Chapter Two

The next morning, the sun shone in through the window as it caused Alec to stir feeling the pain hit his chest hard. His eyes jolted open as the pain got worse. Gasping for air he needed his medication and quickly. With his eyes darting around he seen Tiffany laying on her side still sleeping ever so peaceful on her side. Without disturbing her, he grabbed his pills and placed two in his mouth and washed them down with water before giving a soft sigh feeling the pills work almost immediately as he still lay on his side as Tiffany woke up and seen him on his side. Concerned, she placed her hand on his back " Sweetie? Are you alright? " Tiffany spoke with concern evident in her voice, which caused him to jump. " Yeah... Yeah, I'll be okay.. " Alec replied as lay on his back as he took a deep breath before looking to her. " You sure? " she questioned gently " Yeah.. It's alright.. co.. comes and goes.. " he whispered closing his eyes " I'll take you to a hospital if it gets worse.. " Tiffany spoke as she lay on her side watching him. " No, Tiff it's fine.. " Alec spoke as he quickly sat up. Tiffany sat up becoming increasingly concerned about him as she placed her hand on his back " Okay.. Alec darling relax.. It was only a suggestion.. " Tiffany spoke reassuringly as her eyes remained locked on him as she sat up with him. Alec looked at her before closing his eyes once again " Sorry.. " he spoke in a whisper. Wrapping her arms around him and pulling him into a cuddle " It's alright sweetheart.. it's alright. " she whispered gently to him running her hand against his arm as they were both peaceful.

Suddenly there was a loud bang which caused them both to jump startled. " What the... stay here.. " Tiffany spoke as she slid out of bed and slipped on Alec's shirt to cover her body and grabbed her gun and loaded it " I'll shout if I need help.. " she added as she looked to Alec before slipping out the bedroom and tiptoed downstairs still armed, looking around before she placed her hand with the gun on the door as she carefully unlocked it before slowly opened it. " Tiffany wait..! " Alec spoke with concern before he got out the bed and looked out the window. When the door was opened, Tiffany caught a glimpse of someone running off, softly sighing she looked down to see a brick laying on the doorstep. " Son of a bitch.. I'll ram this brick right up their backside " she thought to herself as she bent down and picked it up. Alec came down the stairs carefully as he looked to Tiffany " What? " He mumbled as Tiffany turned round to reveal the brick in her left hand " It was this.. " she spoke as Alec released a sigh " Oh for goodness sake.. Wait til I catch the little bastards.. " he spoke with a determined tone in his voice in which Tiffany nodded her head " Yeah, you hold them and I'll jam it right up the little prick's arse.. " she sighed checking the brick in case there was a note attached before discarding the brick and closing the door before unloading the gun and walking over to him. Alec smiled watching her approach him as he stood in just his boxers before he wrapped his arms around her " Mm.. nice view " Tiffany whispered as she rested her head against him running her fingers up and down his back. He shivered a little feeling her fingers before smiling " Cheeky.. " he spoke " I am cheeky, but you love it " She smirked looking up to him. " Oh yes.. " Alec smirked also gazing down to her. " I must take a shower, Miller has a nose like a dog when it comes to smells and she will smell that sweat from last night.. " Alec grinned cheekily. " Oh does she? I'm sure she will question us about arriving together and knowing us, she will find something.. It is Miller we are talking about here.. " Tiffany smirked " May I use the shower after you? " she asked kindly. " I wouldn't doubt that for a moment.. " Alec laughed before nodding his head " Of course. " Tiffany gave a smile before giggling a little. " She will, I have a feeling. " She spoke before smirking a little " Thank you sweetheart. " she added softly. " I'll give her a bloody feeling, and it won't be a be a nice one. " Alec replied with a smile. " Right I won't be long. " Alec looked down to her. " Oh sweetie be nice to her " Tiffany said softly, giving a gentle nod. " Just take your time sweetheart. " She replied softly before pulling away from his warm and gentle embrace. " Sorry.. " Alec smirked and headed up the stairs slowly.

