I wrote a big, long response to the rude review I got but then decided it wasn't really worth the effort. The long and short of what I really want to say is that I'd never go out of my way just to upset someone or hurt their feelings and I don't expect people to do the same to me. If you don't like my writing, stop reading it. It's not rocket science. And please get some manners.

But thank you to those of you that responded so kindly. I really appreciate it. And it's earned you an extra chapter! Love, IJKS xxx

Chapter Two

Joey arrived back at the police station to be told that Charlie had organised a meeting for herself and some of the other officers upstairs in the conference room. Bracing herself and making sure she didn't spill any of the Detective's drink. She knocked politely on the door and then came in.

"Knocking isn't just a formality you know," Charlie said from the head of the table.

Jack, Angelo and Watson were all in attendance.

"Sorry," Joey said.

She was instantly annoyed with herself. She hadn't done anything wrong and she had no intention of sucking up to the new boss either. Irritated, Joey put the coffee down in front of her and took her seat. She opened her own drink and pulled a face. It was cold. Of course.

"Anyway," Charlie said curtly, not thanking her for the beverage. "Now that Sergeant Collins is here, we can get started. I want to know everything you all know about this case."

"It's all in the case file," Joey told her.

"And I've read that," Charlie replied, her voice still stern. "But I find that discussion prompts memories of things not included in the notes."

Joey raised her eyebrows and sat back in her chair.

"Have we got a problem, Sergeant Collins?" Charlie asked.

There was pin drop silence from the other officers who all suddenly found their drinks fascinating.

"No problem," Joey replied, her voice strong but level. "I just think it's better to get started on the case and not have a family meeting about it."

"Well that's the difference between someone who makes Sergeant and someone who makes Detective," Charlie said, not missing a beat. "Do you have any other objections to the way I'm running this case?"

"I'm sure I'll let you know when I do," Joey told her.

Two hours later, everyone was tired and eager to leave the meeting. Charlie was completely up to date with everything they all knew and was eager to plough on. The key was to find any evidence that would lead them to the huge marijuana crop on the outskirts of town. It was a big job and they didn't have much to go on yet but Charlie had never left a case incomplete and she wasn't planning to start now.

"So, partners and jobs," Charlie said. "Senior Constable Watson, I want you partnered with Constable Rosetta."

Angelo looked a little disappointed. He adored Watson but he had secretly hoped to get up close and personal with their new, temporary boss. He stopped listening while Charlie continued to dish out orders.

"And I'll take the first shift on surveillance of the crop site," she decided. "And Sergeant Collins, you'll be my partner."

Joey tried and failed to hide the horror on her face.

"Another problem, Sergeant?" Charlie asked.

"No problem," Joey lied. "I just thought you'd be on your own or partnering a less experienced officer."

"Oh, you think you're the boss of this station, do you?"

"No!" Joey snapped back. "All I'm saying is…"

"Two high ranking officers are a good partnership," Charlie interrupted. "I have no more desire to get stuck with you than you have with me but the more fiercely we attack this, the quicker it will be over and then neither of us has to see each other again."

Her eyes narrowed, boring into Joey's.

"Well then I have no objections," Joey told her.

"Good," Charlie said with faux pleasantness. "Then I expect you to come with me to check out this supposed cannabis farm."

"It's gone now," Angelo put in.

She looked sharply at him and he tried not to cower. He also tried – but failed – to stop finding her desperately attractive. There was something about a hot woman overpowering him that was very exciting. He hoped that perhaps when she wasn't actually working, she might be friendly. Then he hoped he could hit on her.

"You never know what could have been missed on the first sweep," Charlie told him.

He nodded and hurried out of the room with Watson and Jack, leaving Joey to look distinctly unimpressed.

"So, what degree did you get at Charm School?" the Sergeant asked sourly when they were alone.

"I'm not a cop to be nice to people," Charlie told her, gathering up her paperwork. "I'm here to solve a case and that's always the priority in life. You might do well to learn that."

She marched out of the room. Joey hurried to keep up with her.

"Are you insulting my commitment now?" she demanded.

"As if I'd ever do a thing like that," Charlie replied sarcastically.

Arriving downstairs, she dumped the folders on Angelo and told him to lock them up. Then she swept out of the station with Joey still following, her anger increasing by the second.

"I presume you have keys to a patrol car," the Detective told her, pausing in the car park.

Joey produced keys from her pocket and unlocked one of the cars with a remote. She was speechless when Charlie took the keys from her and hopped into the driver's seat.

"You have got to be kidding me," Joey muttered to herself, throwing herself in the passenger's side and wishing she had never come to work at all.

Next time… Charlie and Joey just cannot get along…