Jack called Wilson's direct line and Jen answered "hey Jen it's Jack Buckton can I talk to Sean please?"
"Hey Jack hows you and Charlie doing?"
"Yeah we're good."
"Aww that's great anyway he's not here he's headed down to see you actually he left about three hours ago he must have stopped off somewhere he should be with you soon."
"To see my- why?" Jack asked a hundred things running through his head.
"I don't know Jack he just said he needed to see you right away."
"Aw come on Jen how long have we been friends."
"Don't try guilt me Buckton, I honestly don't know a thing Jack, all I know is he needs to see you that is it I promise."
Jack sighed "okay I'll speak to you soon Jen look after yourself."
"You too Jack bye," she replied and hung up.
Jack went back to his desk he was more confused and worried than before- his mums words kept playing in his mind, sighing he pulled up her file again looking at it over and over again hoping something would come up that he might have missed.
Peter came out of the office with a file and walked to Jack's desk "can you call the city station and get a location on these three- this can't be good," he said leaning over Jack's shoulder he too had noticed the red flag.
"What do we do next?" Jack asked looking up at him hoping he'd have some answers.
"Watch out of the way," Peter said pulling his chair back to make room at the screen for himself. Typing in a password the screen began to fill with words. "Okay," he said and began to read "Charlie Buckton graduated from the academy top of her class in blah blah blah," he moved further down "got the position as senior Constable in…" he moved along again "partners with Dave Barton since she joined the city station- what's his story- any bad history between them?"
"Nah, he's one of Charlie's best mates they always got along… still do why?"
"Just looking at all the possibilities so they never argued or tried to blame one another for any mistakes- cases gone wrong stuff like that?"
"No never, they very rarely got things wrong and if they did they took the blame together- they were the perfect team."
Peter continued reading on "what do you know about the night she had to shoot that man? I'm reading a file added by internal Affairs."
Jack suddenly became nervous he kept looking away or at the floor "it looked bad for her because he was the guy that killed my mum and fiancée IA was called in after she claimed self-defence that he attacked her first."
"He was in her custody how did he attack her?"
"The city is very busy at night full of drunken idiots- she was stopped at lights and some asshole opened the back door and let him out and she gave chase, by the time she'd caught up with him he attacked her an took her cuff keys, she had no choice but to use her gun."
"Yeah I'm reading the full statement here- so he tried to rape her as well as attacked and choked her?"
"Yeah sick bastard was unzipping her trousers as he choked her."
"Well if that isn't a case for self-defence I don't know what is- so this guy Aaron Cosgrove is dead?"
"Uh yeah," Jack nodded trying to remain calm.
"Are you positive did someone tell you he was?"
"Yeah her old boss and she did- Peter what are you getting at?"
Peter turned the screen to him "it says here an Aaron Cosgrove escaped custody two days ago."
"It can't be he's dead she said he stopped breathing… Peter what's going on?" Jack asked panicked.
"I think I can answer that," a voice said from behind them.
Jack stood up "Sean! I've been looking for you why do you need to see me?"
"Where's Charlie?" were his first words.
"In the office," Peter said stepping forward "I'm Detective Baker," he said holding out his hand.
"Sergeant Wilson," he replied shaking Peter's hand "is there somewhere we can go where she won't see me?"
Peter pointed to another office "wait in there I'll send her home."
"Get a shadow on her!" Wilson called as he and Jack went into the office.
Charlie was lost in a pile of faxes Jen had sent over- looking up when the door opened she looked straight back down "I've located two of these guys but-"
"Charlie," Peter interrupted she looked back up "I think you need to go home I have a few things to do but I'll stop by and let you know what's going on- just to be on the safe side you'll have a shadow on you is that okay?"
Charlie nodded and stood up "I should be with my girls I didn't get a chance to talk to them properly after the break-in I'll be at Jack's house and forget the safe house I'm not letting them out of my sight," she said and grabbed her keys.
"Right I'll be over a soon as I can in the meantime call me if you need anything," Peter said as he walked to the door with her. As soon as she was gone Peter opened the door to the office Jack and Wilson were in "follow me to the bigger office," he said already walking towards it. "So as I'm sure Jack has already told you Charlie's house was broke into this morning?"
"Yes he's been telling me how are the girls doing?" Sean asked.
"Shaken up but my mate has them at my house…. Sean what's going on is Charlie in trouble?" Jack asked.
Sean sighed "yes she's in danger," he held up his hand as Jack opened his mouth "Cosgrove is not dead as we believed, apparently he woke up screaming in the back of the ambulance in a body bag- he was pronounced at the scene I was there, I was only notified the day he escaped and made a threat on Charlie's life."
"So what are we going to do about it?" Jack asked.
"Mel has been notified she's on her way- Dave will also be hanging around there is no need to worry just yet- I have wiped her file no one knows she's in Summer bay other than our team at the station but they've all been warned not to let anyone know her whereabouts- as these are Charlie's friends they have been told to make it look like a surprise visit but they will be on alert."
