We do not own Eastenders, Ashes to Ashes or Waterloo Road
Chapter 21
"Bolly already gave her the okay. I think it might help to have a Mitchell there, especially one who doesn't seem to hold a grudge against Max's son. There's also the fact that if we clear Bradley without a new suspect, Marsden will target her again. We have to play this carefully and keep that idiot sister of hers out of the loop and all. She could be trouble. Ronnie at least seems to have a brain and isn't afraid to use it," Gene grudgingly admitted.
Ray nodded. Inside, he was glad that Ronnie met with his DCI's approval even if it was only because she was fairly smart.
Gene checked his watch. "Time for one more cup of tea I think," he said.
Rowan saw Gene's expression and knew he was out of tea. She grabbed the bill and the pot of tea. She refilled the teas and Gene handed her the money for his and Alex's breakfasts. She grinned and took the empty plates as she headed back.
Alex thanked Rowan as she took the plates away.
She picked up her mug and drank some of the liquid as she leant back into her chair.
"Is Ronnie coming here or meeting us at Max's?" Gene asked Ray suddenly.
Rowan quickly washed up the dishes and then lifted the lid on the large pot of aromatic beef stew that was simmering on the stove. She rang up the bill and took Gene his change.
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Ronnie raised her eyebrows.
"Sure, I don't mind babysitting, but a bit of help down here would be a good idea. Never know if she'll wake up and need me," Ronnie suggested.
Brian perked up when he overheard Roxy asking Ronnie to babysit. He wasn't sure about a woman with a kid but the money might make it easy to ignore.
Roxy nodded her agreement.
"I'll give Christian a call and see if he can work tonight. If all else fails, I ask Tracy."
"Works for me," Ronnie said. "Aunty Peg is back what, next week?" she wondered as she washed up some glasses. She noticed the empty pint glass and filled it quickly and put it in front of the overly-handsome man at the bar.
Roxy looked up at the calender that hung above the phone.
"Yep. She and Pat are back next Friday"
She saw Ronnie serving Brian and gave him a quick smile before her sister turned.
Brian gave Roxy a quick up and down look and a wink when Ronnie turned away after giving him his new pint. Clearly he was in with a chance. He wasn't surprised. He couldn't wait to talk to her alone some more.
Ronnie checked the clock.
"I better shove off, back after while. If I'm going to be more than an hour I'll text you," she called as she ran out the door and hurried over to the café. She went inside and was glad to see they were still there.
Roxy waved at her sister as she disappeared out of the pub. She picked up the few empty glasses on the bar and placed them into the sink. She needed to invest in a dishwasher for this place. It would cut down her workload immensely.
Roxy made her way back over to Brian. "I don't believe I know your name."
"Brian Curtis," he replied and held out his hand for her to shake.
"And you haven't suggested a restaurant yet," he said with a slow smile.
She shook his hand. The handshake was firm yet his hands were fairly soft.
"Well, the two decent places around here are Fargos or the Argy Bajhee. So it depends if you want Indian food or not. And I'd say make a reservation at about 7:45."
Roxy was entranced by his eyes. They were such a brilliant shade of blue. She caught herself before she made it obvious that she was staring at him and pondered her answer.
"Food's food," Brian replied with a slight shrug, his deep voice husky, as he gazed into her eyes. "I'm more concerned with what you want."
Roxy stared back into his eyes and lost herself in the pools of blue. He really was very charming.
"Argy Bajhee then," she decided.
He smiled and propped his chin in his hand.
"Fantastic, I actually love Indian food," he told her. "You must be reading my mind."
He gazed at her for a few moments.
"I better book us that table," he remarked and pulled out his phone.
Roxy giggled at him.
She smiled flirtatiously at him a he withdrew his phone to make the call. She quickly scanned the bar and went to serve the randomers waiting for her assistance.
Brian tracked her with his eyes as she wandered around the pub serving people. He booked the reservation and flipped his phone closed.
He got up to talk to her as she came back to the bar.
"Well, love," he said as he gazed down at her. "I'll be here for you at 7:30, be ready." He gently tweaked her chin with his thumb and forefinger and then took her hand and kissed it.
"Later."
He shoved his hands in his pockets and strolled out of the pub.
Roxy felt her skin tingle where his lips had brushed her hand. She watched him leave and turned her attention half-heartedly back to her customers. Her mind fixed on more important matters.
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Jack paid the driver and followed Alyssa to the building. He queued up for the tickets and shoved his hands in his pockets. His palms were sweating again, he noticed in annoyance.
Alyssa joined him in the queue. It wasn't long and they were still in time for the showing at the time they wanted to see.
They reached the desk and Alyssa stepped forward.
"2 for Nightmare on Elm Street please," she asked as she withdrew her purse.
Jack put out his hand and gestured Alyssa to put her money away as he handed the notes for the tickets to the cashier.
"I asked, I pay," he insisted. "And if you're very nice, I might just throw in popcorn and a coke," he added with a teasing grin.
Alyssa placed her purse back into her bag. She smiled at him, he was such a gentleman. She was falling in love with his voice as well.
"So what are you considering 'nice' to be?" she asked him innocently.
"Wellll," he began expansively as he handed her the ticket. "It's a given that you have to go on and on about my dashing good looks and charm, oh, and that I'm brilliant as well," he teased as he offered her his arm to escort her to the concession counter.
Alyssa took his arm, giggling.
"Well of course, an ego boost. However surely it's easier if I just do this..."
With no more warning than that, Alyssa twisted, reached up and gently kissed him.
Jack started in surprise when she kissed him. It was quite the last thing he had expected. But he put a hand on her cheek and kissed her back softly and chastely.
Alyssa smiled into the kiss as he responded.
She broke the kiss and smiled up at him. She held back a laugh at the look on his face. Pleasantly surprised, she concluded.
"It seems I owe you popcorn and a coke," he conceded with a smile.
"Yes. I believe you do" she answered before taking his arm again and allowing him to lead her in the direction of concession counter.
"Come on then," he laughed and got her popcorn and a coke and then led her to find a seat in the theatre.
Alyssa sat down in the theatre and placed the coke in the holder on the seat. They had managed to find a couple of seats together fairly easily after they had woven through the clusters of people that had been milling around.
She leant back in the chair and took a few pieces of popcorn out of the bag.
Jack glanced at Alyssa. Encouraged by her kiss in the lobby, he casually slung an arm around her shoulders and leaned back in his seat.
