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Hi people,
Sorry for the wait, this one was buzzing around my brain and it was hard to find the time to get it written with Christmas and New Years and all the family rubbish that happens, then mums back went bad again turns out she's herniated a disc, this time she had a pain injection in her spine straight away and is thankfully on the mend. Also I have no knowledge of the judicial system in Canada so most of the court stuff is a wild guess based on Tv shows. Sorry if I get it wrong. Any way thanks for your patience, I hope you enjoy this one. I tried to include the things people requested.
Also, I am now working on an update for 'What Happens after goodnight'. I have not abandoned it and have no intention on finishing it yet. I have many ideas still to come for that one.
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Disclaimer - I do not own Rookie blue or its characters I just borrow them. I do not profit from this.
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Chapter Eleven - Part 1
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It had been a week since Holly had gone back to work, she'd made a point everyday to offer Gail to stay for the day at her place and then at night as well, just to make sure the blonde understood she was welcome. When it came to her first night shift, Gail had insisted she go home for the night, the brunette disagreed but let her do what she wanted. They made plans for lunch at Holly's the next day and she dropped Gail off at her place when it was time for her to start work.
"Wow, you are actually here" Dov said as the blonde walked through the door, he was on the couch watching TV.
"Shut up loser, I told you I'd be here tonight" she said as she dumped her keys on the table and dropped into the couch near him.
"How's the doc?" He asked as he flicked the channel then got up and grabbed the game controllers, knowing Gail would want to play.
"She's good, almost healed" the blonde said as she took the control.
"Gail" he said, knowing there was more to it.
"I don't wanna talk about my girlfriends problems with you, they'll be around 15 within five seconds" she said as the game menu came up.
"Hey, I won't tell anyone" he said defensively.
"You'll tell Chloe, she can't keep her mouth shut" Gail pointed out.
"True" he admitted.
Before anymore could be said Chris walked in holding bags of snacks and alcohol "I figured since your home tonight and we have the night shift tomorrow we could drink and game like the old days"
"I'm all for the snacks and games but no drinks" the blonde said.
"Why not?" The taller man asked disappointed.
"I can't because I take pain pills at night to sleep, if I drink no pills, no pills equals no sleep. Not easy to sleep with a busted face" she explained as she played the game.
He tossed her a bag of cheese puffs "alright, no drinks" he said grabbing the other snack bags and the soda and joined them.
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When it hit around 11, Gail started yawning and decided to head to bed, leaving the boys to the games.
She closed her bedroom door and sighed leaning on it, she pulled her phone from her pocket, she sent the brunette a quick text 'Hey beautiful lady, how's your night been?' She moved around the room getting ready for bed and not really expecting an answer.
She was just climbing into bed when her phone beeped 'It's been steady tonight, just having a break, how's your night with the boys?'
The blonde smiled and wrote back 'Would have been better if you were here but then if you weren't at work, we'd be at your place in bed'
She knew what reaction she would get and snuggled into the bed grinning 'and what would we be doing there, officer?' Came back seconds later.
Gail thought for a second then wrote back 'How about I show you tomorrow after lunch? Only because we'll both suffer for hours if I text it to you'
'Tease' was the simple reply.
'Always' the blonde text back.
'I need to get back Hun, want me to pick you up on my way home?' She offered.
'Please, then we can nap before lunch' Gail sent then wrote another one 'I love you baby'
'Love you too, see you in the morning'
Gail rolled over and sent 'good night' put the phone on the bedside table and turned of the lamp.
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Three hours later the blonde was still staring at the roof, at first she couldn't sleep because he boys were making too much noise, then once they went to bed, she couldn't get comfortable because of pain, so she took her pills. Then, when she realised why she really couldn't sleep, she called a cab, pulled clothes on over her shorts and tank, grabbed her bag and keys and headed out. When she got to the secure building, she walked in the front door "Hey Officer Peck" the security guard said as she came in.
"Hey Frank, I keep telling you to call me Gail" the blonde liked Frank he was a nice guy and could be a smart ass too.
"And I keep praying that my beautiful wife, as wonderful as she is at most things, would stop making that god awful soup she cooks for me every winter but that's not gonna change either"
Gail shook her head as she stepped into the elevator "Night Frank" she called out.
"Night Officer Peck" he replied.
Once he blonde let herself into the apartment, she headed upstairs, brushed her teeth again, pulled off the clothes, grabbed her phone and fell into Holly's bed. She sent the brunette a text letting her know where she was, put the phone up and within a minute was fast asleep.
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When Holly finished her shift just after 9, she took a quick shower and dressed in her street clothes. She checked her phone, grinned, closed her locker and headed out.
Once she was home, she went straight upstairs, undressed and climbed into bed next to her sleeping lover "Mmmmm" Gail murmured rolling into her, wrapping her arm around her "morning" she said, her voice still husky with sleep.
