Authors Note: 50 chapters posted now—whew! We have 83 chapters put together and several hundred more pages of document to break down and we're still having too much fun to stop yet :)

Chapter 72 will see us jumping forward to the big Christmas story! We meet Baby Hunt and find out if Alex gets a boy or girl and what they name the baby. There are fights (of course, wouldn't be Christmas without them) and a surprising affair.

Hope everyone is still enjoying the story and thank you for reading.

Moon :)

We do not own Eastenders, Ashes to Ashes, Waterloo Road or Doctors

Chapter 51

Shaz grabbed her stuff and a mini box of Frosties. She would add milk at work and eat them there. She dashed from the flat and made her way to work. Wishing the day would go quickly.

Ginger greeted Shaz cheerily when she arrived.

"I'm having lunch with Simon today, well excited," he grinned at her. He looked at her box of cereal. "I stopped at the café and bought a box of muffins if you want one," he told her. "I put them on the corner of my desk for now. I'll have to hide them when Simms shows up or he'll eat them all."

"So, doing anything fun this weekend?" he asked as he walked into the small kitchen and flipped on the kettle.

Shaz smiled at him.

"Morning," she smiled at him at his mention of Simon.

Shaz opened the box of muffins and picked one out.

"Thanks," she replied.

She placed the blueberry muffin she had chosen on her desk and looked up at his question.

"Bradley is taking me to see Cardiff for the weekend. We are planning on going around to see all the parts where Doctor Who and Torchwood were filmed," she said excitedly.

Shaz pulled her mini box of cereal out of her bag and moved to the kitchenette. She poured milk into the plastic bag inside the cardboard and grabbed a teaspoon.

"Well, that sounds like fun. One year when I went with Rhys, I made him take me to where they filmed 'Gavin and Stacey'. Loved that show. Rhys never one was for Doctor Who," Ginger chuckled and stirred his tea.

"Morning all," Rhys said as he walked in. "Did I hear my name being taken in vain?"

"Yes, I was telling Shaz you are not a Doctor Who fan, now go away so we can talk about you behind your back some more," Ginger joked.

"Fine, but you have to make me a cup of tea," Rhys said and gave Ginger a playful smack on the back of his head before jogging off down the hall.

Ginger rolled his eyes and made a quick cup for Rhys and went back into the new office area.

Shaz smiled at Rhys in amusement as he left the kitchen and picked a spoonful of cereal out if the box and munched on it as she went back to her desk.

"So you went down to Barry Island?" she asked Ginger curiously as she sat down and switched on her computer.

"Oh yea, it was great, or 'lush' as Rhys would say," he chuckled. He handed Rhys his tea and sat down at the desk on Shaz' right. He picked up the box of muffins and hurriedly stashed it in a drawer. Hale came in and passed out some files that were waiting and then dropped into his chair. He put a jar on the corner of his desk.

"Whip round for Mrs. P," he said tiredly and fumbled open a file.

Shaz looked up at Hale and smiled sympathetically. The funeral was this weekend. She would have to check the time so she could get back in time with Bradley. It wouldn't be a good idea to miss it. She didn't want the Guv on her back about missing a respected DI's funeral. She would tell Bradley when she saw him later.

She dipped her spoon in her cereal box once more and pulled out another spoonful of flakes which went straight into her mouth. Then dug in her purse and passed the fiver to Rhys to put in the jar for her. His desk was closer than hers.

Rhys stuck the fiver Shaz handed him in the jar and added his own.

"Do we know what time the funeral is then?" Ginger asked.

"3 o'clock. Skip posted a sign up front just a few minutes ago, he was late this morning," Hale replied as his face cracked with a yawn.

Shaz grabbed up a pen and wrote down the time on her hand so she wouldn't forget to tell Bradley, then programmed it into her phone as well, just in case.

She looked up as her computer finally loaded up and logged in. Her calendar came up and she sighed. At least she had the majority of her paperwork done.

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"So, any votes what we should do today?" Steph asked. "The party is tonight so I'm sure we're all excited about that."

Bolton twisted his phone over and over in his hand. He wasn't sure about calling Whitney. She was fit, he liked her. But. He didn't know. He couldn't work out which stupid bit of his brain was telling him not to call or why it was telling him not to.

Danielle looked up and smiled at Aleesha.

"Can we go shopping, Miss?" she asked eagerly.

Bolton groaned.

"Again? Dan! I swear you and Leesh are addicts or something!" he exclaimed.

"I suppose we can do a bit, but let's keep it nearby here, all right? Anyone who doesn't want to go shopping can just relax here, use the pool or something. If you leave, let me know. Text me if you can't find me and don't go far. I have to make sure I get our cab booked," Steph replied and left the restaurant and headed for the front desk.

Aleesha and Danielle immediately started planning where they wanted to go and exactly what they wanted to get.

Bolton rolled his eyes at them and turned to Paul.

"Any ideas what to do today then?" he asked. He kinda wanted to get to the party but that was at 6:30. He had ages to wait before then. He needed to keep himself occupied.

"We could cotch somewhere for a bit, eat at Macky D's, cotch some more?" he shrugged.

Paul shrugged. "Sure let's go then. S'long as we don't have to be around the girls, mate. I'll get my football," he offered and went upstairs.

Bolton nodded and watched Paul go, he pulled his phone out again and after a moment of thought he sent a quick text to Whitney.

'Wat time is party? B'

He knew what time the party was because Haydock had made sure they all knew so they were ready to go, but this just gave him an excuse to talk to Whitney.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Yes," Whitney sent back. "Need help what to wear with dress! See you on my tea break."

Whitney put her phone down only to hear it buzz immediately. "Wow, Molly sure can type fast," she muttered to herself as she picked up the phone and read the text.