Alyssa smiled as she felt Jack's arm around her shoulder. She shifted in her seat so her body was positioned towards him.
The lights went down and she picked up some more popcorn in anticipation.
Jack was finding it more and more difficult to concentrate on the movie. The smell of Alyssa's perfume was proving quite the distraction. He wondered absently how many of his students were here at the film and how fast the news would travel around the school on Monday.
Alyssa leaned further into his arm and took his hand. She squeezed it tightly. Her eyes were fixed on the screen and refused to move no matter how hard she tried or how much she wanted to look away.
Jack started a bit as she moved closer to him and squeezed his hand. He squeezed it back and wrapped his arm around her shoulder a little tighter.
Alyssa relaxed a little as she felt Jack's arm tighten around her. She breathed out a little and picked up some popcorn. She always ended up eating if she was nervous, anxious or scared. It had become a habit more than anything else.
Jack breathed a sigh of relief when the film was over. It wasn't his sort of thing but he hadn't minded, not with Alyssa there. He looked at her as the house lights came up and then stood and held out his hand to her.
Alyssa took his hand and stood.
"Well I agree that Jackie Earle Haley is nothing on Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger. However that was a lot more intense than the 80's version."
Jack hummed and took her hand tucked it around his arm.
"I confess I was a bit distracted," he commented absently as he led her from the theater. "Should we get something to eat?"
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Ray looked up at Gene's question.
"Here I think."
His thoughts were confirmed when he saw Ronnie come into the café.
He moved up to make room for her at the small table.
"Right, since we're all here I suggest we get moving," Gene stated as he stood. "Ta for breakfast love," he said to Rowan as he led the way out of the café. She nodded.
Chris stopped and gave Rowan a quick kiss.
"See you later," she said and stroked his cheek.
Ronnie lagged behind to walk with Alex.
Chris got in step with Ray and looked at him.
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"So, mate," he said quietly so only Ray could hear, "you looked a bit weird when you got here. What happened?"
Ray looked up at Chris. He dug in his pocket and withdrew the keys as a way of an explanation.
"I was in shock," he said as the dangled from his finger.
Chris looked at his mate in surprise.
"Flat keys, I'd be shocked and all," he breathed. "Guess it's serious then, mate. Nice one."
Ray smirked at his friend. And placed the keys back into his pocket. He was sure Ronnie would not be impressed if he lost them.
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Ronnie made sure Ray wasn't within earshot and then leaned close to Alex. "I gave Ray a set of my flat keys."
Alex smiled happily at her friend.
"Ronnie, that's fantastic! I'll bet he was shocked! Even Gene doesn't have the keys to my place yet! Mind you if he wanted to come in he'd probably just break the door down, he's done that several times at my old place," she mused.
She wondered whether Ronnie was taking things too quickly. She hadn't known Ray very long. She sighed. It was Ronnie's choice. If she wanted Ray to have access to her flat at all times that was her decision.
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Chris clapped his friend on the back and smiled.
"Rowan wants to give me keys too but she wants to talk to Alyssa first, since they're flatmates," Chris supplied. "I don't mind if she can't, the idea that she wants to is enough and all. She's trusted me with a lot about herself, stuff she don't normally share with people. It's a lot to take in."
Ray grinned at Chris.
"That's great news mate. Personally I'm not big on the whole talking malarkey. If she wants to tell me something she will and vice versa."
"Yea, well she wanted to and she did," Chris agreed. "It feels good that she trusts me that much."
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Ronnie smiled shyly.
"I don't know how to explain it," she said, confusion lacing her tone. "He's not like anyone I've ever met. He," she broke off, searching for what she wanted to say. "He makes me feel safe. Do you know what I mean? It's not just the great sex and frankly he has um, minor annoyances like any man, but when I'm with him, it's like, nothing can hurt me because he wouldn't let it," she sighed. "That's hard to give up. I know it seems like I hardly know him, but at the same time it feels like it doesn't matter."
She looked at Alex to see if she understood what she was saying. She knew Roxy never would and so hadn't bothered trying. Let her think it was all about the sex. But Alex was different. She was sure Alex would get what she was saying.
Gene glanced back and saw the two women involved in a deep conversation and though he was tempted to lag back and listen, he thought it best not too. Bolly could be vicious when she wanted to be and he had no desire to make her mad.
Alex nodded knowingly and looked at Gene, she caught his glance. She smiled.
"I know exactly what you mean" Alex nodded "It's the same for me and Gene. But with Gene it's not just a feeling, I know that I'm safe with him because," Alex broke off and searched for the words she needed. There were countless times when she had been in trouble that Gene had been there and rescued her. "I've...had experiences at work where I've nearly died and he always, well, saved me I suppose." Alex thought about Ronnie's last sentence. "There's a lot I don't know about Gene but I know if it reaches a point where it's vital that I know something then he will tell me. It annoys the hell out of me but I love him," She confessed.
Ronnie nodded. She had known Alex would understand. She thought about Ray walking behind her and added a bit of extra swing in her step.
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Ray noticed Ronnie's pace change slightly. He had been watching her out of the corner of his eye.
The woman was a bloody tease. He heard Chris talking and removed his gaze from Ronnie's arse.
"Uh, yeah. Trust is important."
Ronnie heard Ray miss a beat in his conversation and covered her mouth to hold back a giggle. She fixed her expression and fell back to walk next to him as they reached Max's door.
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Max looked at the clock and realized the officers would be arriving soon. He checked the place over once again and then began to pace, desperate for a fag.
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Max opened the door before Gene could knock, he'd seen them coming. He let them in and was a bit surprised to see Ronnie Mitchell was with them. He wondered why.
"Go ahead and have a seat," Max said as casually as he could. He wasn't sure about this but if it would help clear Bradley's name he was willing to help. "Can I get anyone tea or coffee?"
"I'll have tea, ta," replied Gene.
Alex filed into Max's house in her customary position behind Gene. She followed him through to the lounge and declined his offer of tea or coffee.
Ray brushed his hand against Ronnie's as she slowed to walk with him. He led her and Chris up the steps to Max's house behind his fellow DI.
"Coffee," he nodded to Max as he looked around the room he found himself in. 'Posh git,' he thought as he took in his surroundings.
Max quickly made the drinks and came back and handed Gene and Ray their cups. He sat down uneasily on a chair he brought over from the dining table and waited.
