We do not own Eastenders, Ashes to Ashes or Waterloo Road
Chapter 38
Gene woke up early and watched Alex as she slept. He put his hand on her belly. She was going to have his baby, he couldn't quite believe it. He'd curbed his rougher impulses when they'd gone to bed last night. He knew how she could react and didn't want her screaming the flat down with Molly here, and if he was being honest, because she was pregnant. He would never tell her that though.
He slid carefully out of bed and pulled on his robe. He flipped on the kettle and got their cups out, then looked over what was in the fridge and shook his head. He went through cupboards until he found that foreign stuff she liked to eat and fixed her a bowl and brought it in with her coffee. He placed the bowl and a glass of milk and her coffee on the bedside table and went back and fixed his tea. He noticed Molly was still on the couch, sleeping. She must have stayed out here all night, reading. He noticed she'd gone from being halfway done to being almost finished. He put down his tea, picked her up and carried her to her room and put her on her bed. He placed the book on the table and went back to get his tea. He sipped it as he went back to the bedroom and carefully slid back onto the bed.
Alex rolled over. She had felt the mattress shift and blearily she opened her eyes. It took a moment for them to adjust to the lighting in the room and she saw Gene next to her cradling a cup of something hot, she knew it was hot from the characteristic spirals that rose from the china in his hand. She sniffed the air hopefully and caught several aromas, he was drinking tea. She wrinkled her nose in disgust. Alex sat up and rested against the backboard attached to her bed. She smiled at him happily, then saw the food and drink on the table. She guessed it was for her, she recognised the liquid in the mug and Gene wasn't one to drink coffee and she also knew that her healthy 'rabbit food' was not in his interests either. She looked back at him.
"Good Morning," she said, her voice husky with sleep. She cleared her throat in an attempt to make herself sound more normal, more awake.
She reached over for the bowl and ignored the glass of milk, she picked up a spoonful of the dry contents that hadn't yet been saturated with the milk and nibbled on it, she had to be careful in the mornings. She wasn't sure whether or not the sickness would come. She hoped not, but she was ready.
"You didn't have to bring me breakfast," she mumbled. But she was grateful, it meant she could spend longer with him in bed. This idea she liked rather a lot. Alex replaced the spoon and picked up her mug. She blew the coffee to cool it and watched the steam rise and flicker with amusement. She took a careful sip then replaced the mug. She shuffled back along the bed and eased herself gently under his arm she was mindful of his cup of tea and tried not to jiggle the bed to much so he wouldn't spill any.
Gene looked at Alex as she woke up and sorted herself out.
"I wanted to, not like it was any trouble," he grinned at her. "I didn't put any milk in there, wasn't sure how long you'd sleep and didn't want you ending up with a bowl full of mush."
He took a drink of his tea, watching her over the rim of his mug.
"I'm going into the office for awhile today. I have to look over the statement. I told Peterson I'd read the transcript, I really don't want to hear the tape," he paused and took another drink of his tea. "I saw the flamin photographs yesterday. Very ugly. It's open and shut but I want Peterson and his team to handle this case. You and Ray would be too close. Chris requested a week vacation. I approved it. Easier than banning him from the station as long as that scrote is banged up in there. Hopefully we can get rid of him soon and get back to normal. Plenty of other work to keep us busy."
He drained his tea and regretfully took his arm from around her. "I'm going to grab a shower. You coming with us to the station or staying here?"
Alex shuddered slightly, she could only imagine what those pictures were like and to be honest she didn't want to hear the tape either, reading it on a piece of paper made the experience less personal than hearing Rowan talk about it. He'd taken them all off the case, was he still going to be working on it, if so she would have to keep an eye on him, she didn't want him taking his anger out on Brian. She sighed as the warmth of his arm left her.
"I'll be down at some point, I need to check on Molly," she told him, Alex shifted her position so she was facing him and she crossed her legs. "Are you still going to working on the case? Or are you offloading it completely?" she questioned him. She assumed everything would pass through him anyway but she needed to know if he was still heading up the operation in a practical sense.
Alex's hand flew to her stomach as a wave of nausea passed over her. "You're going to have to hold off on that shower for a bit" she spluttered as she jumped off the bed and flew into the bathroom.
Gene opened his mouth to answer her questions but then she bounded to the bathroom. He gave a wry chuckle and ran his hand over his face.
He got up and followed her to the bathroom to make sure she was okay. He poured her a glass of water from the tap and handed it to her.
"I have to oversee a bit of it of course, but I'm going to do as little as possible. I want him gone as soon as possible."
Alex waited until she felt she was not going to vomit any more and looked up at him. She took the water gratefully and rinsed her mouth. She spat out the water into the toilet and flushed it. She picked up her toothbrush and some toothpaste to brush her teeth and get rid of the taste.
"So, which of our other cases are you planning on focusing on. There only so much we can do about Glenda and Shaz seems to have that in hand," she said as she finished with her teeth.
"Just going to go in to read over the transcript and make sure Peterson has all well in hand. I can take those files back for you if you want so you can relax. I don't think Molly is going to be up any time soon. It looks like she fell asleep reading on the couch. I carried her to her room," he told her.
"Is there anything you need to do today? I can drive you about or I could perhaps trust you with the car," he grinned at her.
Alex smiled. "I'll probably pop in for a bit. I've finished my paperwork but no doubt with everything that's going on I will find another mountain waiting for me tomorrow," she sighed and patted his shoulder as she walked from the bathroom.
"I may have to borrow the Quattro though. I want to take Molly shopping, it might soften her up a bit," she said. She hoped it would. She didn't want Molly throwing a tantrum.
Gene dropped his robe and got into the shower. "Well, I'll only be about an hour. I'll come back here then you can drop me at the pub while you're off out," he said and turned on the water and pulled the curtain.
Alex nodded and grabbed her dressing gown from the back of the door. She picked up her coffee and drank it down. She lifted her breakfast and carried it into the kitchen and put it on the table and then quietly walked to Molly's room. She smiled, Molly was lying on her bed, fully clothed and breathing evenly. Alex went and sat on her daughter's bed, she removed Molly's slippers and listened to her daughters sleepy breaths. She smiled and stroked her hair, how was she going to break this to Molly? They had discussed men in her life, Molly had been mostly fine with that. They had never discussed her getting a sibling, mainly because none of Alex's other relationships had been like they were with Gene, none of them had lasted or felt the same as this. Alex drew up her legs and hugged her knees. She moved out of the way as Molly turned over, she listened as Molly mumbled something incomprehensible and a smile flickered over her face briefly. With a sigh, she stood and tiptoed out of the room to eat her breakfast.
Gene showered and dressed and hurried off to the station. He skimmed over the transcript and set it aside. He met with Peterson again and checked on a few other things before heading back home. He pulled up and opened the door to the flat and called in that he was back and outside and then shut the door and lit up a cigarette.
/\\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\/\\\
Molly had woken up still dressed in what she had been wearing the previous day. She was confused and had sat for about 10 minutes trying to remember what had happened. Her last clear memory was of Gene and her mum in the kitchen while she went to read in the lounge. Then the faint click of their bedroom door as she turned the volume on her MP3 player up. After that she wasn't sure. But she was certain she would have remembered going into her room.
She found her page had been marked in her book but her MP3 player was missing. Her mum had been in the kitchen and Molly had interrogated her. The situation, Gene carrying her to her room, had been explained and Molly had felt rather bashful. She would have to thank Gene when she next saw him. She had found her MP3 in a tangled mess next to the sofa where her mum said Gene had found her this morning.