She had to stop herself from squealing aloud when she saw it was from Bolton. She took a deep breath to calm herself and typed a reply.

"6.30 sharp. There will be brill food. W"

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Steph went and got her nails done and had a facial. She wanted to look her best.

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Rowan fidgeted as the time dragged nearer to her appointment. She wondered what she would find out. She left Chris to man the counter and went to the corner of the building to have a cigarette.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Alex emerged from the bedroom fully dressed and ready to go about 20 minutes later. She ruffled Molly's hair as she passed earning herself a glare. Alex placed her mug in the sink along with the plate that had held the crackers and looked at the pair of them.

"Ready to go then?" she asked as she reached for her coat.

Molly looked up and immediately slipped on her shoes. Then picked her phone up as she walked to the front door sending a text as she went.

"Ooooooo! C u then"

Gene spun the keys to the Quattro on his finger and walked out the door, adjusting his coat on his shoulders as he went.

He stopped at the café and dropped Molly off and then drove to the station.

"I want you to keep an eye on that Simms. There have apparently been complaints about him in the past. Also, keep an eye on who you think might best be promoted to DS if he needs replacing," Gene requested.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Bolton nodded at the text he got back. He looked up and saw no sign of Paul.

"Gr8. C ya ther"

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Paul came bounding over to Bolton a few minutes later, ball tucked under his arm.

"C'mon, let's go.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Whitney waited a few minutes and then sent a reply back to Bolton. She didn't want to seem too eager.

"See ya"

Molly waved at Whitney as she climbed out of the Quattro and made her way to the cafe.

Whitney waved back at Molly and then turned to help someone who'd come up to her stall. She thought about her dress again. Tights, she decided. Definitely tights, but black ones or white ones? She sighed and shook her head.

Molly entered and went to put her apron on.

"Morning, Rowan. Heya, Chris" she greeted them smiling as she tied the ties of the apron behind her back.

Rowan jolted from her nerves as Molly came in.

"Morning," Rowan said back. "I need to braise some stew meat," she told the girl. "Go ahead and watch the counter and if something needs cooking let me know. Bianca will be here at 1:00 to watch the place because I have an appointment at 2. I may not be back, so I've told Bianca you're done at 4. I know you have that party tonight so you'll want time to get ready."

Chris nodded at Molly but kept on washing up. He was beginning to get slightly nervous about the appointment himself, if he was being honest.

Molly nodded at Rowan and went to man the counter for her. She knew how to work the coffee machine and tea wasn't difficult to make. She quite liked this job. She enjoyed serving people and the smells that drifted around while Rowan was cooking were intoxicating.

She smiled as her first customer of the day came forward and she served him with no issues at all.

Rowan finally got the meat ready and dumped it in the pot along with the vegetables. She gave a quick stir and then covered the pot. She quickly spread grated cheese across the tops of the pans of lasagne she had ready and put them in the oven. She dry-dusted her hands together and smiled. Back to normal. She came over and stood next to Molly and leaned on the counter.

"Excited about the party tonight?"

Molly placed the money in the till and smiled up at Rowan.

"Oh yes! I've got my outfit planned and Whitney's promised to introduce me to everyone. I think I'm going round her house to get ready and help her with some decisions," she said excitedly as she beamed up at her employer.

"I think it's probably more fun getting ready with a friend," Rowan remarked. "A few weeks ago, they had karaoke at the pub. Alyssa pretty much laid down the law that she was giving me a makeover. She did my hair, and put make up on me and put me in this very revealing top. I wasn't very sure about the whole thing but once I relaxed it was fun. I think her next plan is a day at the salon, get all that other girly stuff done too," Rowan told her with a grin. "I sang to Chris. He was impressed, though that may have had something to do with what I was wearing. I am not a good singer by any stretch of the imagination."

Molly smiled.

"It makes life easier too. I give her my opinion, she gives me hers. That way there's no dilemma over what to match with what. Although I already know exactly what I want to wear. I think Whitney's having some trouble though. She sent me a text saying she was having a clothes crisis"

Rowan shrugged. "I guess that could be anything. I don't think I've ever had anything that could be considered a clothes crisis, unless it's running out of clean clothes, that is," Rowan joked.

She patted Molly on the back and went outside to have a cigarette.

She went back inside and tried to keep herself busy and was glad to see Bianca show up because that meant it would soon be lunchtime and she would be too busy to worry.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Alex nodded at him silently. She walked through the meeting room and bid everyone good morning. Then moved to the kitchenette to make herself a cup of coffee and Gene another cup of tea.

She placed the coffee on her desk, knocked Gene's door briefly then placed the tea down for him and shut the door behind her as she left him to it.

Ginger looked around and noticed Simms had disappeared so he pulled the muffins from his desk and went down the hall and knocked on the doorframe of the room outside Gene's office.

"I've got some muffins, ma'am, bought them from the café this morning if you want one?" he told her quietly.

Alex looked up at Ginger as he knocked quietly on her door frame and smiled at the offer of a muffin.

"Ooo! Yes, please," she said eagerly and rose from her seat to inspect the variety he had. They were from the cafe. Alex had no trouble in deciding which one she wanted. She had grown rather fond of Rowan's chocolate muffins. She took one out and smiled at Ginger.

"Thank you, DC White," she said happily as she seated herself back down behind her desk. She glanced at Ray's empty one and shook her head. She was glad he had found Ronnie but he would have to hurry if he was going to make it here on time.

"You're welcome, ma'am," Ginger said. "If I don't share them out now, Simms will eat all of them," he grinned at her and put the box on the counter in the kitchen.

Alex smiled back and peeled back the paper case before splitting the muffin in half and pulling a little bit off and nibbling on it as she started work.

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Shaz looked up and said good morning to Alex and the Guv as they came in. She smiled. She had always known they were perfect for each other and if that ring she had seen glinting on Alex's finger meant anything then she was right.

