It had been another long day for the DCI; advising on a murder just outside Manchester. She got back in her car and threw her head back, breathing a sigh of relief that the day was over. Pressing the home button on her phone, she realised that it was nearly 11 pm; far too late to ring her best friend for a chat and a drink; so she texted Janet instead. Gill couldn't face going home; she would have had to pretend everything was alright to avoid an argument; she was physically, mentally and emotionally tired, and just needed to unwind peacefully. As she became overwhelmed with thoughts, her phone vibrated in her hand.

The text read "There's a big bottle of red in the fridge with your name on it; I've packed the three kids off to bed, and I'll get the glasses out. Janet X". Reading it made Gill smile, she knew Janet had included her husband Aide in the 'kids', and she knew her best friend would be there for her. She was also very much looking forward to a very alcoholic beverage.

As Gill pulled up outside Janet's house, she could see her putting the bottle of wine on the table and turning the television off. Gill pulled the car key out of the engine and took her seatbelt off. On approaching the front door, Janet opened it.

"Long day?" Janet asked sarcastically; realising her friend wasn't just tired, but had other things going on. Gill just nodded and half smiled, making her way into the front room.

Hours passed and the two old friends talked, and drank. "Janet" Gill said, looking at the ground. "I think…he's erm…I think…"

"I'm sorry" Janet replied, not able to understand a word of what Gill was trying to say to her.

"I think Dave's going to leave me" she said, her eyes welling up.

"What?" she replied, horrified. "I thought you two were a match made in heaven?"

"I wish. He's seeing someone else, he doesn't love me anymore" Gill sobbed. Janet moved closer to her, putting her arm around her shoulders.

"Sssshhhh, she soothed gently. Come on, come on. How long…How long has he been seeing her? How long have you known?" Janet asked, concerned.

"About 10 years" the broken woman stammered through her tears.

"Oh Gill!" Janet breathed deeply. I won't give you a lecture tonight about why you didn't tell me sooner, or why you didn't kick the bastard out…I'll save that for tomorrow, alright?"

Gill chuckled. Janet smiled and guided her head back towards her chest. "Shall I fetch you a blanket?"

"Yes please. If that's alright?" she asked.

Janet gave Gill a knowing look. "Do you even need to ask that?"

She came back moments later with a Lady Gaga blanket. "Something you want to tell me Jan?" Gill joked.

"Yeah, secret obsession; don't tell Taisie, I steal it when she's asleep!" Janet replied. She covered Gill up and went to get her a glass of water. She knew how bad they were both going to feel in the morning. By the time she got back, Gill was fast asleep, cradling a cushion. Janet pulled the blanket up to keep her warm and turned out the lamp. She had a feeling this was only the start of a long and unpleasant journey for the Murray's.