Christopher Foyle woke slowly and blinked up at the ceiling, it was too high and the wrong shade of white, the bed felt wrong too and he frowned as he went to sit up. The surge of pain this caused left him panting and the memories of the day before slowly sharpened, the raid, heavy blows, Hugh being bloody minded, a doctor. Hospital his brain supplied, he was in hospital.

This realization was immediately confirmed by the nurse who appeared beside him "Ah Mr. Foyle, good to see you awake. Are you in pain?"

"Not unless I move," or breath.

"Well the doctor just needs to check your ribs again and then we'll get you something for the pain. Just try and stay still for the moment, I'll tell the doctor you're awake."

Foyle nodded, remaining still sounded like an excellent idea and he let his thoughts wander, I wonder if Wilson remembered to press them for their contacts with other gangs? I'll have to ask Hugh.

In London Commander Howard also woke in a state of confusion, although his was not based on where he was but rather on what or who was making all that noise. He pushed himself up intending to investigate when the sound of humming met his ears and he collapsed back against his pillow with a groan, Andrew! I forgot he was so loud.

Beside him Alice giggled, "Just be glad he didn't jump on you like he used to love. Now go on, you know he wouldn't be up this early if he wasn't worried and we did tell him we would leave early this morning." Charles nodded and kissed her gently before pushing himself up and reaching for his robe.

Alice was right, as usual; Andrew had been an early riser as a child with a habit of waking those still sleeping in a very enthusiastic manner. Once he became an adolescent however the challenge had shifted to getting him out of bed before noon so the fact that he was up and banging around the kitchen at seven in the morning spoke volumes about how anxious he was to get down to Hastings and see Christopher.

In the kitchen he found Andrew already dressed, although his braces hung from his waist and when he turned Charles could see he wasn't wearing a tie. "Oh morning Uncle Charles, I didn't remember what time you said we'd be leaving so I thought I'd make some tea as I was already up."

"Thank you Andrew, I trust you slept well?"

"Like a log, its much quieter here than at the college."

Charles nodded as he poured tea from himself and Alice, "Good, I'll just take Alice up some tea, why don't you finish yours and then finish dressing. Breakfast won't take long and we can still be on the road by 9am."

Andrew looked like he wanted to leave now but he nodded obediently, "Yes Sir." He hesitated and then asked quietly, "Someone would have called if there was more news about Dad wouldn't they?"

Charles nodded, "Yes the hospital would have called Superintendent Reid and he would have called us, no news is good news Andrew."

Andrew nodded, his shoulders visibly relaxing, "Yes Sir. I don't suppose Auntie Alice would make porridge would she? The stuff at college isn't half as good."

Charles chuckled, "I think we might be able to persuade her, drink your tea Andrew we'll be down soon." And picking up the two teacups Charles went back upstairs to dress.

Unsurprisingly Alice had been prevailed upon to make porridge, as well as toast, bacon and eggs all of which Andrew devoured as only a growing young man can, to the silent amusement of his uncle and aunt. Alice then left the men to do the washing up while she packed an overnight bag for herself and Charles and fetched her knitting.

They were on their way by ten to nine, Charles having politely declined Andrew's offer to drive, the lad was distracted enough to make it a decidedly poor idea.

Foyle had just finished his breakfast and was sipping his tea when there was a tap at his door. He glanced up and saw Reid standing in the doorway smiling at him, "Morning Hugh."

"Good morning Christopher, just thought I'd see how you were getting on."

"Fine thank you, certainly well enough to come into work."

Reid smiled as he took a seat, "I thought you'd say that, unfortunately for you the doctor doesn't agree." Foyle scowled at him and Reid chuckled before saying seriously, "cracked ribs are nothing to sneeze at Christopher and we both know they'll heal up faster if you do as the doctor says. Wilson did very well yesterday with the booking and questioning and I'll be sure to meet with him first thing this morning to see how things are progressing."

"Make sure he's pressed them for ties to other gangs, we know they aren't the only one and if we play our hand right this could only be the start."

"True, I'll be sure to discuss it with him. In the meantime I want you to give me your word that you'll rest."

Foyle opened his mouth and Reid held up a hand, "Let me finish Christopher. Andrew called yesterday evening, Charles had gone to the college to tell him and then brought him home for the night, I assured him that you were going to be fine but he's still very worried about you. I gave him my word that you would telephone as soon as you were home, something that will happen much sooner if you obey the doctor's orders."

Foyle nodded distractedly as he chewed on his lower lip and Reid smiled reassuringly at him, "Try not to fret Christopher, you know Charles will keep a close eye on him and you can help by making sure you rest so you can get out of here."

The silence stretched for several minutes and Hugh studied Foyle's face carefully, he had just played his trump card and if that didn't work nothing would. Finally Foyle sighed and looked up, "All right, if it will keep you and Andrew from fretting. Worryguts, the both of you."

Hugh laughed with relief and got to his feet, "As if you aren't. Anyway I'd best be off, need anything?"

Foyle considered this, "Got a pen? If I have to stay in bed I might as well do the crossword."

Reid nodded and withdrew one from his breast pocket, "Don't lose it, the girls gave it to me for Christmas."

"Wouldn't dream of it." Foyle promised and then raised one eyebrow, lip quirking up at the corner, "off you go then Superintendent Reid, it would set a bad example for the men if you were late."

The teasing lilt to his voice would have surprised many of the men, especially those who had joined the station after Rosalind's death but Hugh found it was both welcome and familiar and he grinned back, "Whatever you say DCS Foyle, just so long as I won't have to write you up for insubordination this evening."

"Oh bugger off Hugh!"

Reid laughed, "I'll see you later Christopher and have them ring the station if you need anything."

"I will, and Hugh? Thank you." Reid just smiled and after repeating his promise to come by on his way home, left the room.