"So this guy that broke in could be this Cosgrove?" Peter asked.
Sean nodded "it could have been but I'm not so sure, he has no idea where she is he'd have to hack files to find out."
"But this guy told Bianca to tell Charlie he'd be back- so it has to be him," Jack said getting more and more worried.
"So let's say it is this Cosgrove guy, what's the next move?" Peter asked.
Sean sighed "for now we do nothing."
"But-" Jack started.
"We do nothing Buckton, I know you're worried about her so am I but we need to do this as quietly as possible- Charlie is not to know about this you know as well as I don she'll be straight out looking for him- we go about our business- I am here for a visit as is Dave and Mel."
Back at Jack Charlie had just pulled up, walking into the house she found it quiet "hello?" She called walking into the kitchen.
"Hey," Brax called walking down the stairs.
"Where's everyone?" she asked walking back to him.
"Bianca took them all to her house I was about to head over there now- are you okay?" he asked taking a few more steps to her.
"Yeah," she sighed "I can't believe this- my first day and I've been sent home already and taken off a case."
"Come on and I'll make you a coffee," he said leading her into the kitchen, as he made her coffee he watched her- she was lost in thought just staring into space. "So what did Peter ask you?" he asked sitting on the bench beside her.
"Thanks," she said and took the cup from him "the usual any enemies what was my relationship with you lot he even went on about me being targeted."
"Could someone know about what you did?"
"No one on was there no one could have seen us- anyway I don't wanna talk about it what's going on with you- you up to anything today?"
"Well I'm working the evening shift that's about it."
Charlie hopped off the bench and stepped in-between his legs "so I have you for the next few hours?"
Brax smirked and pulled her closer "depends on what you've got in mind," he replied sliding his hands around her waist.
Charlie smiled and leaned up to kiss him, she took a few steps back as he slid of the bench and walked her backwards towards the stairs. Lifting her onto his hips he carried her up to his room and deposited her onto the bed climbing on with her.
Charlie giggled as he placed kisses along her neck- biting her lip as he unbuttoned her shirt and slid it off her.
Rolling them so she was on top she kissed him heatedly as she yanked his shirt over his head and flung it to the floor.
Afterwards they lay together wrapped in the sheets, Charlie lay with her head on his chest as he ran his fingertips up and down her arm "you know what I've been thinking?" Brax said after a while.
"What?" Charlie mumbled.
"Well besides how beautiful you are- I think we need our next date tonight."
Charlie laughed and lifted her head "aren't you working tonight?"
"Well yeah but I own the place I can get someone else in or just bribe Casey or Heath to do it for me- what do you say?"
Charlie smiled and nodded "yeah I'd like that I just have to sort the girls out."
"Well as far as I know I told Casey he and Ruby could watch a film here later and I think Louise is going to Sasha's with April but Jack will be here when they get back."
"Yeah alright then," Charlie leaned up and kissed him before lying back on his chest.
Charlie woke up wrapped around Brax she sat up and shook him "hey wake up we fell asleep you're gonna be late," she mumbled.
Brax grunted and rolled over Charlie smirked and kissed his neck before moving along working her way up to his jaw bone "you know if you keep doing that I'm gonna have to do something to you," he muttered sleepily.
"Well I told you to get up you're gonna be late," Charlie giggled.
"What time is it?" he yawed and rolled over to face her.
"Nearly four," Charlie replied "we slept for three hours… ugh I need to go clean my house."
Brax leaned over her and kissed her "already done we did it after Watson said they were finished."
"Aww thank you," she leaned up and kissed him again "I guess I'll go around and help Bianca unpack then."
"Or you could stay here with me," Brax said and pulled her closer to him.
Charlie giggled and turned to face him "I thought you had work to go to."
Brax grabbed his phone and called someone "Heath, you want to earn a hundred bucks? Cover my shift in Angelo's? Alright it starts at five thanks mate later," Brax hung up "so now you can stay here with me," he said and pulled her into him.
Charlie giggled again and snuggled into him "fine half an hour."
Back at the station Jack paced back and forth "we can't do this she needs to be made aware- Charlie slips off on her own you know this Sean she doesn't answer to anyone she does her own thing."
"Hopefully we won't need to tell her- I have the whole city on alert and out looking for him," Sean replied.
"What if he's not in the city?" Jack asked.
"I've already sent units out and Charlie has a unit outside your house and on her at all times," Peter said.
"And what about the girls and Bianca?"
"There is one outside her place too, don't worry Jack alright we got it covered;" Peter said squeezing his shoulder."
Watson stuck her head in to the office "sorry guys- Sergeant Wilson there's a call for you from your station," she said and walked back to the desk.
Sean walked out to the phone and answered the call his face dropped after listening- he hung up and walked back into the office "there has been a security breach in the police database back in the city, seems someone got pass the walls and passcodes," he sighed and turned to Jack "they got the information on Charlie before I had it removed."
