A/N – Bit of an epic this chapter, couldn't find a suitable place to stop, I'm still not beta'd, so please let me know if there are mistakes – thank you to those of you who pointed out my error in the last chapter =0)
please read & review, thanks x
All characters belong to Kudos/BBC, I own nothing
"Wonder who did this?"
"Well if we knew that Christopher we'd be in Luigi's gettin' pist an' I'd maybe find a bird ter shag to celebrate" shouted Gene
Alex knew that comment was for her benefit, and it stung, more than she was prepared for.
"I.D.?"
"No Guv, she ad' 'er bag but no I.D." said Ray
"I'll get Shaz to go through missing persons when we get back to the station" said Alex, trying to sound nonchalant about his prior comment. It's probably Reynolds that's put him in this mood.
Reynolds lingered like a bad smell, following Gene wherever he went; the cheeky git had even taken her place in the Quattro, meaning she had to sit between Ray & Chris, much to Ray's delight – if his hand wandered on to her leg one more time she'd bloody shoot him. She looked down at the young woman lying before them, she was beautiful, sandy blonde hair and big brown eyes, "Doesn't look like a working girl, and I doubt it was a mugging gone wrong"
"Oh really Inspector, and what led you to that conclusion?" Alex hesitated, unsure if Gene wanted an answer of if he was going to take another jibe at her, unfortunately it was the latter, "Could it be, I don't know, the fancy clothes? Or maybe because of all the fucking money in 'er bag?" Gene bellowed before storming off. Reynolds scurrying behind him, "An' you can piss off an' all" Reynolds stopped in his tracks and sloped back towards Alex.
"What-" started Reynolds, Alex shrugged and started walking back to the Quattro, Reynolds paused for a minute before following her.
"What's got into 'im?" Chris whispered to Ray
"Buggered if I know, but it's probably got somethin' to do with Drake, they dint seem too 'appy with each other earlier"
"Gene?" said Alex, catching up with him, "What's the matter?"
"Nothing" he snapped
Oh great we're back at nothing, "Well there's obviously something; Reynolds?" she asked quickly, checking he was still out of earshot, "Just talk to me, I thought we were frie-"
"I think you'll find we are work colleagues, an' as you've told be before" he leant in close, she could feel his breath on her cheek, she didn't like this side of him, "It's none of your fucking business"
She didn't respond, didn't know how to respond, he'd not spoken to her like that since the day of 'Operation Rose', she couldn't think of anything to say, and knew anything she did say when he was in one of these black moods, would only cause him to erupt. Hearing Reynolds come up behind her, she nodded at Gene and got in the car.
"Everything ok?" asked Reynolds, more out of necessity than because he cared
"Marvellous" muttered Gene as he walked to the driver's side, "Are you two poofta's goin' ter 'ang about all day?" he shouted to Ray & Chris, "Or d'you want ter walk back?" Opening the car door and getting in, he risked a glance at Alex. She sat quietly, eyes lowered, fiddling with her fingers, not one of your finer moments Gene.
ooOoo
When they arrived back at the station Gene stalked straight to his office and slammed the door behind him, and that's where he stayed for the remainder of the morning. Alex had got everyone looking through the missing persons files, even Reynolds had helped.
"Think I've found her Ma'am" said Shaz as she handed Alex a file, "Claudia Barker-Jones, 35"
"'ere, int she that actress?" asked Ray
"Yeah think so" replied Shaz, "Reported missing two days ago"
"Wait, if she's an actress, why didn't you recognise her?"
"Not been in a lot recently Ma'am, actually don't think she's been in a lot ever, just likes the title" said Ray, "Married to that 'ard bastard, what's 'is name-"
"Neddy Jones" piped up Shaz
Alex was searching for any recollection of the name, but there was nothing, mind you, it would make sense if she's not been in a lot, it doesn't mean you're forgetting.
"DI Drake" said Reynolds pulling her to one side, "I need to go out for a while, can I trust you to hold the fort?"
"But we're-"
"Won't be long" he said leaving before she had chance to ask him where.
Where was that little prick off to now? Thought Gene, watching the goings on from behind his desk, he noticed Alex studying a file closely, getting up he opened his office door, "Found something'?" he said gruffly.