"Right then," Gene said after taking a drink of tea. "I want you to tell events from your point of view starting with the night of Archie Mitchell's murder. I want just what you saw and heard. I don't want any speculation or opinions at this time. Just the details and events as you remember in order as best you can.'
He handed Alex the little tape recordered and gestured her to take notes.
"When you're finished, then I want Ronnie to do the same. We should be able to get a fair picture of what happened with what we get from the pair of you. I want any detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem. And I also want it completely understood," he began in a menacing tone and his glance took in everyone in the room, "this goes no further than these four walls. We know the real killer is out there and I would prefer to avoid he or she getting a whiff of what's going on. Understood?"
Max and Ronnie nodded.
"Now, when you're ready."
Alex pulled out a notepad and began recording everything that Max and Ronnie told them. She wrote each persons account on separate pages. She looked down at her notes as she wrote them. These would have to be cross referenced later. No doubt she would have to do that.
Max felt his throat going dry several times as he spoke. He tried to recall as much as possible things he'd seen and heard and things Bradley had told him. He felt a heaving sense of relief when he'd finished.
Ronnie had paid close attention to what Max said, taking mental notes of points where their two stories might mesh. She was surprised at some of what he had included. She hadn't thought some of it would be relevant but Max included it, as instructed. Any minor detail whether it seemed significant or not.
Her stomach knotted as she realized some of the things she was going to have to include in her version of events. The fights and accusations of her sister were nothing compared to the fact that she was going to have to talk about what her father had done to her, in the past and up to his death. They knew some bits and pieces, but she was reticent to impart all of it.
Gene sat in silence for a few moments after Max had finished. He looked at Alex to verify she'd got everything down.
Alex finished furiously scribbling down notes on everything that Max had said. There was a lot. Nearly 3 pages worth of information.
She nodded at Gene as Max finished and turned her attention to Ronnie. She shifted her position so she was facing her and held her pen. Ready to go.
Ray looked at Ronnie as Max finished. He gave her an encouraging smile.
"Ta very much Max," Gene said quietly and then looked at Ronnie. "When you're ready."
Ronnie gave Ray a brief smile back and took a deep breath. She spoke steadily and surely, stressing the points where hers and Max's stories intertwined. She related the accusations of her own sister and what she'd said in return. She spoke of further problems dividing the pair of them as she began to detail her father's systematic abuse of her through the years. She began to falter when she spoke of her daughter Danielle and had to pause a number of times. She stared at the floor unable to look at anyone. She rapidly related her sister's disbelief and increased accusations leading to the fracture of their relationship. She then moved on to the surprising arrival of their mother. Her sister's unwillingness to accept their mother and then her odd wholehearted acceptance of the person their mother said was their brother.
She folded her hands in her lap as she finished, still staring at the floor. She heaved a great breath and waited.
Gene looked at Alex.
Max sat in shock. He'd heard a few rumors here and there but hadn't imagined what Ronnie must have gone through. He found himself disliking Roxy just a little bit more than he already did.
Ray felt himself break during Ronnie's admission. He wanted to scoop her up and tell her everything would be okay. But he held himself until she had finished. He looked at his Guv and then at Alex.
Alex had detached herself from the heart-wrenching story whilst she wrote. It was only once Ronnie had finished that she allowed her feelings to take hold. She slowly reached for Gene's hand and squeezed it for reassurance before releasing it and turning to look at her friend.
"Thank you, Ronnie. I know how hard that must have been for you," she said tenderly.
Ray stood and walked over to her. He sat down next to her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a gentle hug. He was so proud of her, angry at her deceased father, and fuming at her sister. However, the tenderness he felt for this woman was unquestionable as he held her in his arms.
Ronnie nodded at Alex's words, head still bent. She raised her head a bit when Ray sat next to her, her expression bleak. She allowed him to enfold her in his arms. She sniffed and raised her head and blinked.
Gene stood up and shook Max's hand.
"Thank you for this. It should help a great deal. Don't push it, but if you manage to get anything from your brother about Bradley's whereabouts that can also be helpful. I won't ask you to divulge the information if you get it unless necessary. But if you find out and can get him to contact you and tell you anything he might remember that can help too. Not to mention being able to let him know he can come home when we find out who the killer is. And we will find out." Gene finished emphatically.
He walked over to Ronnie and hunkered down next to her and looked her in the eye.
"Thank you. I know that was hard but the worst is over. You should know we believe you if no one else does, though I understand it's your sister, family rejection can be tough. She's struck me as the sort who lives in denial. I don't imagine she'll be pleased when we find the person responsible if for no other reason than she's in the habit of keeping the blame where it's at. If you're willing, I'm sure Bolly could use help with her notes. I'd put Chris or Ray on it but they have something else I need them to do."
He stood up then.
"Thank you very much for your time. We'll leave you to it. Call DI Drake if you find out anything else," he told Max and handed him Drake's card. "Right everyone. Let's leave this man to enjoy his Sunday."
He shook Max's hand again and headed for the door.
Chris patted Ronnie encouragingly on the back. He was tempted to see if he could talk to her more about what had happened to her. Rowan had been sporting a couple of bruises and he didn't quite believe her story that she'd slipped and fallen while taking out the bin bags. He was glad Alyssa either hadn't noticed them or had and believed Rowan's story about the fall. Chris had his suspicions.
He decided to wait. It might still be too raw for Ronnie to talk about.
As Gene stepped out the door, he looked back.
"Chris, Ray, a word."
Ray gave Ronnie a squeeze and kissed the top of her head.
He released her and stood to follow his Guv out of the house, dragging his feet slightly as he went.
"Yes, Guv?"
Alex watched the rest of the team file out. She sat down next to Ronnie and took her hand.
"Well done. Now we can go over these back at mine or the cafe. I think it best if we avoid the pub seeing as it's likely your sister will be there."
She had a back up plan if Ronnie refused. She would call Shaz and ask her to get down to Walford ASAP. She had a good eye for this sort of thing. She wondered what Shaz had been up to while the team had been absent. A stab of guilt jolted her stomach as she realized they had left her to deal with Keats on her own. God only knew the hell he had put her through.
She made her way down the steps and waited for Ronnie to join her. She completely understood if Ronnie had something else she'd rather be doing than cross referencing case notes. It was not the funnest part of the job by any means.
Gene checked quickly that Alex was not out yet and pulled Chris and Ray off to the side.