"Morning" The brunette said and rested her head on her good arm "So to what do I owe the pleasure of finding you in my bed?" She teased.
"I couldn't sleep" the blonde said cracking and eye open and looking at her.
"Move in with me?" She asked her again.
Gail gave her a smile and kissed her. Holly pulled back and eyed her for a second, the blonde rolled her eyes "I already called the boys this morning, we're due over there after lunch to pack and move my stuff"
"Really?" The brunette asked, a huge grin gracing her face.
"Really" Gail confirmed "I couldn't sleep last night, I realised after a while where I should be, real life be damned, I love you and I don't wanna miss another minute"
"Wow officer, that was a lot if feelings for one sentence" Holly teased.
The blonde, pushed her onto her back and straddled her, it was then, once she was more awake, she realised the woman under her wasn't wearing anything "You're naked" she pointed out.
"You're not" Holly countered.
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"I'll get it" Holly called out, the wall phone near the front door was ringing, she could hear Gail coming down the stairs to grab it when she came out of the office they'd created downstairs.
The blonde hit the first floor, drying her wet hair as she had just showered and dressed "I'll finish getting ready" she said, blew a kiss to her girlfriend and went back upstairs.
The brunette smiled at Gail's retreating form and picked up the phone, letting her parents come up. It had been three weeks since the blonde had moved in and things between them couldn't be better, they were having dinner with Holly's parents as the preliminary court hearing was set down for the next day and they would both have to attend. Her parents had wanted to go over a few things with the pair and they had decided on dinner to try and reduce the stress of the situation. "Hey" she said as she let them in.
"Hey Sweetheart" Holly's father, Roger said as he hugged her.
"Hello darling" Vivienne said as she came in "how are you two holding up?"
"Stressed but we're okay, looking forward to this being over" the brunette said.
"How's Gail?" Her dad asked.
Holly sighed "She goes to the hospital to see the various doctors next week, if she's cleared she'll be back on full duties at work" she stopped then added "Aside from being bored and some headaches she's doing okay" she tried to reassure them she was coping with everything.
"Enjoying living together?" Her mom asked with a smile, changing the subject, knowing how nervous her daughter was about her girlfriends return to work.
"Not that it's that different, we've been together a lot since we met, but yea I'm loving it" Holly said with a smile.
"Me too" Gail said from the bottom of the stairs "we ready to go?" She asked as she reached the brunette and wrapped her arm around her.
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"Neither of you will be expected to take the stand tomorrow but you do need to be in court, I'll be with you both through the whole thing" Roger explained once they had ordered their dinner at the restaurant "In a normal case, this kind of hearing would be fairly brief but we have been warned that they are going to object to some of the testimony from Gail, claiming that you had a relationship prior to the initial attack, since you didn't and there is absolutely no proof of this, it's expected that the judge will allow Gail's statement to stand, they're are now also objecting to the use of the cctv footage from the hospital but the prosecutor is ready to fight that too" he put his hand on Holly's "The number one thing you both need to remember is to keep your cool, say nothing to anyone and if the judge asks a question of you the prosecutor will ask to speak with you before you answer"
"Are they likely to ask us anything?" Gail asked from her girlfriends other side.
"Usually, no but dealing with people like..." He stopped not wanting to mention her name "with cases like this" he said changing it "you never know what they might try"
"This is gonna take forever isn't it?" The blonde asked as she sighed and sat back, Holly's hand moved to her thigh to comfort her.
"We're trying to push it through as fast as possible" Vivienne said "the multiple charges could make it longer, mind you assaulting a police officer carries a heavy penalty" she took a sip of her drink "They might try to get her off but the full weight of the justice system is about to come down on top of them, the judge who has the case is not a soft touch when it comes to assaults and will not stand for drama or performances in court so as long as you both keep your cool and let them play out the drama it will all go in your favour"
"You really expect her to do that?" Holly asked her mother.
The older woman nodded "It's already started but everyone involved knows she's guilty, the attack at the hospital is on tape, there is no way for her to deny it, she faces the camera multiple times you can clearly see its her"
"You've seen it?" Gail asked, she picked up her girlfriend hand on her thigh, she knows that the brunette suffers every night thanks to the moments on that tape, if she hadn't had the concussion and could remember it herself, she probably would be too.
"Yes, you were shown it weren't you?" Vivienne asked.
"Just after it happened, I don't remember much of it even from when I watched it, my memory for most of that day and for most of that week is still either really fuzzy or just gone" Holly squeezed her hand.
"That's the hard thing about this, you'll both need to testify and go through both assaults" the minister said sadly, not wanting either woman to have to do any of it.
