Chapter 8

Thanks once again to Lu 1989, for all her help and thank you to all those people who left reviews. Hope you enjoy the next chapter.

Alex went to DC Stone's cell with Viv.

"Ma-am I really don't know what happened, he didn't complain of being ill."

"Did he share a cell?"

"No, Ma-am he was alone. I was not going to put a con and a copper in the same cell."

"Did he have any visitors?"

"Only his solicitor Evan White, I'm sorry Ma-am but I was relieved when Mr White finally left the station"

"Why is that Viv?"

"Demanding refreshments for him and DC Stone, when we were short-staffed, Shaz kindly took some drinks into the interview room, she wasn't even on the rota today, nice kid."

Alex nodded, she was eager to get on with the investigation.

"Do you know why Gene was so angry at Ray?"

"Well there are rumours Ma-am that back in Manchester there was a death in the cells when Ray was in charge".

Alex remembered Sam notes the case had led to Ray being demoted but no charges were made against him.

Gene and Ray were drinking when Alex stormed through the door.

"Hello Bolly, pull up a chair"

"Is this your solution, a prisoner dies in our care and you two hit the bottle."

"Look Bolly there's not much we can do until we get the results of the post-mortem"

"It may escape your attention but its Christmas, not many people volunteer to cut up bodies at Christmas."

"Are we sweeping this case under the carpet as well? I know what happened in Manchester." Alex eyed Ray suspiciously.

"Really! Well if you know that, you will also know that your little friend Evan paid Stone a visit today".

"I know Viv told me, I'm going to interview him"

"I think the Guv should do it." Ray glared at Alex; she was just looking for another excuse to see Evan.

"Fine Luigi has been released from hospital, you two go and interview him and I'll pay a visit to Bolls's boyfriend".

"For the final time Gene, he is not my boyfriend, I do not have any romantic feelings for him whatsoever".

"So you do have feelings for him?" Gene looked intensely into Alex eyes

"Yes Gene I have feelings for him, but….." Alex remembered Ray was still in the room.

"Just go and interview Evan, he is still living at Tim and Caroline's house"

Alex cursed her luck she, was never going to get the chance to tell Gene how she really felt. When they arrived at Luigi's, Chris and Shaz were cleaning up.

"What are you doing a bird's job for you poof" Ray derided Chris.

"Can we please delay the debate of gender roles till later and speak to Luigi."

"Senorita Drake" Luigi was sat in a booth smoking a cigarette, a huge bandage circled his head.

"I'm so sorry Luigi, how are you?" Alex sat opposite Luigi.

"Ah, much better, everyone has been so kind"

"Do you remember anything about your attacker?"

"I'm sorry senorita, I was talking to your young man earlier and I told him I can't remember anything"

"Oh, Chris has already taken your statement"

"No Senorita not Chris, your young man Senor White, he was very charming, asked lots of questions about you."

"Wow another bloke on the go! I'm surprised you are able to stay awake"

"Ray, please shut up go and do something useful"

"With pleasure Ma-am" Ray left the table and headed to the fruit machine.

"Luigi, Evan is not my young man"

"I know, I'm not blind you love Senor Hunt" Alex blushed "Its ok Senorita, your secret is safe, but this Evan he loves you too and he asks lots of questions"

"We are old friends, he doesn't love me."

"Senorita please be careful there is something about this man, I don't trust him."

"I don't understand, Luigi."

"I can sense these things. I can sense that you love Senor Hunt and he loves you…."

Embarrassed Alex turned away and gazed at Chris and Shaz redecorating the Christmas tree.

"Alex. Alex. Evan is very charming, very charming"

The voice wasn't Luigi's; she turned her head the Clown was sat opposite her.

"A maggot, a maggot has wriggled into your paradise Alexandra"

It was her Dad's voice, Molly had been warning her about Evan.

"Ray, Chris, Shaz we have to go Gene is in danger".