Alex and Molly were in the living room curled up on the sofa watching the rubbish Sunday TV when they heard Gene.
"Hi," Molly called out.
When he didn't appear and she heard the door shut she assumed that he was smoking. Molly was grateful that he didn't smoke inside, she wasn't into the smell of cigarettes catching in everything and passive smoking kills.
Alex left Molly in front of the TV and wandered outside to see Gene. She stayed a little out of reach of the smoke coming from the cigarette that was lit in his hand and smiled.
"What are your plans now? Because I was wondering if I could borrow the Quattro to take Molly shopping?"
"I'm just waiting if you're ready, let's go. You can drop me off at the pub and pick me up when you're done," Gene told her and shoved his cigarette in the ash can. "If you're not ready yet, I'll have another and wait," he grinned.
Alex smiled and gave his cheek a quick kiss before dashing back inside. She picked the remote from Molly's grasp and held a hand up to quell her daughter's protests. Molly was quiet and folded her arms to continue her protest in silence but looked at her mum curiously.
"One word Molly," Alex grinned at the inquisitive look on her face, "Shopping."
Molly beamed at her mum and ran to her room. She picked up her bag and a purse which she checked swiftly. She had around £30 in there. It would do, if she ran out then she could probably persuade her mum to either sub her or pay for something.
She ran out and looked around for Alex. She didn't see her, she poked her head around the door and spotted Gene but no Alex. She cleared her throat.
"Thank you for um... Putting me in my room this morning," she said as she moved to lean against the wall near him.
Gene looked down at Molly as he crushed out his cigarette.
"You're welcome. Can't imagine the couch being all that comfortable. Must be a good book," he remarked. He idly spun the car keys on his finger.
Molly smiled at him and nodded.
"It's really interesting," she told him.
She was enjoying the book and kept getting more and more absorbed every time she picked it up. She only had a few more chapters until she would be finished.
Alex had gone to her room to grab her stuff. She had put the pregnancy test in her bedside draw. She still couldn't quite believe it. She was going to have another baby, Gene's baby. She couldn't comprehend it. After all the rows and tension they had gone through over the past 3 years it had taken one blazing row, empty death threats and her getting sent on what the super had called 'compassionate leave' to bring them to their senses. Now they had been together for little over a month and she was pregnant. She sighed and slung her bag over her shoulder. A glance in the mirror to check her appearance as she left and she was satisfied, she would drop Gene wherever he wanted to be and then maybe go to Oxford Street or somewhere else in the centre of London with Molly for some retail therapy. Maybe one of their old favorite shopping centres. She would let Molly decide.
She swept outside and smiled at the two people she loved most in the world.
"Are we ready to go?"
He finally spotted Alex coming out the door and smoothly tossed her the keys with a grin. He opened the passenger door and slid inside. He was not going to sit in the back in his own car again. Molly could move up after they'd dropped him at the pub.
Alex caught the keys in mid-air with a smirk and followed him down to the Quattro. She slid into the front and waited for the click of Molly's seatbelt before setting off.
"Where d'you want me to drop you?" she asked Gene.
Molly sighed as she noticed her mum was ignoring her seatbelt again. She decided against saying something and resorted to looking out of the window.
Gene looked at Alex and pointedly put on his seatbelt as he gazed at her. He wasn't going to say anything, but she was not going to drive around pregnant in his car without a seatbelt. End of.
Alex caught his gaze and rolled her eyes. In a melodramatic and over exaggerated manner she slipped her seatbelt on then glared back at him for half a second before fixing her eyes back on the road.
He grinned at her actions as she drove them down the road. When they got to the pub he leaned over and gave Alex a quick kiss.
"I'll be here when you're finished," he said and slid from the car. He glanced at Molly and left the car door open so she could move to the front seat.
Molly got out of the car and climbed into the front next to Alex. She buckled down and looked at her mum beaming.
"Oxford street," she said confidently.
Alex smirked and waved at Gene before revving the car and driving off down the road towards the centre of London.
Gene watched Alex drive away before going into the pub. He was in a mood to celebrate. He glanced at his watch, nearly 11:00. He would get an early lunch as well. The pub was fairly empty just yet.
He smiled winningly at Peggy behind the bar.
"Hiya, love, give us a pint please," he said.
"Well, you're very cheerful today," Peggy observed as she placed the glass on the bar and put his money in the till.
"Oh aye, I've had some cracking news. Can't share it just yet but, it's definitely good and all," he said and drank down half the pint. "I'll have some of that lasagne as well if you've a mind."
Peggy nodded and went to take care of it. Gene went and sprawled at a table, feeling very pleased at the moment.
He dug into his food when Peggy brought it and ordered another pint. He wondered briefly where Roxy was and nodded gratefully when Peggy brought him his second pint.
He wondered how long Alex and Molly would be gone. He thought maybe he'd walk over to the station briefly when he'd finished eating to see if Peterson's team was done with the cafe.
He polished off half his food and took a drink from his pint. He wondered how long before he could tell people Alex was pregnant. He grinned to himself and finished off his food.
Gene took his plate back to the bar for Peggy and nodded at Ricky as he came in and got a pint.
"Alright?" Ricky said and glanced at the dart board. He jerked his head at it as he looked back and Gene.
"Right, let's go then," Gene said and walked over to the board after getting the darts from Peggy.
Gene let himself get absorbed in the game of darts, especially once Minty and Masood showed up.
/\\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\\
Alex pulled up outside the pub and heard something in the boot fall over. She switched the Quattro off and climbed out. She had tactfully avoided all baby shops, she didn't want Molly suspicious. She would tell her soon.
Molly climbed out and made her way into the pub with Alex following behind her. They spotted Gene and Alex got him fresh pint along with a coke for Molly and a coke for her. Seeing as she now knew that she was pregnant, it was probably a good idea to cut back on the alcohol. She passed a coke to Molly and walked over to the dartboard carrying Gene's pint and her own drink.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Shaz blinked at the sunlight streaming through the window. Clearly they had been too distracted last night to close the curtains. She looked down at the sheet that barely covered her body and smiled at Bradley as she noticed his legs tangled with hers. She looked down at his sleeping face and saw it curved into a frown. He clearly had a lot on his mind with Stacey and her attitude towards him at the moment. Shaz had noticed that whenever he spoke about her he was dancing on the brink between anger and despair, it annoyed her that Stacey was making him feel like that, but she was also sure that she herself was not helping the situation at all.
Shaz unwound herself from his limbs and stepped onto the floor. She cringed as she heard a crunching sound and looked down to see she had trodden onto the empty pizza box that had got discarded last night. Her foot had also come into contact with something squashy. She lifted it and saw some uneaten cheese stretching itself as she raised her foot. Grimacing, she unglued it and stepped lightly over the box. She looked back at Bradley and smiled in relief. She hadn't disturbed him. Shaz tiptoed to the bathroom, shut the door as quietly as she could behind her, switched on the light and stepped into the shower. She wanted to be clean when she left.
Bradley opened bleary eyes and blinked in the bright sunlight. He sat up and scrubbed at his face. He could hear the shower going and although he was greatly tempted, he decided not to join her. He walked over to the window and looked out for a moment before walking back over to the bed and picking up his phone.
