Thanks for all my readers and reviewers – your comments are really appreciated.

More hospital drama – rated for language as Gene loses his temper!

Chapter 6 – My Camera Never Lies

Alex twitched as a series of hazy images played in her mind like a long forgotten nightmare. At some deeply subconscious level, she knew that she was dreaming, but that didn't stop her body's reaction or the feeling of utter helplessness and panic that flooded through her. She was running towards the bandstand again, but this time it felt like she was running through a quagmire; she screamed her warning but no one seemed to hear. And then suddenly Layton stood in front of her…laughing.

"You've 'ad your fun little girl – time to go home," he said with a sneer.

The now inevitable explosion rocked her world and she was flying, falling, tumbling through the air, not knowing where she would land – only knowing that it would hurt when she did. She braced herself for the unavoidable impact, but instead of the pain of contact with solid ground, she felt warm, solid flesh catching her, holding her tightly. He was here – she was safe. In her dream she couldn't see his face, but she could feel his arms around her and she knew that no harm would come to her now. She snuggled closer to his chest as his long fingers moved her hair aside, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered softly but insistently. She couldn't hear what he was saying but somehow it didn't matter.

With a smile still playing about her lips, she opened her eyes to find a different sort of reality. She blinked to clear the haziness from her eyes but it soon became apparent that she was in a hospital bed. So, this was no dream then? The terrible events in her dream had actually happened? It also became rapidly apparent that this was still 1982; the equipment, the posters on the wall and most of all the presence of Gene next to her, all indicated that she had not been blown back to the future. At this precise moment she wasn't exactly sure how to feel about that, in fact she couldn't really feel anything at all! Which was a bit strange considering that she was quite sure there had been a lot of blood – and pain. She could remember it quite vividly now.

She had no sense of what time or even what day it was, although there were hints of light breaking through the slatted blinds at the windows. As she glanced around the room she realised that she must have been put in some sort of side-ward – presumably because she had been quite seriously injured. She smiled as she took in the welcome sight of Gene by her bedside. He was currently looking very uncomfortable, seated in a chair but leaning forward so that his head and shoulders were resting on the bed, just next to her hand. She experimentally began to flex her fingers and found that while it didn't hurt, it did feel like an almost monumental exertion. With a great effort she managed to raise her hand to his head and stroked his mussed up hair.

"Hmm…wha…." Gene mumbled sleepily, his eyes unfocused and bleary. His eyes closed again but almost immediately his head jerked up and he blinked furiously. "Bols?"

She nodded, not quite trusting herself to speak.

He gripped her hand tightly. "You awake? Shall I get a nurse?"

"No," she croaked.

Gene quickly moved forward and poured a glass of water, holding it to her lips as she took a small sip. "Thank you," she said, relieved to hear that she sounded less like an old woman this time.

"How d'yer feel?"

"Bit strange," she admitted, "Tired. And I ache like I've gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson. But not really much pain – is that strange?"

"Not with the amount of drugs you've got swimming around you," he said indicating the various drips that were attached to her. "In fact, if yer weren't in hospital I'd probably have to arrest you for possession."

"At least I'd be safe." She squeezed his hand gratefully. "I know I'd be safe."

"Yeah…well." He cleared his throat but then returned the squeeze. "Didn't get to you quick enough this time did I? Do you remember what happened Alex?"

She nodded. "Most of it. I remember the explosion, the terrible noise…and then the pain." She closed her eyes briefly as tears welled in her eyes. "I thought I was going to die…and then you came." She opened her eyes again to find herself staring into his intense gaze.

He reached forward, and with one finger, gently wiped away the tear that had trickled down her cheek. "I thought I was gonna lose you Alex. Don't think I could bear it."

"I know. Gene I…."

The door opened and a voice interrupted. "Ah you're awake now?"

"So it would seem," Alex said.

The nurse bustled efficiently around the bed, checking drips, noting down vital signs, and adjusting the pain medication as Alex watched bemusedly. The old-fashioned nurses uniform was quite comforting in strange way, with the crisply laundered dress and starched cap lending an air of authority in a way that 21st century uniforms rarely did.

