It's definitely not how Grace Foley had imagined it would be – how it was supposed to be – and in the end they're lucky to be allowed to meet at all. That the lockdown is eased just enough for them to meet for the ten-year-anniversary of the end of the CCU. A least outside for a walk together in the park.
She has counted the days, the weeks, and the months before that. Made plans, made new plans as things changed and probably been a complete pain in the arse, but Boyd's been patient with her and very, very indulgent with her and her eagerness and her ups and downs. He'd never made any annoying comments or rejected her projects by telling her they were impossible. He'd just listened or pretended to do so, supporting her with some noncommitting sounds. She'd made plans for a big anniversary party with everybody attached to the unit, or at least for a nice, intimate dinner at a posh restaurant just for the four core members, and, when the weather turned into the most wonderful warm springtime, she'd dreamed about a picnic, but the snow in early April ruined her plans; just like the damn pandemic and the lockdowns have done with all her previous ideas.
It's still very cold but sunny. She's bundled up in her long, quilted winter coat, a woollen scarf around her neck and a hat pulled down over her ears as they stroll hand-in-hand along the pavement towards the gates of the local park where they've agreed to meet with the others. She's almost dancing at his side, struggling as she is to keep her mirth and joy contained inside, and she's clasping his hand tightly in expectation. It's been so long – too long – since they saw the youngsters last. Must be at least a couple of years since she saw any of them, she reflects. Eve's been working abroad most of the time and Spence has been busy in CID; part of the reason, but life itself got in the way, too. Even with the best intentions, losing touch with old former colleagues isn't that unusual after some years.
From the corner of her eye, she squints at Boyd. Still handsome, dressed in a lovely warm leather jacket and a hat; a newer addition to his wardrobe as receding and thinner hair causes the gentleman to freeze around the crown of his head, she fondly muses. Always attentive, he notices her glance, and without stopping, locks their gazes, arching an eyebrow in a silent question about her wellbeing. A smile in response acknowledged with a gentle clasp on her hand is enough. Both excellent masters of mute communication.
Close to their destination she catches a glimpse of them, standing at the gate, talking and laughing. Eve small and slim, her dark hair drawn back and still looking very must like herself, just slightly sharper-drawn features, but Spencer looking much older, practically unrecognisable with almost totally white hair and beard.
Reaching their friends, her heart beats fast and the emotions almost make her breathless. She's well aware she wears her heart on her sleeve but Boyd's steady arm grounds her a bit. It's so hard not to reach out to embrace them, though. So sad. So very sad... she's almost in tears as she opens her arms to hug Eve but Boyd puts his hand on her arm holding her back.
Tilting her head, Eve gives her a brilliant smile, shrugging apologetically as she greets them. "Hi, peeps. How I've missed you all."
"Long time, no see," Boyd dryly retorts, clearly more affected by his emotions than he likes to show, adding after a short pause and with a crooked smile, "You two are certainly a sight for sore eyes." He punches Spence on the shoulder in comradely fashion. After the initial greetings, he goes on, "Come on, we're blocking the gate. Let's walk." Turning on his heel he heads into the park.
Without any particular destination in mind, they simply start walking along the path, Boyd and Grace closely together, hand in hand, Eve and Spencer on either side, keeping up a suitable distance. After all, there's a serving police officer and a former officer among them.
It's like they never parted; the chat goes easily among them, questions and answers flying back and forth to fill the empty space of knowledge about what has happened since they last were together.
"You two are still together, eh?" Spence casts a dubious glance at them, clearly struggling to avoid focusing on their joined hands.
Quickly, stepping closer to her, Boyd protectively circles his arm around her back, tucking her in. Grace, leaning into his embrace, angling her head back towards him, smiles and laughs. "Did you really doubt it?"
"Serious?" Spence stops a moment, scratching his neck, as if he's considering the question, then nods. "I did. Yes, I really did. The way the two of you have always fought and bickered, I never imagined it would last long. Does he really treat you well, Grace?"
"Regardless of what you may think, Spence," she smirks, "he is good to me. You should - "
"O, ye of little faith," Boyd interrupts gravely, shaking his head at the younger man to underline his words. He lifts her hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the back. Their gazes lock together and suddenly they seem to forget everything around them.
"Eww!" Spence, reaching for Eve's arm, dragging her with him, takes a few fast steps and brings them ahead of the older couple of the company. "How are you doing, Eve? Back in London for good?"
"I'm back, yes, but only for now," she acknowledges, burying her hands in her pockets. "All my projects investigating and digging out mass graves abroad have been suspended. For as long as the pandemic is still ongoing, I'll be working as a forensic expert for the Home Office here in London. It was hell to get back to Britain last year when it all started," she explains. "I really don't want to try doing that again. I like London in the spring, though."
They pick up their speed and reach a little lake with ducks and a single swan swimming around. Stopping by a bench, placed in a sunny spot, Boyd removes a backpack he's been carrying all the time opens it and reveals some cardboard cups and a bottle of wine.
"Grace thought we should celebrate."
"Celebrate what?" Spence grunts sarcastically, "You being kicked out of the force, sir, or the end of the CCU?"
