(When Rachel enters the Sex Crimes office Robin almost meets her at the door. She notices his keys in his hand.)

Robin: Have you got anything pressing? D'you reckon you could come for a ride with me? We were able to locate this Abbi, the one you ID'd. Married Name, McNair. If you can, I was going to take my DC Isabella. But since she wanted to speak to you, I reckon it'd help if you turned up.

Rachel: Uh, right. (She thinks back to the last face to face interaction she had with Abbi. Or more accurately fist to face interaction. Rachel had punched her which led to both Abbi and Cammi no longer speaking to Rachel. But that was years ago.) I guess I'll grab my coat. (She turns back around and heads back upstairs.)

(In Robin's car. Rachel sits with her new portfolio on her lap and he smiles at it and then at her. She gripped it like a forlorn school girl and looked out the window as he drove. They were getting close to the house. Rachel was observing how posh the neighborhood was. Abbi and Cammi came from money. So it would only make sense that they would marry into it as well.)

Robin: So, I was thinking. Your birthday is in two days. (Rachel looks to him but her face is blank.) And since you haven't got any plans, and you said you can't find anyone to watch Charlotte that night, how about, I come 'round yours and cook something nice for you and her?

Rachel: You haven't got to. I mean, I'd like for you to come over but, you haven't got to-

Robin: I want to.

Rachel: (smirks) Ok. Well, like I said, I'm not going to say 'no' to food.

Robin: I can pop over early, maybe bake some cupcakes. D'you like cupcakes?

Rachel: Are there people who dislike cupcakes? I'd hate to meet one. What kind of person would you have to be to dislike a cupcake? (Robin laughs. She nods.) Probably the sort that punch babies. Some sodding, joy hating soul-suck of a bastard, probably.

Robin: (shakes his head) Yes, probably. (They sit in silence for a few moments. The whole time he wondered how she escalated so quickly between the dark sad gruesome parts of the job and realities of life, back around into normal sorts of everyday things like cupcakes. Sure, he has worked in sex crimes for years, rape, sexual assault, molestation, were all dirty things he had to face everyday. But Robin made his work and his life separate like vinegar and water. For her it seemed more like juice with bits in it.)

Rachel: What sort of cupcakes?

Robin: Whatever sort you like. (She smiles a big dimpled smile and then turns her face away from Robin to look out the window. She seemed almost embarrassed of her excitement. He couldn't be sure why. They drive along and Robin finds a space to park.)

Rachel: Before we go in, if for whatever reason Abbi hits or attempts to strike me, stand down.

Robin: Stand down? Why would she?

Rachel: Well, we were at school together. The last time we spoke, I, (twists her lips) I punched her.

Robin: (eyebrows raise) I don't know why I'm surprised you did warn me you were a troublemaker.

Rachel: I found out she was sleeping with my boyfriend of the time and so I punched her. She never got to fight back because I was put on a few days suspension. When I got back to school she had started telling everyone that I was a lesbian. And you know, it was the 90s. People didn't think of things like they do now, we didn't know about this spectrum of sexuality. Fortunately, the kids stopped calling me 'Lesbo' by my final year. She was a year ahead of me, so, there was no one to keep it going.

Robin: Should you not have told me this at the station? I had a DC ready to come with me?

Rachel: I still think, you have a better chance of getting her to talk with me here. She did come looking for me. We're adults now. It will be fine.

Robin: Are you sure? (Rachel nods.)

(They get to the door and Rachel steps in front of Robin. She rings the bell. It was a very modern and expensive home. The door opens and Rachel instantly recognizes Abbi. Somehow she looks older than she thought she would. She's dressed poshly, pink sweater with pearl buttons, light coloured trousers, modest heels, makeup as if she were going somewhere.)

Abbi: Rachel Bailey. (Her smile sets Rachel at ease. Robin remains ready to intervene, despite the stand down order, he was SIO on this case afterall.) You look exactly the same.

Rachel: (squints. She felt she got prettier as she aged and somehow this feels like an insult. She holds up her badge.) DCI Rachel Bailey, yes. (Points behind her) This is my colleague, DCI Robin Luther, whose office you were directed to the other day. (Abbi loses her smile, looking over Robin skeptically.) We wanted to talk to you about the information that you brought to us.