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Bradley got fed up with the atmosphere in the office and decided to go for a walk. He barely waved at the woman he knew his Dad was seeing, he couldn't bother to remember her name, as he wandered across the Square.

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Jack looked at the clock dragging on. He sighed. Everyone was in high spirits. He pulled out his phone and texted Alyssa.

"Time going slow. Call you at lunch. Xxoo"

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Ray move his hands to hold the tops of Ronnie's arms gently as she kissed him then broke it with a grin.

"Have fun with shopping or whatever," he said as he made his way out of the flat.

Ray's stomach rumbled as he made his way to work. He probably should've eaten before he left. There was no time to go to the cafe now. He couldn't be late again.

Ray strolled into CID and nodded at the mixture of DCs and DSs that now clustered in the meeting room.

He went into the kitchenette and made himself a cup of tea. He spotted the box of muffins and took a out a chocolate chip one. It would sustain him until lunch at least.

Ray grunted his good morning to Alex as he sat down and took a huge bite out of his muffin.

Gene finished going over one of the finished files and got up to go outside and smoke.

"Thank you for joining us, Raymondo," Gene said as he walked past. At least he was on time today, barely.

Ray hid his embarrassment by taking another bite of his muffin. He threw Alex a look that warned her not to say a word then realised she was already shaking with silent laughter. He glared.

Alex held her stomach as she chuckled silently. If looks could kill she would be dead 5 times over from the amount of daggers that was in the look that Ray shot her.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Alyssa sent the woman upstairs with Amira and picked up her phone as she heard it chime. 'Just get through today and he's all yours' it was becoming a mantra in her head.

'Cant wait 4 2nite :) xxx'

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Jack read Alyssa's reply and smiled.

"You are at mine this weekend, don't bother packing clothes, you won't need them bwah ha ha xxx"

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Alyssa bit her lip in anticipation. A weekend at Jack's. Just him and her. Alone. For two whole days. She felt her stomach turn over and she grinned.

'Promises, Promises ;) xxx'

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Trust me" Jack sent back. He had no intention of leaving his bed at all this weekend unless absolutely necessary. He'd already bought food and wine and he'd cleaned the flat yesterday. He was ready.

The minute lunchtime rolled around, he texted her again.

"5 hours to go….. xxxxx"

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Rhys and Ginger went to the kitchen to make some more tea. While there, Ginger quietly told him about his dinner date with Simon then doctor and that he was having lunch with him today. Rhys grinned and slapped him on the back. "A doctor, well done there, mate," he congratulated his friend.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Simms wandered back into the room. Where was everyone? He saw the new bird sitting by herself and walked over.

"So, Ginger still passing round the muffins, darlin?" he asked, "or do you have the last two? I still haven't had one," he chuckled and leaned down and squeezed her breast. "Good muffin, nice and firm," he said in her ear.

Shaz' eyes widened in shock before she slapped his hand away and pushed back her chair, glaring at him as she went, to hide her mortification.

"Don't touch me," she said trying to keep her voice under control.

Shaz immediately left the meeting room and went into the kitchenette to see Rhys and Ginger talking together. She came up beside them and rested against the counter, feeling herself sag slightly. She would not be able to deal with that sort of behaviour every day.

"Please do not leave me alone in the same room as him," she told them, her voice shaking slightly as she spoke.

Rhys and Ginger looked at Shaz.

"Simms," Rhys snapped and stormed out of the small kitchen area.

Ginger pulled Shaz into a hug and patted her back.

"Sorry, love, he was gone when we left. We kept watch, but he must have come in from the back and we didn't see him," Ginger apologized.

Shaz buried her face into Ginger's shoulder and calmed herself down. She pulled away and gave him a weak smile.

"Thank you."

Rhys went to the Guv's office and glanced at Alex and Ray. He focused on Alex and walked over to her desk.

"Ma'am," he began in a low tone in case Simms happened by, "Shaz is going to need a complaint form. Simms just, well, I don't know what he did exactly, but she's pretty upset. Ginger's staying with her in the staff kitchen. You should come now, ma'am."

Alex quickly dug out a form from the blue folder on her desk, folded it into her pocket and went with Rhys to the kitchen as calmly as she could. This was what Gene had been talking about. She scowled.

Shaz looked up as Alex and Rhys came back and she looked at the paper in Alex's hand and then back to her DI's face.

Alex moved forward and placed a comforting arm around the young DC.

"Shaz, I need you to fill out this form for me," she said gently.

Shaz nodded and took the piece of paper and picked up a spare pen from the counter where somebody had left it. She leant against the cupboard and filled in the form as truthfully as she could and handed it back to Alex with a small grimace.

Alex read it through and narrowed her eyes, her jaw set. She looked up at Shaz and her expression softened. Gene had said there had been complaints about Simms. If all were cases like Shaz' then Marsden clearly hadn't taken sexual harassment very seriously.

"Don't worry, Shaz. We'll deal with this," she told the her kindly and patted her arm. She stormed back to her desk, scowling at Simms desk as she passed it.

Shaz leant back against the counter and looked up at the two men.

"He's done stuff like this before, hasn't he?" she half asked, half stated. Knowing the answer that would undoubtedly come.

"Yes, he has, that's why we sat the way we did, on either side of you. Rumor had it he was shagging the boss, which is why she didn't think anything of the other complaints. Peterson was trying to get rid of him but with her in charge, he wasn't having much luck," Rhys said with a frown.

"He's just nasty," Ginger agreed. "Maybe the Guv will give him the boot."

He glanced at his watch and gasped.

He gave Shaz a brief squeeze.

"Sorry, don't want to be late for my doctor!" he grinned and hurried out.

