The Golden Times

This latest features a lot about Alex, Gene and Patrick. The young lad reveals of how Gene met his mother back in the middle of the 1960's at a friend's party. Alex tries to bring them both together and establish a father and son relationship. They find out some interesting evidence that could prove Stacey's boyfriend did indeed order Jack's death but how far will the team go to get it, loyalty and trust threatens everyone. I've mentioned DC Slate and the introduction of the Discipline and Complaints officer Jim Keats

Chapter 4

Standing frozen still with a hand over his mouth and the other hand placed, resting on his left hip, taking in the shocking news of discovering that he had a son he'd never knew about; upon his first instinct his brain its mind up for him causing Gene to turn and walk away down the dark street, eyes zooming to straight ahead, undeniably full of built up emotion, also speechless, nothing else to say, leaving the Quattro exactly where it was parked since earlier in the day.

Alex shouted as loud as she could after him, fling her arms in frustration as she stood by the pavement and by the Red Audi but to no avail, "Gene... please don't be like this." before disappearing out of sight around the corner a few moments later. As she took the news in her stride she didn't for one minute imagine that he would react in this way, so selfish and arrogant; something she'd always witnessed within him after beating himself up inside about current investigation cases, the latest one was starting to get too personal after they found out Stacey's boyfriend, Graham Lewis had played a part in defacing the Detective Chief Inspector's precious Quattro with paint.

He couldn't think as too many questions floating and circulating around his mind like a children spinning top, "Who was this kid? Why was he saying that I'm his father, I never cheated on my ex wife before, I would surely remember wouldn't I?" He paused into deep consideration trying to clear his head positively, standing like a statue, leaning against the brick wall outside Luigis, eyes looking downwards to the floor. How could this have happened, maybe the teenager was hoping and begging for money from him, he wasn't going to give it to him, Alex will be mad definitely, sensing that she will be giving him a right telling off in the best way she could.

Alex stood with young Patrick unsure of what to say to encourage the youngster, who was upset by his father's reaction; head hung low, tears flowing from his eyes, a glimmer of sadness appearing from within their hidden depths.

"My Mam always use to say he was a good looking young copper when they drank together at her friend's party in Manchester... Look, I don't wanna cause any friction here between me, you and him." His accent was broad and deep, definitely sounding like from Northern Belfast; having decided to look for the father he never knew of until exactly one month ago it came as a massive shock coming across the man in the photograph immediately; he didn't expect Gene to welcome him with welcoming arms as it would take a while to get use to.

She finally thought of at least 1 positive thing to tell him, "Don't worry, I'll talk to him make him see some sense... trust me I know how." Tapping her hand on his shoulder for reassurance.
"How long have you two known each other?... You seem really close If you don't mind me asking." He wasn't trying to be a threat towards them, he liked Alex as a friend to confide in but nothing more than that. Walking together away from the Police Station, they probably would end up catching up with Gene in Luigi's as it was only around the corner.

"Nearly 3 years... We had this instant connection between us... in the early days we argued every day about cases but then we got together last year while in Wales... and now I just can't bear to be apart from him ever... I wish Molly could meet him." She sighed, breath visible during the cold snap of weather.

"Molly? Is that your daughter... is she elsewhere?" Alex appreciated his kindness; after all, he was a kid who needed to be with the right people even if they were strangers to him.

"She's away at the moment... living in Canada with her dad." An excuse she felt ashamed of making up, hating telling lies to a lot of people all the time.
He smiled pouting his lips, a lot similar to how Gene would do, shivering as they crossed the road spotting the DCI, sitting on the steps outside the restaurant and smoking outside the flats, exhaling smoke from the nostrils, upon seeing them he opened up the door of the flat and waited inside, trying to avoid them.

"Now he's just being plain stupid... wait in the restaurant with Luigi... he's a very friendly and a lovely man, he's a romantic at heart."

She left the young lad, walking through the flat entrance double doors and went to go inside and up the stairs leading up to her flat on the second floor.

Having paid the nanny for looking after Baby Simon for most of the day, not long after she left, he was now in the kitchen area in the flat sitting at the dining table. Gene was too busy drowning his sorrows, with a bottle of scotch found in the cupboard, clutching at the handle, tightening the grip on the bottle. Unaware of how badly he'd been gripping the glass whin then caused a trickle of blood to appear, it stung painfully as he ran cold water immediately over his injured hand before wrapping up with some thick wool that he found in the drawers in the bedroom .

The sound of the door opening, alerted him towards it, Alex was stood by the couch, hands on hips, looking extremely disappointed with his behaviour towards Patrick, running away like he did and acting like a big soft baby.