Abbi: Why? I heard you arrested him.

Rachel: Yes, but in order to build a case, apart from the evidence, testimony from survivors like yourself, are immeasurably impactful. (Abbi nods.) Do you have a few moments to speak with us?

Abbi: Just now?

Rachel: If possible.

Abbi: (sighs) I suppose. (She steps back to allow Rachel and Robin to enter. The entrance is grand, high double level windows and a modern chandelier.)

Robin: You have a lovely home Mrs. McNair.

Abbi: Thank you. You may call me Abbi. (She smiles to Robin, seeing him fully, his trim body and handsome looks. She then looks Rachel over as if she's cheapening the atmosphere.) This way. I'll have my nanny put some tea on. (They follow her through a hallway, black and white professional photos of her family are hung neatly. Shouts.) Talya? Talya? (A sweet looking and rather young woman of Indian-decent appears.) I'm going to my office to speak with these detectives. (The young woman's eyes look worried at the word 'detective' and they both offer non-threatening smiles to her.) We'll need tea.

Talya: Yes Mrs. McNair. (She disappears as quickly as she appeared. Abbi rolls her eyes at the detectives and continues walking. She pushes open a door and they enter into her home office. All white, glass, and gold finishings. She was always the girlier twin. Abbi sits in a chair and opens her palm gesturing to the nearby loveseat. Rachel and Robin cram in it together.)

Abbi: So, Bailey. Still Bailey? (Rachel smirks.)

Rachel: Yes. So, what we- (begins opening her folder)

Abbi: I suppose that's karma though, innit? Life, giving you a good gentle bloke like Sean McCartney, and you shagging his rugby mates behind his back. (Rachel does her best to not appear affected by this. She can't help but let a little laugh out, embarrassed in front of Robin. She doesn't dare look over at him, afraid of the judgement she expects in his eyes.)

Rachel: That's not exactly how things went, but that is irrelevant.

Abbi: That's what I read on Facebook.

Rachel: I haven't got-

Abbi: Sean's. Or his Mum's not sure. I just remember reading that you were getting divorced because you slept with three of his rugby mates.

Rachel: Well that's not-

Abbi: You actually looked really pretty in your wedding dress.

Rachel: That-

Abbi: Simple. (Rachel lets out another laugh.)

Rachel: Abbi, if you don't mind, we're both very busy. And I'm sure, you have other things to do today. We don't want to take up too much of your time. We just need to get your account of things. As well as-

Abbi: Well, you know what happened.

Rachel: I'm sorry, I don't.

Abbi: How? He lived on the same street as you.

Rachel: Yes but, he mostly kept to himself. I only really remember seeing him when I started going to you and your sister's parties.

Abbi: She's doing great by the way. Married to a beautiful woman. Two adopted children.

Rachel: (nods dismissively) That's wonderful to hear. If you don't mind telling us how you met Mr. Frank Alderman.

Abbi: (shrugs) Same as everyone else. He was just around, weren't he?

Rachel: Do you remember where it was?

Abbi: It was a long time ago. I don't know. Outside that abandoned factory, I guess.

Rachel: And did you speak to him? Or did he speak to you?

Abbi: He saw me with my mates and he offered to get us liquor. They said they were skint. Because we were, we were teenagers. So, he said he could make an allowance for me. He said if I saw him around, I could have liquor for our parties anytime. If I let him take some photos of me jubblies. I thought, you know, I was a kid, so I thought, well why the bloody hell not? It's not like he's asking to touch them or whatever. He's just wanting a photo. And it's not like today, is it? We didn't have to worry back then about pictures of our bits showing up on the internet. It was just a photo.

Rachel: And so you agreed to take the photos?

Abbi: Yeah, I just said that, didn't I?

Rachel: And where were the photos taken? Did he arrange a time to meet? Or were they done there?

Abbi: I went to his gaf. Squalid little shithole of a place. (shrugs) Well, you'd know, your house was probably identical to it. (Rachel can't help it but her cheeks blush.)

Rachel: And when you went into the house, were you alone with ?