"Think it's Neddy Jones' wife Guv" said Chris
"Oh good, drugs, loan shark, racketeering"
"Yeah that's 'im Guv" confirmed Ray
"Nasty bastard; not 'ad any trouble off 'im in a while, spends most of 'is time abroad, Spain I think"
"Marbella" said Chris
"Ah yes Costa del crime"
Alex knew Marbella on the Costa Del Sol supposedly harboured criminals, all be it rich, incredibly smart criminals in 2008, but in the 80s?
"Inspector Drake-"
"Sorry Guv; what?"
"Oh I don't know any thoughts? Or are we too busy day dreaming?" about soddin' Edward no doubt
"Well, if he's rich it certainly explains her attire, doesn't shed any light on what she was doing on that wasteland-"
"Being murdered" said Chris, triumphantly
"Twonk" muttered Ray
"Thank you for your input Christopher; we need to find any witnesses, ask around, see if anyone saw 'er, need to pay Neddy a visit"
"I'll go" volunteered Alex, desperate to get away from the office for a while, "Something funny Ray?" she said noticing Ray smirking.
"Nothin' Ma'am, but if you go dressed like that" he said looking her up and down, tight fitted jeans and low cut top, "He'll 'ave yer knickers down-"
"Thank You DS Carling" Gene said scowling.
"No, no, it's alright Guv, what were you going to say Ray? What's the matter? We're all bloody listening now!"
"OK Inspector" said Gene, knowing this was going to turn into another spat between his DI & DS.
"No, it's not ok, if he's got something to say, he should go ahead and say it" Alex stood in front of Rays desk, eyes blazing, Ray shuffled in his seat.
"DI Drake; a word" Gene said sternly, nodding towards his office.
"What?" said Alex slamming the door shut behind her.
"What do yer mean 'what'? You just jumped down Ray's throat fer-"
"Yes, because once again it's 'let's take the piss out of Drake for shagging everyo-"
"'e didn't mean that, 'e was just-"
"He was just what? Being a bloke? Because I haven't shagged anyone since the thatcherite, so I'm not as 'easy' as you all think I am, not that it's got anything to do wi-"
"I was goin' ter say, 'e was just bein' Ray, an' given 'alf the chance Neddy would try an' get in yer knickers, 'e wasn't sayin' you'd accept"
"Oh-"
"Yes, 'oh', now as delighted as I am to 'ear you've not shagged anyone" especially Edward, "since the thatcherite, do you think we can get on? You know? If it's not too much trouble, we've only got a dead body on our 'ands" Alex nodded sheepishly, "An where the fuck is Reynolds?" If he had to be here he could at least do some sodding work.
"Said he had to pop out, don't know where Guv" she mumbled before quickly exiting his office.
Alex's face was burning red, yes Ray wound her up, but he did that most days, she had no reason to behave as she just did, and why she felt the need to announce to Gene that she hadn't slept with anyone since the thatcherite was beyond her.
ooOoo
Walking to his rendezvous, Reynolds quickened his pace, he didn't want to be away for too long, he didn't, no couldn't arose suspicion. He'd heart Hunt had a temper, but he'd never see a full blown outburst.
"You alright?"
"Yeah fine" said Reynolds regaining his composure as he arrived at his destination.
"Good, need you to stay focused"
"I am; what's next?"
"Go to the meeting place tonight and I'll fill you in"
Reynolds nodded and started walking back towards the station.
ooOoo
"Ma'am; I've managed to get hold of Neddy's housekeeper, seems he's in Marbella at the moment and won't be back until tomorrow, he left a contact number though"
"OK, thanks Chris" Alex dialled the number and listened patiently to the international dialling tone.
"Ello?" answered a gruff voice with a thick east end accent.
"Hello, is that Mr Neddy Jones?"
"Who's asking?"
"I'm DI Drake, I'm calling from Fenchurch East police station we-"
"Found her then? No surprise really, always turns up when the money runs out"
"Excuse me?"
"The Mrs; disappears for a few days with her 'friends', comes home when the money's run out"
"No Mr Jones, you don't understand, I'm afraid I need to speak with you face to face, when will you be back in the country?" This is the bit I'll never get used to, even if he's a criminal he's still a person, at least at home I don't have to do this. She sighed, home, would she every get back? Do I want to? "We think we may have found her, but... we think she..." pull yourself together, "We found a body, we think it may be your wife" silence... "We need to have somebody identify the body" silence... "Mr Jones?"