"Its okay" the blonde said, looking to the woman she is so hopelessly in love with "we'll get through it together" she leaned over and kissed her cheek.
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"Fuck Gail" Holly moaned loudly, the brunette was pushed against the wall next to the front door with her legs wrapped around her lover as they moved together. When her parents had dropped them back at the apartment, the blonde had jumped her as they walked in the door, they had just gotten inside when Holly found herself naked and Gail's fingers buried deep inside her. She wasn't sure what had set the woman, who was currently holding her up, off but she certainly wasn't complaining "God, almost there" she said into the blondes ear as she thrust deeply into her.
"You feel so good" Gail said and pulled back, so she could see the brunettes eyes "I love you" she said breathlessly "God I love you"
Hearing the declaration was enough to push Holly over the edge, her back arched and she yelled out her lovers name "GAIL" she shuddered against her "Oh Gail" she whimpered as she rode out the climax.
The blonde holding her kept thrusting into her as she came against her hand only stopping when the brunette slumped against her. She slipped her fingers free of the other woman causing her to shudder again. She wrapped her other arm around her "Hold on" she whispered into her ear. Gail lifted her off the wall, making Holly panic and grip onto her "I've got you" she said as she carried her to the couch, she lowered her onto the cushions, the brunette held onto her, effectively pulling her down with her.
"What bought that on?" Holly asked, still breathless. Gail shrugged and laid her weight down on her lover, resting her head on her bare chest. The brunette slid her fingers into the short hair at the back of her head and tugged it back up so their eyes met "Gail" she said, head tilted and in a tone that let the blonde know she needed to answer.
"I don't know" Gail said, not really meeting her eyes "I just... I guess I just needed to feel you after talking about everything" she looked at her properly "I wanted to forget"
Holly wasn't sure if the blonde looked embarrassed or guilty, she let go of her hair and took her face in her hands "It's okay, anytime you need to forget something, please feel free to use my body to do so" she said with a sly grin.
Gail knew from the look on her face that the brunette was trying to lighten the mood. So she let her "Yea your body seemed pretty ready to be used" she slid her hand down between, slid her fingers into the still saturated folds, finding her clit instantly, Holly shuddered at the contact on the still sensitive nerves "Ready for round two?" The blonde asked as she moved up and kissed her girlfriend.
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When they stepped out of the car the next day, the press was onto them instantly, with Holly being the ministers daughter and Katherine having money there was a lot of interest in the case. Roger directed them into the building as the driver Vivienne had gotten for them, drove off. They didn't speak to the press, only Roger did and that was to explain that any statements were going to come through the ministers office. Once inside, they were directed into the courtroom.
"It won't be long"' Roger said "Your brother, the ETF officer and Your staff Sargent should be here shortly" he said to the blonde "The rookie who was at the first assault will be here too"
Before anyone else could comment, the four men walked in, Steve with Traci beside him walked straight to his sister and put his arm around her shoulder "You doing okay?" He asked and kissed her forehead, Holly was on her other side holding her hand.
Gail looked at her girlfriend "As good as we can be" she squeezed her hand.
The red headed man lifted his hand off his sister, putting it on the brunettes shoulder "If either of you need anything..."
He didn't need to finish it, Holly's hand came to his on her shoulder and she squeezed it.
After a few minutes of small talk, they were all seated on the prosecutions side,, Gail had Steve on one side, her girlfriend on the other, holding hands with their fingers interlocked, then next to Holly was her father and Traci sat behind them. Within another few minutes, the rest of the people started filing in, including Katherine's lawyer. Once the doors were closed, the accused woman was bought in. The blonde made eye contact with her, the red head smirked. She was in a wheelchair, due to the damage to her knee, she was put next to her lawyer with her hands in handcuffs. The ex police officer would be bought in after the hearing for Katherine.
The judge came in and the charges were read, as predicted, they tried to have Gail's testimony for the initial assault thrown out "Your honour its my understanding that Officer Peck and Dr Stewart were involved in a relationship prior to the assault accusation towards my client, considering this, would her statement still be considered impartial?"
"I need proof of the relationship to even consider not allowing the statement of a Toronto police officer" the judge stated, she hadn't looked up straight away but heard the lawyer going through papers "Do you have concrete proof that they knew each other prior to the alleged assault?"
Gail tensed when the judge said the word alleged "She can't say just assault, you know that, not until she's found guilty" Steve whispered to her. The blonde relaxed slightly but tightened her grip on Holly. The brunette glanced at her, her face haunted, Gail mouthed that she loved her and Holly's dark expression lightened slightly.
"My client..." The lawyer started.
"Your clients word does not equal concrete proof, unless you have something more than that I will allow Officer Peck's statement to stand" the judge looked to the lawyer "Well?" She asked.
"Currently, I only have Miss Kingsley's word" he admitted.
