Harry gently placed the woman's hand back on her chest. He swallowed as he noted the three rings on her finger. Engagement. Someone loved her enough to ask her to stay with them for the rest of their lives. Wedding. They followed through. Eternity. They added to their happiness. A thought suddenly crossed his mind and he scanned the scene for Nikki. His eyes falling eventually on her defeated form. Leaning against a police car, smearing vicks under her nose, wiping her stinging eyes. He watched her as she began shuffling through notes. Busy as a bee.

"It might be nothing but ill tell the SIO" Leo was saying as he stood and began walking towards a pleasant looking woman in her mid forties. DI Alison Greene removed her gloves before shaking Leo's hand warmly. He could see it already in Leo's eyes that he liked her. Leo may aswell have carried a flashing neon sign over his head announcing I FANCY THE ARSE OFF THE DI .

Harry watched theirexchange with piqued interest and marvelled at how Leo did it. Hi. I like you. Will you go out wi with me? Sure why not. Lets move in. Ok. Lets get married. Ok. Lets try shall we. Ok. Im pregnant. Wow.

It really is that simple.

She never said it back. It was like she hadnt heard him.

"I love you Nikki".

He had said it hadn't he?

As the realisation dawned on him he felt sick to his stomach. Youve got your confirmation. She doesnt love you. She was letting you go. Say goodbye. Let her go. But the thought that led him to seek her out wouldn't leave him. They would have to talk. Just in case. Maybe he was too hopeful for his own good.

When the ambulance crews were finally given the nod to move the bodies to the morgue Harry began peeling off his protective clothing and went looking for her.

After an exhaustive search he began making his way towards his car which he had left parked beside Leo's. She was sitting in the passenger seat of Leos car, her chin resting on her chest. Her eyes closed. He tapped on the window and she startled. He mouthed an apology. There shared an awkward stare before she rolled the window down. There were no smiles.

"Was I that bad?" He attempted but the humour didnt reach his voice.

"You were excellent. But its field you excel in isn't it?" She said coldly, refusing to meet his eyes.

"Heres Leo...see you back at the office"

"Nikki we need to talk...I erm...last night...I wasnt exactly...dressed for the occasion".

Now she turned to look at him. He didnt flinch under the wait of her raging stare. She rolled the window up and looked away. Resolve hardening her soft features.