"Son of a bitch!" Jack cursed and grabbed his jacket.
"Where are you going mate?" Peter called after him as he ran from the office.
"My sister is in danger there is no way in hell I'm gonna sit back and let it happen."
"No Jack you need to let us handle it," Sean called after him.
Jack walked back to him "she's family Sean- you know how much she means to me, how do you think I'd feel if something happened to her and I didn't do anything?"
Sean sighed "yeah she is my family too so are you and the girls," he sighed again "fine, go check out your house if she's there and okay act normal she is not to know Jack are we clear?"
"Yeah we're clear," he said and took off for his cruiser.
After Jack was gone Peter turned to face Sean "Jack is a close friend Sean, I need to know what you're not saying in front of him."
Sean sighed again "we had a guy on him that placed him outside Charlie's residence last night he did not enter just stood a few houses down watching the house."
"What else?" Peter asked knowing there was something else.
"That guy turned up dead this morning with his badge and weapon missing."
Peter sighed and dropped his head "I'll assume this guy wasn't in uniform then?"
"No, he was one of my detectives he agreed to do this solely because Charlie saved his daughters life and he felt he owed her."
"So there's a guy running around with a Police badge and a police issued weapon, posing as a cop he'll get to her easy, why didn't you tell Jack? He's all about the job you know as well as I do- if this guy approaches he will have no problem getting by Jack to Charlie all he has to do is flash the damn badge," Peter yelled.
Sean sighed again "I know and I have everyone on this my detective was found in the city outside the station so Cosgrove was back in the city and I'm hoping he still is."
Back at Jack's he burst through his front door "Charlie!" He yelled and went into the kitchen "Charlie!" he called again louder.
"Mate keep it down," Brax called walking in behind him.
"Where's Charlie?" He asked panicked.
"She's upstairs asleep chill," Brax chuckled "she's fine why you so spooked?" He asked.
"No reason I'm just worried about all them after this morning where's the girls?"
"Over at Bianca's unpacking," Brax replied and handed him a coffee "they're okay mate- all of them."
Jack nodded knowing there was a cruiser there. Brax was watching him when he looked up "what?"
"We've been friends long enough for me to know there's another reason you're so worried."
"She's my sister Brax I'm gonna worry," he replied.
"Yeah I know you would- the same way as I would about Case but I know you Jack I know there's something else."
Jack sighed maybe it would be better if Brax knew he could keep an eye on her. He stepped closer "alright but this stays between me and you Charlie can never know," Brax nodded "that guy she thought she killed," Jack slammed his fists on the bench "he's not dead Brax he's out there running around looking for her he escaped security two days ago killed the two transport guards."
Brax's mouth dropped open "b-but that can't be right she said herself she killed him- his blood was all over her."
Jack shook his head "she didn't see him removed from the scene in a body bag or anyone else from her station she was already on her way to hospital with her Sergeant beside her. According to the driver of the coroner van he came to and started screaming in the bag, they never reported back to Wilson just handed him over for transport to prison he spent a few night in a city cell before being transferred to prison which he escaped on the way."
Brax stood there taking it all in "she needs to know," he said after a few minutes.
"No Brax she can't know she'll go off looking for him," Jack replied.
"So what I'm supposed to go back up to her and pretend I know nothing?"
"Yes Brax that's exactly what you're supposed to do- look she's my baby sister and I'll do anything to protect her so I am asking you as my best friend to please keep this to yourself and keep a look out for her."
Brax sighed "you know I will you don't have to ask."
"So we're good- we understand each other?" Jack asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Yeah," Brax mumbled and walked by him.
Unknowing to them Ruby had come to see Charlie after calling the station to find out she was here in Jack's house and had heard everything. She scrambled and hid when Brax began to move- as soon as he was up the stairs she looked to see Jack in the kitchen with his back to her and ran for the door dialling a number as she ran "you're needed here- like now," she panted as soon as the phone was answered. "I called like you told me to- no she doesn't know- he's not dead that guy is not dead she didn't kill him- okay I'll see you then, you have the address," Ruby hung up and climbed back into Bianca's car and headed back to her house with a cruiser in tow.
Upstairs Brax sat on his bed watching her sleep he couldn't believe this after all she did to herself the guilt she felt- the guilt she still feels. He sighed and stood up and looked out the window how was he supposed to take her out and pretend everything was okay- he opted for leaving her a note and going to Angelo's to let it sink in but decided against it. He jumped slightly when arms slipped around him.
"What you thinking about?" Charlie mumbled and leaned her head against his back.
"Nothing," he sighed and turned in her arms wrapping his own around her "how about we stay in tonight and I'll cook?"
"Hm," Charlie pretended to think "I suppose that'll do," she said after a minute.
"It'll do?" Brax asked raising an eyebrow.
Charlie laughed "I'm kidding, yeah that sounds great but my house on account of Ruby and Casey being here."