"Then the officers statement remains" the judge said.
"I also would like to request that the CCTV footage from the hospital be deemed inadmissible"
"On what grounds?" She asked, sounding annoyed.
"On the grounds that it was obtained without a warrant, I have no paper trail that shows a warrant to obtain access to the footage"
"Does the prosecution have the document?" She asked looking to the other lawyer.
"We have your honour and I also have records that show the date the defence was sent the document by registered postage" she said standing and giving the judge the paperwork.
"What about the access on the day of the incident, there was no warrant to gain access to the cameras?" He added.
The prosecution lawyer spoke up "The hospital gave the police access to their security cameras in an emergent situation, no warrant was needed"
The judge seemed satisfied with that "The footage remains in as evidence, now unless you have further objections how do you plead Miss Kingsley?" She asked.
Katherine stood "Not guilty" she said.
"We'd like to request that my client be released until trial" her lawyer added.
"I would have to object to that" the prosecution lawyer said standing "This woman is a danger to the victims in this case, if she is released it would only be a matter of time before they were attacked again"
The judge considered it for a second "The accused with be remanded in custody until and during the trial, for the safety of the victims and for breaching the terms of her last bail. The trial will begin two weeks from today" the judge hit the gavel and stood.
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They waited and were present during the sentencing for ex officer Luck, she would serve a ten year sentence, it had reduced from fifteen years for pleading guilty and testifying against Katherine. Everyone wanted to look after the couple but the pair decided to head home alone, they needed some time for just the two of them "Two weeks" Gail said as Holly dropped the car keys on the bench.
"I don't want to talk about it right now, can we just not" the brunette said coming up behind the blonde and wrapping her arms, one still in the brace, around her middle.
"Whatever you need baby" Gail said, putting her arms on Holly's "How about a bath?" She offered.
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A week later, after Gail having half a days worth of tests, they were waiting in a hospital room to see the neurosurgeon. She'd been sedated for the MRI and was laying down recovering from it "How much longer?" She asked looking at her girlfriend.
"Give him time" Holly responded not looking up from the forensic journal she was reading.
"Maybe something's wrong" the blonde said.
The brunette looked at Gail "You are fine, you do have a few headaches but nothing too bad, your face has healed well and your eye isn't sluggish. You'll be fine" she said reaching out and taking her hand.
"You think so?" The blonde asked, she still looked unsure.
Holly considered her for a second "There is something in particular that's worrying you, what is it?"
Gail sighed "When they were testing my eye sight I got some of the letters wrong" she was playing with the blanket covering her lap.
The brunette sat forward on the chair "There is a possibility with your injuries you might have some residual damage to your sight, it's not bad though Hun, you can still read and you don't have any trouble playing games, you may just need reading glasses or even every day use ones" she tapped on her own glasses "it's not the end of the world, you can always use contacts" her girlfriend still looked depressed "You know, I might have permanent damage to my wrist, I might not get full use back" the blonde nodded, she knew even though so far everything was going well, she could easily find that there are something's she won't be able to do "I'm not upset yet, one day at a time right now, wait and see"
Gail looked at her lover, Holly was the one person who got her, who knew what she needed "You're right, I'm sorry" she took the brunettes hand in both of hers "One day at a time"
Before Holly could respond the Doctor came in "Afternoon ladies" he said "I'm sorry you had to wait, because I'll be the one deciding if you are fit for duty I needed to double check all the results, so I'll get straight to it" he said placing her file and an iPad on the nearby table "The breaks to your eye socket and nose have healed beautifully, you have a deviated septum though" seeing confusion on Gail's face he added "Your nose is a little crooked and one nostril is smaller than the other, it's not bad but you can get it fixed by a plastic surgeon or an ENT if you need to in the future" he picked up the iPad "The scans on you brain were clear, you don't appear to have any residual damage, the headaches could be post concussion syndrome but if it's only headaches I'm not too worried about it unless you start having other symptoms, but they should slowly stop soon" his fingers moved around on the iPad "I only have one area of slight concern"
"My sight" the blonde said.
"The deficit in your left eye is not bad, but there is a definite change in your vision" he explained.
"So what does that mean?" Holly asked, looking at Gail.
"I consulted with an eye specialist, It's not bad enough to warrant glasses at the moment unless you start having any issues, for example, headaches after reading or concentrating or trouble seeing of course"
The blonde sighed in relief "So can I go back to work?" She asked.
The surgeon nodded "I'll sign you as fit for duty a week from today"
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The next morning, Holly was up early as she had a morning shift and was surprised when the blonde joined her in the kitchen as she stood at the bench eating toast, Gail slid up behind her, wrapping her arms around her "Morning" she murmured into her neck as she kissed it.