"How's the pain Alex?" the nurse enquired.

"I can't feel very much to be quite honest."

"That's quite normal at the moment. You've been quite heavily sedated since the operation. Mr McAndrew will be doing rounds in a couple of hours to see how you're doing."

"Mr McAndrew?"

"Surgeon," Gene supplied. "Seems like a good bloke."

Once satisfied that Alex was stable the nurse left them alone.

"You should go and get some sleep," Alex said, "You look like hell."

"Thanks a lot! Last time I stay up all night with you!" he said gruffly, but without malice.

Alex smiled sleepily. "I'm only going to fall asleep again –there's not much fun sitting around watching that is there?"

Gene privately thought that he could watch her sleep for hours but instead shrugged his shoulders. "Suppose."

"And they'll be missing you at the station – especially after yesterday."

"They're all worried about you."

"Well then. You should give them an update – tell them I'm going to be fine."

He squeezed her hand again. "If you're sure? I'll grab a couple of hours kip and come back." He glanced down at his shirt. "Maybe get a clean shirt an' all?"

Alex smiled and nodded as her eyelids fluttered closed. "I'll still be here when you get back."

Gene stood and gently tucked the bedclothes around her before placing a kiss on her temple. "See you later."

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As Gene made his way towards the exit of the hospital, his mood was considerably more optimistic than when he had first arrived. She was bloodied and battered but at least she was alive and he vowed to himself to make sure she stayed that way. He still felt reluctant to leave, but both Alex and the nurses had insisted that he go and get some rest himself and Gene had finally succumbed to their entreaties – but only after extracting promises that he would be contacted if anything should go amiss.

The cool early morning air blew some of the cobwebs away and he began to formulate his plan for the day. He would go home, shower and change before heading to the station for an update – with possibly a detour for a large greasy breakfast to set him up. He gave up on the idea of getting any sleep; he had managed a few hours napping next to Alex's bed last night – that would tide him over. He was still in a world of his own when a familiar voice hailed him.

"Gene?"

He looked up to see Dougie striding towards him, a look of concern on his face as he approached.

"Christ – you been in the wars?" Dougie said, noting Gene's bloodied shirt.

"Not mine. What you doing 'ere then?"

"Maggie's got an operation this morning."

Gene schooled his features into an appropriate expression of concern. "Serious?"

"Nah. Routine stuff – 'women's problems' if you get my drift."

"Yeah, she 'ad a lot of those." Gene's brow furrowed and his expression resembled nothing less than a scowl but he bit his tongue – it wasn't his place to comment. "You live around here then?"

Dougie nodded enthusiastically. "Company flat in St John's Wood – not a bad place. You and Alex'll have to come around some time."

Hell will freeze over first! "Don't think it'll be anytime soon mate. She's in a bit of a bad way – I've just left 'er in there," he nodded towards the hospital.

"What happened?"

"She were in Regent's Park yesterday when the bomb went off – got hit by some shrapnel."

"Is she alright? Christ…I never even thought…"

"Touch and go for a while. I thought she…" Gene's voice cracked and Dougie clapped a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"You alright?"

"Yeah," Gene shrugged and took a deep breath. "Yeah. Been a long night though."

"She's alright now?"

"Out of danger at least. She woke up and I managed to have a few words before she went back to sleep."

"Thank God for that. I really like her you know – you picked a good one there."

Gene didn't have the strength to argue with Dougie on that point. He wanted to tell him the truth – but he wasn't exactly sure what the truth was any more. He and Alex were good friends to be sure and he'd never had that with a woman before – but could they be something more? He'd been hoping to find out, but then the IRA had put the kybosh on his plans; now he would just have to wait and see.

"I could go and visit her," Dougie was saying.

Gene shook his head. "Give it a while yeah? She's in no fit state at the moment."

"Yeah…course. But you'll tell her I was asking after her?"