"Gene why did you just storm off like that? Hmm..." Eyebrow raised with such seriousness and frustration, turning their latest argument into an interrogation.

"Can you not shout woman... Jesus my 'ead is thumping like it's been kicked around Old Trafford by 11 Man United players.. I just presumed he might be a nutcase... looking for money or even worse blackmailing me"

"He's your son for christ sake... I've even seen the picture he has of you... please just give him a chance... Please for me." She pleaded to him to find it in his heart to listen to the teenager.

"How... by saying oh sorry I didn't you send you a Birthday or Christmas card... as I've only just found your my son!!" Slamming his fists on the table, Simon cried after being woken up from his sleep. She went to hold her son warmly in her arms, with eyes only for Simon not for her angry and frustrated fiancé as he continued to act awfully.

Loss of communication fell all around the room, both upset with each other, Alex had only just enjoyed their lovemaking in Gene's office back at work but things were taking a fast downward spiral ever since Patrick appeared afterwards. He sank down against the couch, feeling himself tear up inside, scared of what to do, he needed her more than ever and now feared that she was very upset with him by his appalling behaviour towards the teenager, he couldn't bare to lose Alex and Simon as they meant everything to him, they were and always had been a part of his strength.

Getting back up from the couch, he stood behind her, wanting to hold and stroke her hair so much. After placing Simon back in his cot, she closed her eyes trying to block out any possible tears. The feel of arms wrapping around her waist, lips pressed on her neck and shoulders, his breath stank of alcohol and cigarettes but she didn't mind as she had become so use to it.

"Sorry Alex. I'm being such a coward aren't I?"

"You certainly are... you big ape." She chuckled lips rising into a smile as she turned round to face him, hand stroking his cheek caressingly and lovingly.

"Oi shut yer gob... Miss Annoying Posh Knickers... I'll speak to him... I promise... Maybe introduce him to his baby brother... sure they'll get along fine." His eyes bored deeply in her own, unable to resist himself by a sexy wink made by Alex.

"Don't go winking yer eye at me sweet cheeks... I'll guarantee later tonight to have yer screaming me name when I lick my tongue around those soft tits of yours and suck 'em later on."

"I look forward to it very much." She grinned seductively. Dipping his head to level with hers, lips so tender, teasing and then full of passion and fiery.

"Mmmm..." She relished at his hot wet kisses running deeply down her neck and around the top of her chest, his hand itching to touch and have a squeeze of her breasts through the fabric material but he did what he was told eventually, heading downstairs to have a chat with Patrick at the bar.

"Won't be long love." Sharing on final tender kiss with Alex but he left to head downstairs to the restaurant.
She sat back on the sofa, legs curled up comfortably, picking up the remote control to see the latest on the 6 O'clock News on BBC1, checking to see that Simon was sound fast asleep, looking peacefully and beautiful very much like his dad when he slept in bed.

"Signor Hunt, will it be the usual?" Luigi asked politely having seen his favourite customer not quite looking himself this evening, his eyes zooming around the every part of the room, looking for someone perhaps.

"Erm Luigi... you haven't seen a young man in here have you... about six foot... 18 years old?"

The little Italian behind the counter pointed in the direction of near the toilets, to which he followed, seeing Patrick sat silently, clutching his glass of fizzy lemonade.

"Don't mind if I join yer?" The young man nodded , the DCI pulled over a stool from the next table and sitting down at it, hands placed flat on the table, struggling with what to say to the lad who looked pretty glum and depressed. A wash of guilt and doubt attacking his thoughts within.

"Thought you wouldn't want to speak to me... I understand this is so hard for you to take in me turning up like the way I did."

"Listen son... I'm struggling to remember about what happened on that night I met your mother... does she know you're here?"

"She died four years ago from cancer... The last thing she gave me was this photo of you." He handed over the picture to Gene, who suddenly remembered that the picture must have been taken around 1966 after England had won the World Cup at Wembley, Gene and his friends were incredibly excited, partying for many hours in The Railway Arms, coming across a group of young Irish Girls who were keen to impress any blokes they met.

"Oh I'm sorry I didn't know." His heart sank, on hearing that the lad's mother died.

"That's okay I've just been living up in Liverpool with my friends for the past few years... Came across your picture when moving house and decided to try and find you." Taking a sip of his drink the way he held it was very similar to how Gene did.

"You know you're not a bad kid after all, not involved with any criminal activities? I blame myself for not giving yer time to speak earlier." Folding his arms, leaning backwards against the wall, for support, Gene wanted to be sure that the lad hadn't anything to hide from him especially any dark secrets, although from appearance he looked too shy and geeky to be involved with any dangerous criminals.