Tiffany watched Alec head up the stairs as she leant upon the banister as she gently bit down on her lower lip. Unaware he was being watched, Alec stopped at the top of the stairs, his breathing became quicker as e grabbed the banister quickly as his eyes darted around. " Darling, are you feeling okay? " Tiffany questioned as she became concerned as her eyes were set on him. Her voice echoed through him as he tried to concentrate on breathing properly, quickly looking round he nodded his head " I.. I'm.. I'm fine... " he mumbled to her as her eyes remained focused on him " Would you like a glass of water? " She asked swallowing hard the last thing she wanted was anything to happen to him. " No, thank you " Alec replied as his hand still kept a tight grip on the banister. " Alright darling.. " Tiffany spoke as she was still extremely concerned as Alec proceeded to the bathroom as she went into the living room and laying upon the sofa and cuddled into Alec's shirt that she wore. Alec turned on the shower and slowly got in, he closed his eyes and let the water to slowly run down his body before he began to get washed. Tiffany sat as she thought about Alec as he was in the shower, seeing him grip the banister made her concern grow stronger as she was unaware of his condition but she vowed to stand by him no matter what they faced.

After ten minutes, Alec got out the shower and made his way into the bedroom to get dressed. " The bathroom is free.. " he called down to Tiffany. Hearing his voice, her eyes opened " Coming! " She spoke inhaling the scent of his aftershave on his shirt as she headed upstairs " Thank you baby. " she called into the bedroom before entering the bathroom and closing over the door. Hearing the bathroom door close, Alec quickly grabbed his tablets and quickly took them before he got changed and sat on the edge of the bed staring as he was deep in thought. Running the hot water, Tiffany allowed the water to cascade down her body before she got washed. Spending twenty minutes in the shower, she finally got out and begun to dry off her hair and her body before wrapping the towel around her and making her way to the bedroom. Standing in the doorway she watched Alec. Still in a world of his own, it was clear Alec was clearly unwell. " Sweetheart you don't look well, maybe you should just stay here today? Yeah? " Tiffany suggested to him as she sat down beside him on the bed. " No, I have a case to solve. " Alec spoke quickly as he looked to her. " You look ill though baby.. " She spoke as she ran her fingers through his hair, looking back to him. " Still won't stop me trying to solve it though.. " he spoke softly to her. Giving a small nod as she listened to him " Alright.. Promise me if you feel ill then you'll come home and rest.. please. I'm really concerned. " Tiffany asked him. " Well stop being concerned, I'll be fine.. " Alec softly sighed feeling slightly guilty on how that last sentence must have sounded. Tiffany nodded her head although she couldn't stop worrying about him. " I'll try sweetheart.. " she spoke quietly before leaning over and kissing his cheek. " Thank you " he spoke softly as he felt her lips on his cheek. " I better get ready.. so we can make a move. " Tiffany spoke as she got up and began to get dressed.

With them both ready and Alec making them a quick coffee, the drove to work trying to conjure up a way so Miller didn't find it suspicious them coming into work together. " Just stop me off here, So Miller doesn't think the obvious. " Tiffany spoke as Alec pulled in " Alright, are you sure? " he asked as she leant over and kissed his lips tenderly. " Positive, I'll see you in five minutes. " she replied hopping out before Alec drove off into work. Miller was waiting for them, wondering why they weren't here by now. Alec walked in first making his way to his office, the pain in his chest grew more and more painful as he groaned. No one knew about his condition apart from him and Tiffany and the last thing he wanted was anyone else finding out and the boss throwing him off the case, especially when he was so close on cracking the case on who killed young Danny Latimer.

Moments after, Tiffany came wandering in acting ever so innocent as she made her way along the corridor and to the bathroom as Miller followed her in. " Morning... " Miller spoke leaning against the wall as she watched Tiffany wash her hands before sorting her lipstick. " Oh morning Miller. " Tiffany replied in a chirpy mood than she was the day before. " You're in a good mood.. fun night was it? " she spoke as she approached Tiffany smelling Alec from her as she looked at her as Tiffany glared back becoming freaked out a little. " Erm.. yeah.. yeah it was quiet.. erm.. Miller? Personal space? Please? " she asked as Miller stepped back. " Oh right.. well Alec is in his office, no doubt he will be looking for you. " Miller watched her seeing a little sparkle in her eyes as she mentioned his name. " Oh right.. thank you Miller. " she spoke washing her hands and heading out quickly as Miller stayed where she was contemplating what she had gathered from her before heading out not long after her wondering what they were up to.