He nodded. "And Dougie – don't take this the wrong way, but I'd rather you didn't tell Maggie…about Alex being in the same hospital."

"Not if you don't want me to." Dougie frowned. "I've never understood what it is with you two – apart from being divorced that is."

"You should ask her – I can't tell yer."

"Why not?"

"Because it's not my place – I made a promise. You need to ask Maggie."

Dougie shook his head. "She won't say anything. Tell's me its best left alone."

"For once, she's probably right. Listen, I've got to go – duty calls an' all that."

"Sure. Listen Gene, if you want to talk or just go for a drink – you've got my number right?"

"Maybe. I just need to be here for Alex you know."

"Course. See yer then mate."

Gene glowered as he walked towards the car park where Ray had safely deposited the Quattro. He had been torn between a compulsion to tell Dougie everything that had happened between himself and Maggie and the need to keep quiet. Only the thought of Alex finding out had stopped him in the end. While he knew he was blameless in the matter – well, almost blameless, he wasn't sure he wanted Alex to know about the deep, dark secrets in his past. At least, not until he had the chance to explain.

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After a hot shower and a pint of coffee, Gene felt more awake than he had a right to feel after the night he'd just experienced. Consequently he decided forgo the pleasure of a quick forty winks, and headed straight to the station, stopping only for the largest, greasiest bacon butty he could find. As he passed through the station he was assaulted on all sides by enquiries about Alex; How was she doing? Was she awake yet? When would she be coming back? While it tried his patience mightily he was hardly surprised – not only was Alex a vital member of his team, she was also popular around the rest of the station.

He strode into the CID offices, the doors banging behind him as he made his way into the office. Hush descended and with all eyes upon him, he stopped suddenly and turned to face them. With a deep sigh and a stubborn pout forming on his lips, he marched into the centre of the room.

"Right you lot, you'd better listen in because I won't be repeating myself. I've spoken to DI Drake this morning and she is fine…well, as fine as you can be after murdering bastards have tried to blow you up. She sends her best wishes, although for the life of me, I can't understand why," he growled.

Shaz raised her hand, "Guv…"

Gene ignored her. "I will be returning to visit her later today to ensure that she is not driving the nurses potty with her fruitcake ways."

"We should send her a card…or some flowers," Shaz finally spluttered.

Gene turned his laser beam eyes in his direction, but simply nodded. He should have thought of that himself. "I'm sure she'd like that."

"Can she have visitors Guv?" Shaz enquired again.

"Not yet. I'll let you know when she's up to it. Now listen up the rest of you and listen good. Bols is gonna be out of action for a while I imagine, so I need all of you to do yer best while she's gone."

"Yes Guv," they chorused.

"That means no mistakes, nothing slipping under the wire. I want paperwork and reports kept on top of, cases solved and no, I repeat no cock-ups. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Guv."

He glared around the room. "Well go on then! Get a shift on!"

The room suddenly bustled into activity and Gene retreated to the sanctity of his office, satisfied that order had once more been restored. After checking in with the Super and giving him the edited version of how his time with Alex had been spent, he turned his attention to the papers and files littering his desk – the Sarah Watts case being the most prominent.

He walked to the door and shouted, "Raymondo – get yer arse in here."

Ray walked in brandishing a newspaper, "'Ere Guv, you're never gonna believe this."

"Let me guess, Linda Lusardi's got her tits out again?"

"I wish," Ray leered. "No, there's a picture of the bombings – and it looks like you and Drake."

"Gimme that," he said snatching the paper from Ray's hand.

It wasn't Ray's usual downmarket tabloid but the first few pages were still covered with images from both Hyde Park and Regent's Park; dead horses covered with tarpaulin, cars that had been caught in the blast, the remains of the bandstand and victims of the blast with blood running down their faces or clutching their wounds – all vividly captured in black and white.

"Page four Guv," Ray prompted.