Abbi: Yeah. (There's a faint knock on the door. Shouts.) Hurry up then! (Talya enters with a tray holding a teapot in a cozy and three crystal glass teacup and saucer sets. She places it down on the coffee table and then Rachel and Robin notice a small plate of macaroons.) Off ya go. (Abbi waves her hand dismissing the girl and begins pouring her own tea.)

Rachel: (looks to Talya) Cheers. (Talya seems confused by this and quickly exits closing the door behind her.)

Robin: Do you remember anything about the insides of the home? Could you describe it to me?

Abbi: Oh, it does speak.

Robin:(smiles, his dimples in turn, cause her to smile.) Yes, sorry. I just thought you ladies needed a moment to catch up. I was told you were old schoolmates.

Abbi: We were never mates. Tea? (she begins pouring him a glass before he answers. Rachel's eyebrows lower. Was she flirting with Robin? Rachel closes her eyes for a second reminding herself not to be jealous.)

Robin: I'm actually the Senior Investigating Officer on this investigation.

Abbi: Oh. (smiles to Rachel) I thought you were top banana.

Rachel: We are both DCl's. I'm simply helping him with this case.

Robin: Can you remember anything specific about the house Abbi?

Abbi: It was tiny. It was dirty. It was dark. Pretty depressing. (glances at Rachel.) His camera it was set up in his spare room. I wasn't nervous until he started bringing me back down this tiny hall. We were alone. That's when I was like, 'oh shit what was I thinking?' Nothing happened. Apart from the pictures. I got what I wanted. Nothing bad happened to me.

Robin: Well, it sounds like you were one of the lucky ones.

Abbi: How many others?

Robin: We're not at liberty to disclose.

Rachel: Loads after you. Why didn't you report it?

Abbi: Like I said, nothing bad happened to me.

Rachel: So why report it now? (Abbi's eyes get teary. She sips her tea.) And who was the girl in the photo that you brought to my office?

Abbi: I was meant to be watching her.

Rachel: The girl?

Abbi: I sacked that Nanny who was meant to be helping me with the kids that night. She should have kept an eye on her while I was vlogging.

Rachel: Vlogging?

Abbi: I'm a Mummy-vlogger. This never would have happened if she had made the kids mind her!

Rachel: It never would have happened if someone had reported him sooner. (Robin's eyebrows raise.)

Abbi: Are you saying this is my fault?

Robin: No. We would never even imply that. You're the victim here. (Rachel's face says otherwise.)

Abbi: Because if he's been carrying on and doing bad things with other little girls, if that's anyone's fault, it's you lots fault.

Rachel: (Correctively) Us lot, were in school, same as you. Us lot, didn't know a thing about it. So-

Robin: SO. (he says this loudly and Rachel shuts up.) So, we are doing our best now that we do know to make sure every child Mr. Alderman exploited will get justice. (Rachel wants to say "Don't hold your breath." 'Especially after the justice system let her down for a second time. To stop herself from speaking Rachel puts a macaroon in her mouth.) You really are being extremely helpful.

Abbi: That's why I came to the police. The little girl in that photo. She's ten. She's my niece, Cammi's daughter. (Rachel's face softens, but her sudden surge of sympathy is overshadowed when she spits the mushy macaroon into a serviette. Even Robin makes a face of disgust at the rude gesture.)

Rachel: (lies) Sorry. I thought it was red velvet but it's strawberry and I'm allergic.

Robin:(sits up) Oh my! Do you have an epi pen? Are you going to-

Rachel: It's alright. I'll be fine. I didn't swallow any.

Abbi: (smirks) Must be the first time you said that. (Rachel stands, infuriated by the rude suggestion. Abbi laughs also rising to the occasion.) There's the Rachel Bailey I know. (Robin stands ready to get between them if need be. Rachel forces a smile at him.)

Rachel: I'm going to step outside.

Abbi: Rachel. You can't handle a little joke? I'm just taking the piss.

Rachel: I really hope-

Abbi: From what I was told you used to be able to take a lot.

