Okay, this is a one shot, but if I'm asked I might carry on, I would love feedback! Megan

Mickey gave the attractive, blonde waitress the money and she smiled flirtatiously at him, he gave her a quick nod, then stood up.

"Keep the change." Without another word he grabbed his leather jacket from the back of his vacated chair and began to walk off. At one time he probably would have stayed to flirt awhile with the waitress, maybe even get her number, but not now, since Delaney, then Liz, then Mia, Mickey had become wary. If it had of only been one of those people then maybe he would have got his confidence back, he reflected, but he had had no time in between each of the people who had all hurt him to regain his old self, and he wasn't sure he wanted to.

He was just about to go out of the door when he saw it; it made him freeze on the spot. He stayed there for about thirty seconds and then took some action, pushing open the door and walking out onto the street, he swore loudly, paying no attention to the family passing through the door the other way. He felt someone grab his arm and he turned to see one member of the family, presumably the Dad, glaring at him with a murderous look on his face.

"I don't want my children subjected to that, I suggest you apologise." The man stuck his face right up to Mickey's and he tried to pull away.

"Well, mate, I suggest you let go of me, 'cause I'm really not in the mood for this today." The man's grip on his arm tightened and Mickey decided it was time for his next step. Reaching into his jacket pocket he pulled out his warrant card and flashed it at the man.

"Look mate, I'm trying to trail a suspect 'kay. Now I'm sorry you're kids heard that but I really have to go, unless you want to be nicked or perverting justice?" The man let go immediately and Mickey rushed off, jumping into his car he pulled away from the kerb at top speed and, as an afterthought stuck his siren on.

DCI Jack Meadows opened his desk drawer, took out his emergency whisky bottle and two glasses, he poured a small measure into one and an extra large measure into the other , placing them both down he returned to he article h was reading. The headline had been enough to tell Jack that he would be getting a visit from Mickey soon, but he knew that Mickey would not have bothered to read the whole article, so one of them at least should know all of the facts.

DELANEY PARDONED

The London Metropolitan Police Force is being investigated this morning due to shocking new evidence that has come to light. It seems that dozens of prisoners have been locked away, when they are innocent. Some o these prisoners were released from custody last night. One of these was Martin Delaney, a resident of Sun Hill, he has said that he is happy that his innocence has finally been realised and that he is very happy to be home. Article continued on page three.

But before Jack could turn to page three Mickey came storming into the room, after slamming the door behind him, he began pacing back and forth. Jack sat back in his chair and watched silently. After a few minutes Mickey turned and sat in the chair opposite him, without a word Jack handed Mickey the large measure of whisky, and took the smaller on for himself. Mickey downed it in one, and then held out his glass to be refilled.

"I think ones enough, at least until you've spoken to me." Jack said this quietly but firmly and Mickey knew that there was no point in arguing.

"How could they let him out Jack? After everything he did to me, and to his other victims, he's free, it's not right."

"I know"

"I mean, Fern protected herself from her husband and she ended up in jail, Delaney, well, y'know what he did, an' he's out, where's the bloody justice in that huh?"

"You're right"

"An' another thing, I wasn't even told properly, I found out by reading some guys newspaper, an' Mia works on that paper, an' she didn't even think to let me know. An' now he's goin' to be cleared of all charges, even though he's guilty of all o' them an' there' not a thing I can do to stop it."

"Oh. That's where you're wrong, Mickey I promise you now that first of all, Delaney will never hurt you again, and that he will go back to prison, I'll make sure of it."

"Thanks, but if he wants to get to me he can."

"Well, he'll have to go through me first; you're coming to stay at mine for a day or so, until we get justice." Mickey gave a little smile, then stood and walked over to the window. He could see someone from uniform; it looked like Dan Casper, reading the paper.

"They don't have any idea, all these people, thinkin' they know what tough is, how dangerous the job is, but they don't, they don't know anythin'." Mickey paused for a moment then turned to Jack, "I'll take you up on that offer, after work I'll go pack a bag an' then come to yours, but for now I better get out there, otherwise I'll get stuck with the worst job, see ya later guv."

Jack stared at the door, long after Mickey had left. He gave a half smile, today had been one of the rare occasions when Mickey had opened up to him, at least a little bit. He had several motives for wanting Mickey to stay with him for a while. First, and most importantly, to keep him safe, secondly for a bit of company, and lastly, probably the most selfish reason of the lot, to try and get their friendship back to the way it used to be, to restore trust, heal the pain and learn each others new ways.