"You're up early" she said as she reached back and rubbed the back of the short hair at the back of the blondes head.
"I thought I'd drive you in and head down to the shooting range, I need to redo my certification" she said moving away enough to pour a mug of coffee and steal a bite of her girlfriends toast, munching on it she went back behind the brunette and hugged her again.
"Why?" Holly asked as sipped her coffee.
"The head injury, plus i need to find out if the deficit in my left eye will make a difference, then I can get all of it sorted before I'm back to work so I can go back to full duty" Gail explained, releasing her with one hand so she could drink her coffee.
"Oh, I never really thought about it" the brunette said looking over her shoulder.
"I checked yesterday with Oliver, I can't just go back without making sure I can still shoot, if I don't do it I'll be riding a desk until I do" she put her coffee down and slipped her hands inside the brunette button up top, then lifted the tank top underneath pulling it from her slacks, hands going under the fabric "I've been off the streets for long enough" she kissed Holly's neck "I'm kinda going stir crazy" she said into her neck.
The brunette moaned "Explains why you keep jumping me"
Gail chuckled "No" she said "That's because you are so unbelievably sexy and I just can't help myself" her hands moved up to her lace covered breasts.
"Gail" Holly said, half warning tone, half moan, she reached back with her braced hand and grabbed the blondes denim covered ass, squeezing it.
"Seems your fine motor skills are returning" the officer whispered in her ear. Her hands flexed and she caressed the doctors breasts through the fabric. Then her hands headed south to the brunettes pants.
"We don't have time" Holly whimpered, once she felt her lovers fingers play with the button on her pants.
Reluctantly, Gail's hands retreated, she would need more time for what she had planned anyway, she pulled away grabbed her coffee, walked around the bench and sat opposite the brunette on a stool "What time do you finish tonight?" She asked.
"Seven" Holly sighed, trying to get her now raging libido under control "We've got that awards dinner on Saturday" she said, her mother had called the night before to find out how the blondes appointment had gone and had mentioned to her she needed to have her girlfriend at the awards ceremony before it started.
"Don't remind me" Gail said dropping her head down "It should be in December not November, I don't understand why they do that since its and end of the year annual ceremony" she grumbled.
"You are such a drama queen sometimes" the brunette said "Mom mentioned it last night, they still think you don't know so you can't complain to everyone about it" she pointed out "Oh she said you need to wear your dress uniform, I was looking forward to seeing you in your uniform again, but dress uniform? We might not leave the apartment" Holly smirked and drained her coffee.
"Well I'll have to get it out" the blonde said, she drained her own coffee and headed to the sink, she pinned her lover against it "maybe try it on tonight, make sure it still fits" she rolled her hips against the brunettes ass and then moved away, leaving her all revved up again.
"Tease" Holly called out to her retreating form.
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Gail stood in the shooting range, she'd been shooting targets for an hour now and managed to hit every one. She had just finished her latest round, she took off her safety equipment and she realised someone else had come in "How's it going?" Oliver asked.
The blonde grinned over at him "I've hit everyone dead on, I even used your distraction program, every single one" she handed the staff sergeant the results.
He read it and looked up at her "I don't think I've ever seen anyone improve after a head injury, you've even got a sight problem" Oliver thought for a second "Are you blocking out your surroundings better?"
Gail thought for a minute "I don't think so" she said "I am finding it easier to visualise the target though, maybe that bitch did something good and knocked my head on straight" she joked.
He gave her a look "Don't let Holly hear you say that, she was so worried about you that night"
"whatever is going on I'm just glad I can still shoot, can you certify me now?" She asked then realised something "How did you know I was here?"
Oliver picked up the clipboard with the certification papers on it, he had already figured if she was shooting okay she'd want to get it done right away "I knew after I told you about needing to do your recertification, you would get down here as soon as you could so I asked them to call me when you turned up" he explained "Come on Dirty Harry lets get this done"
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Holly was putting a file up at the admin desk when she looked up to see her smiling girlfriend, she checked her watch "I don't finish for another 6 hours, is everything okay?" She asked as she hit the buzzer to open the door.
"Everything's great" Gail beamed as she grabbed the brunettes hand and dragged her to the nearest empty room.
"What's..." Was all Holly got out before the blonde pulled her against her and kissed her hard. She put her hands inside the lab coat and tugged her in as close as possible. The brunette's hands went up and threaded through her short hair, she was happy to go with it for a few seconds, she'd been on edge since Gail's amorous actions that morning. She tilted her head and fused their mouths together, tongues teasing.
The blondes hands slid down to her ass and squeezed it "God I love your ass" she murmured against her lips.
"So you keep telling me" Holly gave her a final kiss, she didn't pull away from Gail's embrace, just wrapped her arms around her "Is there any particular reason, your here smiling so brightly?" She asked returning the smile.