"No I avoided any involvement with the IRA in the past, kept my head down low and pretended I was invisible."

"I've tried that myself... never worked. Bolls threatened to squeeze my balls to hard if I tried it again."

They bonded next over...women. For Gene it was very much like talking to a younger version of himself, trying to convince Patrick that women always came with problems like becoming pregnant and having you running around after them like a personal assistant.

"Got a girlfriend have ya?"

"Nah... All girls laugh at me when I flirt with them."

"Sod them all... Well I will take yer out on the town one of these nights... I suppose I'll have to teach you words from the Gene Genie's rulebook of how to chat up the gorgeous birds." He smiled, eyes tilting sideward to see Luigi certainly looking interested in the long conversation that had now been going on for about 15 minutes.

It was strange in a way that they seemed to be getting along finely, the lad needed guidance, mentoring and looking after, he also needed a good shave as he looked a bit on the rough side. He offered him a room for the night at his and Alex's flat.

"No I'm fine... I have a place to crash at."

"Sure you haven't been sleeping rough on the streets?... the streets of London are dangerous, especially at night time."

"Thank you dad." That last comment sent a warmth rush to Gene's heart, the display of happiness shone brightly in his smile, discovering lots of things about the lad made him realise he wanted to stick around for couple of months or so maybe even years, offer some help in finding him a job in the Fenchurch area.

"What jobs are you interested in if you don't mind me asking yer?"

"Teacher... I'm a good listener and I did do some training in College back in Liverpool a few months ago."

"Blimey... you wanna teach all the little kiddies... best teaching 'em about the whole world or Politics."
Patrick laughed, he was about to head off back to where he'd been staying over the past week, contemplating the offer Gene made, turning back to face his father he then accepted the kind gesture.
Luigi came over to collect Patrick's glass.
"Mr Hunt you look very happy..." He was happy to see the detective smiling.

"Yep I am Luigi my friend want to introduce you to my son Patrick; we've just met each other today for the first time."
Luigi looked very surprised mouth open wide, eyes twitching in amazement as they passed from Gene to Patrick the similar looks, same eye colours as one another. He'd never heard Mr Hunt mention a single thing about having other children, other than Simon.

"Bloody Hell Luigi yer look like a battered tomato and a shiny bowling ball." Both father and son chuckled amusingly together.

"By the way Luigi don't tell any of the team as they dunno yet..." Turning to Patrick at the side "C'mon lets go upstairs and you can play with yer brother Simon... "

It had been a certain life-changing day for the Irish teenager, finding out he had a little brother. His father getting married and now he himself was trying to settle down in this new environment that surrounded him. Heading up the narrow stairs on the stairwell towards the flat, Gene of course had a spare key to let himself in with.

The dinner table was lit with a tall candle placed in the middle, displaying a flicker of light that lit up half of the room; clearly Alex had been planning a surprise romantic evening for two. "I'll be out in just a minute." she called from the bedroom; Patrick went over towards the cot, looking down smiling happily at baby Simon asleep.

"Ready or not, so what do yer think?"

"Bols I think...." He spluttered out a swig of drink from the glass on the table, eyes widened observing every available feature on display in full view of him as he was disrupted by one of the most beautiful sight that made his heart pound so much against his chest that it developed an urge in just wanting to rip her clothes off there and then but they had company at present.

She appeared by the bedroom, leg propelled up on the armchair, wearing a tight short navy blue dress, that pressed against her back, showing a lot of skin around her knee; the top chest part certainly showed the curves of her breasts, the cut in the middle part showed them closer together and then there was the knee length stockings making the moment more erotic. Turning to the right hand side she jumped with shock and embarrassment upon seeing Patrick's blue eyes as wide as they could be, he'd never seen a woman look so sexy before.

"Oh I'm sorry I didn't see you there Patrick." Her face went as pale as a ghosts'.

"No problem..." Giving the strangest of shy looks, as he walked backwards, he nearly knocked Gene over face first on the leather couch.

"Bols... Yer don't mind if he stays here the night seeing as he hasn't really got anywhere else to go." He appreciated the romantic evening she had planned for both of them, cuddling her as a thank you, Patrick insisted that he would go into the other room out of the way leave the couple to themselves.

"No that's okay you can stay as long as you like. I don't mind." She replied, wishing for just one evening in which she and Gene could relax and glance looks from across the table, holding hands romantically underneath.

"What have yer cooked?" He asked, sniffing the delicious food smell coming from the kitchen, the sound of water bubbling away in pans, maybe it would be pasta or spaghetti and meatballs, Gene's favourite food.

