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Quiet

Sandra walked back in to the UCOS office and shrugged off her red coat. Her head still ached but she was glad she had managed to persuade the doctor that she was fine. She still felt a little nauseated but knew that was all part of having concussion. It had happened before and she hadn't liked it then. The office was uncharacteristically quiet. Cold coffee mugs were strewn on Brian's desk and papers were strewn over Gerry's deak. None of the others were present and she had no idea where they were. Scampi whined as she spun on her heal.

"Scampi! What are you doing here?" She knelt down to the small dog. He looked up at her with sad brown eyes. It was as if he knew she hadn't originally wanted him in the office. She scratched the small dog behind his ears as he licked her hand.

"Can see why Brian likes you, soppy thing really aren't you?" She stood up as Scampi settled back down to sleep. "Where are they though?" She looked around the office as voices could be heard in the corridor outside the outer office.

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"'ow did she take it?" Brian asked as the three men walked along the corridor.

"Better than I expected Brian" Jack answered as he pulled off his jacket.

"I don't suppose there is a good way to react to the news your father was murdered by a colleague. And that the said colleague was a serial killer Brian" Gerry shook his head as Jack spoke.

"No I don't suppose there is" Brian sighed. He hated dealing with relatives. It upset him "I'm going to talk to Cally and Hannah's parents and Ray's auntie later today. Not looking forward to it" Brian saw Jack shake his head.

"No, always did hate that part of the job" Gerry sighed. "You lot coming over mine for some dinner after? Promised Sandra that I'd cook. They are letting her out later?" He pushed the office door open to see Sandra leaning against Brian's desk, Scampi sat at her heals.

"Sandra!" Jack tried to look angry as she smiled slightly.

"Miss me?" She beamed as Gerry laughed.

"Not 'arf Guv" he smiled as the other men rolled their eyes.

"Brian? What have I told you about bringing this dog here?" She patted Scampi on the head as the three men looked aghast. Brian was dumbfounded. Sandra wasn't exactly known as a dog lover, yet Scampi seemed to have taken a shine to her. She fought the smile that threatened to take over her face. Gerry beamed.

"Making friends Sandra?" Gerry shook his head as he walked to the coffee machine.

"Well, it was only Scampi that was here to greet me. Where the hell have you lot been?" She smiled as a very protective Scampi sat on her feet. He had obviously agreed with his Master. Sandra should still be in hospital.

"I went to speak to Ellen" Jack explained as Gerry nodded. "Poor girl"

"At least she has the truth now" Sandra looked at the floor as Gerry nodded. He continued making the drinks before pausing and looking at Sandra.

"Yeah, she does. Sometimes the truth is over rated. Dontcha think?" He resumed pouring milk in to the coffee mugs as Brian suddenly began to panic.

"Ooh no, Esther will kill me!" He picked up his coat as they all turned to look at him. "Mark, he's coming to see me and Esther this weekend. We can't come to yours tonight" He looked at Gerry who just laughed.

"Bring Mark with you. You know it's the more the merrier as far as I am concerned Brian. Tell Esther to not bother cooking. Emily's coming and Clarky. Jack? Sandra?" They both nodded as Sandra touched her forehead gingerly. "Bring the dog if you want, as long as he doesn't nick the curry!" Gerry laughed.

"Are you sure? Are you going Jack?" He turned to his old friend who nodded.

"Yeah, we solved the case. Why not? Ok it wasn't the outcome we wanted but at least we found out the truth. We got Sandra back in one piece. I think that's worth celebrating don't you?" He took his coffee from Gerry as Sandra smiled.

"Yes Jack I think it is" She smiled as Scampi barked in agreement.

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authors note, well thats the story finished. I have enjoyed writing this one. Please let me know what you think. Should I continue writing New Tricks stories? Is anyone out there still reading this! Thanks for all the reviews so far xx