Sorry it took so long to update but here it is and I hope you enjoy and please review love elz xxx

In This Together

Beth sat huddled in the blanket that was wrapped around her, unable to wear her own clothes due to them being evidence. All the time the paramedics were tending to Paul, she just sat in silence on the edge of the bed, just watching. Neil had tried to get her to sit outside but she refused, paralysed by what she had done. She was sure he was going to die. It had been only a slight relief when Neil had checked and informed her that he had in fact still got a pulse, but it didn't look good. Beth only awoke from her daze when the police arrived and took her to Barton Street. Neil followed in another car feeling helpless as they arrested her for attempted murder. He felt so saddened by the sight of her being walked away by the officers and the look of complete despair and hopelessness on her face as she looked back at him before getting into the patrol car, made a lump appear in his throat. He wanted more than anything to be able to help her, but it didn't look like that would be an easy task.

Beth was in a complete daze throughout the entire journey, her physical examination and even her interview at Barton Street. The image of Paul coming at her, and then his lifeless body lying in a pool of blood, ran through her head, but it was also a form of distraction from the probing of her body. She winced at every touch, her body badly bruised and the very thought of anyone touching her body again just brought back the daunting reality, that she was very nearly a rape victim. A victim. She wasn't used to that. She was usually the one who helped others, not being helped and she hated it.

At the interview she found it hard to digest any of the questions she was asked, she just couldn't get those images out of her head.

'Miss Green, please answer the question.' Beth managed to pull herself out of her horrific thoughts and concentrate on the present world, and answered the question which had been what had happened once she had entered the hotel room. Tears were streaming down her face as she recalled the dreadful details of the events that took place within the hotel room. The police officer questioning her looked at her with a look on sympathy in his eyes. The look was also one that said she could easily be my daughter. So young and yet something so terrible had happened. And even though he was there to prove whether or not Beth was guilty of attempted murder or whether or not it was self defence, he was desperate to prove her innocent.

All the way through his own interview, Neil's thoughts were occupied by the thought that this was his entire fault. If he hadn't allowed Beth to go undercover this would never have happened, and now she had nearly been raped and was possibly facing a life in prison for attempted murder or even murder if Paul didn't survive. And to his mind, there was no one else to blame, but himself. As soon as his interview was over he rushed out into the waiting room in the hope of seeing Beth or even receiving some news. Unfortunately he had an agonising wait for any news, as the officers at Barton Street refused to give him any information. After what seemed like a life time of pacing up and down the station's reception Beth finally came into the room.

'Beth,' Neil ran towards her, relieved at finally being able to see her.

'Neil,' she sobbed with slight relief at seeing a familiar face and someone she trusted. He went to put his arms around her, but she pulled a way, shaking. She didn't want anyone to touch her, especially not a male even if it was Neil. She trusted Neil with all her heart and knew that her feelings for him ran deeper than just friends working undercover as a couple; but right then she just didn't think she could cope with being man handled. Neil seemed to understand this, as he simply just nodded at her.

'They've got to keep me in overnight, but I may get bail in the morning after my bail hearing.' Beth explained. She tried to sound hopeful but it was obvious she didn't feel it. At that moment an explosion of glass filled the room, and Neil suddenly threw himself in front of Beth, acting as a human shield. Beth gasped as she surveyed the damage to the reception area. Glass lay scattered all around. A huge hole had been cracked open in the window and an old house brick lay on the floor, with a note attached.

The police officer with them went to pick it up, but Neil prevented her.

'It's evidence. Use these.' He delved into his pockets and produced a pair of latex purple gloves. The officer gratefully accepted them and then proceeded to examine the brick and its ominous note attached.

'Neil and Beth, we know your game so prepare to die.' The officer gulped and looked at Neil and Beth who were standing just looking at her in complete shock. There game was up. They had been found out and now it looked like their lives were in danger. Beth realised then that her and Neil were in this together. They had entered the undercover operation together. He had been by her side at all times; watching over and protecting her at all times. The fact that he had followed her to the hotel and used his body as protection for her had proven this, and now as they both faced the fact their lives were at risk she realised that she needed him. She couldn't push him away like everyone else. They needed each other now more than ever, and in recognition of this she slipped her hand into his, giving it a tight squeeze symbolising that they would deal with this together. For that Neil was very grateful.