AN: I DO NOT own the Bill or any characters portrayed in my story. I only own characters which are made from my imagination and I will make this clear.

Uncovered

The hardest part.

Beth gently and gradually shook Lily. As the five year old child stirred Beth picked her up savouring the feel of her laying her arms. The tears fell as Beth silently carried her to the car, cautious not to wake Jake not knowing what he would do to Beth if he found out. Silently and expertly Beth negotiated the small streets of Canley jumping at any slight noise or disturbance. Beth quickly checked on Lily asleep in her car seat on the back seat. The traffic changed and for once Beth didn't mind she spent the whole time taking in Lily's features, she had Beth eyes, and face shape, but looked like Max and had deep brown hair a perfect contrast between Beth's and Max's. The lights changed and Beth changed gear and drove on. All the while wondering if she was doing the right thing. Yes Max would be able to protect Lily. Yes Max would never let anything to her. Yes Max would never let Jake anywhere near her. But still this was he little girl she was talking about. Beth reminisced about seeing Lily on the sonograph machine at the hospital. Holding Lily for the first time when she took her first breathe. Cradling Lily the first time she cried. The tears streamed all the way to the station.

Beth parked up and gently awoke Lily again. The five year old girl complied excited to be going somewhere new. As Beth held her hand praying someone she knew was on reception. Luckily it was Millie. Millie immediately spotted Beth, despite having a child Beth hadn't changed much in appearance apart from looking tired and run down.

"Hey, wow I haven't seen you in ages". Millie hugged her old friend close, and caught Beth wince. "You OK?". Millie was already worried.

"I need a favour". It was obvious she had been crying

"Sure. what is it?" Millie wasn't sure at all but she knew she had to help her even if she hadn't seen her in ages.

"To take Lily to Max, tell him to protect her from everything. It is all in this letter, just ask him to protect and tell her before she goes to sleep that I love her more than anything". The tears were falling thick and fast now, Beth didn't know how much longer she could speak for without breaking down. As if on cue her phone rang. Jake's name flashed on the screen making her blood run cold.

"Please Millie". Beth knelt down and hugged Lily close whispering her love as she stood she spotted Millie's wedding ring. Beth look didn't go unmissed by Millie.

"Thomas, he joined a few moths after you". Beth silently wished she could say Jake's name as happily as Millie had said Thomas.

After a few tearful goodbyes Millie picked up Lily and carried her into the DI's office which was now Max's. Millie watched fondly as Lily rested her head on the back of the chair and closed her eyes blissfully, silently her chest rose and fell and sleep called to her once more. Millie walked down the deserted CID base to the room at the end which she knew inhabited most of CID right now still searching for a missing fourteen year old and knowing in that second Max's life was about to change.

For Beth driving away that night was the hardest part. Leaving behind a daughter full of life and dreams, back to Jake, back to the abuse but she could handle it just so long as Lily never had to see it and so long as she knew someone was there to keep her safe.