Brax nodded and dipped his head to kiss her "we better show our faces at Bianca's I told her I'd be ten minutes at eleven this morning."
Charlie laughed "yeah we better I have to see the girls- I'll just go home and change."
"Wait for me I'll come with ya," Brax replied as he pulled clothes out of his wardrobe.
"I'll be fine I'll meet you back here in about ten minutes," She kissed him quickly and made her way downstairs.
"Where are you going?" Jack asked from the sofa.
"Um to my house," she said turning to face him "and why aren't you at work?"
"Peter sent me home I couldn't focus after this morning," he lied.
"Great two Buckton's sent home," Charlie sighed "right well we're going to B's you coming?"
"Yeah I'll walk over with you to your house."
"Jack I'll be fine what's with you two Brax just said the same thing."
"I just wanna take a look around alright I'm coming no arguing," he said and brushed by her out the door.
Charlie and Jack arrived at her house and Charlie went straight to her room to get changed. Downstairs Jack took a look around and made sure all the doors and windows were locked he didn't like lying to Charlie and she'd never forgive him if she found out he knew sighing he walked to the bottom of the stairs "hey Charlz you nearly ready?" He yelled up.
"I'm coming!" Charlie called back she pulled a clean shirt over her head and made her way downstairs "what's the rush?"
"Nothing I just wanna see the girls," he lied truth was even upstairs in her own home he didn't want her to be alone.
"What are you doing later?" she asked hoping he'd say nothing.
"Well since I'm not in work I'll be at home why?"
"Right well me and Brax were supposed to be going out but he changed his mind and wants to stay in so is there any chance you could let the girls stay at yours tonight?"
"Yeah sure that's fine Brax said something about Ruby and Casey being there anyway," he smiled "come on," he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her out the door.
"Someone's eager to see Bianca," Charlie giggled and let him pull her along.
They met Brax at Jack's car and all climbed in, as they were pulling out Charlie thought she saw someone walk around the side of her house "hey stop," she said leaning forward in her seat.
"What is it?" Brax asked looking back at her.
"I think I just saw someone go around the side of my house- I'll be back in a sec," she said and opened her door.
"You stay there I'll go," Jack said and jumped out before she had a chance to reply. He hurried around the side of her house and slowly made his way through the back gate, making his way to the back door he tried the handle and it was still locked looking around the whole garden he spotted shoes sticking out from behind the shed. He hurried down and drew his gun "police show yourself!" he called. When no one answered her walked right up to it and stopped "police I will shoot you if you do not show yourself," he said again.
"Alright alright don't shoot," a kid whimpered and steeped out where Jack could see him.
"Kid what are you doing back here you know I could have shot you!" Jack yelled.
"I'm sorry I'm sorry he gave me a hundred bucks to scare her he said it was a joke between them," the kid cried.
"Who did?" Jack asked.
"Some guy Jack, he said the woman in this house was his sister and new to the area he told me to put this under her door," the kid said and held out a note.
Jack took it and looked at it and his head dropped Aaron was getting closer "okay kid this guy is wanted by us and the city station, do not go back to him go straight home what's your name and address the cops will want to talk to you."
The kid gave Jack his name and address told him he was sorry and hurried off back to his bike and cycled off leaving Jack out the back with the note. He looked at it again and sighed 'you can't get away that easy how's mummy doing Buckton?' xxx he crumbled the note and shoved it in his pocket before hurrying back to the car.
"Was I right?" Charlie asked as soon as he got in.
"Yeah just a kid looking for his ball," he lied and started up the car.
Brax saw the kid leave and he knew by Jack's face that wasn't it at all but he chose to let it go until they were alone.
When they pulled up Ruby and Louise ran out to meet them "some ten minutes Brax," Louise teased.
"Well you have your aunt to blame for that," he chuckled and went inside with the others.
"Hey, I'll be down now!" Bianca yelled from upstairs.
"Hey mum we were wondering if we could stay here tonight." Ruby asked.
"What no Rubes B has just moved in give her time to settle in."
"Really it's okay Charlie I don't mind April's room is ready they can get a take out later," Bianca said joining them in the kitchen.
"Are you sure B?" Charlie asked.
"Yes I said I don't mind now does anyone want coffee?"
"Yes," was the response from all Bianca laughed and pulled the pot out of a box "I'll help you," Jack said walking over to her.
"Is there anything you need me to do?" Brax asked.
"Actually yes," Bianca turned to him "could you grab that desk over there and get it up to my room please."
"Sure no problem," he replied and walked towards it.
"I'll help you," Charlie said walking over to it with him.
"You don't need to," Brax said ready to lift it.
"Sshh I want them to have a few minutes alone while the girls are upstairs," Charlie giggled.
Brax rolled his eyes "fine you can guide me and open the door for me," he said and lifted the desk.
"So how are you settling in?" Jack asked as soon as it was him and Bianca alone.