" Where are they? I... I need to find them... " Alec muttered in search of his pills. Checking his suit pocket and then the drawers in his desk. " No... no... " he gasped as he began to feel extremely sick when door was knocked upon. " C.. Come in.. " Alec called weakly as Tiffany entered and closed the door quickly and knelt to him " Alec... Alec what's wrong? " she spoke panicking at how pale he had become. " I.. I cant find.. my pills... " he mumbled " They are in my handbag... " Tiffany added quietly as Alec shook his head. " N.. No.. c...checked.. " Alec was sweating profusely as Tiffany felt around and found them in her suit pocket " Oh shit.. Alec here... " Tiffany handed him the box with Alec popping two out the silver foil and putting them into his mouth and swallowing them with water. " I thought I put them in your pocket.. I'm so so sorry.. " Tiffany looked at him, her eyes full of worry. Alec shook his head " It's okay.. " he mumbled gently as a soft and relieved look now on his face. " Deep breaths.. " Tiffany spoke almost a whisper which soothed Alec and made him think of their conversation that they had shared in the early morning about his heart condition. " I'm.. I'm going to go ahead with it... " his voice mumbled slightly as she looked up to him as she listened to him before nodding her head. " You are? I'll stand by you.. and I'll be there when you wake up.. I'll never leave your side... " she told him, reaching over and putting her hand on his. Alec held her hand in his, he knew he didn't have long if he didn't go through with it. " I want to solve this case first.. " he spoke softly looking to her watching her using her other hand brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. " I understand, we are on a verge of a breakthrough with the case. So I completely understand you want to finish this case first. " her voice tenderly spoke as she looked into his eyes. Alec soon closed his eyes, his breathing getting quicker and quicker which caused Tiffany become concerned again " Sweetheart.. try taking deep breaths for me. " she asked him, squeezing his hand keeping her eyes locked on him. Trying not to get frustrated with himself he nodded his head, taking deep breaths trying to take calm down. Without knocking Miller entered the office and walked over to his desk. " Happy birthday... Oh.. " she spoke frowning noticing him in a bit of a state. " It's alright, just relax " she spoke calmly to Alec before looking over to see Miller " He'll be alright in a minute.. " she mouthed quietly to her. Alec sighed and got up and headed to the door, after walking out he took deep breaths outside. Miller looked to Tiffany and frowned. Watching him leave, Tiffany turned her attention to Miller. " You okay? " she asked her as Ellie sighed " Wonderful " she replied, her phone at the ready to call an ambulance for Alec yet again. " He'll be alright.. better to be safe than sorry. " Tiffany spoke fidgeting as she sat down on Alec's chair biting on her lower lip as she was concerned for him. " If I call them again he has to stay in until he is sorted and better. " Miller told her watching her fidget making her more suspicious of the true relationship Tiffany had with Alec. " He will I promise you that. Even if I have to have him strapped to the bed I'll make sure he stays in.. " Tiffany replied bringing her head up to look at Miller who nodded her head. " Good. " Tiffany listened to her before nodding her head in acknowledgement. " He just needs to take it easy. " her voice sounded concerned as she lowered her head to her hands. " Well he doesn't.. What the hell is wrong with him? " Miller questioned in a firm tone of voice which somehow made Tiffany uneasy and swallow hard. " There is nothing wrong with him, he just wants this case to come to a close. It's frustrating him that the killer has been here and we just haven't apprehended him yet.. " Tiffany explained stumbling over her words looking back at Miller who shook her head. " No I don't mean him.. him y'know his medical condition. " She asked her which made her eyes widen slightly. " Wait how do you know about that? " she questioned before sighing. " He has heart arrhythmia, he's going for the operation once this case is closed. " she explained quietly. She knew how private a person Alec was and the last thing he wanted was his medical condition spread through the office or worse, getting back to the Superintendent. " What?! He's going for it? He should be signed off! " Miller spoke a little loud which made Tiffany get up and slam the office door shut which caused some colleagues to stare. She was thankful the office was soundproof. " Miller for Christ sake keep your voice down! Please.. Because this case means a lot to him since.. well since Sandbrook. But you keep this to yourself Miller, you don't even utter a word to Alec. He told me he wants this case done before he goes for the operation " Tiffany replied as she hand her hand pressed against the door, her eyes locked on Miller's. " You can't be serious? I don't mean to sound morbid but he could die at any point.. he needs to be signed off and get the operation down now.. " Miller told Tiffany in a firm voice. " I know that Miller and that is something I constantly fear.. I don't want him to die! I'm scared of that... I.. I'm terrified of losing him. I wish it wasn't serious, but I stand by his choices.. If its something he wants to do then let him.. I wish to god I could just drag him to the hospital and do it now. " Tiffany told her. Miller looked at her as she heard her. Was that a confession that she loved Alec? That she was sleeping with him? " Do it then.. Cause if you don't I will " Miller told her as she seen Alec walk down the steps from outside. Tiffany watched him and swallowed hard. " I will, knowing my luck he will try and get up after his operation. Cover me and Alec until we get back, keep me updated. We will for the love of Christ see this case to the God damn end. " she spoke as she slipped on her coat and grabbed her bag. " It kills me to see him struggle. " she spoke letting her hair down as it rested neatly on her shoulder before opening the office door as Miller watched her " Do you think he heard any of that? " she questioned looking at Tiffany. " Okay.. okay.. I think of something.. " Miller added " Thank you Miller I owe you! " Tiffany spoke grateful before she left to follow Alec. Miller rolled her eyes watching her leave.

