The routine of the day fell into place. It wasn't until everyone was gathering up coats and making their way out of the office that Jimmy asked the question "So you out with her tonight?"

Dempsey shook his head but he was still smiling as he spoke "I have to admit that last week was just a bit too intense for me"

"I thought she was the best thing that had happened to you"

"Sometimes I just need a break, a pint and a laugh with the lads"

"You've not.."

"Nah – got tomorrow and Wednesday booked"

"Well remember I'm waiting in the wings"

"I think a couple of days off will actually help my performance"

"You reckon?"

"I'll tell you Wednesday morning" Dempsey winked

"Oh for goodness sake" Makepeace pushed passed them, "let me get out of here"

"You joining us for a drink Harry?" Dave asked

"In case you hadn't noticed Dave" Makepeace glanced down at herself "I'm not one of the lads" Makepeace pulled open the office door to leave

"Hey Harry you are coming to my 30th?" Jimmy questioned. Makepeace stopped and stepped back in, tilting her head as if to ask where and when "Friday Night, 7.00 Walthamstow Stadium – first race 7.30"

"Great I'll be there Jimmy"

"Good, because Harry to me you're just one of the lads you see"

Once she reached her car Harry kicked the door sill and as she sat down and overrevved the engine she pulled the door shut far too hard shouted at herself "GET A GRIP"

She had coped fine with this morning's revelations of Dempsey's latest antics, the usual water off a duck's back so why did her whole inner being feel sick at the knowledge that Dempsey was obviously rather taken by that bloody woman and was seeing her again tomorrow.

She tried in vain to convince herself that her frustration was borne out of previous experience – that when Dempsey had a new woman he lost focus at work. But in truth that had only happened the once and had nothing to do with the envy that seemed to be growing like a monster within.

She threw her washing into the machine and started to clean her kitchen with vengeance. It only served to destroy her mood further and the three neat vodkas had failed also; however the phone call from Angela asking if she wanted to go out was more positive.

***

Working with a hangover from hell Makepeace looked rough sitting at her desk next morning when Dempsey walked in.

"Woah – what happened to you partner"

"I got pissed off, I got pissed now I'm off" she looked at Dempsey aware of the throbbing still echoing around her head

"That's my man" Dempsey replied with awe and Harry smiled

"Nothing that a good cup of coffee won't fix" Dempsey grinned back, then shrugged and added "only we're in England"

"I'll settle for some coffee from that machine" Makepeace looked to her left and Dempsey obliged. As he put a mug in front of her and sat with his own he shrugged again "you know Makepeace you really are one of the boys"

"And we really should get some work done" she countered, leaving Dempsey to ponder how even with a hangover Harry liked deskwork.

*****

Harry dressed in her jeans and soft pink jumper with a huge roll neck. She debated whether her white bomber jacket would be warm enough or her long coat better for the evening chill. She decided on the bomber jacket; she looked at herself in the mirror and remembered Dempsey's hat. Retrieving it from her wardrobe she put it on "yeh, that's the look" she said to herself. There was a toot outside and she went out to the minicab which had already picked up Dave and Billy. Dave was sitting in the front passenger seat instructing the driver on his route to Dempsey's. Makepeace slid in and passed comment on travelling to the far north of London.

Billy wasn't quite so tuned into the light layer of sarcasm and said about how he thought Jimmy lived over that way.

Dempsey leapt into the car and grinned – fortuitously he had chosen the side that pushed Makepeace into the middle and him next to her. Makepeace thought differently.

Dempsey wriggled and commented on the lack of space, placing his left arm along the back seat of the car. He flicked the hat on Harry's head "see you're wearing my hat sergeant"

"Correction my hat" she looked at him as if to dare him but that only provoked him.

Suddenly his hands were down by her waist, he was feeling under her bottom "What the hell?"

"Just looking for the seatbelt "

"Since when have you worn a seat belt Dempsey?"

"Clunk click every trip"

Makepeace found the short end of the snap fastening and sweetly suggested that if he was serious Dempsey needed to reach up to his right and actually find the extendable belt.

"Well maybe I was thinking more about the hugging and a kissin in the back row"
"Good god we're only on our way there Dempsey"

Dempsey gave up with the seat belt and tipping the hat slightly to one side on Harry's head returned his arm to length of the back seat.

"What about on the way home then Makepeace – was that an offer I heard?"

"No Dempsey it wasn't and you know that"

"Can't blame a guy for trying"

"Usually Dempsey I can blame you for everything and anything"

"Well that ain't fair"

"But it's usually true"

Billy who had only joined SI10 around two months ago coughed and shuffled nervously.

Makepeace noticed his plight and opened up a general conversation about who was likely to win or lose during the night. Dempsey insisted that as he was a mean poker player he'd win the most whilst Makepeace had countered him saying that none of those skills were in play at the dog track. She did concede that he was good at poker and Billy made a mental note not to get beaten by Dempsey.

The cab pulled into the Whalthamstow Stadium, the neon lights lit the front area and the foursome made their way to where the rest of the SI10 crowd were gathering.

As they made their way to the bar Dempsey couldn't resist adjusting the hat on Harry's head again. She reached up and pulled it tight into place again.

"I was only admiring the angle"

"It was fine how it was"

"It looked better tipped a little"

"Dempsey I don't need you to dress me"

"Ah but do you need me to undress you sergeant?"

"When I do Dempsey I'll let you know"

Dempsey whistled a long low note deciding that even the longest odds on the first race stood more chance of bringing him success but he would continue to harbour a secret and forlorn hope.