"Yeah it's a nice town I haven't seen much yet but so far I love it and the people are nice."
"Well I can help with that how about in the morning I take you for breakfast in the diner a few of the locals are always there you might see Gina the principal and Sally and Miles too."
"Are you asking me out Jack?" she smirked.
"No just for breakfast," he smiled.
"Huh too bad I woulda said yeah but I'll take you up on your offer anyway," Bianca smiled and turned to the fridge.
"Idiot," Jack muttered then got an idea "well I was gonna ask you out while we were there."
Bianca pulled back from the fridge "I'd love to."
Charlie clapped her hands and squealed excitedly at the top of the stairs. Brax chuckled and dragged her back into Bianca's room "you plan this or something?" he asked pinning her to the wall.
She shook her head and wrapped her arms around his neck "I knew he always liked her but no one could compare to D," she smiled and kissed him "what time are we leaving here at?"
"About half seven we can go to the shop and pick some stuff up for dinner," Brax replied as he kissed her neck.
"God can't you two give it a rest," Bianca giggled as she came into her room.
"Sorry," Charlie said and Brax pulled away from her.
"Please don't mind me," she giggled "actually what are you doing tomorrow night Charlie?"
"Nothing I'll be at home."
"Cool um Jack asked me out and I was wondering if April could stay at yours… and that you can help me get ready."
"Sure that's no problem and of course I'll help you- oh I can still do that curl thing I used to always do in your hair."
"That is my cue," Brax laughed and left them to it.
Charlie rolled her eyes "men they have no idea what a first date means to a girl, I'll tell you what I finish work at three how about you meet me at Angelo's we can grab lunch and come back here grab a few dresses and shoes and go to mine."
"Sounds like a great idea oh I'm so nervous," Bianca squealed.
"Aww you'll be fine B you get to skip all the awkward questions about yourselves."
"True okay I'm excited now," Bianca laughed and grabbed what she came in for.
Outside Aaron stood in the bushes watching Jack and Brax talk in the kitchen his smile widened when Charlie came in followed by Ruby April and Louise who were shortly followed by Bianca. "Well looks like the gangs all here," he chuckled as a plan formed he smirked as it fell together "well Buckton be prepared for some more losses." He stepped back into the bushes as Bianca came out and walked his way, he thought about grabbing her now but decided to let his plan unfold first. He smiled again as she threw a bag in the bin and walked back into the house- this was gonna be fun he took one last look at the happy family before he turned and climbed the fence.
At half seven Charlie and Brax left and decided to walk back to her house for Brax's car waving at the guys in the cruiser as they left. Once they got to her house Charlie ran in to get her purse while Brax got his car and reversed back to her driveway. After they got what they wanted in the shop they walked back to Brax's car laden with bags chatting and laughing unaware they had a shadow other than the unmarked cruiser that was following them. Charlie got the feeling she was being watched and turned around to have a look she had shivers run up her spine and knew someone was there but she just couldn't see them.
"You alright?" Brax asked as he closed the boot.
"Uh yeah I just got the feeling someone was watching me- never mind," she shrugged it off and climbed into the car. Brax took a look around and climbed in beside her when he didn't see anyone.
Back at Bianca's she and Jack were at the table with more coffee when Ruby ran in "B is it okay if we take April to meet our new friends? It's like a block away in Nicole's house she just text me to come over that everyone was there."
"No," Jack answered straight away.
"Why Uncle Jack?" she groaned.
"Because I said so and it's getting dark anway I thought you and Casey we're watching a movie at ours ."
"Hey dad you do know we're sixteen right? Plus it's only eight and we have that cruiser out there they can give us a ride and wait if that's what you're worried about," Louise said "and Casey and Sasha are already there so our plans have changed.
"Jack they're going a few houses away they'll be fine- yes she can go," Bianca said looking at Ruby.
"Thank you," she replied and hugged her.
"Jack?" April asked.
"Fine," he sighed "but in that cruiser to and back and you're not to leave Nicole's house for any reason- and be home for ten they all have school tomorrow."
"We will," all three replied and ran out to the cruiser.
Once they arrived they walked in "hey guys- everyone this is April the girl I was telling you about," Ruby said.
"Hi," April said shyly as everyone stopped talking and looked at her.
"Hi I'm Dex," he said walking to her and shaking her hand "they are my sisters Indi and Sash and their boyfriends Romeo and Xaiver," he said pointing to each.
"Hi," they all responded and waved.
"And over there we have Nicole, Geoff, Annie and Jai," Louise said beckoning them over.
"And in that corner we have Casey and Aden," Ruby said.
"So April we hear you moved from France," Sasha said as they all moved to sit together.
"Yeah it was cool for a while but the accent is a drag it took me a full year to understand half of it," she smiled when everyone laughed.
"What were the schools like over there?" Dex asked.
April shrugged "alright I guess but they had these horrible uniforms shorts and waist coats I looked like a fool and no English or other languages were allowed only French and there was me and two others that were from other places we hadn't a clue."