"Don't you 'sir' me," Boyd calmly interrupts, handing him a cup, "no need for that anymore. I'm a mere civilian, DI Jordan." He smiles quietly.
"DCI Jordan, if you please," the younger man retorts, grinning wildly. "I finally got my promotion two years ago."
"Boys. Boys!" Grace interrupts, raising a placating hand to stop them. "Please, no arguing. Not today." Twisting towards Boyd, she urges, "Open the bottle, Peter. Let's have a toast."
"And here we are. Exactly like ten years ago below Waterloo bridge," Boyd begins as he wiggles the cork to open the bottle. "Cardboard cups and warm champagne and nothing to eat. At least there's plenty of light this time, and no bloody concrete, thank fuck," he snorts and starts pouring the fluid. Gesturing at the cardboard cups, he adds, "Grab a glass or whatever you want to call them."
Suddenly, an awkward heavy silence spreads between them; all lost for what to say. Shifting uncomfortably on his feet, Boyd scowls from one to the next before muttering, "Come on!"
They all reach for the wine, gazing seriously at each other before he raises his hand in salute. "To old times."
"To old times," they all agree, sipping the wine.
"To old friends – present or not," Grace almost inaudibly whispers. Pausing, she continues after wiping away a stray tear, "To Mel and to Stella."
"To Mel and Stella," they echo, drinking the wine again, Spence and Boyd draining their cups.
Delving into her handbag, Grace searches for a handkerchief to dab at her eyes. "Frankie sends her love from Edinburgh by the way. She's sorry she's not able to make it to London today."
"How is she doing up there?" Spence inquires. "I still miss her."
"She's doing okay, I believe. Seems to be content with doing research work," Boyd snorts. "No disrupted sleep from being called out at night to investigate crime scenes."
"And very happy with her Scottish partner," Grace adds, "he's a lovely bloke." She shrugs resignedly. "We were supposed to visit them last year, but all this mess came in the way." Rubbing a hand over her face, she suppresses a tremor, instantly causing Boyd and Eve to gaze at her suspiciously.
"Grace is getting cold." Boyd affirms, immediately starting to tuck her scarf closer around her neck. "Let's move again."
After disposing of the rubbish, Eve lights one of her cigarettes, and they resume their amble. Boyd and Spence walking together in front, Eve and Grace slowly following.
Hooked arm-in-arm with Grace, Eve gently inquires. "How are you doing? My God, it's been ages since we had a chat, you and I." She takes a deep drag on the fag before slowly letting the smoke seep out between her lips. "Sorry, Grace, I should have abandoned this habit long ago, but the last year ruined my intentions."
"You should have done so years ago but yes, the last year ruined so many things," she agrees reluctantly. "All our plans about holidays and long travels. Now, we just stay put in the house..."
"How do you manage?"
"Manage? Without killing each other, you mean?" Grace chuckles ironically, rolling her eyes.
"Got it in one." Eve grins and pokes her gently in the ribs. "I would hate to be called out to your house to process a murder scene... "
"We get by." She squeezes the younger woman's arm reassuringly, then suddenly remarks mockingly, eyes sparkling with glee, "Don't worry, we won't be part of your workload." Sobering up, she explains, "We're aware of our faults and weaknesses. We don't sit in each other's laps all day. After breakfast, we mostly separate for a couple of hours. We've set up an office for each of us. I do my research and writing, Boyd goes for long walks and does his exercise. He does the grocery shopping while I do the cooking. Also, he acts as my personal assistant – talks with my publisher and stuff like that. But of course," she sighs deeply, "we both miss going out, though, to see other people – just to do something else other than sitting at home."
"It'll come again, Grace. I'm sure. One day."
"I hope really so, and the sooner better," wholeheartedly Grace agrees, then remarks with a smile as a roar of laughter sounds ahead of them. "The boys seem to be enjoying themselves."
Slowing their speed, Boyd and Spence allow the two women to catch up with them as they near the gate again.
Stepping forward, Spence offers Grace an arm. "One more tour around the park, Madam Grace?"
Her gaze shifts between Spence and Boyd. She'd like to but she's cold and probably needs to sit down. Tilting her head, she gives her former colleague a sad smile. "Sorry, Spence, it was a lovely afternoon, but," she hesitates, "it's cold. I'm freezing. If only we could go somewhere to have a cup of tea together. Damn it," she pulls a face, "I want to hug you. I want to kiss you goodbye. Both of you, but that won't do because of the restrictions. We must meet again as soon as we can when we're allowed to meet at a restaurant or at our house."
Spencer nods. "Definitely, Grace. Any time."
"So, it's goodbye then... " Eve states, "it was great to see you guys." Raising her eyebrows, she blinks at Boyd. "Nice hat by the way."
With a boyish smirk, he lifts his hand to the brim, softly inclining his head to her. "Make it easier to avoid shaking hands with people, Eve. Take care." He sends her a stern glance, before shifting his gaze to Spence. "Both of you."
"And you." Waving their goodbyes, they start to walk away.
"Come on, you, home for warm tea and lots of blankets or you'll catch your death." He sneaks an arm protectively around her back, tucking her in.
END.