Well this is my first story; I dreamt the plot then had to write it down. I'm really not a writer though aside from scientific essays I haven't written anything for years so please be gentle with me, and constructive criticism is very welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own Ashes to Ashes or any of the characters.

Moët & Chandon - Chapter 1

"Ray" Barked Gene Hunt from his office where DCI Jim Keats stood looking smug.

The rest of CID turned to look at a bemused Ray who was trying to work out what he's done this time before Gene's voice cut through his thoughts.

"Now Ray"

Ray sighed and made his way to his Guv's office flinching slightly as Jim closed the door behind him. "Guv?"

"Sit down Ray" Gene's voice sounded flat and tired, Ray gave him a questioning look but was stopped from asking questions as Jim jumped straight in.

"Detective inspector Carling you are officially demoted to detective sergeant and indefinitely suspended from active duty…

"But what? What for? If this is about that time with Chris, and the cat, but that wasn't me it…" He trailed off looking at Gene who looked down at the desk, before replying.

"I'm sorry Ray, he knows"

"Knows what?"

Jim slammed a file down on the desk making both of them jump; he opened the file revealing a photograph of a corpse.

"Billy Kemble" Said Keats in an accusatory tone "Died 1973, suspicious circumstances… in your custody."

Ray shrank into the chair.

"Cause of death" Continued Keats reading from the coroner's report. "Heart attack, brought on by cocaine overdose." He glanced at ray over his glasses. "Although police brutality would be more accurate."

"But that was dealt with, I was demoted, Guv?" Gene tried to respond but was cut off by Keats again.

"But not dealt with properly, something as serious as this cannot be dealt with internally" He shot Gene a withering look. "This should have gone through discipline and complaints at the time; it would have been easier for all concerned. Right Carling I need you badge and your gun."

Ray looked up at Gene hopefully who shook his head almost indiscernibly.

Keats held out his hand "Warrant card Carling."

Ray pulled out his warrant card and handed it to Keats, then turned wrenching the office door open and looking back at the two DCI's. He slowly made his way to his desk where he grabbed his jacket and keys and left the squad room ignoring Chris's questions.

"Happy now James?" Gene looked up from Ray's retreating form to see Jim leaning down on the desk. Gene shifted slightly in his chair trying to increase the distance between them and protect his precious personal space.

"No" Keats responded in a low voice. "But it's a start." He straightened up quickly returning to his normal voice. "And your new DI will be here tomorrow, a DI Price I believe."

Gene jumped to his feet and followed Keats into the squad room. "I don't need a new DI; I have one an she's more than enough trouble."

Alex glowered in the direction of her DCI who only glanced at her briefly but she new better than interrupt him so returned to the case she was working on.

"But Gene" Replied Keats voice dripping with sarcasm. "You insisted you needed two DI's so you could keep Carling and Drake. I don't see why that would change now." With that he turned and left CID before Gene could reply leaving him stood pouting as the rest of CID looked on.

"Guv?" Chris was the first to speak "was Ray fired?"

Gene ignored him turned and walked into his office slamming the door before sitting heavily in his chair and dragging a bottle of whisky from the drawer. Just as he had finished pouring himself a very generous measure Alex entered his office closing the door behind her and standing in front of him hands on hips. He considered her over his glass before breaking the silence. "Yes Bolly and what can I do for you?"

"Guv?" She folded her arms across her chest "What's going on? Why has Ray been suspended?"

Gene took a long sip of whisky "Keats" He said finally sighing "Keats has dug up an old case, something from Manchester. Ray… Ray made a stupid mistake."

"What did he do?"

"He made a stupid mistake Bolly" He spoke more firmly this time his steely glare daring her to ask more "Leave it at that, it was dealt with and he will never do it again."

"But Keats didn't think that was good enough?"

"No" Gene took another sip of the amber liquid before pushing the glass at Alex, silently apologising for snapping at her, for what he said to Keats for everything…

She took the peace offing and sipped while surveying her superior officer.

"How long is he out for?"

Gene shrugged and got up walking around the desk to perch on the edge next to Alex, taking back the glass. "Indefinitely" He took another gulp emptying the glass and placing it back on the desk behind them and looking back at Alex meeting her eyes.

"I'm sorry" She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"What have you got to be sorry for Bolls? It's not like you've done anything"

Viv burst into the room as Alex withdrew her hand.

"Guv, Ma'am armed robbery in progress Jewellery shop. Charles street."

"Right" Gene grabbed his coat and walked out into the squad room with Alex following behind. "Let's fire up the Quattro."

"Christopher, Drake with me" He stopped looking back at his team. All the members of CID suddenly sat up a little straighter as though hoping to be chosen to go in Rays place. "Shaz"

"Yes Guv"

"Clear out Carling's desk while we're gone, we've got a new DI coming tomorrow let's make him feel welcome."

"Yes Guv"

With that he turned on his heel and walked through the double doors, Alex and Chris following in his wake.

Shaz tried not to look disappointed as she began clearing Ray's desk of his belongings and putting them in a cardboard box.