No messages. He wasn't surprised. Clearly Stacey wasn't bothered by his absence. He flipped his phone closed and sat down on the bed. He supposed he would go to his dad's, maybe try to talk to Stacey. He didn't think it would do any good. He sat and waited for Shaz to get out of the shower and wondered what he was going to do about Stacey.
Shaz picked up a towel and wrapped herself in it. She wrapped her hair in another one and picked up her discarded clothes. She came out of the bathroom and saw Bradley was awake.
"Morning," she said and dumped her clothes on the table under the mirror. She delved inside her handbag and withdrew a small travel-sized hair brush. It would have to do, she wanted to leave here looking fairly normal. She guessed as it was a B&B that a hair-dryer would be in one of the drawers.
"Morning," Bradley replied absently. He stood up and headed for the bathroom, sliding a hand across Shaz' shoulders as he went. He was sure he was going to face drama at home and was in no mood for it. He took a quick shower and dried off. His clothes were still a bit scattered and he wandered around picking them up. He got into the bag he'd brought and pulled on fresh clothes and stuck the ones from yesterday in the bag.
Shaz had dressed and was attempting to do something with her hair when he started to dress. She gave up and decided to just dry it. She looked in the mirror and took her make up out. She added mascara and eye-liner then put everything away.
Shaz stretched as she stood up and looked at the clock on the wall. She sighed. She should probably get into work. She liked to be there before everyone else, it meant the place was quiet and she could concentrate on what she was supposed to be doing. She had more than just the Glenda case to focus on, especially with the assault on Rowan yesterday.
She went over and kissed Bradley's cheek.
"I've got to get to work," she whispered.
Shaz placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself.
"There's not just the case we're working on Bradley, there's others too" she told him and kissed the tip of his nose.
She nodded. "I'll text you when I've finished, I've got paperwork to catch up on" she said and moved away from him. She picked up her bag and waved at him as she opened the door to leave.
Bradley nodded as she left and then finished getting dressed. He clumped downstairs and decided to have the breakfast while he was there. He ate absently, barely tasting the food as he looked out the window. He'd thought Stacey was "The One" and now their relationship was falling apart-again.
He finished his tea and walked slowly from the B&B and headed for his dad's house. Abi and Lauren were on him immediately about his absence, Max glared at him but said nothing and Stacey barely glanced in his direction and looked away. Bradley frowned. He was going to settle this once and for all. He stopped Stacey on her way to the kitchen as Max was calling the girls in for breakfast.
"Can I have a word?"
Stacey looked at him in surprise but sighed and nodded reluctantly. He led her upstairs.
"Look, Stace, I tried to talk to you about this yesterday and you pretty much ignored me, so now I want to ask you something flat out. Do you even want to still be married to me? I can't understand why we seem to still be bothering when you don't see me, you don't hear me. I'm done with it Stacey. Either wake up and pay attention or I'm leaving, Stace. That's final."
Stacey looked at Bradley in surprise and then frowned.
"What?"
"You heard me, Stacey."
Stacey sat there and stared at him, eyes narrowed. He was different. He usually just melted away when she got indifferent, now he was being confrontational.
"What do you want from me Bradley?"
"Stacey I've just said. Stop blanking me and act like my bloody wife!" he shouted the last few words.
"So, you remember you've got one then?" she snapped.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're never around anymore Bradley, what am I supposed to think?"
"I'm never around because you don't want to know me. You can't even kiss me without cringing and we don't even talk about it. I try to talk about it and you turn your back on me. I don't want to fight and I don't think I want to leave but Stacey I'm tired of trying to get through to you."
"I don't like you like this Bradley."
"This is me now Stace, I'm not someone that's willing to be pushed around anymore. I had a lot of time to think when we were in Wales. I grew up. If you can't accept it Stace, then there's no hope here."
Stacey stood there and then moved to Bradley and wrapped her arms around him and put her head on his chest and sighed. She had to admit, it didn't feel the same. But she was having a baby; she didn't want to be alone.
"I'll try Bradley," she said softly and looked up at him. Bradley nodded and kissed the top of her head.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Shaz hurried out of the B&B and walked casually down the street. Seeing as she had changed when she had got home after work and those clothes hadn't been on very long she decided that there was no point in going home. She was thinking of stopping off for breakfast at the cafe, her heart sank as she spotted the police tape still surrounding the 'crime scene'. She should really visit Rowan, she was getting out today, so she would pop around to the flat later.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Janine went around to Pat's house looking for Ryan. Pat tried to convince Ryan to go out and talk to Janine but he stoutly refused, leaving Janine shrieking outside the door like a fishwife.
Pat looked at her in disgust. "Jah-neeene…." she snapped.
Janine stopped her shrieking and folded her arms.
"Fine," she said to Pat shortly and turned and flounced away. Ryan slipped out of the house when he saw Janine was some distance down the street and he hustled over to the Minute Mart to get some milk.
Janine noticed Bradley and Stacey sitting in the park on Arthur's bench all cuddled up. She frowned. She was sure Bradley wasn't alone at the B&B last night. She'd had enough affairs with married men that she found she could often tell when a man was cheating. A slow smile spread across her face as an idea occurred to her. She watched them get up and walk into the Market Square. She followed. Stacey stopped to examine a few baby clothes at one of the stalls while Bradley stood with his hands in his pockets and looked at the café, which was still closed and bore crime scene tape all around the front.
Janine sashayed up to Bradley.
"Hey Bradley, good to see you," Janine said with a sultry smile. Bradley looked at her and frowned.
"What do you want Janine?"
She tilted her head and noticed from the corner of her eye that Stacey had turned in Bradley's direction.
"Well, after the B&B last night I was just worried about you," Janine said and ran a finger down his chest. She pouted and blinked her eyes at him. Bradley slapped her hand away and spun away to see Stacey standing there, arms folded and her face a storm.
"Do one, Janine," he turned his head and snapped at Janine and moved towards Stacey. "She's just winding you up, Stace, don't listen to her."
Janine giggled behind him and moved closer and put her hands on his shoulders.
"You look so cute with bare feet," Janine remarked. Bradley elbowed her away but Stacey had already turned and marched away.
Bradley turned on Janine. "What the hell was that about Janine? What do you think you're playing at?" he pushed her away, hard enough to move her but not enough to knock her down.
She put on a show of concern.
"Why nothing, Bradley. I was just trying to say it was nice to see you again."
"You've made her think I was with you," he snapped.
Janine narrowed her eyes at him and lowered her voice threateningly. "Watch yourself Bradley. You were with someone, don't think I can't tell. I don't know who but you better be very nice to me if you want me to keep my mouth shut," she smiled lazily and licked her lip.
Bradley growled and turned to go and look for Stacey.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ryan came out of the Minute Mart and found himself knocked flat by Stacey, who'd been storming through the Square, not watching where she was going. The container of milk slid across the road and Stacey stumbled and nearly fell herself but caught her balance just in time.
"Oh, my god I'm so sorry Ryan, I didn't see you." Stacey said in shock. Ryan looked at her and picked himself up off the ground, brushing at his clothes as he did so. "Are you okay?" she asked.
He walked over and picked up the milk. "Yea, I'm fine, I think," he grinned at her. He took in the anger still etched on her features.
"Are you okay?" he asked her.
"No, I'm not actually. Your girlfriend spent last night at the B&B with Bradley," she told him.
