The laughter and sadness in the pub could be heard from across the street. It was Hillier's retirement party. Tommy and Hiller were whispering in each other's ears like school girls do when they have a secret they're not supposed to share. Stuart, Barbara and Winston were discussing who would replace Hillier.
"My money is on the DI", Stuart said with certainty. "He's a brilliant detective and would equally be a great leader". Barbara's face turned sour at the thought of no longer being Tommy's partner. Stuart looked puzzled momentarily but quickly realised what this would mean for Barbara. He immediately regretted what he had said and quickly changed the topic.
"Well looks like Hillier is about to make a speech", he remarked.
"It has been an honour to work with such a talented, passionate and devoted team. You have all inspired me to work harder, to do better, to love more, to hate less and most of all, to be the best person I can be". Hillier's voice was shaking as he continued.
"I say these words with my hand on my heart, you are all family to me and I love each and everyone of you. It saddens me to be leaving but at least I won't have to hear Lynley and Havers bicker every 5 minutes".
The crowd laughed as Hillier grinned through his tears. "Thank you all for coming. Now let's all drink the night away".
"Here, here". The crowd shouted as they scoffed down their beers.
Tommy gazed around the crowd and finally spotted Stuart, Barbara and Winston. He held his drink as close as possible to his chest with his hand covering the rim trying his best not to let it spill. Tommy finally reached their table and noticed the displeased look on Barbara's face.
"Is everything alright Havers?" Tommy asked with a concerned look on his face.
"I'm just tired Sir is all" she forced a smile and thought about the possibility of no longer working alongside Tommy. It angered her that Tommy would so easily move on from their partnership. Do I mean nothing to him? Why does this bother me? Who am I to stop him from a promotion?
Stuart turned to Tommy and quizzed him about his conversation with Hillier. "So what were you and Hillier talking about? Are you taking over the department?"
"Not that it is any of you business Lafferty but if you must know, Hillier suggested that I take over upon his departure. I told him I wasn't interested in the promotion and am happy how I am. Besides they have already appointed a new AC" Tommy continued. "He was trying to persuade me to change my mind before the new AC settled in".
Barbara's face lit up. She tried her best to hide her change in emotion but knowing that Tommy would remain her partner made the happiness she felt too difficult to contain.
"You seem to have recovered from your fatigue quite quickly" Winston blurted cheekily to Barbara.
Barbara retorted "What are you implying Winston? I remembered a funny joke I heard earlier today, that's all". Barbara suddenly felt uncomfortable and was feeling desperate to leave the pub. She glanced over to her watch and noticed the time was approaching midnight. Ahh It's getting late. I can use this as an excuse to leave. "I think I'll call it a night. I think I've had enough drinks and it's getting late"
Tommy agreed, "I think we all will do the same".
Barbara finally made it home to her flat. The cold of the night and the several drinks at the pub made her head hurt. She searched her handbag rapidly for some panadol only to find the blister pack empty. I'll just have to try and fall asleep with this head ache tonight.
Barbara made her way to her bedroom and managed to change into her oversized pyjamas that she left in a rolled up ball on her dressing table from the morning. She lay in bed and closed her eyes trying desperately to fall asleep. Her thoughts quickly consumed her and she began thinking about what Winston had said to her at the pub. Why did my mood change so quickly when I found out Tommy would still be my partner? Am I such a selfish friend that I can't want him to leave me? Do I see him more than a friend?
It was at that moment that Barbara finally realised what Tommy really meant to her. She loved him! She always loved him but would never admit how she felt to anybody, not even herself. She was scared and afraid of losing him and what they have together. He is her world and the reason she gets out of bed in the morning.
As Tommy poured himself a drink, he began thinking about Barbara. He too noticed how her face had lit up at the news he would remain her partner. The thought of Barbara not wanting to let him go made him smile. He sat on his couch and stared blankly at the portrait of a cabin in the country side that hung, slightly tilted to the side, on his wall. Tommy fantasised about taking Barbara away to the countryside where he would be able to show her what she meant to him. He never imagined that she would feel the same about him but the look in her eyes tonight assured him that she did. Tommy began fantasizing about Barbara. He imagined both of them lying naked next to each other and how wonderful her touch would feel. He closed his eyes and felt himself slowly drift into sleep. He decided he could not wait any longer and would let her know how he feels about her first thing in the morning.
Tommy arrived to work fashionably early. He locked himself in his office and asked not be to be disturbed. He frantically paced around and rehearsed what he would say to Barbara. The tone and words had to be right. It had to be perfect, he could make no mistake. This was his one chance to let her know how he feels. He didn't want to scare her and he didn't want to think he was after a quick roll in the hay. It was almost 9.00 am and Tommy had been lost in his thoughts about Barbara for well over an hour. He kept glancing towards Barbara's desk every few minutes to see if she had made it to work yet. Her desk was a mess. It had been completely covered with paper and files. The thought of her dishevelled workspace made him smile. The clock ticked over to 9.00 am and Tommy noticed Barbara rushing through the cubicles towards her desk. She tried her best to smooth out her hair that was blown to a mess by the wind. Tommy smiled as he watched her trying to dive into her chair unnoticed. He thought it would be best to wait for her to settle in before he spoke to her.
15 minutes passed and Tommy decided it was time to declare his feelings to Barbara. He cleared his throat, counted to 10 and began to turn the door knob to open the door. He walked over to Barbara's desk. He had just opened his mouth to speak the words "Excuse me Barbara, may I please speak to you in private?" when a tall blonde woman dressed in a smart tailored black suit with a bright collared red shirt walked in the department. She immediately had the attention of everyone at the Met. Her strong and confident appearance drove fear across the department. She oozed power and elegance and through physical appearance alone, she made it clear that she was a woman who got what she wanted. She looked around the office with her piercing blue eyes and finally spoke.
"Good morning all. My name is Melanie Wyman and I am the new Assistant Commissioner. Over the next few weeks, I will be reviewing team dynamics and operational functionality. Make sure you are available to speak with me. If anyone has any immediate objections, you can find me in my office. Carry on".
Barbara turned towards Tommy. The fear in her eyes was undeniable. She immediately developed a hint of hate for this woman. Her partnership with Tommy was threatened and thought of no longer working with him made her feel sick. Tommy decided to hold off on telling Barbara how he felt. The timing had now been ruined. He knew not to drop another bombshell on Barbara.
"Sir, I don't like this woman" Barbara hissed in anger.
"I'm sure it will all be ok Havers. We are great together. I will make sure she knows that". Tommy responded reassuringly.
