Last Chance:
It was quiet at Sun Hill and the workers were still on fixing the entrance up. A few days ago, it had been deemed safe to enter the building through a side entrance.
DS Phil Hunter drove his car to the car park and locked it. A few people were there, but not many. It had only been a couple of weeks, since three of their own had gone down. DC Ken Drummond with his awful shirts; PC Andrea Dunbar, the reporter and SRO Marilyn Chambers, Reg's girlfriend. DC Jim Carver had gone as well and it had been pretty lonely.
Phil went to the CID office and saw DI Manson having a cup of black coffee, his eyes tired. Phil knew how devastated he was about Andrea. Phil went in and saw DS Samantha "Sam" Nixon at her desk, asleep.
Phil went over and gently shook her shoulder.
"Hey." He said softly. Sam was up instantly and she brushed her hair back.
"Morning, Phil." She said, sounding shattered. Phil got her a coffee, milk, two sugars (he knew how she liked it) and they sat on chairs near her desk. There was a profound silence as they sipped.
"I still can't believe it, Phil." Sam whispered and Phil looked up, his brown eyes concerned.
"We're all shocked, Sam."
"I know."
"How's Abi?"
"Abi? Oh, she's…fine…considering." There was another awkward silence, before DI Manson came over.
"Ah, Phil, Sam, there's a robbery case that's collecting dust…there's nothing else, really." DI Manson looked extremely tired and watery-eyed.
"Sure, sir." Sam said. The both of them exited as Acting DC Gary
Best and DS Ramani DeCosta and DC Jo Masters entered.
It turned out to be an elaborate scam and the two of them soon had it wrapped up. They decided to take a coffee break and Phil took Sam to a little café he knew. It was a nice place and they had coffees and cake. Sam finished her slice of almond cake and relaxed.
"Thank you, Phil, it was delicious." Phil gave his trademark cheeky grin.
"You're welcome." They left and on the way back to the car, Sam blurted out.
"Abi's gone."
"Gone? Gone where?"
"Well, she's at university. She's fine and mentally stable, so…she's…" Sam began to cry and Phil realized it was the only time that Abi had been away since…
Phil brought her into his strong grasp and she cried against his chest. For once she didn't resist and when she had finished, she looked up.
"Thanks Phil." She said and gave him a little hug. Phil was surprised, but happy. As Sam went to the car, Phil realized. This was his last chance for a friendship with DS Samantha Nixon. Possibly more than a friendship. And he certainly wasn't going to waste it, he thought as he caught up with her.
Not going to waste it at all.
PS: I'm a big Phil/Sam fan and I'd like to thank nixonangel for being my inspiration.