His eyes widened. "Well, Janine and I broke up actually, but I'm sorry," he shrugged. There was really nothing he could do. "Do you need someone to talk to or something?" he asked. "I'm heading to work but you can come along if you like."
Stacey stared at him a moment and then nodded and walked with him to the bookies.
Bradley looked around but couldn't see Stacey anywhere. Great. Just when he thought he might have worked everything out, Janine had to go sticking her oar in. And worse, that stupid cow knew he'd been with someone else last night. He huffed out a breath and headed home.
Janine smirked as she watched Bradley walk away. He'd practically admitted it. Bradley might be able to convince Stacey he hadn't been with Janine, but if she could find out how it was, she could certainly hold that over Bradley's head. Maybe she could take it out in trade instead of in cash. He probably didn't have any money anyway at this point. He had been on the run after all.
She spun around and headed back to the flat, her mind spinning with the possibilities.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Stacey followed Ryan into the bookies and flopped onto a nearby chair.
"Look, Stace, I don't know how things are with you and Bradley right now but I can tell you I really don't think Janine spent last night with him. She's mad because I broke up with her yesterday so she's going to lash out at anyone. She's not changed much since you've been gone," he said with a wry laugh. "I can tell you this, Whit saw Janine go into the B&B last night for about 10 minutes and come back out. She was probably there looking for me."
Stacey looked at him and bit her lip.
"But he…." she broke off, embarrassed.
"He was staying at the B&B, then? Do you want to talk about it?"
Stacey looked away. "He's not the same anymore. He changed while we were away and I hate to admit it but I don't like this new Bradley," she shrugged. "He says I blank him all the time and maybe he's right." She absently stroked her baby bump and sighed.
"I should go," she said and stood up. Ryan nodded and reached to open the door for her. She tripped on a fold of carpet and he caught her before she fell.
"Watch out for the attack carpet," he laughed.
She smiled at his joke. "Thanks."
Ryan looked at her for a moment and on impulse leaned down and kissed her. Stacey started to kiss him back and then pulled away.
"Don't do that," she snapped.
"Sorry," Ryan said. "I don't know why…..." he trailed off. He quickly opened the door for her and stood aside so she could leave. He closed the door and wondered what in the world had he been thinking.
Stacey stood on the other side of the door and touched her lips and then glanced back at the door. She smiled a small smile and headed home.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Bradley stood outside the house and was relieved when he finally saw Stacey walking his way. He hurried over to her and she held up a hand to forestall his outpouring of words.
"Ryan already told me Janine was just lashing out because he broke up with her," Stacey said and kept walking past him to the house. She stopped and turned around to face him. "So, let's forget about it, end of."
She opened the door and went inside. Bradley breathed a sigh of relief and went inside the house after her.
Max eyed Bradley as they came back in the house. Stacey went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and some toast. Bradley followed her.
"So, what are we doing Stacey?" he asked her quietly.
"I don't know Bradley," she replied as she fixed her tea. She looked at him and sighed. "You have changed, I admit that. I also admit that I don't like it."
"Stacey, I won't change back, I can't," Bradley told her.
"I know," Stacey said and fixed her toast. "I have to think Bradley. Just let me alone so I can think."
Bradley raised his hand to stroke her hair and changed his mind. He turned and left the kitchen.
Bradley went into the front room and flopped on the couch. Max looked at his son but kept his mouth shut.
Bradley felt his dad's gaze and turned to him.
"If she can't accept me Dad, then it's over. I can't go back to the way I was."
"Obviously," was all Max said. Bradley narrowed his eyes but said nothing. He turned back and stared blankly at the TV.
Stacey walked down the stairs with a bag in her hand. Bradley looked up from the tele as she walked into the front room. He was glad his dad and the girls had gone to the pub.
"What's going on?" he asked her.
"I'm going to go and stay with Mum," Stacey told him. "I need some time around my family and away from you Bradley."
Bradley put a hand on her arm. "Are you sure about this. I do still love you Stace, I'm willing to work at this and be a family, but I can't go back to how I used to be."
"I know that Bradley and I'm sorry. I can't take all the fighting and stress. We never fought before. I think I changed too a bit," she confessed. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.
"I'll see you later Bradley. We'll talk tomorrow or some time this week yeah?"
Bradley could only nod. She gave him a sad smile and picked up her bag and walked out the door.
Bradley sat down and rubbed his face with his hands. He couldn't help that he felt a great sense of relief. He picked up his phone and looked at it. He took a deep breath and smiled as he scrolled through his contacts and pressed send when he got to Shaz. He sat and listened as it rang.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Shaz sat in her office and leafed through the paperwork that was spread over her desk. She sighed and leant her head in her arms. She was having an affair with a married man. His wife was pregnant and she was sleeping with him. Yes, he was unhappy but there was no way that he didn't love Stacey. Was distressed by her behavior, sure. But he still loved her no matter how much he tried to deny it. She grumbled something random into her sleeves and sighed.
She loved spending time with Bradley and he was a considerate yet powerful lover. They shared interests, Doctor Who and scifi movies and shows they both enjoyed as well as other things.
But she was sleeping with another woman's husband. That wasn't allowed, no matter how much she enjoyed spending time with him or how much his wife didn't understand him. This was complicated. She didn't want to lose him but she couldn't keep him. If someone found out about her and Bradley, then there would be a massive scandal. Everyone would be disappointed in her and she would have to live with it.
She knew that Bradley only wanted her because she seemed to understand him, she was someone to vent his feelings to, so he could let out his frustration and tell someone his problems. The sex was probably an outlet too. Shaz screwed up her fists. She knew she should break it off, tell him she couldn't do this. But she was too soft-hearted and selfish. She didn't want to leave him, she didn't want to hurt him like Stacey was hurting him.
"Excuse me, are you DC Granger? I'm sorry to bother you, I'm DC Rhys Gryffiths. I was told to bring these to you," the young Welsh officer said and stepped closer to her desk.
Shaz looked up a little alarmed as she heard someone address her. She spotted the young officer at her door with a load of papers clutched in his arms.
"Phone records and some credit card transactions for a Glenda Mitchell. There's also," he shuffled through, "this that came from a US bank, some transaction records. And a note just there, from a woman at the that bank named Jemima," he pointed, "saying she will call you tomorrow morning at 8am our time."
He stepped back and rubbed his hands together. "So, there you are." He smiled at her. He'd heard there was a tasty bird on the new DCI's team but hadn't realized she was quite so pretty.
She held in a groan at the thought of more work. Shaz sat up and scrubbed her face with her hands. She nodded at his words and sighed as she took the papers and files from him.
She looked up at him and smiled.
"Cheers," she said as she started leafing through what he had given her.
"I'll be off then," he added and headed out of her office.
She added the new stuff to her 'Glenda' pile and looked up at him again as he left.
"Bye," she added and set about ordering the other papers that were scattered all over her desk. At least she had some more stuff to share with Bradley tomorrow.
Rhys turned and looked back at Shaz as she pored over her work.
"Erm, I'm going to be getting some lunch soon, just over at the chippy. Do you want to come with me or can I bring you something back?" he asked hesitantly.
Shaz looked up. She thought he had gone. She bit her lip and looked at her watch. She hadn't eaten yet. But to honest she wasn't hungry anyway. She had too much on her mind to even consider food.
"I'm fine, but thanks anyway," she said then looked at him again. "Could you get me some coke though. I need caffeine but I'm not in the mood for coffee," she sighed.
