Time
Brian read the forensics report Ted and Dan had brought back from the mortuary. The report had very little new information- the lead to the Gold Coast was the only lead they really had.
"Tea?" Esther asked as she walked into the living room. Scampi looked up as Brian seemed to ignore her.
"Brian!"
"Oh, sorry luv."
"Tea?" Esther sighed, used to her husband's all consuming nature.
"Ooh, please Luv. You know? What I dun understand about this case?"
"No, Brian but I'm sure you're going to tell me." She called out as she busied herself in the kitchen. Brian took his glasses off as she got to his feet.
"Why did those girls get involved with the Sex Trade?"
"Why wouldn't they? Think about it. Young women in a city they aren't familiar with, maybe debts? Maybe pressure from unscrupulous boyfriends or so called friends? Don't be naive, Brian. It happened in our day too."
"Neither had been selling themselves." Brian took the mug of tea from her.
"At that point. There's nothing to say neither woman wasn't being coerced. Grooming? Isn't that the modern terminology for it?"
"Esther!" He hugged her. "You are a genius!"
She laughed as he released her before practically running to the phone to call Sasha.
Xxxxxx
"You ok?" Gerry asked as he made his way along the taxi rank with Sandra. She nodded.
"Tired. I could have carried my own bag you know."
"I know but you aren't supposed to be putting any stress on that chest of yours. You know that. You were lucky not to get lymphadenitis after the op."
"Mastectomy. You can say that."
"I know but."
"And the cancer has gone." Sandra watched as he whispered "thank God." Under his breath. She smiled slightly.
"Cmon. Let's get to the hotel and get some food. DI Alison Baldwin is due to meet us at the station at 4pm. What time is it now? Actually what day is it?"
"Dunno. I'll buy a paper." He headed to the news kiosk as Sandra hailed a taxi. He returned with a copy of 'The Gold Coast Chronicles ' a few minutes later. "It's Thursday. And according to Derek over there its 5am."
"Right." Sandra took charge. "We are booked into the Sandcastle Hotel. Cmon." She ushered him into the taxi as she tried to stifle a yawn. Gerry smiled, wondering what would happen next.
Xxxxxx
"No news from the great adventurers."
Jack smiled as Steve laughed. The UCOS team seemed depleted following their departure. He couldn't get used to the lack of bickering.
"Och there will be." Steve smiled. "The Commonwealth Games are still on over there. Only one hotel left with space. Only one room left. One double bed."
"You didn't!" Dan was scandalised as Ted burst out laughing.
"I did. Might have forgotten to mention it to either of them before they left." He shrugged. Jack smirked as he tried and failed to be angry on Sandra's behalf.
"Well, they've danced around each other so long. It's getting embarrassing." Steve stared. "I thought me and Charlie were bad but we were a whirlwind romance compared to those two."
"What stood in your way?" Dan asked.
"You've seen my Charlotte; she is beautiful. Younger than me too. Didn't think she would look twice at an old fart like me. But she did and now we have a beautiful daughter. What can I say?"
"Mary is younger than me. Nine years." Jack smiled. "I can still picture her on our wedding day."
Ted smiled. "Steve, Gerry and or Sandra will kill you. It's been nice knowing you."
Steve laughed, hoping his friend was wrong. "True love never did run smooth." He winked as Sasha threw his jacket at him.
Xxxxxx
A/N please review
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