"Can I get you a drink or something?" Nicola asked.
"Yeah sure thanks," April smiled and fell back into conversation.
Back in Bianca's Jack was still there they now sat watching tv. "Bet April comes home and starts spilling her guts about how cool they are and how cute one or all the boys are," Bianca said as she handed Jack a glass of wine.
"Isn't that what you want- for her to make friends?"
"Well yeah but she's only here a few days I don't want her jumping into anything with a guy just yet she hasn't even started school yet."
"Ah she's a teenager and she's smart she knows what she's doing."
Back in Charlie's they had just put the food in the oven "remind me never to let you cut veg again," Brax chuckled as he held up and battered carrot.
"Hey I was distracted you kept leaning over me," she giggled.
"To get the stuff you'd already cut up," he slipped his hands around her from behind and leaned into her "why am I that good to look at?" he mumbled and kissed her neck.
"Hey none of that," she giggled and shoved him away "food first."
Brax turned her in his arms and pinned her to the bench "but you look so hot," he said and continued his assault on her neck.
"Brax," she giggled and slipped her hands around his neck "behave or the food will burn."
"We got plenty," he said lifting her up onto the bench and kissed her deeply.
Charlie groaned as there was a knock on the front door she pushed him away and climbed down, Brax pulled her back as she moved for the door "I'll get it you finish clearing that," he said and walked by her. "Pete hey," he said as he pulled the door open.
"Hey Brax is Charlie here? I tried your place first."
"Yeah come in she's in the kitchen she wanted to come back here after I told her we'd cleaned up."
Peter nodded and walked into her kitchen "hey Charlie," he said leaning on the bench.
"Hey," she stopped what she was doing "any news?" She asked.
"Yeah," Peter nodded his head "we have a guy in the station that was charged with breaking in here, Watson found him on the streets trying to break into a car with a photo of you in his pocket- he said he was sent but didn't know by who so maybe it was this Cosgrove's brother trying to scare you," he lied.
"Oh right yeah I remember him but I though he got life?"
"He did he just found out about his brother's death- the prison said he's not taking it to well."
"And how does he know I'm responsible?" She asked.
"I have no idea first thing tomorrow I'm going to go up and see him."
Charlie nodded "so we're safe you can call off all the cruisers?"
"Just to be on the safe side we'll keep them in place until I come back tomorrow."
"Can I come?" She asked.
"No Charlie you know you can't be involved."
Charlie nodded again "right well thanks I guess- it takes a load off my mind," she smiled.
Brax stood in the doorway listening he knew Peter was lying but as he promised Jack he couldn't say anything to him, what's all this about a brother in jail? He sighed and went into the living room he needed a few moments to himself.
"Right well I just came to say that and that you can return to duty at six in the morning I'll leave you guys to it goodnight," he smiled and walked back through the hallway "night Brax," he called into the living room.
"Night Pete," he called and walked back into the kitchen "why didn't you tell me you we're in work tomorrow?"
Charlie shrugged "because I didn't matter why?"
"Because that means I won't be staying and we have to wrap this up early," he said annoyed. He wasn't annoyed with her but the whole thing he hated lying to her and that everyone else was too.
"No we don't and you can just stay here when I go to work tomorrow I'll just tell the girls and they won't bother you."
Brax sighed he wasn't having their first fight over her being in work he smiled and walked closer to her "just means we have to go to bed earlier tonight," he said wiggling his eyebrows.
Charlie laughed "is that all you think about?"
"Only when you're around," he chuckled and pulled her into his arms.
Back at Bianca's the girls had arrived back "hey you girls have fun?" Bianca asked.
"Yeah they're all really nice and made me feel welcome," April replied.
"That's good see making friends already," Jack smiled.
"Yeah Dex was totally into her," Ruby giggled.
"He was not," April said and blushed.
"Oh come on we all saw it, can I get you a drink April- sit here April- want some of my popcorn April," Louise mimicked.
"Right we get it Dex has a crush on April… he is cute," Bianca said.
"Mum!" April shrieked and blushed deeper.
"What he's really nice kid smart too… did he ask you out?" she asked.
"No mum I just met him," April shrieked.
"So? Casey and Aden asked these two out the day they met them," Jack said.
"Yeah the tongues down the throats gave that away," April said and clamped her hands over her mouth as Jack's eyes widened and he shot his head to Ruby and Louise "I was kidding," she said quickly sending the girls an apologetic look.
Jack stood up glaring at them "see ya," Louise said and grabbed Ruby running up the stairs April scurrying after them "night mum- Jack!" She yelled.
"You two get back here now!" Jack yelled.
Bianca giggled "leave them Jack you know they went on dates already it's not a bad thing," she laughed and pulled him back down.
He sighed and turned to face her "they shouldn't be getting so serious so quick," he grumbled.
"Right so if I kissed tomorrow night you you'd pull away?" Bianca asked raising an eyebrow.