His accent was Welsh. She hadn't paid much attention before but she could hear it now. She smiled at the sound. She was a sucker for an accent that wasn't a regional English accent. Welsh was one of her favorites.
"Sure, course," Rhys said agreeably and flashed her a winning smile. "Sure you wouldn't like some chips aswell? My treat?"
He stepped back towards her desk. "I mean you are working pretty hard there."
Shaz grinned back half-heartedly.
"Yeah, well, lots to get through. Can't do much on the Mitchell case until tomorrow when we've spoken to the bank so that's on hold. Then I've still got all this to do," she sighed gesturing to the disorganized mass of papers jumbled up on her desk.
She looked back up at him.
"I'm not hungry really," she assured him.
"Right then," Rhys said agreeably. "Coke it is. Back soon." He headed out of her office. He'd get her some chips anyway. He was a bit disappointed. His smile usually got girls eating out of his hand. He'd have to try a bit harder.
Shaz watched him go. He was nice. Her mind instantly went back to her situation with Bradley. She shook her head to rid it of him. She needed to concentrate on work. If she got this lot done then the Glenda case was all she had to worry about. She balled her hands into fists and started organising her desk more thoroughly. She would start with the smallest pile of paperwork and work her way up to the larger stuff.
Rhys returned roughly a half hour later and knocked on the doorframe to Shaz' office.
"Hiya," he said as he peered in.
Shaz looked up wearily and gave him a half hearted smile. She had organised all her work and had got half way through the smallest pile. She put down her pen and brushed her hair from her face.
"Hey," she said warmly and gestured that he should come in.
He walked over to Shaz' desk and put down an ice cold can of Coke.
"Coke, as requested," he said. "And, okay, I know what you said but I got you some chips anyway," he put the paper-wrapped package on her desk next to the Coke.
"Now, I'll leave you to your work," he put his hand on his chest and bowed as he grinned at her. He turned to walk out of her office and turned back.
Shaz opened the can and took a sip of the ice cold beverage. She smiled in exasperation at the chips.
"Quick question," he said as he turned back. "I don't suppose I could take you for a drink sometime?"
She looked up at him in alarm at his question.
"Ummm..."
She was having an affair with Bradley. Did that count as a relationship? She bit her lip. If it did count as a relationship, did going for a drink with another man count as cheating on him? But Bradley was cheating on Stacey. So he was in no position to have a go at her about being unfaithful. She was confused.
Shaz realized that Rhys was still standing there. She smiled. It was only a drink. She went for drinks with the rest of her colleagues, why did this have to be anything but a drink.
"Yes. I'd like that" she told him and smiled at him again. She opened the paper that concealed her food and picked up a chip.
"Thanks for the chips and coke," she said realizing she hadn't said thank-you to him.
"You're welcome," he said.
"How's tonight for you?" he asked, pouring on the charm and pressing his advantage.
Shaz opened her mouth to tell him she had no plans when her phone rang. She checked the caller ID and instantly felt on edge. This had to be more than a coincidence, surely.
"Hang on a tic," she said apologetically.
Shaz answered her phone.
"Bradley?"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Roxy sat upstairs in the kitchen. She had been starting a relationship with a complete psychopath. How could she not have known? She ran her hands through her hair and balled her fists so they caught and tangled in the ruffled blonde mess on her head. She had gone for him because he was good looking, because she had been angry at Rowan, and Brian had got an interesting reaction from her when he turned up. He had also been charming and chivalrous towards her. She slammed her hands on the table as the image of Rowan covered in her own blood flashed once more across her mind. The knife he had held. The panic and fear on her face. The deranged, menacing look in his eye. She got a glimmer of satisfaction at the momentary panic and fear that she had seen flash in his deep eyes when she knocked him down.
Roxy saw drops on the table and realized she was crying. Fiercely she brushed at her eyes to clear the salty tears away. She set her jaw firmly in a hard expression that she hoped would prevent anymore tears. She needed Ronnie. Aunty Peg was wonderful but she needed to talk to Ronnie. She needed her sister, the person who knew her best. But Ronnie was away with Ray, she didn't want to disturb their weekend away. It wasn't fair of her to spoil it for them. She doubted they knew yet about Rowan. They had left before it had all kicked off.
Roxy stood. She couldn't yet face the Square. The gossip and speculation. Not until she had spoken to Ronnie. She pulled her fluffy dressing gown tighter around her and took her coffee into Amy's room. Her daughter's presence always calmed her. That was what she needed right now. To be calm.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\
Alyssa laughed and smiled affectionately at Jack as she put her arm around Rowan in return.
"Sensitive maybe, but I still think he's gorgeous," she replied casually with another quick look at him as they exited out of the hospital and drew nearer to the car.
Alyssa replenished her oxygen supply with the fresher air from the outdoors. Much better than the quality of the air in the hospital. It was less metallic and she definitely preferred it.
She released Rowan as they reached the car and took the bag off Chris as she opened the boot of the car so that she could put it in there. She placed it in carefully and then shut the boot and looked at the others to see where they were sitting in the car before she got in.
Rowan grinned at Alyssa's comment and breathed deep when she got outside. She closed her eyes and put her face up at the sun.
"Oh, it's a lovely day," she enthused. She drew in another deep lungful of air and slid into the back seat next to Chris.
Jack peered in as he opened the passenger door for Alyssa and Rowan smiled at him.
"No offence, Jack," Rowan began as she slid next to Chris and leaned against him. "I can't sit like this with you."
Jack burst out laughing and shook his head. He moved around to the driver's side after giving Alyssa a quick kiss on the cheek as he walked by.
Chris wrapped his arm around Rowan's shoulders, glad they were going home.
Alyssa swiftly slipped into the car and pulled the door shut behind her. She touched her cheek briefly where Jack had kissed it and smiled.
She glanced behind her at Rowan and Chris before looking at Jack as he sat down too. The rumble of the engine was relaxing. They were taking Rowan home. She shifted in her seat so she was facing slightly to the side with her back towards the window. It made it easier to look behind her at her friends and also meant she could watch Jack if the mood took her.
Jack drove them quickly to the flat and parked in front.
Rowan could barely contain her excitement. Home. She liked the word a great deal. She'd only been away one night but it had been in the hospital. She glanced at Alyssa and at Chris. Family.
She smiled and fished out her keys as she got out of the car. She walked quickly to the door and opened it as Jack opened the boot of the car and Chris grabbed her bag out.
She looked back at them and then turned and looked at the steps. The smile fell from her face. She moved towards the steps slowly and began to carefully negotiate her way up them. She winced.
Chris hustled up behind her and looked at her.
"You okay?"
She nodded. "I'll be fine. Nearly there."
He walked next to her and put a hand on her back. She made it to the door and unlocked the door to the flat. She stepped inside and looked around happily and made a beeline for her room. She rummaged around in her wardrobe and dug a jar out of her chest of herbal remedies. Comfrey poultice. She put it on the bedside table and then went into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee.
She turned. "I so need a decent cup of coffee," she grinned.
She opened the refrigerator. "Do we have anything to eat? It's almost time for lunch."
Alyssa took Jack's hand as Chris subtly helped Rowan up the steps. She smiled and leant against his shoulder briefly. She led him upstairs into the flat and smiled. She felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Rowan was home. Back where she belonged. She kissed Jack's cheek and chortled at Rowan's thoughts instantly turning to food.