"I got my recertification this morning" she said "it seems that I shoot better now than I did before" the blonde thought for a second "is it possible?"
The doctor shrugged "The human brain is an amazing thing, sometimes it can recover from horrific injuries and other times a small knock can kill someone instantly. The fact you shoot better now could be for many reasons, I would just enjoy it" she paused "you know it could..." Holly realised Gail was just grinning at her "What?" She asked.
"I love it when you nerd out like that, it's cute" the blonde said squeezing her ass again.
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That weakened, they walked into the ballroom that had been hired for the awards, Holly dressed in a deep blue gown that hugged her curves perfectly and Gail in her dress uniform "I hate this crap" she said fiddling with her tie.
"It's straight, leave it alone" the brunette said knocking her hands away.
"Steve said Moms gonna be here" she said, shifting uncomfortably and sweat droplets were forming on her forehead "I haven't spoken to her since that day at 15"
Holly could see the nerves were really getting to her, she took her hand and pulled her aside to where no one could see "Gail, Honey, you need to calm down" she said tucking her purse under her arm and taking her other hand "It's gonna be okay, after the presentation we can go, to the Penny for a drink or home if you want"
The blonde took a deep breath "Okay, I can do it" She said tilting her head and cracking her neck.
"Mom has promised to keep the superintendent as busy as possible so hopefully you won't have to deal with her" the brunette linked their fingers on both hands "Then once it's done we'll go have our own celebration" they were both well aware they were due in court for the trial at 9am on Monday and needed to blow off steam before hand, Gail would return to work as soon as the trial would allow.
"Okay" the blonde took a deep breath, she leaned forward and gave her girlfriend a kiss "I love you"
"I love you too"
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"The next award will be presented by Minister Stewart and her daughter Holly" the host said, there was applause and Gail watched from the 15 division table near the stage, the brunette had been at her side all night until Vivienne and come and collected her about ten minutes ago.
When the applause died down, the Minster spoke "Thank you, as many of you know my daughter was assaulted in her home this year, she was then put under the protection of an officer at 15 Division, this officer was confronted by the suspect multiple times, the last time resulting in her admission to hospital with a very serious concussion and fractured bones" she looked to Holly "Without the actions of this officer, My daughter would not be standing before you tonight" she looked to Gail "Gail Peck has a name that most of you know, but unless you have met her, do not make a snap judgement based on her heritage, her dedication to her job and to saving the lives of other far exceeds any Peck that has come before her" Gail took a second to look over at her mothers table, she could see the woman was fuming at the words of the minister, if looks could kill, Vivienne would be dead where she stood "She had 4 nominations for this award and when it was put to the committee they agreed unanimously that she should receive it, so Gail if you could join us I would like my daughter Dr Holly Stewart to present you with two awards"
The blonde frowned as she stood, all Holly told her was a bravery award, she headed for the stage.
"The first the Toronto Police Department medal for bravery, the second is a slightly higher honour, I would also like to award you with officer of the year for 2014" the minister stepped back from the microphone and applauded, everyone else in the room joining her, whistles and cheers coming from the 15 division table.
Gail walked up the stairs and stopped in front of Holly, the brunette winked at her with her cute half smile and put the medal over her head, she kissed her cheek, then handed her the award, she gave her a quick hug "You deserve it Hun, I love you" she whispered.
When she pulled back, she could see tears in the blondes eyes, before she could move back she grabbed her arm "I love you too" Gail said, she looked to the minister "Really?" She whispered.
Vivienne nodded "Really" she said still clapping and pointed to the microphone.
The blonde shook her head "I can't, it..." She sighed and figured she'd at least say thank you "Ummm thanks" she mumbled and went to walk but the minister stopped her with a look, she went back a slight giggle went through her table "I'm usually bad at speeches but I will say one thing, I don't deserve this, I was doing my job, we all put our lives on the line everyday and hope we all make it back, so I consider this award" she said holding up the glass trophy in her hand "For every officer who didn't make it home because they are the real heroes" she turned and walked back stage with her lover to the cheers and applause in the room, the minister staying to present another award.
As soon as they were off the stage Holly slid her hand into the blondes "You okay?" She asked, her girlfriend had gone from her usual pale complexion to almost green.
Gail slowly blew out a breath "I either need to throw up or get drunk, I hate public speaking" she bent forward slightly.
The brunette moved in front of her and tugged her back up "how about this?" She pulled her against her and kissed her gently, just enough to distract her, after a second or two she pulled back "Better?" She asked.
Gail gave her a grin and squeezed their joined hands "Much"
Holly could see her colour had returned "I'm sorry I didn't warn you about the award, Mom only said you were getting the bravery medal" she picked it up.