Rachel:(closes her eyes, at the lowbrow insult.) Abbi, we're here to help you, help your niece, help any of the other children. I'm going to step outside and give you a moment to remember how old you are. (Abbi scoffs) And to realize the importance of our visit. Drop the petty cheerleader routine. (Abbi swings at Rachel and Rachel blinks bracing for the impact which doesn't come.)

Abbi: Let go! (Robin holds Abbi's struggling arm as she tries to pull free.)

Robin: You almost assaulted a police officer.

Abbi: You're hurting me!

Robin: Calm down. Stop pulling and you'll realize I'm barely even holding you. Can you calm down please Abbi? (Abbi stops struggling and gives an annoyed glance to Rachel, remembering the pedigree she was meant to portray.)

Robin: I'm going to release you but if you take another swing at DCI Bailey I will be forced to arrest you for attempting the assault on a police officer. (Rachel watches stunned by the intervention. She wasn't cross that he stepped in, she was more surprised having mentally prepared herself, most of the drive over, to take a hit with grace. She watches his slow release of Abbi's hand.) Do you mind having a seat for me Abbi? (Abbi sits and crosses her legs, perking up, remembering she was a lady of class.) Do you still need a minute? (Rachel shocks out of her daze.)

Rachel: Yes, if you don't mind.

Abbi: (shouts) Talya? Tal- (the young woman opens the door.) Show Rachel out, will ya?

Talya:. Yes Mrs. McNair.

Abbi: Ring the bell when you're ready to come back in.

Rachel: (smirks amused by how quickly this school-house bully transitioned back to posh and poise.) Will do. Tah. (Rachel follows Talya out of the room.)

(Rachel spends a few moments in the car doing the breathing exercise her therapist recommended. She was feeling a lot of things all at once and although she's successfully kicked the habit. Rachel takes a lolly from her bag. She hasn't had to pretend to smoke a fag in awhile. but she had to suppress this feeling of needing to run. She was filled with so much energy from the storm of emotions swirling inside, running herself exhausted until her legs couldn't carry her anymore, felt like the right thing to do. Only it'd look odd, running off down the road when she's meant to be helping Robin. Abbi already made things awkward bringing up her marriage to Sean and her infidelity. She and Robin had just made things official and they hadn't even approached the subject of Sean. And that crude joke from Abbi made Rachel look like a slag.

However, stronger than her embarrassment was her PTSD. As soon as Abbi made the joke about Rachel "swallowing", Rachel's stomach flipped making her want to gag. Sucking on the lolly was helping keep her gag reflex in check. She had flashed back to her kitchen, her hair yanked tightly, knife to her throat and Spencer saying he'd only "pull out" once she swallowed. The nausea still lingers as her stomach has yet to settle from the flashback.

She was also fighting a feeling of anger. She was angry with herself for allowing Spencer to still have this effect on her. She was told by her therapist that she shouldn't be mad at herself for the flashbacks. Rachel complained that she didn't understand why her body reacts to them, her heart beat, the nausea, the anxiety and panic, all as if re-living the moment. She argued with her therapist that she had been through shit before, her dad's nearly sadistic abuse, countless interactions with violent criminals in potentially and sometimes actually dangerous situations. So why this? Why was this the thing that stuck in her mind and randomly has her crying in the shower?

Her therapist explained it was a different type of trauma. Violence doesn't phase her because she was exposed and subjected to it at a very young age. In a sense, she became used to it. Conversely, what Spencer did was took something she loved, enjoyed and sought comfort in, sex, and weaponized it against her. Her therapist said it'd be like if her father had beaten her with a pair of her favorite shoes. She'd remember it and every time she went to wear them there would be that memory of the pain. Rachel understood the comparison and didn't bother to mention that she never had a favorite pair of shoes.

She wasn't angry with Abbi for her verbal attack. Rachel expected it and it certainly wasn't the first time a witness tried to get a rise out of her. She wasn't even angry about the attempt to hit her. She was more confused about her feelings when the hit didn't make contact with her skin. Robin stopped it. He blocked her from harm. He stood up for her. She remembers the time Gill stopped Mrs. Pritchard, a woman they arrested for human trafficking, from attacking her on the courtyard steps. Did that mean he cared for her? Why would he "stick his neck out" when she told him she had it coming? Especially after all the nasty half-truths he just heard about her! Rachel sucks on her lolly and focuses on her breath. The longer she was out here, the longer he was in there, alone with that flirty, lying, boyfriend stealing bitch. The sooner she calms down, the sooner she'll be back at Robin's side.)