Alex prayed Gene was in his office as she knocked on his door. She didn't want to deal with Simms on her own and Ray wouldn't be much help. He was more muscle and intimidation, whereas Gene actually had intelligence, and was quite intimidating. She knew as well as he did just how much the name of Gene Hunt was feared and respected.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Ronnie pulled off her sweaty clothes and tossed them in the basket and then took a long leisurely shower. She used a new body wash she'd bought at the salon that she liked the smell of and shampoo in the same scent. She wrapped her hair and her body in a towel and then set her jaw and dug into the back of the closet where she knew some dresses were.

Ronnie walked to the salon to see if she could get a facial. She'd found a dress she thought would be okay for the evening. She hoped Ray would think so anyway. She smiled and cheerfully said hello to Alyssa as she walked into the salon.

Alyssa smiled at Ronnie as she came in.

"Hey, Ronnie, what can we do for you today?" she asked with a smile. The smile widened as she peeked at the text jack sent: 'and counting...xxx'

"Well, Ray has promised to take me out for a romantic dinner. I want a facial and maybe have my hair done," she gnawed her lip. She held out her phone and showed Alyssa the picture she'd took of herself in the dress so the hairstyle would go with it. "Any chance?"

Alyssa took the phone and admired the dress. It hugged Ronnie's figure in all the right places.

"You look gorgeous in it," she smiled as she handed the phone back. Alyssa picked up the diary and trailed her finger down the page.

"Gayna's free now if you want the facial but after that you've got half an hour's wait before Amira will have a chance to do your hair," she told her after estimating the amount of time a facial would take and fitting it in as easily as she could.

"How does that work?"

"Let's do it," Ronnie said. She pulled her phone out and called Doug and told him to make sure the crew she'd hired to get the club ready for the party would be there as promised. She might be running just a tiny bit late. "Syed will be there to set up the food at 5:30 but I'll be there by then, I'm sure." She hung up the phone. "I'm all yours."

Alyssa smiled and handed Ronnie a gown to put on over clothes. She led her friend upstairs and handed her over to Gayna explaining the sudden client that needed her attention. Gayna agreed and Alyssa left Ronnie in Gayna's capable hands as she went to check if Amira was okay to do the hair styling for Ronnie.

Ronnie enjoyed the facial and sat and chatted with Alyssa while she waited to get her hair done. She was getting so excited.

When it was finally time for Ronnie to get her hair done, she showed Amira the picture on her phone.

"Something that will look good with the dress. I want to knock his socks off."

Amira looked at the picture. "I don't think you'll have any problem there," she commented. Ronnie blushed.

Ronnie admired what Amira had done to her hair. She gladly handed over the money and headed for home. She had just enough time to grab her dress and shoes before going to the club.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Bianca ended up running late so Whitney missed her tea break. She didn't care. She was too busy debating over whether she would kiss Bolton or not. And now she had the idea of regular tights as a possibility to wear with the dress. She knew how she was going to do her hair….at least she thought so.

She finally managed to beg Fatboy into watching the stall for her so she could take lunch.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

The second it was lunchtime, Ray left the station and headed for the Cafe. He knew about the situation with Shaz and so far everyone else seemed to have it under control. There was no point him jumping in and messing everything up if it was all under control.

He stepped inside and smiled at Molly as he looked up at Rowan.

"Afternoon, Ro. I'll have whatever your special is today please!" he said brightly.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Simon walked into the café and recognized the woman behind the counter as the one who'd been in the other day. He smiled at her and ordered a cup of tea and then sat and waited for Marcus.

Ginger came running in a short time later. He stopped short so he wouldn't run into Ray and breathlessly asked Bianca if he could have a tea. He took his tea and went over and sat down.

"Whew, didn't think I'd make it on time," Ginger grinned.

/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Rowan smiled warmly at the doctor and got him a cup of tea. When she saw Ginger run in breathlessly and go sit with him, she quickly leaned over to Molly and asked her to go see what they wanted for lunch.

She turned as she heard Ray greet her. She raised an eyebrow at him and smiled.

"What would you like and that can be the special. I actually forgot to plan one today," she confessed as she got Ray tea.

Chris came up behind her.

"Don't forget. We should leave at 1:30 or maybe sooner so we're not late. They may want you to fill out paperwork," he blurted.

Rowan turned and looked at Chris steadily.

"Yes, Chris, I know. I've already asked Charlie to pick us up at 1:15. We'll be there in plenty of time," she told him sternly. "Now, leave it, Chris, I'm nervous enough as it is and I have lunch to get through." She turned him around and gave him a gentle shove in the direction of the sink and then faced Ray.

"So, lunch…."

Ray smiled at her.

"Ummmm," he pondered as he looked at her menu. "Lasagne," he decided.

He looked around briefly then moved his gaze back to her and leaned forward.

"I need advice too," he murmured to her.

Rowan smiled broadly. "Advice, I'm good at that. One sec," she said. She quickly dished up a serving of lasagne and put a roll on the plate. "Chris, help Bianca at the counter, I'll just be outside if you need me."

She told him. Chris nodded and watched her go. He hurriedly dried his hands to see if Bianca needed anything. They weren't busy just yet.

"Most people might be skipping lunch and going out tonight. For some reason the school party always seems to get people festive," Bianca told him.

Rowan walked around the counter and led Ray outside. She pulled the table slightly away from the door closer to the corner of the building and put his plate down. She sat down and gestured him to sit.

"Okay, talk," she said and leaned forward expectantly.

Ray sat down and grabbed the knife and fork up he cut a bit of lasagne up and chewed it slowly as he thought about how to put it. He finally decided to just come out with it.

"Ronnie wants me to take her some place romantic tonight. I need help, Rowan. I can't do romance. It's never been something I got the hang of. What do I do?" he asked her desperately.