"There should be some bread left and I think we have some ham, chicken and salad. Then there's always jam and honey and stuff," she replied as she chewed her lip. Her thoughts turned instantly to sandwiches whenever lunch was mentioned.
She let go of Jack's hand and turned to face him. She slipped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you," she said into his neck, her voice slightly muffled and then kissed it before releasing him slightly.
Jack looked at Alyssa.
"Hey, anytime I can help," he told her and touched her cheek.
"Ooh, chicken," Rowan said and got back into the refrigerator. She dug out the salad and the chicken and put it all out on the counter. She reached back in and grabbed the ham and started cutting up the cold meat and mixing it with the salad. She dug out some cheddar and diced it and added it to the salad too.
She tossed it a bit and then grabbed out plates.
Chris came into the kitchen and shook his head at Rowan making lunch. He picked up the plates after she loaded them with salad and put them on the table.
"Looks like you're joining us for lunch mate," Chris said to Jack.
Jack looked over, his arms wrapped around Alyssa. "Looks like it's lunch time, my dear," he said to her.
Alyssa smiled up at him and relaxed into his arms at the sound of Rowan clattering around.
"Good. My appetite's back," she grinned at him.
Alyssa kissed him then unwound her arms from him and wriggled out of his arms to join Rowan and Chris. She opened the cupboard above the sink and pulled out 4 glasses. She filled one with soda water for herself.
"What are we all drinking?" she asked brightly looking around at each of them in turn. Her gaze drifted to the table and she reached into the draw behind her and withdrew several forks and some knives. She handed them to Chris to put on the table.
Chris opened the fridge and pulled out a beer and tossed one to Jack who caught it smoothly.
"I'll have my coffee," Rowan said as she grabbed the cutlery from Chris and smacked him on the behind.
Jack popped open his beer and sat down at the table.
Chris grinned at Rowan and sat himself down as she finished putting down the forks and grabbed some napkins to pass around before seating herself.
Alyssa smiled and put the other glasses away. Chris and Jack would no doubt drink straight from the cans. She picked Rowan's mug off the mug stand and fixed her a cup of the coffee that she had started to brew.
She carried both her glass and Rowan's mug back to the table. She placed the coffee in front of Rowan and then seated herself in the only remaining place. She took a sip of the soda water and tucked into her salad.
"Ooh," Rowan said as Alyssa brought her coffee over. "Thanks."
She glanced at Chris and Jack and finally at Alyssa and felt quiet joy wash over her. She smiled inwardly and set herself to eating and putting the memory of the hospital food behind her.
Chris glanced over at Rowan and covered her hand with his. She winked at him as she chewed her mouthful of food.
Alyssa back smiled at her.
"You're welcome," she smiled back.
Alyssa smiled gratefully at Jack and stuck her fork into a piece of lettuce. It didn't take long for her to finish her food and she stretched back in her chair. Happy just to watch her friends as they each ate their own food.
Rowan sighed and leaned back in her chair and sipped her coffee when she finished eating.
"So much better than hospital food," she commented in a satisfied tone. She gently patted her stomach. She glanced around at them all. "What's on for today then?"
Chris raised an eyebrow at her and picked up the empty plates and took them to the sink to wash them.
"What?" she asked at his expression. "I hardly need to sleep all day," she snorted.
Jack chuckled and got up to help Chris with the dishes.
"What if we just had some people around?" Rowan suggested. "I know some easy sort of finger foods to make, Alyssa could help me. We could just phone a few people and say it would be nice if they wanted to drop by."
She glanced at Chris who shrugged and half-nodded and then she glanced at Alyssa.
Alyssa nodded. She began reeling off a list of possible invitees in her head. Ray and Ronnie; Alex, Gene and Molly; Peter and Bianca? Roxy? She did save Rowan.
"Fantastic idea. Mini sandwiches, cheese and pineapple on cocktail sticks, crisps and everything" she said enthusiastically.
She stood and thought for a moment then drained her soda water.
"How many people?" she asked
Rowan looked at Alyssa.
"I thought people could just sort of come and go, like an open house sort of thing. But I think we can do something more than mini-sandwiches. However, we don't have any pineapple or cheese. We'll need some if you want to do that," Rowan said. "Not sure if there's any crisps either."
She tapped her chin and then looked down at what she was wearing.
"I'll have to have a shower for sure and soon," she grinned and plucked at the baggy t-shirt she was wearing.
"I can drive you to the shops if you like, Lyss," Jack offered.
Alyssa smiled at Jack and nodded her acceptance of his offer to drive her. She turned her attention back to Rowan.
"You'd better write me a list of what you want me to get then, Rowan," she told her.
"Oooh…list!" Rowan exclaimed and began ransacking the kitchen drawers for a notepad. She sat at the table and put her head in her hands and closed her eyes as she thought. She opened them a moment later and began to write. She mostly needed some fresh vegetables and fruit. She also wrote down some fresh meat that Alyssa could get from a deli. She didn't have much that was thawed out and not much time to cook it.
She handed the list to Alyssa and then dug into her bag for her wallet and gave her some money and then wrapped her in a hug.
"Shouldn't need much. Most of what I need we have," she grinned. "Let's not invite the whole Square though. I'll call some people while you're shopping and let them know they can just come round sometime after say 4:00? How does that sound?"
Alyssa took the list and the cash and off her. She had no intention of spending it all and would reimburse Rowan back half of it. It wasn't fair to let her pay for everything. She put the items into her handbag and nodded. She looked at her watch, that gave her plenty of time to get everything on the list and get back to prepare whatever Rowan wanted to make.
"Sounds good to me. Well, you need to get ready and I'd better go and get all this stuff you need," she grinned back.
Alyssa smiled at her and Chris briefly then grabbed Jack's hand and proceeded to pull him outside to the car. She remembered what had happened the last time they had gone shopping and a smile spread over her face. She released his hand and turned to kiss him before jumping down the steps to stand next to the car.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ronnie sat and frankly admired the view as Ray emerged from the bathroom and began to get dressed. She felt her heart beat a bit faster as she watched the play of muscles under the flesh of his arms and chest.
She stood up and walked to him and twined her arms around his neck.
"I suppose we should go and get some food," she agreed. "But I've seen what I want."
She ran a hand down his chest and smiled before she pulled him into a kiss. She broke it off and gazed into his eyes before reaching down to twine her fingers with his.
Ray smiled at her and squeezed her hand as he started to move out of the room. He led her down the narrow corridor towards the reception and looked around for an indication to where they should go to eat. He spotted a little sign directing them and nodded towards it. He opened the door for her and followed her in. He seated himself with her at a little table and smiled at the lady they had met yesterday who seemed to be the owner.
Ronnie glanced around the empty dining room and tried to keep from blushing under the elderly lady's gaze.
"May I just have toast and a cup of tea please?" she asked quietly and glanced at Ray. She reached for his hand under the table and squeezed it. A thought occurred to her and she let go his hand and pulled out her cell phone and sent off a quick text to Roxy asking if a loan of her big red road hog would be possible.
The woman nodded at Ronnie's order and pulled out her little notepad from her apron.
Ray didn't look down as he felt her hand hold onto his. He beamed at the woman as she wrote down Ronnie's order and waited for his turn.
Ronnie placed the phone on the table and took Ray's hand again.
"Another cup of tea and a full English please, love," he ordered and kept his eyes fixed on the woman as she wrote everything down.
He relaxed slightly as she left them after giving them a wry smile. He looked at Ronnie with a huge grin.
