Best served cold
Disclaimer: New Tricks belong to the BBC. I'm just watching over them.
Rating; T for language
Spoiler: End of series 10.
This is a short sequal to one of my other stories, 'To love again'. You really need to read that one for this to make sense.
/
"Ah, Robert. I'm glad I've bumped into you. Do you think we could have a quick word?"
Robert Strickland stopped in his stride and turned to face the voice. He put on his most amiable smile for the uniformed man who was approaching him.
"Commissioner. What can I do for you Sir." He asked genially. The senior man indicated towards the door of Robert's office which was only a few metres away.
"Maybe we could go somewhere a bit more private." He said, his voice was genial, but Robert could detect a steely undertone. He took the few steps to the door and opened it, gesturing for the Commissioner to enter first. Once both men were in the office and the door closed, the Commissioner turned to Robert who was still standing by the desk.
"Please, do sit Robert." He said, as he took the chair opposite. Robert sat behind his desk, a feeling of foreboding creeping over him. And he had started the day in such a good mood, waking up with another person for the first time in far too long had filled him with sense of warmth which he had almost forgotten, like feeling the first rays of spring sunshine after a long cold winter. He and Sasha had made love, not once, but several times. She had accepted him, the way he was, without question. He sighed and looked the older man in the eye.
"Is there something wrong Sir?" He asked, though he already had some idea what his boss was going to say. The Commissioner didn't keep him wondering for long.
"Robert, you know I'm quite liberal minded, and I don't tend to get involved in the private affairs of my officers without good cause." He paused, his pale grey eyes boring into Robert's dark blue. Robert took a deep breath, steeling himself.
"Douglas. We've known each for far too long. Please, just tell me what's on your mind."
The uniformed man gave a short bark of laughter.
"Straight to the point Robert, quite right. I'm afraid that a situation has been brought to my attention, one that affects you directly. An accusation has been made, that you are romantically involved with another officer, and have used your influence to secure her a promotion, and a very highly sought after position within one of the units under your remit." Robert, gritted is teeth and leaned back in his seat, resisting the urge to leap from his seat and hunt down Ned Hancock. He watched as his superior levelled his penetrating gaze at him. "Robert. Is there any truth in these allegations? Are you involved with Sasha Miller?" Robert considered his answer carefully, noticing that the other man was waiting for an answer.
"If you had asked me that yesterday, I would have told you truthfully that the notion was absurd. But today is a very different matter..."
"So you and DI Miller are romantically involved?"
"I would say it's a little bit early to say. There is...Something between us, but I don't know what yet."
"And you can guarantee that you did not favour her in any way when she applied for the job in UCOS?"
"Well that depends on your definition of favour. Did I push for her to be given the job? Yes I did. It was obvious from the start that she was by far the best and most suitable candidate that had applied. But I guarantee that until the first interview which I sat in on, I had never met Sasha in person. I assume that these accusations originate from her soon to be ex-husband."
"Robert, I can't..."
"Do you know the details of their marriage break-up?"
"Well, no. I tend to try and avoid gossip..."
"She caught him, in bed with a young woman. Turns out that he has been cheating on her, on and off all through the marriage. She threw him out and started divorce proceedings." Robert explained. He saw the Commissioner close his eyes.
"And you think DAC Hancock is out for some kind of revenge?"
"I'm certain of it. He tried to wheedle his way back into her home yesterday evening. She called on me for support, and Ned left with his tail between his legs. So in answer to your question, yes. I think he is trying to hurt us both." He regarded the older man for a moment. "Sir, have you got a bit of time?"
"A little, yes. Why?"
"I think you should take a short walk with me." He stood and opened the door, holding it for the other man. He led the way to the lift, and pushed the appropriate button. As they approached the UCOS office, he mentally crossed his fingers that the boys hadn't arrived yet. He knew that Sasha was there, she had arrived early with him. He entered the office, noticing that the inner door was open.
"Sasha, are you here?" He called, gently. The woman in question came into view. The Commissioner stopped in his tracks when he observed the damage to the beautiful face.
"What's wrong?" She asked concerned. Robert smiled softly.
"Everything will be fine, but I'm afraid that Ned is trying to cause trouble." Her face turned to thunder.
"How? What's he up to." She asked. Robert crossed to her, putting his hand on her shoulder. He turned back to the Commissioner, who was stood staring at Sasha.
"My goodness! Are you alright? How did this..."
"As I told you Sir, things came to a head yesterday evening."
"DAC Hancock did this?" He gasped. Robert turned to Sasha and nodded, Sasha sighed, closing her eyes. She gathered her composure, before she turned and faced the older man.
"Yes Sir. He wouldn't take no for an answer. If DAC Strickland hadn't arrived...Well I shudder to think what might have happened. Ned was drunk and out of control..." She stopped, tears threatening to burst from her eyes. Robert could see her struggle, he knew this was costing her, she hated to appear in any way weak. He gave he shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"I'm sorry to be blunt, but DAC Hancock has accused Robert here of favouring you for this position due to your relationship. Robert has assured me that any 'understanding' you have only begun as a result of the events of yesterday evening. Is this so?"
Sasha's eyes widened. She looked at Robert who shrugged.
"That lying, cheating bast..." She stopped as Robert laid a finger on her lips, his eyes crinkled with humour. She took a breath, addressing the Commissioner again. "Sorry Sir." She composed herself. "Until yesterday evening, DAC Strickland was my superior officer, and occasionally a friend. Today he is the person I want to rebuild my life with. If this situation is unacceptable, then I am prepared to apply for a transfer away from this unit, or hand in my resignation." She looked into the shocked eyes of her lover. "I will not let this slip away for the sake of propriety." She whispered. He nodded.
"I don't think that will be called for. I for one have no problem with two of my officers being engaged in a serious relationship, so long as both retain their professionalism." He watched as they both nodded.
"Thank you Sir." Robert said. Sasha looper her arm through his, and gave the senior officer a bright smile.
"Thank you." She echoed.
"Now, if you two will excuse me. I have a busy day ahead of me. And I have been asked by a friend of mine who is the Chief Constable of north Yorkshire to help him find an officer to replace his recently retired head of public relations. I think you may have just found me the perfect candidate. I'm sure I can persuade DAC Hancock that it would be an exceptional opportunity to further his portfolio." He winked and left the office, leaving Sasha and Robert in a stunned silence. She couldn't help herself and started to giggle.
"I think we're out." She said. He nodded, still slightly bewildered.
"You really want to be with me?" He could hardly believe it. She smiled, looping her arms around his back. He grinned.
"What about your lip, isn't it painful."
"Yes it is, I think you need to kiss it better." She moved in, tilting her head back. He closed the gap and wrapped her in his embrace as he kissed her with all his being. Neither saw the three figures standing on the other side of the door.
"See." Gerry said. "I told you everything would be alright."
"Who'd have thought it?" Danny murmured.
"I told you two, her and Strickland, right back at the start." Steve grinned.
"So you can see the future now." Danny answered. Steve laughed."
"That's right. Didn't I mention that I was a part time clairvoyant?"
"If that's the case, we had better find a quiet corner and you can go through the racing pages with me." Gerry pulled the other two with him, giving the two in the office some privacy. "Yep. I really do think everything will be alright."
/
