Soz I haven't upd8ed 4 a while, got carried away wiv da Christmas spirit. I've already written the Christmas Day chapter 4 dis fic. I got bored while I woz watching The Vicar of Dibley. Anyway, that should b along soon. 4 now, here's chapter 3. Enjoy and plz r&R luv Gemz xx

Chapter 3- The Big Meeting

Francesca returned to the station about two hours later for her meeting with DI Manson and DCI Meadows. She approached the door labelled: 'DCI Jack Meadows' and knocked. 'Come!' Jack called.

Francesca entered and Jack stood up. 'DS Simmonds,' He said as he held out his hand to her and she shook it.

'Sir,' Francesca replied as she relinquished her grip on Jack's hand and shook Neil's. 'Guv.'

Francesca sat down in the chair opposite Jack. 'Now Francesca, you understand that it wouldn't normally be done this way but we can't afford to be a DS down forever,' Neil said.

'I understand guv. I heard what happened,' Francesca replied.

'How?' Jack asked.

'Sam told me,' Francesca replied.

'How do you know DS Nixon?' Neil asked.

'She's my sister,' Francesca replied.

'Is your personal relationship with Sam going to affect your working relationship?' Jack asked.

'No, course it won't, sir. I won't let it affect my ability to do the job,'

'When can you start?' Neil asked.

'When do you want me to start?'

'Will next week be OK?' Jack asked.

'Yeah, that'll be great, sir,' Francesca replied as she got up.

'I look forward to working with you in the future, DS Simmonds,' Neil said as he shook Francesca's hand.

'Likewise, guv,' Francesca and left the office.

She shut the door of Jack's office and noticed Sam walking towards her. 'What are you still doing here?' She asked.

'I've just had a meeting with DI Manson and DCI Meadows. They've given me the vacant DS's post,' Francesca smiled.

Sam gave her sister a hug. 'That's fantastic news, sis. We'll celebrate after work tonight. Do you fancy helping put up the Christmas decorations at our place?' She replied.

'Yeah, go on then. It'll be really good. Thanks for letting me stay with you, Sam. I really appreciate it,' Francesca said.

'Well, there's a reason to make an effort now you're here. Phil's taking me to New York for Christmas,' Sam replied.

'Lucky you. Look I'd better go, I'll see you tonight,' Francesca said.

'Yeah, I'll see you later, sis,' Sam replied. 'Oh and erm…make yourself at home.'

'Thanks Sam,' Francesca said as she caught a set of keys that Sam threw towards her and left the station.

Sam smiled at her sister and Phil came back up the stairs. 'Bit of a shock wasn't it?' Phil said.

'Yeah but all the same, I'm glad she's back. We haven't seen each other for 4 years and I think it's about time to start building a relationship,' Sam replied.

'I was beginning to wonder whether there was any family of yours here. You never mentioned any family,' Phil said.

'That's because there's not much to tell. I would've told you about my family eventually, I just wanted to do it in my own time,' Sam replied.

Phil put his arms around Sam and hugged her. Sam instantly relaxed. 'It's OK Sam. I know that you'd have told me about your family eventually,' He said. 'I love you Sam.'

'I love you too,' Sam replied.