"We're different- we're older and we've known each other our whole lives."
Bianca rolled her eyes and handed him another glass "they're growing up whether we like it or not, Jack they're almost seventeen by their age we'd already had them."
"Yeah and I don't' want that for them- all three of them, they're young and should experience life before they even think about kids and all that, don't get me wrong I don't regret having Louise like I'm sure you and Charlie don't I just want better for them."
"Hey we did a great job look how they turned out, they're all straight A students they do what we tell them they have respect and they understand our jobs that you have to go at the drop of a hat and could be gone all night they don't complain they still tell us they love us we did great Jack."
Jack smiled as he thought about it "yeah we did and I have Charlie to thank for the woman Lou's becoming she really has done a lot for her."
"Because she loves her and she would do anything for her the same way you'd do anything for Ruby, in a weird way we're all family and we'll stick together through anything."
Jack sighed "you know I missed you when you left- April too it just wasn't the same Charlie and D moped for weeks after you left."
Bianca smiled sadly "I missed you guys too I can't believe I let us all lose touch and Jack if I had have known about D and your mum I would have been on the first plane home I'm so sorry I wasn't here."
Jack squeezed the hand she'd placed on her knee "yeah we coulda done with you here especially Charlie she fell to pieces and then dad left she got worse anyway we're all here together again and I am so glad you brought yourself and my godchild back into my life."
Bianca smiled "I'm glad too and I promise we're never leaving again if I don't get a permanent job in the school I'll be quitting and looking for something else."
Jack chuckled "I wouldn't worry about that you're a great teacher Gina will give it to you besides Miles isn't coming back he wants to live over there."
Bianca nodded "I hope so I'd love to stay on there and not worry about my next job."
Jack smiled and pulled her into him "stop worrying you'll get it."
Back at Charlie's they had eaten and cleaned up and now lay on the sofa "what's your plans tomorrow?" Charlie asked
"I'm working why?"
"Just asking I was gonna meet you for breakfast if you wanted to."
"Well I'm sure I can spare an hour for you," he replied after a minute.
"Don't let me drag you away from it," she replied sarcastically.
"Hey what's with the tone?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
"Uh how about you had to think about it," she replied.
"Uh no I was counting how many staff I'd have there before I said yes."
"Hmm sure you were," she mumbled and leaned in to kiss him."
"Wanna go to bed?" he asked after Charlie yawned.
"Yeah it's been a long day," she replied and pulled herself up.
"Because that four hour nap didn't help," he teased and followed her.
Charlie got ready for bed and came out of the bathroom Brax gulped "please tell me you have bottoms to go with that," he said nodding to her shirt.
"What I always sleep in one of these," she said and walked to the bed and crawled up the bed "which reminds me I want one of yours to add to my collection."
"I'm sure that can be arranged," he smiled and pulled her under the covers pulling her against him as soon as she lay down "night babe," he whispered and kissed her head.
"Night," she mumbled already half asleep and snuggled into him.
April went to the bathroom and noticed the tv was still on she crept downstairs and poked her head into the living room, she smiled at the sight before her- Bianca was snuggled into Jack and both were out cold on the sofa. Running back upstairs she grabbed the covers from Bianca's bed and went back down with them, throwing them over them she kissed both of them turned off the tv made sure the house was locked up and went back up to Ruby and Louise.
"So you all heard dad ask B out earlier right?" Louise asked.
"Yes," the other two replied.
"So what's the thoughts on that?" Ruby asked.
"Well I'm happy for mum and it is Jack not only is he my Godfather he's an old friend too so they already have a past and know a lot about each other," April said.
"Yeah and Uncle Jack has seemed happier since she came back," Ruby added.
"Charlie told me they went on a few dates before mum met dad," Louise said.
"And how do you feel about it Lou?"
"Well it was weird when Charlie started dating Brax and I was worried for a while that things would change but I don't… I don't get that with dad I mean I love B and I hope things go well but I feel nothing about it I mean I'm happy of course that he's finally moving on."
"My dad got married two months ago," April said changing the subject.
"No way was it cool were you a bridesmaid?" Louise said forgetting all about the situation.
"Lou!" Ruby snapped.
"Shit sorry April I wasn't thinking," Louise said and jumped up in the bed.
"It's fine Lou really I'm used to it anyway to answer your question I wasn't even invited."
"That guy is a tool- him and my dad they should be locked up and our mums should get all their money. I'm glad mum and B got away from them they're nothing but wastes of space and we're all better off without them," Ruby said bitterly her dad was always a touchy subject Charlie had never told her the truth she had always said he just didn't wanna know and moved before Ruby was born.
"We are better off without them our mums have done a great job I'm kinda glad because then we never would have ended up here together maybe they would have married them and we'd be stuck in the city with stupid brothers or sisters wrecking our heads," April giggled.
"Yeah true I don't want a brother or sister Ruby is enough," Louise giggled.