He pulled something wrapped in a towel out of his pocket that proved to be a tub glass from the pub when he unwrapped it and showed it to them. He hurriedly wrapped it again and handed it to Ray.
"There's only two sets of prints on that glass, mine and Danny Mitchell's. Not sure why I pocketed the damn thing at the time but it seems it will be useful. I want you and Chris to go and get those prints run and get me any information on them as soon as, understood?"
Chris nodded. "Marsden doesn't usually come in on Sundays so it should be easy," he added.
"Right then, get to work," Gene ordered.
Ronnie watched Ray go and then looked at Alex. She smiled at Alex's comment and squeezed her hand.
"I have to go to the pub. I told my sister I'd help out. However, she has a date tonight and I'll be babysitting. She's going to get in some backup for me so we can work while she's gone. If that's all right." She stood up and with a quick smile at Max followed Alex out the door.
Alex led Ronnie out of the house and spoke as she walked.
"I'm going to call Shaz, as well. I'll get her over here and make a start. Then we can come over once Roxy has gone out," she said.
Ronnie nodded agreement. "We'll be fine once she's gone. Christian won't bother us at all, nor Tracey if it's her."
Alex looked suspiciously at Gene, Ray and Chris who seemed to be plotting something. She hated it when they did that and deliberately left her out on stuff. She didn't like being kept in the dark.
"Yes, Guv."
Ray looked at Chris and shrugged. He pocketed the glass before Alex could see what it was.
He shot a smile at Ronnie and nodded respectfully at Alex as he turned and walked away with Chris.
Alex made her way down the steps and watched them go. He was NOT keeping her out again.
"What did you give Ray?" she asked curiously.
Chris waved to Alex and Ronnie and walked off with Ray.
Gene looked at Alex as she approached. He was not surprised when she jumped on him about what he'd given Ray. But she could get…overemotional…at times and though he was sure Ronnie would be glad to know they were looking into Danny he wanted to keep her out of the loop. She was a good actress but she might let something slip and make him suspicious. He wanted her in the dark a bit longer.
"Leave it Bolly, not here," Gene said in a low tone. "Let's move."
He turned and strode across the Square towards the pub.
Alex narrowed her eyes at him and followed him across the road. Pub. Typical.
She ran after him and grabbed his arm.
"Tell me!" she hissed insistently.
Gene frowned at Alex.
"Bolly, when we're alone, not now. Watch after your mate, she just bared her soul to a room of people and it wasn't easy. I'll tell you when we're alone."
Alex sighed. He was right. It was just when he deliberately kept her out of the loop she got impatient and frustrated.
"Pub? Or cafe?"
"Pub," he answered simply. "Need a pint after all that."
Ronnie walked along behind them. She could see Alex was upset at Gene and he seemed unwilling to cooperate. She went on into the pub as Alex asked him if they were going to the pub or the café.
She smiled at Roxy as she moved behind the counter.
"So, what time is your hot date?"
Roxy looked up at her sister as she came into the pub. She beamed.
"7:30," she answered happily.
She was going on a date with one of the best looking guys that had come into the pub since she had arrived in Walford.
Ronnie smiled for her sister. She pulled her normal calm around her and went about serving drinks. She could not let on to Roxy what she'd been doing, though her heart ached a bit that Roxy refused to believe her and would likely turn her back if Ronnie ever mentioned it again. In a way, telling a room full of people she didn't know very well, who accepted her words without question, had helped ease the pain a great deal.
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Danny grinned as he received a text from Glenda confirming the plane tickets had been bought.
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Rowan was glad the café stayed busy. She was even happier when Chris stopped in and got himself and Ray cups of tea to go.
She hadn't sensed Brian's presence but that didn't mean he wasn't around. She was careful to not let people see how on edge she was.
"Be back as soon as we're done and then we can go to the pub if you like," Chris told her and kissed her cheek and then her lips. The bruise on her cheek was still faint, but he could see it up close. He imagined tomorrow it would be quite lurid. He slid his hand down her arm and saw the barely perceptible look of pain in her eyes as he brushed the one he was sure was on her arm. Her facial expression gave away nothing. Rowan nodded and winked and moved to serve the next customer. Chris handed Ray his cup of tea and walked out, heading for the police station.
Ray took his tea off Chris and put his fag out.
"Cheers."
He glanced at Chris' face and saw it was laced with worry.
"What's wrong?"
Chris shook off his reverie at Ray's question. He hadn't realized he'd been so distracted.
"Oh, nothing, mate. Just," he shrugged. "Nothing."
He grinned at Ray and took a drink of his tea. And besides, how could he explain that he could literally feel that Rowan was lying about the reason for the bruises.
Ray slapped his shoulder.
"Good. Let's get off to the station."
He drank some of his tea as he set off.
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Max felt quite drained and worked his way through half a bottle of scotch after the officers left. He sat on the couch and stared at the wall and then picked up the phone and called Alyssa. He could do with her company.
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Alyssa gave Jack a curious look.
"Distracted?"
Her phone began to ring and she released his arm to retrieve it from her bag. She gave him an apologetic look as she withdrew it from her bag. She glanced at the caller ID and sighed as she pressed the green button and answered the call.
"Max?"
Jack nearly answered her question and was interrupted by her mobile ringing. He waited patiently while she answered it and wondered who 'Max' was. Her boyfriend? He'd thought she was single. He studied the "Coming Soon" movie posters as she spoke.
"Hey, just wondered if you were free tonight? I could use your company," Max said, keeping his tone light. He didn't want to her to agree because she felt sorry for him.
"Sorry. I have plans today. I'll see you tomorrow," she answered bluntly.
She shut off her phone and shoved it back into her bag.
She smiled at Jack as she faced him. Max was just a bit of fun but she hoped that this thing with Jack would escalate into something more. Rowan was right, compared to Jack, Max just didn't feel right.
Max stared at the phone in his hand in shock as Alyssa hung up on him. He could understand if she had plans but she'd never been so…cold…before. He wondered what he'd done wrong.
Alyssa began to move out of the cinema and onto the street. She pulled her jacket firmly around her as the breeze hit her.
"Why were you distracted?" she asked, her tone concerned.
Her abruptness on the phone had surprised Jack and he found himself trying to find an answer to her question.
"Just wondering how many students were there and how quickly it will be all over school on Monday that I was there, with a woman," he grinned. "I admit I've avoided women and dating a bit since coming to Walford so I'm sure this will be big news."