The blonde grinned "Did you see superintendent moms face when she said that I far exceed any Peck before me?"
The brunette nodded "she looked like she'd blown a gasket" she said "Your dad and Steve looked so proud though"
"We are proud of her" Steve's voice came from a nearby door. Gail dropped Holly's hand, ran and launched herself at her brother, he caught her easily "You did good" he said as she laughed in his ear.
Holly stood back smiling watching them.
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"To the Officer of the Year" Oliver said raising his glass. The whole huge table they had at the Penny all shouted "To Gail"
The group had left the ballroom as fast as they could, once the presentation was over they left, even before dinner. Gail was currently seated happily on Holly's lap, the brunettes braced hand was resting on her thigh and the officers dress uniform hat was on the doctors head.
"Awesome acceptance speech" Traci said giving her a wink, knowing the true meaning behind it.
"Here here" Andy agreed "You deserve it Peck" she said holding her glass up to her.
Gail clinked glasses "I guess I should forgive you" she said to the other officer "But this one" she said pointing to Holly "Completely off limits"
The other officer smiled at her "Agreed" she went back to talking to Sam.
"Did you just forgive her for Nick?" the doctor asked once Andy's attention was elsewhere.
"Maybe" the blonde said grinned and sipped the beer bottle in her hand.
Holly kissed her temple "Good for you" she then slapped her thigh "this one is completely off limits huh?" She asked "like Andy McNally is irresistible and I won't be able to help myself?"
Gail gave her a cheeky look and shrugged, the brunette went to slap her again but the blonde caught her hand "Okay okay, no she's not but you are so beautiful, sexy and smart if she doesn't watch out, she might fall for you"
Holly smiled at her and wrapped her arms around her lover "You are such a sweet talker"
Gail leaned in and kissed her, it was instantly passionate, the blondes hands threaded through the brunette locks pulling her in closer, their tongues duelling, caressing. Steve called out "Gail moms here" to try and stop them.
The blonde, knew it was bullshit, their mother hated The Penny so she didn't stop the kiss just held her hand up with her middle finger extended. Their friends laughed and went back to their conversations, leaving the couple in their own world. Eventually the broke for air, Gail resting her head on Holly's "I love you" she said softly, her fingers brushing the brunettes cheek.
"I love you too"
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After spending Saturday night celebrating with Gail's friends and Sunday having their own private celebration at home, the couple had managed to forget the trial started until Holly woke screaming from a nightmare at about 5am Monday morning.
"You okay?" The blonde asked as they sat up in bed.
The brunette sobbed and collapsed into her, Gail laid back on the bed and tugged Holly against her. They laid that way until she calmed a little "I'm not sure I can do this" the brunette muttered into the blondes chest "I don't know if I can sit up there and go over and over everything in front of her then have someone try and disprove what I say without falling apart"
Gail tugged her tighter against her "You can do it I know you can" she said and kissed her head.
"No I can't" Holly said fisting her hand in the blondes tank top "Not without you"
"I'll be there, through every step"
"I mean... I think I'll need you to hold me" the brunette confessed, she was blushing bright red "I know that sounds clingy and stupid..."
Gail interrupted her "No it doesn't" she pulled Holly in tighter "when I faced Perick in court, Nick was gone and the only person who was there was Steve, he held me every night when I cried myself to sleep and her held my hand everyday in court. The day I took the stand and told them about everything, the attack, the basement, Jerry" she shuddered a little "I felt like you did, like I needed him to physically help me do it" she let go of the brunette "I need to get something" she explained when Holly tensed. The brunette released her, Gail got up and grabbed two things off her dresser and something from her underwear drawer. She moved back and sat cross legged on the bed, she put a badge on the bed "this is Steve's first badge from when he was a rookie, he gave it to me to hold during my testimony so I would be able to hold a part of him while I did it"
Holly touched the shield "Thats..." She started tearing up again.
Gail pulled her medal from its display box and put it over her girlfriends head so it rested on her chest "This was given to me because you all say I was brave, I'm giving it to you, because I say you are braver than I am and I hope it will help give you the strength to do what you need to" Holly reached out for her, tears flowing freely "One more thing" the blonde said pushing her back "This" she handed her a small wrapped box.
Holly looked at it and back at Gail, she unwrapped it and opened it, inside was the blondes badge "How?" She already knew that giving away a real active badge was breaking rules.
"I explained Oliver why I needed to give you it and he ordered me another one, it arrived on Friday. So now you have the badge I had as a rookie to help you through this" Gail said watching Holly hoping it would be enough to help her.
The brunette launched herself at her lover, she had no words to explain how she was feeling so she cried again. The blonde chuckled and pulled her against her again. After a few minutes Holly picked up the medal around her neck and looked at it "You are amazing" was all she said and kissed her girlfriend.