"Hey I wouldn't wish so soon if Jack and B get married April will be your sister," Ruby said.
"Well we're close enough now so that I wouldn't have a problem with that."
"Aww thanks I'd love that then we'd be a real family," April said.
"We are a real family," Ruby smiled her smile faded as she heard a noise outside "did you hear that?" She asked jumping from the bed and hurrying to the window.
"What?" Louise said and scrambled after her followed by April "oh God Ruby there's someone out there look," she pointed to a man fiddling with the back door.
"He's trying to get in!" April panicked.
"Right you two stay here," Ruby said as anger took over, she grabbed the bat April kept by her bed and stormed out of the room.
"Ruby no no come back!" Louise cried.
"Get back up!" she hissed as April followed her.
"No I'm not leaving you!" she hissed back "I'm gonna wake mum and Jack," she tiptoed to the living room as Ruby made her way to the kitchen.
The back door opened and Aaron slipped in unaware that Ruby stood two feet from him with a raised bat, he crept in and stopped at the door. "Son of a bitch!" Ruby yelled and swung the bat knocking him back "what do you want?" she hissed.
"Well actually I wanted your mum but you'll do!" He hissed and ran for her. Ruby screamed and swung the bat again hitting him back again.
"Jack Jack!" April said shaking him frantically "wake up please wake up!"
"What," he moaned.
"Jack get up there's someone in the kitchen h-h-he has Ruby!" She yelled.
"What!" Bianca yelled and jumped up and stumbled towards the kitchen.
"We heard a noise and saw some guy at the door Ruby grabbed the bat and came down hurry," April cried running after her followed by Louise who had been waiting on the stairs.
Jack jumped as he heard Ruby scream and raced to the kitchen Bianca following after being pushed behind him. "Rubes!" He yelled as soon as he pushed the door open.
Aaron jumped off her and scrambled out the door before Jack got to them and Bianca turned on the light "Oh god Ruby!" Bianca cried and dived down beside her as Ruby lay in a small pool of blood.
"Bianca call Peter April get the guys from the cruiser in here now! Lou call and Ambulance!" Jack demanded as he ran after him.
"It's not mine it's not mine!" Ruby yelled as Bianca frantically searched for where the blood was coming from, she wasn't listening so Ruby had to grab her hands "B it's not my blood calm down."
"Are you sure? Are you hurt anywhere?" Bianca panicked.
"He tried to choke me," Ruby sobbed.
Bianca looked at the marks around her neck and sobbed too "oh Rubes," she cried and pulled her into a hug.
They all jumped when a panting Peter ran into the kitchen he looked to Louise and April holding each other crying and then to Bianca who was rocking Ruby back and forwards in her arms on the floor and then he noticed the blood "is she okay?" he asked diving down beside them.
"Bastard tried to choke her!" Bianca spat "you get him Peter you get him she's only a baby."
Peter squeezed her shoulder and took off out back, he found Jack staggering back to him holding his side. "You alright mate?" he asked as he grabbed him to steady him.
"He stabbed me I'll be fine it's not too deep go get him it's Cosgrove," Jack panted.
"Mate you're hurt," Peter said looking down to the blood on his hands.
"And he hurt my niece!" Jack yelled "go get him!" Peter nodded and took off with the two officers that had joined him.
"B," Ruby croaked.
"I'm here sweetie I'm here," Bianca said and tightened her grip on her.
"That was the guy that mum killed he's not dead," she muttered just as Jack fell down beside her.
Jack was shocked Charlie had never mentioned Ruby being there "hey Rubes Ruby hey," he said when her eyes closed.
"What is she talking about Jack?" Bianca asked.
"Not now Bianca please we need to get her to a hospital," he said trying to gather her into his arms.
"I called an ambulance dad- oh my god you're bleeding!" Louise said and ran to him.
"I'm fine honey help with Ruby, has anyone called Charlie?"
"Shit," Bianca cursed "I never even thought to do it Lou call her!" Louise ran to the phone in that hall and dialled Charlie's number.
Brax groaned and rolled over when Charlie's phone rang "babe," he muttered and nudged her.
"What," Charlie groaned and rolled over.
"Your phone."
Charlie yawned and sat up "hello," she muttered half asleep.
"C-Charlie," Louise cried.
"Lou what's wrong?" she asked wide awake now.
"I-it's Ru-Ruby she's been attacked- dad too can you come please!" she cried.
"What! Are they okay? Calm down honey I'm on my way where are you?" she asked jumping out of the bed.
"In Bianca's hurry the ambulance will be here soon," she sniffed and hung up.
"what is babe?" Brax asked.
"Ruby and Jack have been attacked- oh god!" she cried and leaned over she felt like she wanted to thow up "what if it's bad what if they don't make it."
"Hey hey calm down we don't know what happened," Brax said pulling on his clothes "come on," he said and dragged her down to his car and took off at high speed the cruiser behind them.