Rowan kept her jaw from dropping. Poor Ray. Ever since he'd helped her that day in the cafe with Chris when he'd found out about Brian, she'd had a soft spot for the man.

"Okay, as much as I hate to admit it, I can help. The only reason I can help is because for all that he was a monster, Brian knew how to romance a woman. It's how he got his claws into them, enough said. First off, you're not going to wear that," she gestured at what he had on. "I suggest you put on a nice sharp suit, you looked good in that one you wore to court, so maybe that one. Trust me, she will be dressed up. It's part of the deal," she paused.

"Now, where to go. Not so easy. I was actually up north before I came here, up near Manchester actually," she told him. "But I do hear about a lot of places. There's this place, just off the High Street. Not too expensive, nice, very romantic atmosphere so I'm told, dim lights, tall white candles on the tables, soft music. I've heard a lot of people talk about it."

Ray nodded and followed everything she was saying intently. His stomach clenched at the thought of Brian and what he had done to Rowan, but he smiled at the casual way she discarded it. He was proud of her.

She pulled the foil paper out of her pack of cigarettes and wrote the name and address on it and slid it to him. "You eat, I'll book," she told him. She got up and stepped away from the table and lit up her cigarette as she called the restaurant.

"Ray, what time?"

Ray studied the paper she handed him and read the name. He thought he knew roughly where it was. He folded the paper and slipped it into his pocket. He looked up at her question and furrowed his brow in thought.

"Errrmmmmmmm. She has a delivery at 5:30. Then the party starts at 6:30. So about 7:15ish?" he said uncertainly. He wasn't sure whether Ronnie would get dressed and then sort out the club or sort out the club and then dress. He decided to allow time whichever way it played out. Though he honestly had no idea how long it would take her to get ready. He hoped he had given enough time.

Rowan looked at Ray a moment. "Yes? Make that 7:30, yes, thank you." She flipped her phone shut and smiled at Ray.

"Now, I have a deal with Charlie, so I'll have him pick you and Ronnie up at the club at 7, sound like a plan?"

She put out her cigarette and sat back down.

Ray let out a sigh of relief.

"Sounds fantastic. Cheers, Rowan. You've just saved my bacon," he grinned at her and pulled out the paper with the restaurant name on and a pen. He wrote down the information she had given him and put the paper back in his pocket.

He looked down at the food in front of him and tucked in heartily.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Gene got up and opened the door. He took in Alex's face and frowned.

"What happened?" he growled.

Alex took a breath and steadied herself. She didn't feel like exploding but unless she got some control then she would.

"Shaz just got sexually harassed," she told him with her eyes closed as she fought for composure that wouldn't come. She opened her eyes and knew she didn't have to say it, but did anyway. "Simms."

Gene huffed out a breath and growled. He stalked out of the room and went to the Skipper.

"Adam, I want Simms found and I want him in my office in under five minutes, understood?"

Adam swallowed and nodded and got on the phone and began calling everyone. Gene went back to his office and stood in the hallway and waited.

Alex watched Gene disappear and come back. She looked at him and decided to sit on her desk. She didn't want Simms towering over her. That way made her vulnerable. She was anything but. She didn't do vulnerability. Not at work. Least of all with people like Simms.

She gazed at Gene. He wasn't happy. Neither was she. Gene cared about his team. He had offered for Shaz to stay with them until she got a place of her own. He would not take kindly to Simms. The longer Simms kept him waiting, the angrier Gene would get.

Gene crossed his arms and stared at Simms as the man finally came strutting down the hall. He grabbed hold of and the man slammed him face first into the wall then bent his arm behind his back and marched him to the station door and violently shoved him out making sure the man rolled down the steps.

"Consider yourself sacked. I would suggest you leave Walford before others find out what you did. You might not survive," Gene warned Simms, his tone like ice.

Simms got up and wiped the blood from under his nose.

"That's fine Hunt, I wanted to transfer anyway." He stuck two fingers up at Hunt and staggered away.

Gene watched him go and then stood outside and smoked a cigarette just to be outside a bit longer.

/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\

Bradley went and picked up his car from Ricky and took it to get it washed. It wasn't a fabulous car, but it was clean now. He got back and went into the house to finish up his packing and shoved the suitcase in the boot of the car. Then he went back to the car lot so his Dad could have lunch.

/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\

Whitney came bounding into the café, full of nervous energy. She sat down and waited for Molly to walk by. When she did, she tapped her arm.

"Can I have a tea please, and a cheese sandwich and come sit with me when you can, yeah?"

/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\

Molly did as she was told and took a small notepad to take their order. She recognized one of them and was sure he worked with her mum. She gave them both an extra big smile as she write down what they wanted and carried it back to Rowan. She paused and grinned at Whitney as she passed and nodded at her request.

She passed the order to Rowan and set about sorting Whitney out. She carried the tray with food on to Whitney and took a seat as she handed it over.

"It's busy today. I'm gonna be going backwards and forwards!" she smiled at her friend.

Whitney gave her friend a grateful smile and drank down half her tea.

"B was running late so I didn't get a tea break. Okay, here's the problem. I did finally decide to wear tights, but should I wear black, white or regular? I'm wearing this really nice pair of black heels B got me but…." She trailed off and growled in frustration. "I don't know."

She sighed and dropped her chin in her palm.

Molly contemplated Whitney's words. She frowned at her friend.

"Do you have to wear tights at all? Why not go bare legged? That's what I'm doing," Molly shrugged.

Whitney grimaced. "My shoes will chafe if I don't."

"You're wearing a black dress right? So wearing black tights will be going a bit OTT with the black. And personally I'm not a big fan of white tights. For some reason they remind me of Halloween. Not sure why, but they do. If you really want to wear tights I'd go with regular ones. I think seeing as we're going to be inside that it will be a little too hot if you wear tights though," Molly advised her as she leant back in her seat.