"Yeah I'm still here"
"Can you tell me if she did anything out of the ordinary in the run up to her disappearance?"
"You're 'avin' a laugh aren't ya? I wouldn't have a clue where she was, speak to her boyfriend, Roger Empson, he'll tell you more" he said casually
"Oh OK, thanks" Alex flustered, she wasn't prepared for that response, I'd rather have had the tears and screaming, "We'll still need to speak with you Mr Jones"
"I'll be back Sunday"
"Can you come in first thing Monday?"
"No, cop shops aren't my style; why don't you come to me love? More comfortable at my place"
Alex felt a little unnerved at his tone, he really would try it on, "OK, myself and an accompanying officer will be there 9am Monday Mr Jones"
"You can come anytime you want darlin', and call me Neddy"
Alex shuddered, "I'll see you Monday Mr Jones" she quickly replaced the receiver, Ray was right.
ooOoo
"Guv?" said Alex as she opened Gene's office door.
"Ah, DI Drake, how nice of you to knock, do come in" he said scowling
Do not take the bait Alex, "Just thought you'd want to know, I've contacted Neddy Jones" she said entering the his office and closing the door behind her.
"Do you want me to read yer mind, or you goin' ter get to the point?" Bloody 'ell Gene, give her chance
Why is he treating me like this? She didn't know whether to scream and shout of burst into tears, no he will not see me cry, "I've had enough of this" she shrieked, "What the hell is your problem?"
"Me?" Gene said indignantly, "Not got a problem love"
"Whatever Gene; if you don't want to tell me that's fine, but we have to work together, you can't keep treating me like-"
"Like what Drake? Like I treat the rest of the team? You think because you've got a degree in psychotwattery you're better than the rest of us"
What the hell's he on about? I thought we'd had this argument already, what happened to the caring Gene I saw over the past few weeks?
"It's a good job you've got the doc to wine & dine yer after a day with northern flatfoots like me" he shouted venom clear in his voice
"OK" Edward's definitely the problem, is he jealous? "So your problems with Edward?"
"Yes... er... no..." shit
"It either is or it isn't Gene"
"It was, it's not now you made your choice"
"Choice, what choice? You made it perfectly clear you didn't want a 'relationship' god forbid, the Gene Genie settling down, can't have that, people might think you've gone soft" she spat, her chest heaving, "What did you want from me? A pity shag? No hard feelings about shooting me, one quickie and everything's ok – well newsflash, I don't want a one-night stand"
"Neither did I" he roared
There was a knock at the door, "What?" they shouted simultaneously.
"Sorry to interrupt" said Reynolds, "But I don't really think this is a conversation for the office" he said nodding his head in the direction of the rest of CID, everyone trying to look as though they were busy working and not listening.
Of course; sorry" said Alex, "Right, update" she tried to catch Gene's eye but he wouldn't look at her, impossible bloody man, "Neddy Jones, reported his wife, Claudia, missing two days ago, he's currently in Spain and won't be back until the weekend, I'm going to speak to him on Mond-"
"I'll come wi-" Gene started
"Ray will come with me" she said quickly, "Neddy didn't seem too upset she was dead, he said to speak to..." she flipped through her notes, "Roger Empson"
"Empson" said Gene, "rings a bell, get Ray to 'ave a look through the files"
"When I asked of her whereabouts in the time leading up to her disappearance he said we should speak to him"
"Affair?" asked Reynolds
"Definitely, but not one they kept a secret judging by Neddy's reaction"
"Thank you DI Drake" said Reynolds glancing at the clock, "I'll help you and Ray search for Roger Empson" he wanted to be anywhere but with Hunt right now.
ooOoo
Gene poured himself a large scotch and pulled out his notepad. He's normally be doodling away by now, but he couldn't, every time he tried to imagine being with Alex, Edward, would get in the way. An' after the way you just treated 'er, she'll never want to speak to you again.
ooOoo
Alex sat at her desk trying to look busy; Ray and Reynolds were going through files looking for any reference to Roger Empson, and anything that could link him to Neddy Jones. They couldn't do a lot until they found Roger or the post mortem was complete. She was glad in a way; she doubted she'd be able to concentrate after the explosive conversation with Gene. It made no sense, when Gene had met Edward he'd seemed fine, even to the point of being civil towards him. He'd made himself clear he wanted nothing more from her, well maybe a shag, but she didn't just want a shag, she'd done that when she'd first landed here, and it didn't make her feel very good about herself. She stood up and walked over to the kitchenette, maybe a coffee would clear her head.
ooOoo
Seeing Alex walk into the kitchenette Gene flew out of his office and made a beeline for it. Alex was sat on the chair facing the wall, mug in hand, a million miles away.