Alyssa nodded knowingly. She remembered all the gossip there was surrounding teachers and their 'love lives' when she was in school. There was always speculation concerning the more attractive teachers too.
"Why avoid women though? Are we that intimidating?" she teased him.
"I was engaged before I moved here. Our breakup was, a very bad time. When I got here it took awhile to get past it and the next thing I know I'm top of the list of all the single mothers in the area. I didn't want to take the chance of dating the parent of a student so I just avoided the whole business altogether," he paused. "I'm sure up till now everyone was convinced I was gay," he joked to lighten the mood.
He wanted to ask about the man on the phone, Max, but stayed quiet.
"So, as I was saying, dinner?"
Alyssa nodded as he spoke. She could see why single mothers would target him. He was gorgeous. She laughed at his comment about being gay. Alyssa reached down and took his hand.
"Dinner sounds lovely," she responded.
"Well, let's walk around and see what strikes us," he suggested. He'd not been in this part of town often and looked forward to trying something new.
Alyssa nodded at Jack. the Sunday afternoon traffic had began to ease off and there was now only the occasional car that passed the cinema, in contrast to the steady stream that had been flowing when they had gone inside. Evidently most people were journeying home for the evening or had already reached their destination.
"Where'd you want to go?" she asked as they started to pass restaurants and bars.
"That looks okay over there," Jack said, pointing out a Greek place he'd spotted across the road. "What do you think?"
Alyssa looked in the direction he was pointing and spotted the little Greek place.
"Only if we get taramasalata or tzatziki as a starter" she replied with a grin.
"Deal," said Jack and led her across to the little restaurant.
After they were seated, he took care to find out what she wanted and then ordered for them both.
"I'm thinking half a day for it to get round the school," he remarked, bringing up their earlier conversation.
Alyssa laughed.
"And no doubt it will get blown completely out of proportion," she smiled back.
Jack reared his head back and laughed.
"Oh, of course, by the time the day is over I imagine it will be all over school that I shagged someone in the middle of the theatre."
He took a drink of his wine, still shaking with laughter and shook his head.
"So, why don't you talk about you?" he suggested. "Seems only fair."
Alyssa shared in his laughter and raised her eyebrows at his comment.
"Go on then" she replied "what would you like to know?"
Jack pondered taking the opening to ask who Max was but still felt he was in uncertain territory.
"Anything you want to tell me," he replied and took another drink of his wine. "Just, share away."
Alyssa thought carefully wondering where to start.
"Well, I live in Walford with my flatmate, Rowan. We've only been here for about a week. Erm...my parents disowned me a while back. My favorite season is Autumn and I love sweet foods," she stated randomly, saying the first things that came into her head.
"Rowan is the one who runs the café now right?" he asked. "And you work at the car lot." he added.
Alyssa sipped her drink and nodded.
"Yep, Ro owns the café, which is the perfect job for her, she's an amazing cook. And yeah. The car lot," she shrugged.
Jack couldn't stand it any longer.
"And Max is..." he began.
Alyssa raised her eyebrows at him realising he had heard her phone call.
"Max is my boss," she replied "Why?" she asked curiously.
"He calls you to work this time of day on a Sunday? Don't think much of him as a boss," Jack said flatly and started on his dinner which had finally arrived.
Alyssa picked up her fork and started her food.
"I'm his PA," she stated simply. "There's always something he needs me to do," she answered before taking a mouthful.
Jack nodded along with her comment and took another bite.
"How's yours?" he asked after he'd swallowed his mouthful.
Alyssa nodded and swallowed.
"It's good!" she praised and then took another bite.
"Anything else you'd like to know?"
Jack shrugged. "Anything you want to talk about. It's been awhile for me so I'm afraid my conversational skills are a bit limited," he chuckled.
Alyssa smiled again and thought for a moment. She wondered what she could tell him or ask him about.
"How long have you been living in Walford?"
"Well, as I said earlier I've been living in Walford about two years now. I like it and the school," he replied and then ate another bite.
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Once inside the station, Chris led Ray quickly and quietly to the lab to get the fingerprints checked. He'd been surprised that he was expected to know how to use the equipment and had been trained when it was discovered he didn't. In this case, it was a stroke of luck. He had Ray watch the door while he quickly went to work. It was also fortunate that Danny had smaller hands than the Guv and that the Guv tended to down whiskey in one go. He held up the glass to the light and was able to immediately see which prints belonged to the Guv and which didn't. He got the information scanned in and then set the computer to work.
He blew out a breath and walked over to Ray.
"Just have to wait now," he shrugged.
Ray watched Chris with interest and kept an eye on the corridor outside the room as Chris worked.
No one had come past so far and if they were lucky then no one would.
"How long?"
"Hard to say," Chris answered. "Hopefully not long."
He turned and watched the computer as it blurred through the database.
Ray nodded silently and tried to keep his mind off Ronnie and focused on the task at hand. He heard footsteps coming down the corridor and braced himself. They passed without faltering though and he was satisfied. He tried to listen to the passage outside the door and not the whirring of the machine that would get them vital information.
Chris stood over the computer, urging it to hurry under his breath.
Suddenly the information they were waiting for flashed up on the screen.
"No record found."
"Shit," Chris spat and turned to Ray. "Dead end. The Guv is not gonna like this."
Ray growled.
"Can't we radio Shaz and ask her what she can find on him? Surely a bit of background can't hurt," he shrugged as he tried to find a solution to the dilemma they had been faced with.
"I don't know Ray," Chris admitted. "Probably shouldn't do that without the Guv's say-so first though. All this means is that he doesn't have a criminal record. Ronnie seems convinced he's not her brother so what if he's using a fake name? Let's get out of here."
Chris cleared his search from the machine and stuck the glass in his jacket pocket.
Ray nodded glumly. Still, pulling up anything they could find on the guy could only help. He'd put it to the Guv and see what he thought about the situation.
He poked his head around the door and cautiously looked from left to right checking that the coast was clear. He waved Chris forward and proceeded to follow his friend out of Walford Police station.
Chris led Ray the fastest way out of the station. He looked at his watch.
"I have to pick up Rowan, do you want to walk by with me or go straight to the pub. I'm sure she'd feed us if we ask nice," he grinned.
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Alex nodded glumly and followed him into the Queen Vic. She plonked herself down into a seat as far away from the bar that she could find and started to play with a beer mat absently.