"I have like a really nice pair of sheer stockings. I'll wear them then," she sighed heavily and took a bite of her sandwich. She chewed thoughtfully and swallowed.

Molly nodded.

She raised her head each time somebody came in, but Bianca seemed to have it all under control.

"What time you done?"

"Rowan's letting me go at 4. I've got to see mum and get her to take me home so I can get my stuff and get round to yours. That should only take about 15 minutes though. We don't live far away and if Gene drives we'll be there sooner than that. He drives like a maniac," she grinned.

"Perfect, you should be back just in time," Whitney said. She hurriedly ate through her sandwich and finished her tea.

"I better get back now, glad you could sit and chat. I'll see you later."

Whitney dashed out and back to the stall so Fatboy could go.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Bianca carried Simon and Ginger's food out to them when it was ready. Might as well give Molly the chance to sit now just in case it did get busy.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Shaz watched Ginger go with a small smile. She looked back up at Rhys and shuddered slightly as she replayed what had happened in her mind. It hadn't been anything too major but it was unwanted and she was glad she had Ginger and Rhys.

"Thank you, for looking out for me," she told him softly.

She took another deep, calming breath. She was not going to feel unsafe or uncomfortable at work. That wasn't fair and it wasn't going to happen. By now Alex would have told the Guv. He would fix things. He always did.

Rhys put an arm around her shoulders and led her back to her desk. Simms was nowhere to be seen.

"It'll be okay, Shaz, it will. We'll finally be rid of that creep."

He sat on her desk and watched out in case Simms returned.

Shaz smiled gratefully up at Rhys as he sat with her and looked at the muffin that was still sitting on her desk. She shuddered remembering what Simms had said before he touched her. No. She wasn't going to let him get to her. She grabbed the muffin and started eating it defiantly. She had filed the complaint. The Guv wouldn't take harassment lightly. Especially when Simms had done it before. She smiled and sighed a small sigh as she picked a blueberry out of the muffin and ate it.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Gene walked into the office and stopped in front of Shaz.

"He's been dismissed. If he ever shows his face around here, he will be sorry. I'm sure everyone will see to that. I know you asked to leave a bit early, so go ahead and go now. Take the rest of the day off and get going on your holiday. Take your mind off it," he said to her softly and patted her shoulder.

"We'll see you Sunday."

Shaz smiled up at her DCI gratefully.

"Thank you, Guv," she told him as she finished her muffin and rose from her seat. She watched Gene walk away and picked up her stuff. She turned to Rhys and tilted her head.

"I'll see you Sunday, then?" she told him and whipped out her phone to text Bradley she was done for the day. Shaz picked up her empty cereal box and her mug and made her way into the kitchen. She dumped the box in the bin and placed the mug in the sink.

Bradley read Shaz' text and hurried back to the car lot. He got in the car and drove quickly to the station. He texted Shaz that he was outside the station and ready to go and drove to Shaz' flat once she was in the car.

"Need a hand?"

Shaz smiled at him.

"I've only got a few more things to pack, but you're welcome to come inside," she said as she climbed out of the car.

Shaz unlocked her flat and went straight to the fridge. She quickly took the list of Pros and Cons down and folded it as she walked into her bedroom. She knelt down and under the pretence of checking her bag, she slipped it under her mattress.

She stood and went to her wardrobe and picked up some shoes. Then to the bathroom and packed her toiletries.

Everything went back to the bedroom and she packed it all into the case as neatly as she could. Shaz had a fight with the zip on the bag but managed to get it closed eventually.

Bradley took her case and carried it to the car and muscled it into the boot. He looked at her and grinned.

"You know we're only going for two days right?" he teased and got in the car.

Shaz glared at him playfully and climbed back into the car. She buckled herself in and caught sight of the memo she had written on her hand.

"Oh, Bradley. I need to be back in Walford for Sunday afternoon. I have a funeral at 3," she sighed. "During the undercover op the Guv got shot and DI Peterson pushed him out the way of the second bullet. His funeral is Sunday. We're all required to be there," she told him solemnly.

"Oh, that's not a problem at all," Bradley assured her. "We'll actually be back a bit earlier than that. Dad has some kind of family thing planned. I'm not in his good books right now so it's best I don't miss it," he told her with a wry smile.

He started the car and headed out.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Alex would normally have spoken out against Gene's display of police brutality. Not this time. She folded her arms across her chest and watched with satisfaction as Gene forced Simms out.

She slipped back into her chair and thought carefully. Shaz couldn't be promoted to DS. She had only just been made a DC. That left Griffyths and White and Hale. She twirled a pen in her hand. Griffyths had proven very talented and useful at getting the information out of that snout. It had accelerated the pace of the investigation and led to the arrest of the dealers a lot sooner than they had hoped. Alex smiled. She would see what Gene thought.

Gene came back inside and sat down on Alex's desk.

"So, write down in order of preference who out of Hale, White and Griffyths we should promote to DS. I'll get Ray's opinion when he gets back. I let Shaz leave for the day. Right, let's go to lunch."

Alex grabbed her pen and slipped it in her pocket. She had an idea as to the order she would choose. She smiled up at him and stood.

"Café?" she asked rhetorically as she made her way out of the office

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Steph got finished at the salon and walked back to the hotel. She looked around for the kids but only saw Karla using the guest computers in the lobby. She went up to her room and took a long bath.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Rowan called Charlie and arranged for him to pick up Ray and Ronnie at the club. She stood up and gave Ray a quick peck on the cheek.

"Have a good night. Ronnie is very lucky. You're a diamond," she told him and went back into the cafe. She went over to Chris.

"Charlie will be here to pick us up soon," she told him. "You ready?"