(Meanwhile, Janet sits across from one of her "school mum'' mates. They haven't spoken since Janet and Ade divorced, apart from the occasional facebook birthday, memory, or meaningless meme. After the divorce there was none of the typical awkward divvying up of friends because despite being married for 24 years, Janet's circle and Ade's always remained very separate. He got all the school mates. Mainly because he worked with most of them and also because he was the most present parent when it came to their daughter's education and extracurricular. Janet got to keep all of the copper mates. Now that she's suspended though, she's cut off from that lifeline and after drinking herself stupid the last few days, she decided to try finding and contacting school mates who remained neutra if any existedl. She was able to find one. Vivian Pope, a woman Janet can't link any specific memories to, now sits across from her, as she forks a dry day old cafe quiche on her plate.)

Vivian: You're so lucky both of yours are out of school and out of the house. I thought when I retired I'd be in your shoes but along came our Mary. (Janet forces a smile. She and Vivian were the same age but Vivian had a surprise baby at 50. She thought the mood swings were the start of menopause but it was pregnancy. Somehow despite this, Vivian's body looked like she was a personal trainer. It was a bit annoying.) I envy you.

Janet: (perks up. This practically ageless beauty envied her childless retirement?) Well, I've not retired yet. It's just an idea I've been toying with. The team I work for still really needs me.

Vivian: No Janet. You need to love yourself enough to say 'No'. Say it with me. (She pauses allowing for Janet to sync with her.)

Janet & Vivian: NO.

Vivian: Doesn't that feel good? (Janet smiles and shovels quiche in her mouth. Right about now she was missing Rachel's cynicism.) You need to establish boundaries. This Raquel or whoever.

Janet: Rachel.

Vivian: That's right, Rachel. It's not your fault she's bitten off more than she can chew with this promotion. It's also not your fault the bosses overlooked you and all your experience and put someone in a leadership position that can't get her shit together. That's the trouble with these modern workplaces now. It's as if seniority means nothing. These young people, they might be tech savvy but they have little common sense, minimal social skills and don't get me started on class. The younger they get, the less they have. How old is this Rachel, again?

Janet: 39, going on 20.

Vivian: You don't need that codependency in your life. (Janet nods and forces herself to chew more of the dry egg tart. She honestly liked how much Rachel depended on her.) When you step back, if she falls, that's not down to you.

Janet: But she's my mate. We've worked together for years. Her daughter calls me Nan.

Vivian: Does she?

Janet: Yes.

Vivian: Why?

Janet: Rachel's parents are both dead.

Vivan: There's a difference Janet, to being a friend to someone by supporting them, building them up, versus enabling them. She said it herself, didn't she? That she selfishly doesn't want you to retire because she needs you. But you need to think about you. What does Janet need? (Janet nods again, thinking. More than anything she needed to get her daughter's to speak to her again and she needed this investigation into Adam's death to stop looming over her. Those were her main sources of stress.) Janet? (Janet blinks.)

Janet: Oh, sorry, you meant for me to answer? I thought it was rhetorical.

Vivian: What do you need?

Janet: (polite laugh) Right now, the loo. I'll be right back. (She wipes her mouth with a serviette before standing and escaping from the table.)

(Back outside Abbi's house. Rachel's eyes pop open when the driver's side door unlocks. Robin opens it and she watches him slide behind the wheel. Rachel looks to the house and then her watch.)

Rachel: (looks at Robin) God, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize I was out here that long.

Robin: It's alright. I think I got everything I need for right now.

Rachel: I really meant to be right back in. I just needed to calm down.

Robin: No, it's alright. I'm sorry. (He starts the car and she chews the inside of her lip.)

Rachel: You are?

Robin: I was so focused on what you said, how people after having kept something like this quiet for so long, likely wouldn't want to talk. And you know how it is, he's scum, Alderman. I want him behind bars for the rest of his miserable existence. I got caught up in that, and I didn't think about how being here might affect you.