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It was three days into the trial after both Gail and Duncan had testified in regards to the initial assault, Holly was asked to take the stand, the prosecutor asked her to recount what she could recall of the initial assault, which she did. When the prosecutor was finished the defence lawyer stood. The brunette, who had Gail's medal around her neck, under her clothes and her badge held tightly in her hand, in her pocket, took a breath to centre herself "Miss Stewart, is it true that you broke off your relationship with my client due to other commitments?"
"Doctor Stewart" Holly said, correcting him "And yes, I broke our relationship off because at the time I was unable to commit the time to maintaining a relationship"
"And yet you have begun a relationship with Officer Peck and seem to be able to maintain that even though your workload is the same"
"Objection" the prosecutor said standing "The relationship between the Victims has no bearing on the charges we are currently discussing"
"Withdrawn" the defence lawyer said before the judge could rule "Miss Stewart, sorry Doctor Stewart, at the time of the alleged assault, to your knowledge did my client still posses a key to your house?"
"No, I had taken back the key I'd given her" Holly answered.
"So Miss Kingsley had no way to get into your house without invitation?" He asked.
The brunette took a breath to centre herself, trying not to be affected by what he seemed to be implying "As I said, I only opened the door to see who it was, when I saw her there I explained again that our relationship was done and attempted to close the door, she pushed it open and came in uninvited as I already explained"
"If she was not welcome why open the door?"
"Objection" the prosecutor said "where is this line of questioning going, it was established that she opened the door to see who it was as she had no peephole"
The judge turned to the defence lawyer "Sustained, These points are well established, if you have no further relevant questions I will dismiss Dr Stewart for this assault"
The lawyer looked to Holly then the prosecutor "No further questions but I would like to reserve the right to recall her if needed"
The judge agreed and called a recess for lunch.
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Once the recess was called. Holly and Gail were led into a room off to the side of the court and seated at a table "I wonder what's happening?" Gail said, she was wearing her uniform as she had initially testified as an officer who attended the scene. She was stood and started pacing.
"Gail" the brunette said reaching out and taking her hand with her braced one, her wrist was still not back to full use and it was more comfortable to wear the brace, the blonde stopped and looked at her "Please don't pace, I'm..." Her voice broke slightly.
Gail turned and wrapped her arms around Holly's shoulders and tugged her head into her chest, she kissed the top of her head "I'm sorry" she whispered into her hair.
The brunettes arms went around her waist "I need this to be over, I don't know if I can go back up there"
The blonde pulled back, she tugged Holly's chin up so their eyes met, she bent down and kissed her gently "I love you" she said, before she could say any more the brunettes father, the prosecutor and the defence attorney came in. Gail pulled back and moved next to her girlfriend taking her hand.
"Can I have a moment?" The prosecutor asked, the other lawyer nodded and left. Once he was gone, she spoke "Miss Kingsley has offered to plead guilty"
The blondes eyes narrowed not trusting it "On what condition?"
"We are fairly certain we can get a conviction all the charges" she opened the folder "Breaking the terms of her bail, Domestic Assault causing grievous bodily harm, attempted murder of Dr Stewart, Harassment of you both, assaulting a police officer, conspiracy to kill a police officer and attempted murder of a police officer"
"If the case is so strong why accept a plea from her at all?" Gail asked, looking at Holly.
The brunette looked up at her, she squeezed her hand then looked to the lawyer "If we do this, she has to got to jail for a long time"
The attorney nodded "Of course, we wouldn't offer her any less than at least 30 years, that's the amount she would serve for minimum sentence for all her charges" she explained "I wanted to ask you what you wanted to do, if you want to go ahead we can or we can offer her a 35 year jail term with a 30 year non parole period, we could also push for her to be housed on the other side of the country and when released, conditions on her parole would mean she couldn't return to Toronto for a very long time"
"What could she get if we proceed?" Holly asked.
"If we can prove her intent to kill, you at the initial assault, Gail at the shooting and her again at the hospital she could get upwards of 50 to 60 years"
"Can we have a minute?" The blonde asked.
"Of course" the lawyer said and left.
"What do you think?" Gail asked Holly once they were alone.
"I really don't know what to think" the brunette said and stood "I was talking to dad earlier, they want to do a civil case against her, teach her money can't save you all the time" Holly stepped in front of her "What would you do?"
"Honestly, if Perick had said he'd change his plea so I wouldn't have to testify and have everything aired in court I would probably have jumped at the chance" the blonde said putting her hands on the brunettes hips "in the end it's up to you, if you want to accept the plea and pursue her civilly you know I'll back you up every step of the way"
Holly put her hands on Gail's cheeks "Let's go home" she said and kissed her.
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a/n I had to cut this in half to get the upload to work. Next part will be up straight away.