Alec had proceeded to the beach and began to walk up the East Cliff. Following behind and running in small heels, Tiffany had to find Alec. " The beach... " she mumbled to herself as she made her way quickly down and tried to catch a glimpse of him. Finally making it down there, she caught sight of him and began to ran after him, her blonde hair swaying in the wind trying to catch her breath as she ran. " Alec... Alec! " she called out to him. Hearing her call for him Alec turned around to see her approach, stumbling back a little as she gust of wind blew once again. Approaching Alec, Tiffany bent over to catch her breath a little before she managed to stand upright. " I... I have a... proposition for you.. " she spoke looking up at him before she brushed a strand of hair away from her face. " Hm.. go on? " Alec spoke raising his eyebrow hearing her speak. " We go to the hospital.. now hear me out. " she spoke before she coughed a little before starting to speak again " You get the operation.. and once you have rested over the next few days, you return to work and shut.. this case " she finally finished explaining to him. Alec swallowed hard and shook his head. " No.. I want this case solved before I do anything.. " he spoke softly as he closed his eyes. Tiffany held on to him in case he lost his balance. " You could be home by Sunday and back to work on Monday.. you will solve this no matter what... please Alec.. for me and this case.. " Tiffany asked with a hint of persuasion in her voice. Alec remained silent for a few moments and took a few deep breaths before finally he gave a nod in agreement. She looked up to him and rested her head against his chest. " Thank you " Tiffany whispered still holding on to him. Alec wrapped his arms around her as the wind picked up a little more " We tell no one.. though.. " he told her taking yet another deep breath as Tiffany nodded her head. " My lips are sealed. " She promised him as Alec nodded his head again. " Lets go, no one will know we are gone. " She added gently " O... Okay.. " Alec spoke, struggling to catch his breath as they both slowly descended the cliffs as she carefully escorted him down still keeping him close to her. " Once this is all done we'll have a day off and spend the day up here. " Tiffany suggested as Alec nodded her head. " Yeah.. Yeah okay... " he nodded his head as she lead him to her car as Alec gripped her hand as they approached. Tiffany unlocked the car door and they both got in. Alec soft sighed as he put on his seatbelt. Upon hearing him sigh, Tiffany reached over and placed her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly before giving him a weak smile and starting up the engine and making their way to the hospital.

After around a half an hour drive, Tiffany pulled up at Dorchester County Hospital finding a car parking space almost right at the entrance. Pulling up, she turned off the ignition and took off her seatbelt. A sick feeling washed over Alec. Part of him just wanted to back out of it and get Tiffany to turn the car around and return to Broadchurch but when he looked over to his beautiful blonde haired woman the other half overpowered him and spurred him on to go ahead with it. He had no idea how she done it but she had a hold over him like no one woman had ever done. There was something about her. Something that made his life so much better. She gave him purpose.. a reason to life itself. His mind continued to ponder about her. She seen past all the moodiness and she brought a smile to his face every time he seen her. But what got him most of all was that she would stand by him through this. A woman that he had just gotten to know in a personal and intimate way. He wanted to know how she did it. " She's perfect. I mean look at that gentle smile. So reassuring and warm. She wants to make sure I'm okay.. before herself. Out of all the people she could have. She chose you Alec. You. " Alec thought to himself as his eyes remained forward at the hospital. Before looking over and seeing Tiffany who looked a little concerned " Alec? Are you alright darling? " she questioned as her voice had the hint of worry " Hm? Oh yes, yes I was just thinking. " Alec spoke nodding his head " Let's just get this over and done with shall we? " he spoke taking off the seatbelt and opened the passenger car door and got out before Tiffany nodded her head and got out before locking the car and making her way round to Alec and once at his side she took his hand as he gripped it in his before looking at her. Seeking her reassurance as they walked along into the hospital. " It's going to be alright you know.. I'll be right here. " Tiffany spoke softly as Alec nodded his head silently exhaling the breath he had been holding hearing her speak.

