, but it all heals with time."

"Your right, I just suppose it's the day that's all"

"Well, you see forward planning, that's why the new Sgt starts today"

"What new Sgt?" He looked worried now, had he forgotten something so important as a new member of the team starting.

"Sgt Chloe Morris"

"Oh shit Gina I completely forgot."

She laughed at him " I haven't heard you swear in ages Sgt Smith"

"Very well Inspector, we best get going."

With that Gina smiled and walked back to her own car knowing that Smithy wouldn't be too bad that day after all.