"So this, then back to Walford then?"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Roxy cringed as the loud beeping of her phone came from her pocket. She grabbed it quickly and pressed a button to stop the noise from waking Amy. She wasn't in a fit state to deal with a screaming toddler right now.
She looked down at her phone and read Ronnie's text.
"Sure. U want it 2day?" she fired back and then moved her head back to her hands. Clearly Ronnie was picking up a load of stuff that wouldn't fit on the bike. There was no other reason she would want to use Roxy's car.
She emitted a huge sigh and rose. If Ronnie was coming around then she wanted to look decent. She left Amy's room to get dressed.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Your flat first, Ray," Ronnie said, lifting their joined hands onto the table. "I can help you pack and I've asked Rox if we can borrow her car," she told him.
Her phone beeped and she picked it up and read Roxy's reply. She grinned.
"She says yes," Ronnie said excitedly. She hurriedly texted back.
"Having breakfast now, call in a couple hours with directions for pick up."
She flipped her phone shut and looked at Ray. She picked put her free hand over their joined hands and smiled at him. She picked up his hand and kissed it and then stared down at it as she ran her fingers over it. She looked up at met his eyes, his eyes that made her heart beat faster.
"I'm glad I asked you to move in with me and I'm glad you said yes," she told him seriously.
Ray leant down and kissed her. He wondered what she would think of his flat. It was very different from hers. Quite the opposite. Ray spent as little time as he possibly could there, he preferred to be at work or in the pub rather than there. It was all he could afford when he transferred to Fenchurch, his salary had raised drastically since then but Ray saw no point in going somewhere better when all he used it for was a place to crash.
He looked up at the sudden clattering coming from the kitchen and a young boy emerged with a tea pot and tea cups. He put them in front of them then returned and came out again with milk and a bowl of sugar. He placed them next to the pot and gave them a nervous smile then bolted back to the kitchen
Ray chuckled and let go of her hand and pulled the pot and cups towards them. He poured out the tea and then added milk and sugar to his own.
It wasn't long before their breakfasts had arrived. Ray dug into his almost before she had placed the plate down. The food seemed to evaporate at the pace he was eating.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Roxy came out of the shower and saw her phone flashing. She glanced at it then sent back an OK. She trailed to her room and dug out some clothes.
Roxy made her way downstairs her phone clutched ready in her hand. She scanned her pub and saw the usual suspects. It was always the same people that used the pub as an escape at lunch times, especially on a Sunday. This was when it started filling up.
She smiled at Peggy and began serving customers until Ronnie rang.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ronnie fixed her tea and gazed at Ray until their food arrived.
She nearly laughed aloud at the way he inhaled his food. She reached over and grabbed a sausage off his plate and rolled a slice of her toast around it. She grinned at him and took a bite.
She wondered how much stuff he would have to shift.
"Is there a lot to pack?" she asked him after she swallowed the bite she'd taken. "You know, do you think Roxy's car will be big enough?"
She couldn't believe how overcome she was with nerves. It should be easy now. She'd asked and he'd said yes. She took another bite of the toast wrapped sausage and looked around the dining room.
Ray swallowed his huge mouthful. He had ignored her thieving of his sausage and looked up at her now.
"Not much. Everything that's mine is in my room. Everything else belongs to Dirk. Roxy's car is that red one outside the Vic. The one that never moves? It should all fit in there," he nodded and contemplated what he was going to put his stuff in. He knew there were cardboard boxes under the sink that had held all the crappy beer that Dirk bought. He could nab a few of those.
Ronnie nodded at his answer and her eyes widened at his mention of a flatmate.
"I didn't know you had a flatmate," Ronnie said. That explained why he didn't go back very often. He only had his room to look after. She finished off the toast-wrapped sausage and started on her other slice of toast.
"We'll have to give Roxy directions, but it can wait till we get there. We can get you all packed and then get it all put in her car when she shows up."
She wondered if Alex still wanted to get together. She'd text her when they got to Ray's and she had a better idea of when she'd be back in Walford.
Ray shrugged.
"I try to stay out of his way. He works nights so he's probably going to be there when we go to get my things," Ray sighed and stuck one of the prongs of his fork into the yolk of his fried egg. The golden yellow created an interesting pattern as it leaked from the puncture he had made and trailed down, filling the crevices it came across. Ray looked up at her.
"I don't think you're going to want to hang around there for long. It might be best to call Roxy with directions as soon as we get there. Then you can help me pack when she knows where she's supposed to be going," he told her.
He wasn't keen on the idea if Ronnie seeing the place where he was supposed to be living. It really wasn't her scene. To be honest, he wasn't fond of it either. He also didn't like the idea of Dirk leering at her. Especially in what she had chosen to wear today.
Ronnie frowned slightly as Ray repeated what she'd basically just suggested. He was clearly more worried about taking her to his flat than he was letting on. She took his hand and gazed at him. She wished he would understand she was not a fragile flower. She was made of sterner stuff.
"Ray, please don't worry okay? I'm tougher than I look. I've spent years working in pubs and clubs and I can handle a lot. So, trust me. I can handle this."
She squeezed his hand and gazed at him in concern.
Ray looked up at her and nodded at her. He started eating again using just his fork and slowed his pace slightly. She was right and he knew she was. He just didn't want her hurt in any way. He still remembered her sitting in the allotments behind the shed. She was certainly vulnerable and fragile then. He let go of her hand and picked up his knife.
"I know. I'm just anxious. That's all," he sighed before filling his mouth with food.
"I know," Ronnie said quietly and finished off her toast. "Can I ask, if it's such a bad place why did you stay?"
She poured them both more tea as she waited for him to answer.
Ray looked back at her and licked the smear of ketchup from the corner of his mouth.
"The rent is cheap. I only use the place as somewhere to kip and keep my stuff. There was no point in moving to somewhere more expensive just to sleep there," he shrugged and pronged his final sausage.
"Ah," Ronnie said and nodded. She took a drink of her tea and waited for him to finish eating.
"So, you'll be able to afford half the rent at mine then?" she joked and flashed him a teasing grin attempting to get him out of his nervy mood.
As soon as he was done, she drained her tea and stood up.
"I'll get the stuff from the room while you check us out," she said.
Ray grinned at her. He would definitely help with her rent if he was going to live there. He drained his tea and stood to follow her orders.
"See you in a minute," he told her as the boy came to take their empty plates away.
Ray strolled to the desk and saw the woman waiting for him. He handed over the cash they owed her and retreated upstairs to help Ronnie.
Ronnie hurried upstairs and grabbed the plastic bags she'd thrown stuff in and shoved their dirty clothes in them. She pulled on her jacket and grabbed his and headed down the stairs. She smiled when she saw Ray coming up.
"I've got everything, lucky we travelled light," she grinned at him and tossed him his jacket. She moved closer and held out a helmet to him.
Ray took his jacket. He pulled it on then grabbed his helmet off her. He held it under his arm and turned and lead her out of the Bed and Breakfast.
He pulled his helmet on and hopped onto the bike behind her. He decided the best way to direct her to his 'home' was to apply pressure to her hips where he held onto her to tell her when to turn and which way. He didn't want her taking a wrong turn and both of them getting lost.
They pulled up outside his flat and he climbed off. Ray removed his helmet and looked reproachfully at the front door. He fished in his pocket and withdrew his keys.
"You should call Roxy," he told her.