"Oh Christ," Gene sat down heavily in his chair as he found the image he was looking for. It wasn't difficult – it featured quite prominently. Under a tag line that screamed 'Faces of Anguish', there were three or four pictures depicting the wounded and those who had been trying to render aid. He recognised the scene immediately; Alex was in his arms and his own face was contorted into an expression of such grief and pain, that it would have been immediately obvious to anyone who saw it exactly what he was feeling at that moment. "Fuck."

Ray stood silently for a moment, not quite knowing what to say.

Finally Gene looked up, eyes blazing. "What fucking bastard takes pictures of people dying?"

"She didn't die," Ray said quietly.

"No, but he wasn't to know that was he?"

"No Guv. The photographer's name's usually at the bottom." Ray said helpfully.

Gene scoured the page until he found the evidence he was looking for. "James Carlyle," he spat. "Right, I'm onto you son."

"Guv, we should get round to see Sarah Watts. What with everything going pear-shaped yesterday, we still 'avn't interviewed her."

"Numb nuts! Do I 'ave to do everything meself?" He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "Come on then. I'll deal with James bastard Carlyle when I get back."

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Gene's bad temper had only marginally improved by the time he time he went back to visit Alex later that afternoon. His anger about the photograph had been compounded by the cock-up in the Sarah Watts case – she had been left alone for too long and he knew Bolly would have a few choice words to say on the matter. Always presuming she was in a fit state of course. Then he had been continually delayed at Fenchurch East; Macintosh had called for an update – both on the Watts case and Alex, and he had had to deal with the fall out. Still, he was here now and he hoped he would be able to stay for a few hours at least.

He had also managed to track down suitable bouquet of flowers to present – he knew Shaz was organising something from the team but he wanted to give her something personal. After checking with the nurses who gave him an update, he tentatively knocked on the door and then entered.

Alex appeared to be asleep – she also appeared to be not completely alone. Gene frowned as he struggled to place the face of the younger man sitting next to Alex's bed.

"Can I help you?" the man said.

"I was about to ask you the same thing," Gene said quietly as he placed the flowers at the bottom of the bed.

"Sorry, I don't think we've been formally introduced. James…James Carlyle." James stood and put forward his hand.

Gene stared in consternation for a moment before reacting. "You've got a bloody nerve," he hissed. "Outside…now."

"What?"

"I said get outside before I bloody throw you out!"

Alex moaned and stirred uneasily before settling into her pillow once more.

Gene gestured towards the door.

"Listen," James said as soon as they were outside, "I…"

"Shut it toe-rag." Gene pushed James against the nearest available wall and loomed menacingly. "Good job we're in a hospital, cos I've a feeling you're gonna need it."

"I don't understand?"

"Don't you? Then you must be thicker than you look – and that would be saying something. What's the matter then James Carlyle – don't you recognise the people you take pictures of?"

"Sometimes…not always – but of course I recognise you now."

"Damn right! How you've got the nerve to show your face…" he poked James in the chest.

"I came to explain…to Alex that is," James stuttered.

"Really? I'd love to have 'eard your explanation."

"It's my job…I'm a photographer."

"And are you a human being as well?" Gene exploded. "She was dying and you took a fucking photograph!"

"I explained to Alex…she understands."

"Does she now?" Gene shouted. He suddenly became aware of his surroundings and the dozens of faces now turned in their direction. "Well I don't," he said quietly, "so you better just piss off out of here before I do something you might regret."

"But I…."

"Everything alright DCI Hunt?"

Gene turned. "Yes Sister."

The new arrival smiled, "That would be Matron, DCI Hunt. And you do realise that Miss Drake is only allowed one visitor at the moment?"

"Course Matron," Gene turned on a full wattage smile, "this gentleman was just leaving – if you could just show him the way?"

Without looking back Gene entered Alex's room and left James to the tender mercies of Matron Donnelly. Once inside he rifled for his flask and took a huge gulp of soothing liquid before taking some deep breaths and expelling his rage along with the air. He couldn't remember the last time he had been so angry but what he didn't want is for Alex to realise what had happened. If that wanker had already told her about it then he couldn't actually keep it from her but all the same…

"James?" Alex said sleepily.