"Jam Roly Poly and custard... its a favourite of Molly's."

"Have I told yer how much I love yer Bolly love?" He kissed her on the cheek, rubbing his hands together with pure joy and delight inhaling the sweet smell aroma of jam coming from the pan. The night in general didn't feel too ruined after all, as there was enough Jam Roly Poly for three, the sound of Gene's tummy rumbled like a Lion's roar.

Carrying a two bowls of desert into the living room, it was still too hot to eat, she worried he might burn his tongue while tasting it too quickly.

"Buggering Hell Bols it smells gorgeous!" He replied still with a look of beaming happiness, it was a big change from an hour ago where he couldn't even bare to chat to her. They would need time to adapt to Patrick being a part of their lives from now on, seeing as the wedding was always around the corner Gene invited him to it even though they had only known each other for five minutes, hoping the lad might accept gracefully.

"I'd love to... definitely... I don't wanna miss my dad's big day... she obviously makes you the happiest man in the world doesn't she?" Excitedly hugging his dad, squeezing too tight in reply.

"Bloody Hell...if yer continue to squeeze me that hard my eyes will end up popping out of their sockets and into the custard." He muttered before taking a large spoonful of custard.

"Gene do you mind I'm eating it here."

"Oh sorry Bols." He apologised, with a sly and cheeky smile.

The Next morning on a surprisingly mild day, shortly after the nanny had arrived to take care of Simon for the rest of the day in the flat and maybe around the park in the pram, Alex and Gene headed off to work in Fenchurch, while Patrick went to the Job Centre to see what latest jobs they had advertised.

While the Quattro hurtled along traffic through the morning rush hour around the capital, Gene couldn't help but worry that Patrick would end up finding himself lost as he'd only just arrived in London a few days ago. A common thing Gene had to endure when he himself first started working in the Capital and had to adapt to living in the East End where most of the worse criminals lived, not a very positive start to his new job,

"Do you think I should go and help him with packing and carrying his clothes from the place he's been staying at?"

"Look Gene, he'll probably have friends helping him and plus you really seem to care a lot about him don't you?" her eyes examined Gene's current body language seeing that his shoulders looked tense and slumped, it was one of the best things about being a Psychologist, discovering new things about people's behaviour. He looked extremely tense, hands shaking nervously looking like he might take a last minute chance and turn the Quattro back round and head back to the flat.

They had a lot of work to go through today, checking in on how Ray and Chris were getting on with the latest assignment, monitoring Stacey's boyfriend Graham's latest activities. They knew that they could always rely on Ray and Chris even though they didn't seem to have the brightest of ideas most of the time.
Arriving at work a short time later, Chris was waiting in the car for his friend, who had only ran back in for a few document files that were on his desk.

"Morning Christopher... did you and have an early night then" Gene asked leaning down to speak to his DC.

"Yeah we did...as there was nothing hardly happening that we seen"

"No sign of our main suspect then"

"Nope.. Ray was disappointed that the two of you didn't turn up at Luigis last night... he reckoned that both of yer were getting on in your office"

"Nope actually we went for a meal elsewhere.. lovely food wasn't it Bols?" Gene couldn't face telling the team just yet about Patrick, worried that if he told Ray or Chris, the news would then spread round as fast an athlete running the 100 metres at the Olympics.

Ray approached rushing down the steps of the fire escape, "Oi where did you two randy pair get to last night I'd even had a drink waiting for yer at the bar"

"Carling hadn't you best be getting your skates on.. don't forget I need all the evidence to nail that bastard Graham Lewis"

"Alright.. Moody" Pulling a moody face of his own as he climbed into the driver's seat, throwing two document files on the back leather seat. Taking a sigh as Gene folded his arms waiting to see the car speed off, starting the ignition up as the engine took off slowly.

"Stop being such a spoil nowty detective"

"Didn't have be too hard on him... don't worry Ray knows what he's doing"

"I bloody hope so... if he comes back with nothing on that bastard.. I'll end up giving him a right telling off.. I'm already under pressure to get the right result from both the Super and that Discipline and Complaints Officer Jim Keats no doubt he'll be on my back not before to long as well" He sighed rubbing his hands together in order to keep warm. She linked her arm around Gene's as they made their way up the metal steps that led to the help desk inside.

"Blimey you're bloody freezing" Checking her temperature with his hand, "Sure yer don't want a hot water bottle on that gorgeous stomach of yours" He grinned, teasingly obviously loving his latest kind remark.
Approaching the help desk, where Viv was focused on sorting through massive piles of evidence files, that had be sent off to Fenchurch West in a few hours time. He looked stressed out, sighing as he completed the first set and then moving on to the next ones.