Approaching the reception desk, the nauseating feeling kicked in once again. The receptionist smiled to them before he cleared his throat " Hello there, how may I help you? " He asked with a strong Australian accent. " Yes I'd like to see a Doctor about getting me in for my operation.. " Alec spoke as the receptionist nodded his head " Your in luck Doctor Winters is available. If you take a seat I will get him for you " he spoke looking back up at them both. " Thank you " Alec replied before escorting Tiffany into the waiting room and sat down with her. " God I feel sick... " Alec admitted to her. Turning to him as he spoke, Tiffany nodded her head. " You are bound to. I cant bare to imagine.. " she spoke softly before she pulled him into a warm embrace. " I promise you. I'll be right here.. " Tiffany whispered in his ear. Before Alec had a chance to respond to her, the doctor called out his name. " Alec Hardy? " the voice called out to him as they both looked at each other with nerves and stood up together and approached the doctor. " Hello Mister Hardy, please follow me. " Doctor Winters spoke as he made his way down to his office. Alec's grip on Tiffany's hand tightened as they approached his office watching the doctor open the door and enter the room. " Please, take a seat. " He signalled for them both to take a seat which after they hesitated for a moment done so. " So Alec I have been reading your notes and I see that you require surgery to correct your heart arrhythmia am I correct? " The doctor questioned as he read over Alec's notes which he soon nodded his head " Yes that is correct. " Alec spoke after clearing his throat. A silence fell in the office as Tiffany could only sit and watch as the doctor went through his schedule before turning back to face them both " Well Mister Hardy. We can fit you in this evening at seven. Which is around twenty minutes time would that be okay? " he questioned as Alec swallowed hard before looking at Tiffany who bit her lip hard who nodded her head. Alec looked at her and looked back at Doctor Winters. " Alright, yeah that's fine " he spoke before doctor locked in the appointment for theatre. " Right Mister Hardy if you would follow me I will get you into a room and get you prepared for surgery. " Doctor Winters replied getting up from the desk and approaching the office door. Tiffany picked up her bag with the other hand and got up with Alec before the made their way out the door and followed the doctor down to the room where he got him a gown to put on. " If you would can you get changed out your clothes and into the gown. The nurse will be in momentarily and prepare you for theatre. " The doctor spoke before leaving them to it.

Tiffany turned to Alec as he took his time getting undressed as he felt sick and dizzy once again. " God I hate this.. " Alec spoke as he slipped out his shirt and passed it to Tiffany " Hopefully it will be the end of it and that will be me, able to lead a normal life. " he spoke looking at her. " Yeah and not needing to worry being called shitface or anything like that.. " she spoke which made Alec raise an eyebrow " Shitface? They call me shitface? Bastards.. " he cursed as Tiffany bit her lip. She couldn't help but find it sexy when he was angry. " Yeah, Miller told me.. " Tiffany added as he rolled his eyes. " Well she is just a bloody cow " he spoke as he slipped on the gown and then sat down on the bed before putting his feet up and looking at Tiffany sitting on the chair beside his bed. " We'll you were right about her. She was all around me and asking twenty twenty questions about last night. I told her it was none of her business " Tiffany told him as Alec nodded his head in agreement " Sounds about right. " Alec added as the nurse came in and began to prepare him for surgery before she left once again. Tiffany sat on the edge of the bed looking down to him placing her hand on his cheek. " I'll be right here when you wake up. Just stay strong and things are going to be okay. I promise you.. " Tiffany reassured him as Alec softly smiled " I will and thank you very much. " Alec replied pulling her down and giving her a gentle kiss just as the porters entered the room to collect him. Seeing them Alec sighed as he looked up at Tiffany. " I'll see you soon.. " he spoke softly as Tiffany nodded her head against his lips " I shall. Remember stay strong.. " Tiffany replied before pulling away and letting the porters in and watching them take Alec away to theatre as she sat down on the chair and waited patiently for news and for Alec's return.