Chris nodded. "How's Ray?"

"Taking Ronnie out for a romantic meal," she grinned. "I helped him out a bit."

She stroked Chris' cheek and went to clear the tables. She made sure Molly and Bianca were okay and bit her lip when Charlie pulled up. Chris took her arm and walked her out to the cab.

They found their way around the hospital to where the doctor was. Rowan filled out the paperwork they gave her and tried to keep her hand steady.

After a while, Rowan and Chris were finally brought in to see the doctor.

"Nice to meet you. Now, Dr. Bond has told me some of your problem. What makes you think you may not be able to conceive?" Dr. Harrison asked.

Rowan took a deep breath and told Dr. Harrison about her past. The woman nodded and made the occasional note as Rowan spoke.

"Okay, let's run a few tests and see what we can find out."

Chris sat in the waiting area, nervously waiting for Rowan to get done.

/\\/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\\\/\/\

"Oh, go on then," Gene grinned. He slung an arm around her shoulders and led her out of the station. He led her to the cafe and saw Rowan and Chris getting into a cab. He walked inside and saw Molly behind the counter.

"Two lasagnes please, love," he said to her. He saw Ginger sitting with a young man towards the back of the cafe, otherwise the cafe was empty.

"I need to talk to Ray about, you know," he told her and went outside and told Ray about Simms' dismissal and that he wanted to know which of Hale, White and Griffyths should be promoted.

/\\/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\\\/\/\

Ray smiled at Rowan as she retreated back inside and looked down at his food happily. He had a plan for Ronnie tonight thanks to Rowan. He felt good. And grateful. The last thing he wanted to do was disappoint Ronnie.

He looked up at Gene as he came out and nodded. He was glad Simms was gone. Bastard. A new DS? He nodded. He would do as the Guv asked and write a list. After he had eaten.

Ray swallowed the rest of his food and took the plate back inside. He paid Bianca and sauntered back to the station. Ray grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down his list for DCs and put it on Gene's desk. Then pulled out his phone.

"Taxi will pick us up from Club at 7 x"

He sent the text to Ronnie and grabbed up his mug to make himself some tea.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Molly smiled up her mum and Gene as they came in and set about getting their order. She looked around as she worked and caught her mum watching what she was doing. She pulled a face and handed Alex the two plate of lasagne.

Alex smiled at Molly and took the plates off her.

"Molls, cup of tea for Gene and an orange juice too please, sweetheart," she requested and made her way to a table.

Molly nodded and got the drinks for Alex. She left the sachets of sugar on the saucer for Gene to add himself. She wasn't sure exactly how many he would want but Molly knew he took a lot of sugar in his tea.

"Mum. Can I get ready at Whitney's tonight, please?" she asked as she set the drinks in front of Alex.

"Of course. What time do you finish here today?"

"4, can you drive me home to get my stuff and then drop me off at Whitney's on your way back to the office?"

Alex nodded her agreement and picked up a knife and fork. She was too hungry to wait for Gene to get back.

Gene came back in and sat down across from Alex. He started in on his lasagne quickly.

"Ray will get me his list of recommendations when we get back to the office. Oh, Hale has a jar on his desk, whip round for the widow," he told her and went back to his food.

Alex nodded silently as she chewed. She sighed as she swallowed. That poor family.

"Do you want my list for possible DSs now?" she asked. She knew exactly which order to put the collection of DCs in.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Ginger and Simon left the cafe, gave each other a brief hug and then headed back to their respective jobs.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

He glanced around the cafe. Ginger and the man he was with had left. Gene nodded.

"Go on, then," he said and took another bite.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Ronnie slung her dress over her arm and put her shoes in a bag. She put her keys and things in a small black handbag and grabbed up her make up bag and stuck it in with her shoes. She looked around and nodded in satisfaction. She had everything. She left the flat and headed for the club. She got there and greeted Doug and the people who were getting the club ready for the party.

She went into the office and dumped her things on her desk and turned her phone back on. Apart from showing the pictures she hadn't wanted any interruptions. She immediately saw she'd got a text from Ray and read it. She smiled.

"I'll be ready. Can't wait x"

She locked the office door and with a great deal of care for her styled hair, changed into her dress. She caught up her makeup bag and padded to the bathroom to put it on. When she finished, she looked at herself in the mirror. She turned left and right. Yes, she thought, as she looked over the short, black sheath dress she'd chosen, good choice. She fidgeted with the low neckline a bit and put on her lipstick. She smiled and went back to the office.

/\\/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\\\/\/\

Chris stood up when he saw Rowan coming back.

"Well?"

She took his hand and led him back into the doctor's consulting office. Dr. Harrison came in a few minutes later.

"Okay," she said as she hung some x-rays for them to look at.

"You were right, this ovary is badly damaged and didn't heal properly from the look of it. I take it you never got a check up after..." she trailed off. Rowan shook her head.

"It's fine, many don't. However, your other is fine, no problems. It will take some time, but it's not impossible. I'll look over your other test results, but initially, I don't see any reason why you can't get pregnant. If, in a few months however, you want to speed up the process we can try fertility treatments. They aren't pleasant, but they could help."

"Right, thank you, doctor," Rowan said and shook the woman's hand. Chris shook her hand as well and then took Rowan's arm as they left.

"What do you want to do now?" Chris asked her.

"Well, I need to go back to the cafe and get those cakes and things and get them over to the club. It's getting late."

Chris nodded and called for a cab.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Jack texted Alyssa. "Not long now. I'll be at the club in about an hour."

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Steph went around and made sure all the kids were back and getting ready for the party. She'd booked a taxi to pick them all up at 6."

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Alex swallowed her mouthful and prodded her lasagne with her fork before she spoke.