Gene went to the bar and ordered a pint for himself and a red wine for Bolly. Sometimes he could not figure out why she could not just let something go. Her arguments could cause problems later. They were trying to keep a low profile. He wondered if he should talk to her about it. He felt himself rolling his eyes at the idea. Gene Genie didn't discuss. He ordered and expected to be obeyed. He paid for the drinks and then went and sat down next to her.
"Bolls," he began as he handed her the drink and made sure no one was nearby. "This case could get messy. You are going to have to stop pushing me for answers when we are out in public like that. I promise I'll tell you everything at times when we can't be overheard but otherwise, be a good girl and keep your mouth shut, or we are going to end up with problems," he requested in a low tone and took a drink of his pint.
Alex scowled and took a gulp of the wine. She didn't like it but knew that she had to accept it, he wouldn't have it any other way. Her face softened, he had just promised to tell her everything when they were alone. She could deal with that. If the curiosity hadn't eaten her up first.
She thought back over the times at Fenchurch. He had always opened up to her eventually. Though at times it had taken longer than others, with him being corrupt it had taken him a few days, but with the truth about Sam it had taken months of her prying to get him to open up to her.
"So are you going to tell me now?" she pressed.
"Patience, bloody woman," he grunted and tweaked her nose. He took a drink of his pint to cover that he was checking for anyone nearby. He leaned over close to her. "It was a glass with Danny Mitchell's prints on it. I've told Chris and Ray to run them," he breathed into her ear. "I didn't want your mate Ronnie to overhear. That's something we can keep to ourselves just now."
Alex glared at him as he tweaked her nose. Her expression changed instantly as he explained what he was keeping from her.
She nodded once he had finished to show she had understood, she leaned over to kiss his cheek.
She moved back to her original position and took another drink.
Gene snorted as she kissed his cheek. His cheek. He took another drink of his pint. At least maybe now she'd stop badgering him for information in public.
"So, now we wait for the boys to get back?" she asked casually.
"Yes, and let's hope they find something. It will make our job that much easier."
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Ray weighed up his options. On the one hand there was Rowan's fantastic cooking and the opportunity of being fed, however he would have to watch them being all smushy. On the other hand there was a bar, which meant booze, and Ronnie.
"I'm gonna go straight to the boozer, Chris."
Chris nodded.
"Okay, see you over there. Tell the Guv what we found out right away," he advised.
Then went into the café.
Rowan was chatting away with Bianca when he went in. He walked up to the counter and she absently handed him a plate of stew and a crusty roll. He shook his head and chuckled.
How did she do that?
He sat down and began to eat. She brought over a mug of tea a moment later and sat down with him.
He pointed at her cheek with his fork. "That's going to look pretty nasty tomorrow," he commented.
She nodded but said nothing. "Good day?"
"So-so," he answered. "Looking forward to a quiet drink in the pub."
"Me too. I've been rushed off my feet."
She sat with her chin on her hand and stared off in the distance while he finished his food. When he had she took his dishes to the back.
"Ready."
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Ray let Chris go and hurried into the pub. He saw the Guv and Drake straight away. He winked at Ronnie and sat with his colleagues.
"Danny's fingerprints aren't on the database. I reckon we should get Shaz to do a background check on him, get some more info," he said in a hushed tone so only his DCI could hear.
Ray was unsure whether he had told DI Drake yet, he wasn't willing to risk the Guv's wrath.
Alex smiled at Ray as he came in and sighed exasperatedly as he whispered something to Gene.
Gene frowned and sighed. He looked at Alex and make a slicing gesture across his neck.
"I'll think on it, but might not be a bad idea," Gene said, keeping it vague so he could speak loud enough for Alex to hear.
Ronnie brought Ray a pint and sat down for a moment. "She's leaving at 7:30 so we can tackle that paperwork then," she said to Alex. She looked up and saw Rowan and Chris coming in and got up. "Well, there's a lemonade with vodka and a pint," she said and went to the bar to get them drinks too.
Alex sighed and took another gulp of wine grateful that he was including her in the conversation.
Ray grinned at Ronnie in thanks and took a large gulp if his drink. Boy, did he need that.
He looked up at Chris and Rowan as they walked in. Either Rowan hadn't fed him, or Chris had eaten extraordinarily fast.
"You should have come in to eat, Ray," Chris began as he sat down. "That beef stew was amazing and all."
Rowan blushed, the only mar in the red was the purpling of the bruise beginning to show on her cheek.
"I think he inhaled it. In fact, I'm sure he didn't chew once," she joked.
Ronnie put their drinks down and sat down by Ray again.
"Tell me honestly there is only half a shot in here?" Rowan pleaded.
Ronnie laughed. "Yes, I made it myself don't worry."
Ray slipped his arm around Ronnie's waist. He laughed at Rowan's comment about Chris inhaling the food.
"Well, Rowan your food is astounding," he told her truthfully as he took another gulp from his pint.
Rowan blushed brightly and took a sip of her drink.
"Cheers, Ray," she whispered and unthinkingly tucked her hair behind her ear.
Ronnie gasped. "Rowan what happened to your face?" she blurted out before she could stop herself.
Rowan looked at Ronnie, startled and put her hand to her cheek.
"I slipped and fell against the doorframe when I was taking out the garbage this morning. It's fine," Rowan explained and drank down half her drink.
Chris carefully kept his face expressionless. He wasn't going to give it away, at least not yet. If she felt she still needed to lie, he would let it go for now.
Ronnie's eyes narrowed at Rowan's explanation but she said nothing.
Alex gasped at the mark on Rowan's face. That didn't look like she'd fallen against a door. Alex wasn't going to press her. She only hoped that she was opening up to Chris. She knew Chris hadn't done it; he was incapable of inflicting any sort of damage onto a woman.
Ray studied the developing bruise and glanced at Chris questioningly.
Chris saw Ray's look and just shook his head. It was Rowan's place to say something or not. But he would keep a closer eye on her.
Ray raised his eyebrows at him but didn't pry. Not his business.
Rowan licked her lips and stared at her drink, knowing she'd spoiled the mood. She didn't think they bought her story. She knew Chris hadn't, there was a bond building between them and he had to know she was lying. But he was letting it slide.
She wasn't going to let it bother her. As long as Brian didn't catch her alone, it wouldn't happen again.
Roxy glanced up at the clock. She had about an hour to get ready. She waved to get Ronnie's attention then gestured that she was going upstairs.
