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Reunion

Alan felt sick as he ran through the almost deserted hospital corridors towards Annie's ward. He knew he had to be careful; the man may have been arrested but there was every chance an irate doctor could still through him out. He passed a young nurse who he recognised.

"Alan?" She stopped him.

"Annie. I had a call. Annie." He breathed.

"Is ok. Shaken up, like I told your father but she's ok." The nurse smiled.

"Rhiannon."

"She's a tough cookie." The dark haired nurse smiled. She could see how much he cared for the blonde woman. Part of her wished she had someone who cared so much. "She's in Sister's Office. Just down the hall."

"Thanks."

"Oh and don't run." She smiled as he hurried off.

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"I can't believe all this. I really can't." Arthur poured himself a mug of tea before handing one to Helen.

"It's a lot to deal with."

"But, he tried to kill the girl. Twice."

"Annie is tough."

"Yeah, maybe but what's with the creepy photograph?" He paused as he saw the confused look on the detective's face. "Didn't Alan tell you? Oh. Sorry. I thought you knew."

"Obviously not." She placed the mug on the oak kitchen table.

"Well, I got home before Alan and the baby."

"Ayla is four." Helen smiled slightly. She knew the old man loved the little girl as if she was his own grandchild. In everything but blood she was. Arthur smiled.

"Aye, well she was asleep when they got back, so that was one good thing." He sighed, drinking his tea. "It's a photo of Alan and Annie walking along in town. Its obvious they had no idea they were being followed."

"Ok."

"Look, I'll get it for you. See what you make of it."

"Thanks." Helen paused. She had no idea what David and his sister were playing at but she had a feeling just because both had been arrested things were far from over.

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"Hey," Alan spoke softly as he stepped into the office. The nursing sister smiled slightly before getting up and leaving the room. Annie avoided his eye for a moment before he stepped towards her. "Dad answered the phone. I think I broke every speed limit in Yorkshire."

"Alan." She sighed as he touched her face. She flinched as their skin made contact. He pulled back quickly, afraid he had hurt her. Annie shook her head.

"Sorry."

"No, it's me." She paused. "Alan. I want to go home."

"I know." He hugged her as she wrapped her arms around his waist. He kissed her hair, letting her rest her head on his chest. "Its ok."

"Take me home."

"You need to be in hospital."

"I can't stay here." Annie pulled back from him. "Its not safe here. He just walked in. I thought he was going to kill me."

Alan felt his stomach clench in anger. There had been two uniformed officers outside Annie's hospital room and he had still got to her. He knew she was right. The memory of the photo his father had shown him made him feel sick.

"Ok, ok." He hugged her again. "I'm home, on leave so why don't I look after you?"

"I don't need looking after." She frowned. "I just proved that, flooring im!"

"Good." Alan smiled at her. "Annie. If you are going to sign yourself out then you are coming home to me and Dad and Ayla. You are not going anywhere else. I couldn't stand it if." He paused as she touched his face gently. "I mean, I know you and I live together anyway but if you wanted to go to your Mum's to recover then."

"I said I want to go home." She smiled "To where we live."

"Ah."

"Why are you on leave?"

"Ah."

"Alan?"

"Too close to this case. Anyway, it gives Helen good DCI experience." He took her hand, kissing her palm. "I'm due months of untaken leave anyway,"

"Ok, as long as you're not in trouble."

"Me?" He looked at her innocently. "As if!"

Annie rolled her eyes as the Sister walked back into her office.

"I am going to sign myself out."

"Annie, I don't think that's very wise."

"I do."

"Annie, I."

"Look, you've all been great but I am going home. I can't stay here. I'll take any medication, anything you want me to but I am not staying somewhere I don't feel safe. I am going home." Annie held Alan's hand tightly. The nurse nodded, knowing neither she nor the doctors could talk her out of it.

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