"Well Shaz is at the bottom of my list, not because I doubt her abilities, but because she's only just been made a DC. Above her is Hale. He's quiet but gets his job done without a fuss, I do doubt his ability to take charge of a situation if the need arose where he was the senior office on the scene. White's paperwork is exceptional and he is a considerate member of the team, gets on with everyone but I haven't seen him outside the office yet so I can't judge on his ability to handle a case away from the station. But Rhys Griffyths showed himself to be perfectly capable at handling troublesome informants and it's thanks to him that we got the information we need for the drugs bust, his paperwork is all up to date, he has had a few wobbles with paperwork deadlines but everyone does," she told him and popped another forkful of lasagne into her mouth.

Gene nodded. "Agreed."

Gene finished his lunch and paid Bianca for their food. He went back to the table and offered his arm to Alex.

"We'll see if Ray thinks the same. If he does, we'll promote Griffyths on Monday."

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Molly looked up at the time and grinned. She untied her apron and hung it up on the hook in the back of the cafe. She waved at Bianca as she left and walked outside. She waved at Whitney as she drew closer to her stall.

"I'm going to get my stuff now. I'll text you when I'm on my way to yours," she smiled and hurried off towards the station.

Whitney nodded, her face nearly taken up by her excited smile.

"Today has gone so slow! I can't wait. I'll talk to you later."

Molly was greeted by a huge cheesy smile from Adam as she stepped inside. She returned it cheekily then made her way to her mum's office. She frowned. It was empty and all her stuff was gone. Molly chewed her lip and walked towards Gene's office. Her confusion vanished as she saw the CID team hard at work in the meeting room. It seemed that Gene had moved them all in here. Molly liked that idea better. A more social atmosphere. She cautiously came into the room and smiled at the officers around her. She had served some of them in the cafe.

Molly made her way to Gene's office. She smiled when she saw her mum, having an argument about something with Ray. She smiled and went to interrupt.

"Mum, can we go now?" she asked as she waved her hello at Ray. Ray nodded back and shot Alex a triumphant look. He had won that one.

Alex glared at Ray and nodded at Molly.

"You'll have to ask Gene for the car keys though Molls. I need to have a few words with DI Carling!"

Molly grinned and stood up. She knocked briefly on Gene's door and opened it.

"Gene, can I borrow the Quattro please?" she asked as she stepped into the office.

Gene looked up at Molly.

"You don't know how to drive," he said to her with a grin. He stood up and came round the desk, pulling the keys from his pocket as he did so. Gene folded his arms and watched Alex and Ray argue for a moment. Then he looked at Molly and jerked his head in a 'come on' gesture.

"Leaving now," he announced as he put a hand on Molly's shoulder and guided her to the door.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Alyssa smiled at the text and sent one back.

"I finish at 5:30. Should be there for 6:40 xx"

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Aleesha and Danielle set about getting ready. They did each other's make up and criticised each other's outfit choices.

Bolton rolled his eyes and contented himself with throwing a tennis ball against a wall as the girls argued over make up. He was ready to go.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Jack read Alyssa's reply and sent back a raunchy text in return. He finished tidying his office, changed his suit and got in his car and drove to the club.

/\\/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\\\/\/\

Steph bundled the kids into the taxi when it arrived.

"Now look, I'm going in to talk to Jack, I'm sure he's here. You stay out here, and behave," she told them sternly. She squared her shoulders and walked into the club.

/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Chris helped Rowan gather the containers and carry them over to the club. Syed was just arriving and he smiled at them cheerfully as he held the door open for them. Rowan spotted the open door of the VIP room and carried the cases inside where the tables for the food were set up. She put down the cases and turned and spotted Ronnie walking into the room. Rowan's jaw dropped.

"Ronnie, wow, you look...incredible," she gasped. Ronnie blushed and smiled.

"Think Ray will like it?"

"I think you'll give him a heart attack. You may want to have an ambulance standing by just in case," Rowan teased her.

Ronnie laughed.

Chris turned from putting down the cases, drew in a sharp breath and gave himself a coughing fit. Rowan went to him and patted him on the back.

"Come on, Chris, breathe," she told him, trying not to laugh.

Chris caught his breath and gave Ronnie a quick smile. "Yeah, you look amazing," he choked out and then went to get a glass of water.

Rowan occupied herself with unpacking and setting out the cakes and cookies. She stacked the empty containers, gave them to Chris and turned back to Ronnie.

"Sure you don't want to call that ambulance now?"

Ronnie smiled and shook her head and went to make sure the decorations were finished.

Chris gave Rowan a swift kiss on the cheek and left to carry the empty containers back to the cafe.

When Jack arrived, he was suitably impressed with the club and also found himself a bit short of breath at the sight of Ronnie.

Rowan laughed at his reaction and then nodded at the door. The blond woman she'd met in the cafe came walking in. Jack turned and groaned as Steph smiled hugely and began walking towards him.

"Thank you for the cakes and things, Rowan, I know you've been a bit busy and I appreciate you taking the time," Jack told Rowan quietly.

"Oh, Jack, you're practically family, I don't mind at all."

She let him pull her into a hug and kiss her on the cheek. She gave him a swift pat on the backside and grinned as he rolled his eyes.

"Jack," Steph said as she reached him.

"Hello, Steph," he said and let her hug him briefly. "Oh, this is Rowan," he said and turned to Rowan.

"This is Steph Haydock, she teaches at the school I used to work at."

"Hi, nice to meet you. Though we did meet, sort of, in the café the other day," Rowan said and held out her hand for Steph to shake.

"Yes, so we did. I remember you," Steph said and shook her hand. Steph draped a hand on Jack's shoulder.

"So, Jack, tell me what else you've been up to. It's been ages," she said and steered him away from Rowan. Rowan bit back a laugh and went to look over her food arrangement.