He opened the door and stepped inside. He smelt Dirk before he saw him. His flatmate was laid out over the sofa. Ray cleared his throat to alert him to his presence.
Dirk turned his head lazily and looked at Ray. He grunted his greeting then looked back at the TV screen.
Ray shook his head and proceeded to move to his bedroom door. He flicked through his collection of keys; His front door key, Ronnie's front door key, The key to his office, a key to the station and his bedroom door key. Ray used this key to unlock his room and moved inside leaving to door open as he dug under his bed for his suitcase.
Ronnie swung off the bike and stashed the helmets in the saddlebag. She called Roxy and left her a detailed voicemail with directions. She knew her way around well enough to give her directions on how to get to the flat from the Vic. She also asked her to please hurry if she could and text her when she arrived if they weren't outside by the bike.
She bit her lip at the look on Ray's face as he gazed at the door. She watched him go inside and hurriedly said goodbye and flipped her phone shut. She took a deep breath and wrapped a hand around the end of her braid nervously as she headed after him into the flat.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Roxy grabbed her phone and a piece of paper. She wrote Ronnie's instructions down carefully and then patted her aunt's shoulder as she left the pub. She climbed into her car and texted Ronnie to say she was on her way.
She smiled behind the wheel of her car, she liked it. It made her feel powerful, in control. She grinned and sped along the road and out of the Square, following the directions she had written down.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ronnie wrinkled her nose as the smell of stale beer and the spicy aroma of curry assailed her nose as she walked in the door. She saw empty pizza boxes and beer cans that were scattered around the house and could hear the blare of the TV. She squinted in the dim light from the curtains being drawn and the lights switched off.
She saw a man stretched out on the sofa with a plate balanced on his middle. There were several beer cans on the floor around him, arranged in a neat line as if he was lining them up to prove to himself how much he has drunk. He was unshaven and she had the impression he had been in the chair for a while. She could smell him from across the room and nervously zipped her jacket up farther up her neck.
She glanced down at the carpet from the kitchen to the front door to the lounge and saw it was worn and there was a coffee stain is visible near the kitchen door. The wallpaper was a dank yellow with greasy hand prints visible and she cringed away from them. There was a vacuum cleaner sitting in the hallway waiting to be used. She also noticed one door had a hole in it, where somebody obviously kicked it in frustration.
She glanced down the hall farther and covered her face as she neared the bathroom; it smelled like something died in there. She understood the significance of the shaving kit and towel in his bottom desk drawer now. She could not blame him for avoiding this place as much as possible. She saw an open door down the hall; she knew that had to be Ray's room. She clutched at her braid and slid her phone into her pocket and zipped the pocket shut.
Dirk shifted again as he heard another noise, softer footsteps on the floor. Ray had gone to his room and anyway, you could hear when he moved, his footsteps were heavier than that. He turned and saw her, the dazzling blonde woman standing just a little away from the doorway to the lounge, she was clearly uncomfortable. Was she the reason Ray hadn't been sleeping here? Not that it mattered to Dirk whether Ray slept there or not as long as he paid his rent. He looked her up and down slowly, tracing her body. He slipped the plate off his stomach and attempted to stand, after an unsuccessful try where he fell back against the sofa, the beer had clearly got to him. he tried again and was successful.
"Y'all right?"
Ray heard Ronnie's footsteps but continued with what he was doing, the quicker he packed the sooner they could leave, he knew she wouldn't like it here. He heard Dirk's drawling voice and shut his eyes. This was the last thing he wanted.
Ronnie heard the bump of humanity on the sofa move, but ignored it. She turned her head slightly when he spoke and saw he was standing unsteadily by the sofa and frowned. She forced back a gag at the smell and turned back to the hallway to head for the open door she was sure was Ray's room.
Dirk scowled as she ignored him and moved to the door where she had been standing to watch her. He smirked. Ray had done all right for himself if this was his bird. Her arse in those trousers was, well, his eyes refused to move from it. He leant against the door frame and watched her walk towards Ray's room.
Ray was half way done, his clothes were laid out on his bed, all he had to do was try to fold them so they would all fit. He knew from experience that if he just threw them in the case then he would have a hard time closing it. He dug around in a drawer and dumped its contents next to his clothes so he could see what he had to fit in the case and work out how exactly he was going to do it. He picked up a rucksack and began jamming bits and bobs into it as quick as he could.
Dirk advanced towards Ronnie. He peered over her shoulder at Ray, he was busy packing his stuff up, he was making a right racket. He smirked and placed a hand on her hip, he moved his head to her ear and licked it.
Ronnie felt herself gag as the smell grew stronger and knew the creep who lived here too must have moved closer. She smiled as she watched Ray and moved to his open door. Then she felt a hand on her hip and froze.
"What?" she yelped when she felt a wetness on her ear and realized that creep had licked it. Her eyes narrowed in fury. She didn't even notice Ray turn in her direction as she raised her heavily booted foot and brought it down hard on Dirk's instep. She bent her arm and elbowed him in the chest.
"Don't ever touch me," she snarled as she spun around, grabbed his shoulders, brought her knee up hard into his groin and shoved him away.
"Argh," she growled and shuddered and looked at her gloved hands. She looked up at Ray, her features still etched with disgust and anger.
Dirk doubled over in pain and found support against the wall. She had most likely damaged foot the strength of that stomp. He thought it possible that at least one of his toes was broken. He snarled.
"Bitch" he hissed then caught the expression on Ray's face. A glimmer of panic flashed across his eyes before being replaced by a smug superior look.
"He slimed on my gloves," Ronnie remarked in outrage and stalked into Ray's room. She noted that the carpet was cleaner in his room and knelt down to rub her hands on the carpet. She stood back up and turned and opened all the drawers. She peeled off her gloves and shoved them in her pocket and yanked out her phone when she heard it ring. Rowan. She hit ignore. She hated to do it but would call her back when this was done. She wanted out of here. She wanted Ray home with her where he belonged.
Her phone beeped again and she slid it open and saw Roxy's text that she was on her way.
"Roxy's on her way. Let's get this done and out of here."
She scooped out all the drawers and began to rapidly fold everything in the pile on the bed as she muttered to herself. The nerve of some people!
Ray narrowed his eyes at Dirk angrily. He had clearly either said or done something to Ronnie she hadn't liked. He felt the anger well up inside him as he stood. He patted Ronnie's shoulder and left her for a moment as he grabbed Dirk's arm and pulled him away.
"What did you do to her?" he snarled at him
Dirk shrugged.
"Just said Hi," he grinned. He had said hi, in his own way, wasn't his fault she couldn't take it.
Ray pushed him against a wall and knew that the grease stains would now be larger where Dirk's head was currently pressed. Ray wondered when the last time he washed had been.
"Stay away from her Dirk. Or I will find a reason to arrest you," he threatened, no wonder Ronnie had reacted the way she did with his dirty hands over her.
Dirk rubbed his arm where Ray had grabbed him and slunk away. He didn't want to be arrested. He liked his flat and wasn't a big fan of clean.
Ray watched Dirk retreat to the living room and his beloved sofa.
"In case you hadn't guessed, I'm moving out!" he called after him. If Dirk expected him to pay this month's rent he was having a laugh. Ray went back to his room and finished packing his case with the clothes Ronnie had folded for him. He zipped it up and then drew Ronnie to him. He held her tightly to his chest.
"I'm sorry about him," he told her. "Now you understand why I didn't want you here?"