Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes Original Characters, Fenchurch East Police Station, the Railway Arms, Luigi's and Alex's flat are owned by Kudos Film and Television, Monastic Productions and the BBC. Everything else (including the new characters) are owned by me.
Chapter Seven
Ray stood at the bar, he toyed with the idea of going behind the bar and pouring his own pint, he looked around nobody was paying any attention to him, his blue eyes sparkled with mischievousness and he slipped behind the bar and grabbed himself a clean glass. Just as he was about to pull the tap on his favourite ale, Nelson walked back in, he said nothing and just watched as Ray expertly pulled himself a fresh pint, he was lost in his own little world.
"You are a natural, hey Ray?".
Ray lost in a world of his own, looked around suddenly "Eh sorry Nelson, didn't think you would mind me pulling myself a pint, cracking ale", his cheeks had gone slightly pink, he looked like a child caught with his hand in the biscuit tin.
Nelson smiled, "It's okay Ray, you are free to go behind the bar if you want, there are no restrictions here, it's not like the other place".
Ray nodded and turned back quickly before his glass overflowed, he smiled lifted his glass in salute and then took a long draft.
"Aaah that's the stuff", he wiped the ale head from his moustache.
Nelson continued to serve but kept his eye on Ray. Maybe, maybe? he thought to himself. He looked at Ray, out of everyone from the squad Ray seemed the most happy and at ease, it was like he had finally chased his demons away. Here he no longer had to remind himself of his strained relationship with his father, or about that young lad he had accidently killed. Nelson had observed Ray for a long time, and had knew his sadness, it surrounded him like a green shield, blocking everything out, Ray had got through life on earth and in Fenchurch by trying to be the hard man, trying to prove himself to everyone around him. Here in this special oasis, Ray no longer had anything to prove.
"I meant what I said", said Nelson as he prepared a pina colada for one for the elderly police officers.
"He looks like Dixon from Dock Green", Ray winked at the copper who salaciously winked back, Ray laughed, there was no homophobia here.
"Ray, stop flirting with everything".
Ray stopped and looked at Nelson, he had not realised he was doing that, he was just happy and wanted to share it with everyone "Sorry I'm not, this is a great place Nelson".
"Thanks Ray, you are not listening to me though".
Ray stopped winking at the female police officers that had come in earlier, "They look right tasty".
Nelson threw his eyes up to heaven, and reflected he had been doing that a lot lately, maybe it was time for him to move on to new ground. This place could work very well without him now, he would just need someone to take it over, someone who could bridge the gap between both worlds. He looked at Ray again, you never knew, maybe Ray was the man, he had the gift of the gab when it suited him and the female coppers loved him, no matter how unpolitically correct he was.
"Would you like to help behind the bar from time to time Ray?".
Ray looked at Nelson to see if he was joking, nope he looked serious, work behind the bar, that might be interesting, it would also be the first job he took where he would not be trying to impress his dad or Gene.
"Yeah, I would like to give it a bash if you'll let me".
Nelson started to pour a pint of Guinness but the tap was empty, "com'on then come down to the cellar with me and I will show you how to change a barrel".
Ray downed the rest of his pint in one go, slammed the glass down on the bar "Excellent, I have always wanted to do that".
Nelson took a quick glance over the side of the bar, there Alex was still there staring at the door, the granny basher file set out in front of her, he would have to do something about that room she requested otherwise she would get carbuncles on her arse from sitting there so long.
Ray noticed her too and wanted her to share in his excitement "Hey Alex, Nelson's going to show me how to change a barrel, do you want to come and watch?".
Alex looked up at him and smiled non committally "I don't think I would be much help Ray, you would probably be better off on her own".
Ray shook his head "Wait here Nelson".
He went out from behind the bar went around to Alex and gently put his hand on her arm. Alex looked at him startled, Ray was never given to emotional gestures and it shocked her, he really was changing and coming into his own.
"Alex, you need to move from there before you get carbuncles on your arse".
Alex was so shocked, she let Ray gently pull her out of the chair and bring her around the bar. Nelson stood gobsmacked looking at Ray, he would never have thought that Ray would be able to read mines.
"I might look like a thick Northerner but I am not", Ray said calmly to Nelson.
"You kept that bloody quiet Ray", Nelson exclaimed.
Ray shrugged, and looked slightly embarrassed "Well it's a bit, you know, pooffy".
Alex looked at both of them, and then it finally clicked "Can Ray read minds too?".
Ray smiled, his cheeks had gone redder.
"So have you been listening to my thoughts Ray?", Alex asked shocked.
Ray looked her in the eyes, his stare never wavering, "I was too busy picking up birds to be listening to your thoughts posh bird".
Alex smiled gratefully and walked ahead down to the cellar, as soon as she was out of ear shot, Ray nudged Nelson "I just lied".
Nelson laughed "I know, but it was very convincing".
"Thanks I do try, so are you going to show me how to change a barrel or what?".
"This way Mr. Carling, this way", Nelson made his way down to the cellar, Ray following behind him.
Alex's voice came up to greet them "It's very dingy down here".
