"Why is Molly here, Alex?"

"I don't know..."

"Why is Molly here, Alex?"

"Just don't take her from me, please, please..."

"She won't stay. No-one ever stays with you..."

"No, no, please don't take her..."

"She's dead, Alex. You know that, don't you? We're all dead, all of us. Molly's dead, Alex."

"No!"

"Molly's dead, Alex and there's nothing you can do about it."

"No!"

"You'll watch her die. Explode. You'll watch her die over and over and over..."

"No!" Alex awoke from her dream screaming and drenched in sweat. Fighting to control her breathing, she pushed her damp hair from her face and went to check on Molly. Luigi had been more than happy to knock down a wall and make Molly a tiny bedroom in her mother's apartment, seemingly pleased Alex now had family here for company. Luckily, Molly was still sound asleep, she looked blissful and content, like she didn't have a care in the world. When Alex closed the door, she was still shaking. She felt cold and clammy and feverish. Shivering, she changed into clean pyjamas and got back into bed, trying to get warm by hugging her knees to her chest. The clown's words echoed through her head. She couldn't really be dead, could she? Everything felt so real, she felt so alive. Molly, her little girl, she had her whole life ahead of her. Tears rolled down Alex's cheeks at the thought that she wouldn't live out that life in 2008. Of course she wanted Molly here with her but not under these circumstances. And what about Gene and Chris and Ray and Shaz? Had they died too? It wasn't fair; she couldn't stand the thought of being dead. Was it even possible that she could live out a normal existence here in this afterlife? She had so many questions... and there was only one person she could turn to, her constant to give her answers. She just instinctively knew. Gene. She glanced at the clock- 2:59 a.m. Surely he'd be furious if she called him now... but she couldn't wait until morning for answers...

Quickly, she dialled his number, trying to ignore the fact she'd committed it to memory. He answered within two rings, typically curt. "What? Don't you know it's stupid o'clock?"

"Am I dead?"

A pause. She heard him sigh. She waited a full minute before speaking again, holding her breath and counting the seconds. When her mind raced all the way to sixty she spoke again. "Gene? Are you still there?"

"We need to talk. I'm coming over."

He'd hung up before she had the chance to reply. Quickly, she dressed in a white chenille jumper and jeans. There wouldn't be time for makeup and she checked the mirror deciding she looked just about passable. Minutes ticked by before she heard the familiar screech of the Quattro tyres. Already she was at the door, ready to meet him so they didn't inadvertently wake Molly. She really didn't need to hear this conversation.

When he arrived it was in the most un-Gene-like clothes. Jeans. And loafers, who knew Gene owned loafers? A cable-knit sweater with buttons around the collar, adorably undone. He followed Alex inside wordlessly, very conscious that he could not wake Molly.

"Tell me the truth," she said eventually after what felt like hours, her voice unusually dull. They were sat side by side on the sofa, not touching, still.

"Bolly." He sighed, his hand just ghosting a touch on her arm. She'd asked him not to call her that and he wondered if that still counted now. He didn't have anything to say, anything to tell her, she already knew, deep down he suspected she'd always known.

"So this clown, this... death clown that's been stalking me..."

"What bloody death clown?" Christ, this woman made no sense to him 99 percent of the time, he was pretty sure she was stark raving mental. "It's late, Alex," he half-snapped. "Don't talk riddles."

"This clown's after Molly, Gene, if, if anything happens to me..."

"I'll take good care of her," he promised. "You have my word. I'll make sure everyone does, even that loser, Skelton."

"I know you will. All of you will. Thank you." She offered him a small smile, knowing they had an understanding. Maybe there was a chance, however small, that they could get back to where they were previously...

... It was her eyes, he decided. They drew him to her every time, without fail. A briefest little smile, her eyes would light up and he was gone. It wasn't that he wanted to shag her – well, it was but it was more. Her. A family. A ready-made shake 'n' bake family that he wanted so much and so desperately...

"Mum? Gene?" Molly's voice interrupted his thoughts and he sprung up, guiltily. It must look damn suspicious that he was lurking about in the flat at near four in the morning.

"I didn't stop over!" he blurted, blushing bright crimson. He didn't want Molly to think he was taking advantage of her mum, shagging Alex and then leaving. He cared about what Molly thought of him, very much so. It was important to him to act as a good role model to Alex's little girl, not just because Bolly wanted him too, *he* wanted to for himself.

"I know you didn't. What's going on?"

She looked adorable. All sleepy and fluffy and rubbing her eyes against the light. Gene thought he could get used to this. He didn't mind that Molly was bursting in; he didn't care how late it was. All he knew was how deeply he cared about this little girl and never wanted to see a single hair on her head harmed or her hurt in any way.

"Just a case, Molls." He was very aware of the need to hide the truth from Molly. "Your mum's a bit upset." And that wasn't a lie. He glanced at Alex, distressed to see her crying and desperately trying to hide it from Molly.

"Is it over?" Molly asked, knowing Alex sometimes dealt with horrible situations at work and not to ask too many questions.

"It's over," he promised, knowing now Alex knew the truth and had closure she shouldn't have any more nightmares. "But I need you to do me a favour, okay?" His hand went automatically to Alex's shoulder and squeezed in reassurance. He had this. He needed her to know she didn't need to worry.

"Okay."

"Look after your mum."

Molly nodded. "Sure. Why don't you stay?"

"Loose ends to tie up, little lady." He turned to Alex. "You gonna be okay?"

She nodded and Gene kissed her on the forehead. It was a gesture so tender it surprised them both a little. "Get some sleep, Drakey." Then, a little shocked at his own boldness he went to Molly, dropping to her level and gave her a hug. "See you in the morning, mini Bolls."

"Promise?"

"I promise, Molly."

He let himself out without another word.

There was silence for a moment and then Molly was taking charge. She was good at that when she needed to be. She got Alex back into bed and waited with her patiently and calmly while she cried, not getting upset herself nor asking any questions. She knew she mum would talk if and when she was ready.

Molly was sure, as she looked to the window and saw the first few weak rays of dawn approaching that everything would look a little brighter in the morning.