Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow. ~Swedish Proverb

Later that day, Harry was back in the lab and was still reeling from the day's events. He'd left Isabelle in a confused state and rushed back to the lab before the police could get wind of her secret.

"I'm sorry Harry" the younger man looked up to see Leo standing there with a grim look on his face "The tongues are from Isabelle's family…it's a match and there's not doubt about it"

Harry sighed loudly and buried his head in his hands "The police will tear her apart" he groaned

"There's not a lot more you can do, I'm afraid" Leo said sadly "I'm sorry Harry but the evidence is conclusive"

"I'm not giving up on her Leo!" Harry shouted "She was so terrified on that bridge and clearly determined to take her own life, it was the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last. The police will destroy her if they question her, she can't take it"

Leo laid a hand on the younger man's shoulder "Maybe its for the best, she can get help…"

"She didn't do it Leo!" Harry yelled standing up and brushing the hand from his shoulder "I don't believe it for a second"

"Don't or wont?" Leo asked

Harry shook his head "I'm not giving up on her Leo, she's been let down by the whole world and I will not be one of those people who just hurt and desert her"

He stormed out of the lab, hardly noticing where he was going. He only stopped when he collided into someone with a bump

"Ouch!" came the voice and when he looked up he saw Nikki rubbing her shoulder where she had collided with Harry

"Sorry" he murmured

Nikki looked up at him and she was sure she saw the beginnings of tears in his eyes "What happened?" she asked as they took a seat in the corridor

"We found the tongues" Harry told her quietly

"Where were they?" she asked

"Isabelle had them" he said shaking his head slightly

"Oh Harry…" Nikki sighed "I'm sorry…"

"She didn't do it" Harry said firmly "Nikki, I'm sure of it"

"I believe you" she told him "But if Isabelle didn't do it then who did?"

Harry paused for what seemed like an eternity "I don't know" was all he finally said

Nikki tucked her arm through Harry's in a comforting gesture and he gently leaned her head against her shoulder

"It's okay you know" she said gently

"Is it?" Harry questioned "I failed her Nikki…I let her down"

"No" Nikki shook her head "You did the complete opposite, you're helping her"

Harry nodded and the two of them sat in companionable silence before Harry spoke again

"I shouted at Leo" he said looking rather guilty

"I'm sure he'll get over it" Nikki chuckled "You're allowed a strop once in a while"

"A strop?" Harry said looking incredulously at Nikki "I'm a man, I don't throw strops"

Nikki laughed "Yes you do!"

Harry sighed and shook his head "Women!" was all he said and this comment was followed by a swift slap on the arm from Nikki which made Harry recoil in pain

"Watch yourself Cunningham!" Nikki teased "There's more where that came from"

"Oh really?" he said moving closer to her so their lips were almost touching

"Yes" Nikki said leaning in towards him

Harry felt his heart beat faster and faster, Nikki was so close he could smell her signature flowery perfume. They sat in that close proximity, each hardly daring to breathe. It was Harry that finally broke the silence

"I can see your split ends" he said

Nikki hit him hard on the shoulder and pulled away trying to conceal a laugh

"I hate you" she told him, but the smile on her face said otherwise "I might never get over that!"

"What can I do to make it up to you?" he asked

"Take me out for dinner somewhere posh and expensive" she teased

Harry nodded "Will a takeaway suffice?"

"I really hate you" she said trying to stifle a fit of giggles

"I know but you'll have time to tell me again through the lovely kebab I'll buy you" Harry grinned

"Oh you are splashing out" Nikki said sarcastically turning away and walking back towards the lab "It better be worth my while"

"It will be" Harry said quietly, his mood at once lifted just by Nikki's presence

"Doctor Cunningham?" Harry turned around to see Doctor Martin Smith standing behind him

"Hi" Harry said shaking hands with the older man

"I've been going through my notes from Isabelle's case file and i think there's something you should see…"

Author's note: I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a while, school has been so hectic recently it's unbelievable. I'll try and get another chapter or two up this weekend but don't quote me on it!