"Morning Skip... any phone calls from the Super or Keats?"

"No Keats has been quiet so far this morning... looked in a bad mood I'd stay out of his way if I were you"

"Don't worry I will... hoping he doesn't have to call me and Bols in anytime today"

Discipline and Complaints Officer Jim Keats had taken an instant shine towards Alex since he first started working at Fenchurch East a few months earlier although they had never shared a proper conversation one on one. She thought he was a nice and kind individual having overhearing Shaz mentioning that he tried charming her with funny chat up lines, she hadn't told Chris about it, a bit concerned that he would only find himself in trouble if he confronted the well respected Officer. Gene couldn't help but worry that this man would try to attempt to come between him and Alex, whisk her off her feet romantically with possible poetry quotes, he dreaded it after spotting the Officer reading a Poetry book in the Station kitchen a few weeks before.

Gene was first through the main double office doors, overcoat already half way down his shoulders, as he then threw it over the coat hanger in the office. The office had been half empty since Ray and Chris left, DC Slate was typing up on the computer nodding at Alex as she smiled looking over.

"Bols in here.." He indicated with his hand as she followed over to his office door, walking inside as he closed the door after her.

"What's up? still concerned about Patrick. I've told you that he'll be fine"

"Actually I was hoping that we could go out for a meal later tonight.. maybe Patrick could look after his little brother.. wanted to treat you to something special and a thank you for allowing him to stay with us for a while" He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer into his warm embrace. She smiled against his neck, feeling so happy. Kissing his neck so tenderly and lovingly he felt blessed to be with the most gorgeous woman in the world, well to him she was.

"Careful Bols we might end up having a round 2 in here... I'd have my tongue down yer throat next" His hand slipped underneath her white blouse, massaging her breast softly and lightly with his left hand, she gasped a moan in his ear, as he struggled to contain his raw passion and desire burning from within his body and mind.

Even though they always would hate doing undercover operation for the Guv every few months or so, Ray couldn't help but feel relieved to be out of the office for most of the day, he really needed the fresh air. Chris missed not getting some moments with Shaz.

"Bloody Hell Chris you'll see her this afternoon, it's not as if she's gone on holiday with her friends.. Don't be such a worrying Div like you always are"
Chris didn't want to speak, keeping a close eye on when Graham Lewis would likely to be appearing, hand resting on the glove department.

"Is he ever gonna be making an appearance?"

"Oh finally thank the lord he speaks " Ray joked laughing silently as he looked up to see Stacey exiting the house with a bag stuffed in her warm Winter coat. She looked deeply sad, they wondered whether he may have upset her or had asked Stacey to lie for him again.

"Bloody toe rag"

Next Chris, thought he'd seen Joey Baker sitting on the bench by the swings, the brother and sister had now looked they had a big falling out. He turned to tell Ray who'd been chewing more gum, still sticking to his promise about not smoking this year. They were alerted by a loud scream of voices that came from the park as they both looked to see Joey getting a beating from two masked men, he was on the cold floor in pain, clutching his stomach in agony.

Both rushing out of the car, Ray gave chase after the two of them but they were too fast for him.

Chris checked on Joey who looked to be in a really bad way, broken nose, at least two broken ribs and a bruised ankle.

"You okay mate?"

"No not really I suppose I deserve it."

"Did Graham Lewis do this?" Ray asked trying to get his breath after running half way across the field.
"I dunno"

"Listen we work with DCI Hunt, he'll want to know whether it was Lewis.. so c'mon give it up it was him wasn't it, who gave you the beating just now"
"Yes it was.. I'm positive"

"Hope you don't mind us asking but will you help us in trying to locate any other of his friends.."

"No I don't want any part in this" He protested , while limping over to sit back on the wooden bench.

"Alright we promise to keep you in a secure location where they won't be able to find yer"
Joey paused to think, knowing what he was going to say next would cause some disagreeing looks from that DCI he last saw yesterday.

"Alright I'll help you as long as they don't know that I'm help yer both.. It will only result in another beating probably far worse this time"

Ray helped a shaken and upset Joey to walk towards the car as it was parked by the pathway on the other side of the park as Chris held the door open for the former criminal, he hobbled onto the back seat, requesting that he needed immediate medical treatments for his injuries

Please R & R Let me know what you thought of this chapter

Beta read by scribblechacha and emmylou1983 many thanks for both of your help

Next Chapter : How will Gene react to Joey helping Ray and Chris in order to find evidence against Graham Lewis and Patrick and Gene go out on the town for a boys night out with disastrous results.