Jealously seared through Gene's gut like a knife through butter. "No, its me."

Alex smiled as her heart skipped a beat, although she quickly noticed that all was not well in Gene-land. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing…nothing for you to worry about anyway. You just concentrate on getting better."

"Help me sit up," she said, as she began to struggle.

"You sure?"

"Yes, I've been sitting up already – I just fell asleep again." Alex gratefully leaned into Gene as he gently pulled her into a sitting position, plumping the pillows behind her before he sat down in a chair next to the bed.

"You'd make a good nurse."

"Change of career you mean?" Gene said as he tried to raise a smile. "Well, if I can do bed baths as well, I'll consider it."

Alex laughed and then stopped almost immediately. "Ooh, don't make me laugh." She spotted the flowers still lying where Gene had left them. "Those for me?"

"Oh yeah," he looked around at the many bouquets that had already been delivered. "Looks like I'm a bit late – I'll take 'em…."

"No you will not," she said holding out her hands eagerly.

He smiled shyly as he handed them over. "Hope you like 'em. Wasn't sure what to get…. never been much good with flowers."

"Oh Gene – they're beautiful," she said, as she admired the simple bouquet of pale cream roses and forget-me-nots. "My favourites. Thank you so much."

"Suppose lover-boy got you those," he said, gesturing at the magnificent bouquet of red roses.

Alex sighed. "If you mean James, then yes he did – by way of an apology I imagine."

Gene nodded. "Did he tell you then – about the picture?"

Alex gingerly reached over to the bedside cabinet and retrieved the offending newspaper, handing it to Gene. "He showed me."

Bugger. He had been hoping that she hadn't seen it – that she would never see it.

"He explained," Alex continued.

"Explained! Didn't think there was much explanation meself!"

"Gene," she reached over and took his hand. "I know you think…"

Gene leapt up, unable to contain the anger inside. "He took a picture of you while you were dying Alex. He took a picture! Any normal human being would have run over to help but oh no, all he was thinking of was himself!"

"Gene please come and sit down…please."

She waited until he had sat down again. "I know you can't understand and I'm not saying that I totally understand either – but that's what he does. He's a photographer – and a war photographer at that! Suddenly he found himself in the middle of a war zone where minutes before there had been peace and tranquillity. His instincts just kicked in – in much the same way as our instincts did. Different instincts that's all."

"Don't think I'll ever understand," Gene grumbled.

"I know." She paused and looked at him before carefully continuing. "Was that the only reason you were upset? Because he took a picture when he could have helped?"

Gene suddenly found his boots of great interest as he lowered his eyes. She was too good at this. He could have waffled his way out of it if she hadn't seen the picture – but she had. She had seen the expression on his face, seen his grief laid bare to the world. There was no hiding it, no denying it – the evidence was there plain to see.

She squeezed his hand gently. "It wasn't just my privacy he intruded upon was it?"

He let out a great sigh and then raised his eyes to hers. "Thought you were dying Bols – just for a moment. I was sure of it."

There was a moment of utter stillness as they looked into each other's eyes, an understanding that could not be translated into words passed between them.

"But I didn't die," she said finally.

"No. Tough as old boots you. Unbreakable."

Alex smiled. "Well, not quite but I know what you mean." She yawned as she clasped her cherished bouquet of flowers closer.

"I'll get one of the nurses to put them in water," Gene said. "You could open a bloody florists with the stuff you've got here." He turned to look at her, noted her eyelids fluttering as she tried to resist the pull of sleep. "You should get some rest."

She tried to resist as he took the flowers from her and removed a pillow so she could lie down. "Don't want to rest. I've been resting all day," she complained.

"Well, I'd get used to it love. Be a while before you're up and at 'em I reckon."

"Hmmm," she said as her eyes started to close. "You'll stay for a while?"

"Long as you need me."

………..to be continued.