"Bolls?"
"Oh, sorry, I didn't see you come in" she said as she snapped back to reality, she'd noticed she'd been calling here 'reality' more frequently as of late.
"Just wonderin...." why does it always have to be so 'ard to talk to her., "you goin' ter Luigi's tonight? Thought I could buy you dinner, yer know.. to show I'm...er..." just say it, "Sorry" he mumbled, he hated saying sorry, even though he knew he'd been in the wrong, he had to though, or he'd lose her altogether.
"Sorry Gene" she said disappointedly, "But I'm seeing Edward tonight" I could cancel; no don't read too much into it, he's just sorry about before.
"Oh right, some other time then" he sniffed, he felt like he's been kicked in the gut, but you know she's seeing him, he hoped, no, wanted her to drop all her plans, come out with him instead, but he knew she wouldn't, why would she when she's got 'im to wine an' dine 'er.
"Best get back to it, murderer to catch" she mumbled as she escaped the confines of the kitchenette, it was too small, she could smell him, his scent attacking her senses, if she hadn't got out of there quickly she didn't know what she'd have done.
ooOoo
He was gorgeous though, Alex thought as she sat across the table from Edward.
"So what do you think?"
"About what?" Oh god I need to stop drooling and listen, "Sorry Edward, been a long day"
"I understand, I have many of them. I've got Saturday off; I thought we could do the sights?"
"That would be lovely" she hadn't done any sightseeing since she'd arrived, even though she'd seen them as a little girl, it'd be nice to have a look at 80's London through an adults eyes.
ooOoo
Gene sat in Luigi's trying to involve himself with the team. He couldn't believe what an idiot he'd made of himself, what? After the way you treated her, do you really think she'd drop him for you? Even in his own thoughts it sounded ridiculous, Edward was everything he wasn't, much more Alex's type, he wanted him to be a twat, he didn't want Alex to get hurt, but if he was a twat she wouldn't like him so much, but he isn't, and she does.
ooOoo
Linking arms with Edward as they made their way back to Luigi's, Alex was still pinching herself at having this man on arm. She didn't usually go in for pretty boys but she had to admit she enjoyed the envious stares she had got from the other female diners.
"You think a lot, don't you Alex?"
"Yes" she laughed, "You sound just like Ge-" and there he was, straight back into her head, she'd almost managed to get through an evening without thinking about him.
"Just like?"
"A friend, they always say the same thing" why didn't I just say it was Gene? In truth she felt like just mentioning Gene's name she felt disloyal, to both of them, but you're nothing to Gene.
"Do you want me to walk you up?" Edward asked as they neared Luigi's.
These were the questions Alex hated on dates; if you invite them up do they expect anything? But if you don't you seem rude. She decided she'd probably be safe with Edward, "Yes, ok, all I have is coffee" she giggled, how clichéd.
As she walked into the entrance she bumped straight into someone, "Sorry"
"S'ok"
"Gene"
"Bolls" They stood in silence staring at each other, both feeling the butterflies in their stomachs, "You look ni-"
"Good evening Gene" said Edward
Shit, forgot about him, "Evenin' doc, 'ave a good night?"
"Yes we've enjoyed ourselves, haven't we Alex?" he said slipping an arm around her waist, an action that didn't go unnoticed by Gene.
"Yes, lovely" she said awkwardly, realising she was sandwiched between the two men. She could see Gene's eyes searching for something, but what?
"Right then, see you tomorrow Bolls"
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes, that place we go to, to catch the criminal scum of this city" he said, almost smiling.
"Oh right, yeah of course" Alex blushed, "Tomorrow" she gave him a small smile, before squeezing past him, catching his eye as she went, those eyes drew her in, she was regretting asking Edward in.
"Good night Mr Hunt" said Edward
"G'night" fan-bloody-tastic, 'e's goin' upstairs.
TBC