She mouthed the word 'Tracy' at her sister to tell her that Tracy should show up to cover the bar soon. Then she rushed upstairs to prepare for her night out.
Ronnie gave Roxy a thumbs up and glanced around the pub to check the drinks.
"Be right back," she said as she noticed a couple of drinks needed refreshing.
"I'll have another and all love," Gene told her and drained his pint.
Roxy ran upstairs and got ready as fast as she could. She finished and sighed when the familiar screaming from her daughter's room began. She gathered her child up in her arms and rocked her gently. She didn't have time for this.
Roxy carried her still upset daughter downstairs and gave Ronnie an exasperated look as she tried to stem her tears.
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Brian finished getting ready and headed out for the pub. He should get there bang on time.
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Ronnie reached out and took Amy.
"Here, I'm the babysitter, Tracey will be here soon. Go do...whatever," she said and waved Roxy away.
Rowan leaned down and pulled her cigarettes and lighter out of her bag and got up.
"Be right back," she said with a small smile. She felt immensely awkward now and hated it.
She stepped out into the chill night air and lit up, gratefully taking a deep drag. She moved away from the door and sat on the bench outside and sighed.
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Brian walked in the pub door precisely on time. He walked up to the bar and looked around for Roxy.
Chris saw him come in and inadvertently glanced at the other door Rowan had gone through.
He got up. "I'll..." he began and then just headed out.
Roxy kissed both her daughter and sister on the cheek as Ronnie took the child from her.
"Thanks for this, Ron."
She waved at Brian as he came in and hopped out from behind the bar and made her way over to him.
Alex tensed slightly as she saw Brian enter. She watched Chris rush after Rowan and relaxed a little bit. She was concerned for her friend, not only because of the bruises she was sporting but also because if her reaction when Brian had walked in yesterday.
Ronnie watched as her sister bounced over to that overly-handsome ex of Rowan's and shook her head. She had vague doubts that her sister would return that evening.
Brian smiled at Roxy as she approached and he took her hand and kissed it, then tucked in around his arm and led her from the pub.
Roxy smiled broadly as he kissed her hand. She took his arm eagerly and let him lead her from her business.
Alex watched Roxy go with Brian and tool a large gulp of her drink.
Gene raised his eyebrow at Alex. He wondered why she gulped her drink like that.
The moment Tracey walked in a few moments after Roxy left, Ronnie came over to sit again, Amy cradled in her arms. She noticed Rowan and Chris coming back in.
"Good timing," she commented softly.
Rowan looked to be in a much better humour. She and Chris went to the bar and got more drinks and brought them over.
Rowan looked at Amy when she sat down and then reached out and stroked the baby's cheek.
"Oh, lovey, you're teething aren't you?" Rowan said to her. Ronnie nodded.
Rowan picked up her bag and began to rummage. After a moment she pulled out a smallish vial filled with a slightly dark liquid.
"Diluted clove oil," she opened it and handed it to Ronnie. Ronnie sniffed it.
"Smells nice," she said.
"It's a natural pain killer; rub some of it on her gums."
Ronnie did as instructed and after a few minutes Amy settled down and stopped screaming. She looked at Rowan who grinned.
"Keep it. It's already diluted but still, it doesn't take much as you saw."
"Why in the world would you happen to have this with you?" Ronnie wanted to know.
Rowan laughed. "No strange reason, I used to have a problem with one of my wisdom teeth. I finally got it pulled a few months ago but never took the stuff out of my bag."
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"You look amazing," Brian told Roxy as they walked towards the restaurant. "I think you are quite possibly one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen," he said seriously.
Roxy refused to contain how pleased she was with his compliment. She permitted the beaming smile to cover her face as he led her towards the local Indian.
Unable to resist, Brian stopped her outside the restaurant and pulled her into his arms for a kiss.
Roxy was pleasantly surprised for a moment but relaxed into it and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Brian smiled into the kiss as Roxy fell into it. Oh, she was a wondrous armful. He broke off the kiss and looked down at her.
"Well, now that awkwardness is out of the way, shall we?" he gestured her to precede him into the restaurant.
Roxy smiled at him and walked through the door into the small Indian restaurant.
Brian pulled out Roxy's chair for her to sit and slid his finger along the back of her neck as he moved to step around the table and sit in his own chair.
"Drink?" he asked her while the waiter was still nearby.
Roxy shivered slightly as his flesh came into contact with hers. She calmed herself with a deep breath and nodded at him.
"Please."
Brian ordered them drinks and leaned on the table to gaze at Roxy.
"So, you're a gorgeous pub landlady with a brother and sister and you're a mum to boot. Tell me more about this amazing woman in front of me," he invited with a sultry smile.
Roxy looked at him from under her eyelashes.
"Well, the pub was my dad's and I inherited it along with all of his money, he was murdered, I think it was by that Bradley Branning, but Ronnie is a suspect too. Some of the stuff she said about him was just spiteful," she vented to him.
Brian's eyebrows flew up at Roxy's words. Bit of a bunny boiler this one, he would have to play her carefully. Choosing the father over the sister, Daddy's Girl then, and likely spoiled to boot. He reached across the table and covered her hand with his, his eyes brimming with sympathy.
"I'm so sorry for your loss," he rumbled.
Roxy made eye contact with him.
"Thank you. I should be over it by now but it feels like he's still here because they haven't caught the killer yet. I just need closure," she shrugged.
She picked up a napkin and dabbed her eyes before the tears had a chance to fall.
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Alex watched the baby in Ronnie's arms silently. She reminded her painfully of Molly. She took another gulp of her drink to try and block the unpleasant memories that were threatening to overflow in her mind. She was not going to cry.
Ray watched Ronnie with Amy and noticed for the first time just how maternal she was. He nursed his pint and studied her every movement.
Ronnie was relieved when Amy stopped screaming. She pocketed the oil Rowan gave her and noticed Ray watching her out of the corner of her eye. She could not translate the expression on his face and that made her nervous.
"Well, since she's calmed down I'm going to put her to bed. She's probably exhausted," she smiled and stood to carry Amy upstairs.
Alex was glad the baby was taken away. Painful memories of her own daughter had returned and she was now trying to hold herself together in front of the others at the table. She decided not to speak for a while. She didn't want to risk giving away how distressed she was by her voice cracking.