Rachel: I was unprofessional. I lost my head there for a-

Robin: Your attack, that wasn't even a year ago. It's still a fresh wound. I should've thought about how the subject matter could be triggering. And then, adding on the personal bit, that I didn't know until we got here. I really shouldn't have put you in this situation. (Rachel turns away looking out the window as he drives. She wasn't sure what to say. She was tempted to apologize again but then they'd be stuck in this loop. After a few seconds of silence, he places a hand on her leg.) Are you alright?

Rachel: (nods) I- (She blinks. Takes in a deep breath. Pushes hair behind her ears and shrugs, deciding on emotional honesty.) I hate that I can't just snap out of it.

Robin: I'm sorry. I don't think that's how it works. (She smiles sadly and grips his hand.) Do you forgive me?

Rachel: I wanted to come along. I want to help. I still do.

Robin: Sometimes, when a building is ablaze and there are people to be saved, others want to rush in and help them, but you shouldn't do that at your own expense. There are other people who can help, who have the right protective gear.

Rachel: (laughs at his use of metaphor) I might've lost it in there, but I can handle this. I can still help. You've not treated me like I'm some sort of fragile thing, since you've known about Spencer. I don't want you to start thinking of me like that now. It was just a moment. I'm good now. I'm better. Trust me.

Robin: (sighs) When you really are better, I would like to talk about your marriage and how much of what Abbi said is true.

Rachel: I'd rather we get it out the way now.

Robin: Are you sure?

Rachel: Yeah, like I said, I'm not made of glass. It was just a moment. I just needed a chance to breathe. I'm good.

Robin: Alright well, (takes in a deep breath, deciding to trust that she knows how much emotionally she can handle at a time. He now has both hands on the wheel and speaks calmly) We literally just started this, thing. This, relationship, and you never mentioned you were married.

Rachel: Yeah, well, there've been flies that have lasted longer than my marriage did.

Robin: Because you cheated on your husband?

Rachel: Yeah, but (clears her throat, he didn't laugh about the flies. He was clearly upset) It's not like she said exactly.

Robin: I'm not going to lie, Rachel. That's a huge red flag.

Rachel: (sighs) It weren't-

Robin: And was it really with three of his mates?

Rachel: No, it wasn't. It was only two blokes and-

Robin: Only?

Rachel: He definitely didn't know one of them. I barely did and the other one, I mean, he was his best man, but-

Robin: His best man?

Rachel: Yeah, but he never should have been. They weren't even mates. I don't know what he was thinking when he picked-

Robin: You know what they say about a cheat?

Rachel: I'm not.

Robin: But you have.

Rachel: I have but I'm not. It was- It was just- I never should have married him. It was a mistake. I was under a lot of pressure and I sort of just went along with it. It was- It was a mistake.

Robin: So, you cheated? That doesn't add up. This is, I wasn't sure she was telling the truth about that. I mean, I've heard things in the corridors about you, but I like to find out who a person is, from them. I like to give people a chance. You realize that, I mean, this is something I've got to think about.

Rachel: Why? It's in the past. It's got nothing to do with us. With us, right now.

Robin: I don't know Rachel. Remember what you said to me at "The Grape"? You said, when a person shows you who they are, maybe you should actually listen?

Rachel: That's not who I am.

Robin: So far, all of the evidence is suggesting otherwise. (She laughs and shakes her head. Both of their jobs, essentially their lives, were rooted in finding evidence. There was nothing she could say to combat that. He was right. The evidence suggests she's a cheater.)

Rachel: So, what? You don't want to date me anymore because I buggered up my marriage?

Robin: I'm not saying that. I'm just saying, it's something I need to think about. Wouldn't it be foolish of me, to ignore the warnings, and blindly put myself in harm's way? It applies in the job and it applies here. (Rachel nods.)

Rachel: That's…(relents) fair. (She turns away and rests her head on the window, biting her thumb again. Robin sighs. He knew it would be folly on his part to not rethink his attachment to Rachel. At the same time, seeing her look so hopeless made him want to stop the car and hug her.)