Ray watched Ronnie go with the little girl. He stroked his moustache thoughtfully.
Rowan glanced at Alex and slid closer to her and took her hand under the table and squeezed it. She knew how painful forcible separation from your family could be.
Alex looked at Rowan slightly alarmed that she had noticed that she was upset.
Alex released her hand when Ronnie came back.
"Okay, she's out for the count. Shall we get started on that stuff then?" Ronnie asked Alex.
"Yeah, hang on. I'll get Shaz down here" she was pleased that her voice didn't break and was pleased.
She dug around in her bag and withdrew her notes. She whipped out her phone and dialled the CID office number. She wanted Shaz in on this.
Ronnie noticed again that odd look on Ray's face and now he was stroking his tache. She didn't know why, but it made her nervous. She went and sat next to him.
"Is there something?" she asked him quietly.
Ray looked up at Ronnie and moved his hand away from his face.
"No," he shook his head at her.
Ronnie looked at Ray. Something in his face made her uneasy and her stomach knotted. She was grateful to look away when Alex spoke to her and nodded. She kept her expression pleasant but felt her insides churn. He knew about Danielle now. Talking about that in front of them all, what her father had done was somehow more painful than all the rest. It was still too raw she knew. She swallowed and gulped down half the mug of tea she'd brought back with her. Maybe she shouldn't have given him a set of keys after all.
Ray looked at his uneasy girlfriend. He kissed the top of her head.
"Talk later," he breathed into her ear.
Ronnie nodded and smiled, trying to keep any sign of anxiety from her face. She looked at the bar to make sure Tracey was okay and then folded her hands on the table and focused on Alex.
Chris leaned over to Ray.
"We're going out for another fag, be back," he said as he and Rowan stood to head outside, their drinks in hand.
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Shaz sat at her desk. Since DI Drake had turned up again and the Guv and Ray had disappeared she had been stuck in CID on her own doing all the paper work that had been left behind. The Guv had left his patch completely unattended and Keats had taken full advantage and had settled himself in Gene's office. Shaz finished typing and looked up as the phone rang.
"Fenchurch East CID," she said glumly into the receiver.
"Hey Shaz, could you get down to the Queen Vic pub in Walford?"
Shaz started slightly at the sound of Ale Drake's voice coming out of the receiver.
"Ermm... Yes Ma'am I expect so," she faltered. Her gaze drifted to the Guv's office where Keats was rifling through drawers.
Gene heard Alex on the phone and he leaned over.
"Come on Granger, get your backside where it belongs," Gene growled and then gave Alex a crooked grin.
Shaz almost laughed at the sound of her DCI's voice, she contented herself with a smile.
"Yes, Guv," she replied and put the phone down. Shaz ran to her locker and changed into regular clothes. She slipped out of the station without DCI Keats noticing and made her way to the nearest bus stop.
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Alex put the phone down and smiled back at Gene. He was soo sexy when he smiled. As much as she loved his gorgeous pout, his smile was her favorite.
She turned her attention to Ronnie.
"Shaz'll be here in a bit. I need you to check over my notes and make sure I got everything down," she told her friend gently. Ronnie had already poured her heart out to then today and Alex knew that it was difficult for her.
Gene saw that look in Alex's eye and his smiled widened. As she spoke to Ronnie, he slid his hand onto her leg and gave it a squeeze.
Alex gasped and her eyes widened at his touch. Now was not the time. She'd only just got Molly out of her head. She couldn't do this now. She took his hand off her leg and placed it on the seat next to him.
Ronnie took the notes grateful for the distraction and began to read over them. She corrected some spellings, names Alex wouldn't have known, and added an occasional note here and there.
Alex watched Ronnie adding bits to her notes and drained her wine.
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Alyssa took another mouthful of her dinner and swallowed it as another question came to mind.
"Where did you live before Walford?"
"Rochdale, it's in Manchester," he replied.
"You?"
Alyssa nodded. She knew roughly where Rochdale was. She had family somewhere in Manchester. Family that were also refusing to acknowledge her existence.
"Posh end of Birmingham."
Jack grinned. "I thought you were a posh bird," he joked.
Alyssa nodded and laughed. She had been before her parents kicked her out.
"Always wondered what it would be like to date a posh bird," he joked, exaggerating his accent a bit.
Alyssa laughed hysterically at his accent and was glad that her mouth hadn't been full of food.
Jack grinned. She had a great laugh. He ate some more of his food and discovered that even though the night wasn't even over yet, he was looking forward to seeing her again.
Alyssa finished her meal and placed her cutlery delicately on her plate. He was witty, charming, gorgeous and she loved the sound of his voice. He was also a perfect gentleman or had been so far. Yep. She liked him a lot.
Jack found himself picking at his food, unwilling to hurry the night along. He was finally having a good time in who knew how long and wanted to stretch it out as long as possible.
Alyssa sipped at her wine as he played with his food. A coy smile crept onto her face as she watched him.
Jack saw an odd smile cross Alyssa's face and wondered what he was in for. He smiled back uncertainly and forced himself to eat more of his dinner.
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"Ray's acting odd," Rowan blurted when she and Chris were outside.
"I noticed that too," he agreed. He wondered if it had to do with hearing so much about Ronnie. He felt a bit bad for her. She had no secrets now.
"I wonder if he's having second thoughts," he murmured absently. Rowan huddled up to him and they smoked in silence.
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Gene was taken aback by Alex's response. He'd seen the look in her eyes, what had he done wrong? He frowned to himself and took a drink of his pint. Bloody women and their moods.
"Going out for a fag," he grunted and got up, taking his pint with him.
He was glad Rowan and Chris were just joking around and not being cozy when he came out. He nodded at Chris and then stared off at nothing as he smoked.
Alex watched him go with a sigh. Now she had managed to upset him. She sat in self pity for a few minutes then looked back at Ronnie. She stood and moved over to the bar. She handed her glass to Tracy and asked for a refill.
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Shaz sat on the bus and willed it to go faster. She wanted to get back in with the team. She fiddled with the hem of her top as she watched houses and shops out of her window.
Shaz hopped off the bus and looked around. She was outside Walford Tube station. She looked around and decided to head for the high street. She turned the corner and spotted her DCI and Chris outside a pub having a fag.
She merrily made her way towards them. Chris was with a woman. Shaz gulped and buried her past feelings for him deep inside her.
"Hey, Guv," she smiled at him.
"Chris," she acknowledged him.