Steve waited, leaning on his car in the harshly lit underground car park. The habit to meet somewhere quiet and unpredictable was hard to break, despite there being no longer any immediate threat. Kate drove in rapidly, steering her blue Audi efficiently into a space after seeing Steve's relaxed profile.

Steve walked across to meet her midway, pleased that she looked superficially well after her stressful arrest and time in police custody. He smiled a genuine smile of affection and hugged her closely. When he looked at her face, his eyebrows knitted together in concern.

"Oh mate…" he reassured her, as tears filled her eyes. She was one of the strongest people he knew, but the events of the past day were beyond difficult. "Come here," he encouraged pulling her back into him.

"I can't believe I thought you had betrayed me, mate," she said sadly, trying to wipe away the tears. "What was I thinking?"

"You know me better than that Kate. I never would. It's just the way it is between us, isn't it? You are the most important person in my life."

Kate cried quietly, her breathing ragged and uneven. Steve stroked the top of her head gently and kissed her sweet-smelling hair over and over again. Gradually she calmed down and looked up at him. Steve had tears in his eyes too, such was the feeling of raw emotion he fought.

"God, you're beautiful when you cry," he said by way of explanation. "It makes me cry too." Kate looked surprised but she leant her head on Steve's chest, and closed her eyes.

"I always feel safe with you," she stated, simply. "I miss that at Hillside."

"Why did you and Jo leave the scene of the shooting?" Steve asked suddenly.

"I'm not sure Steve," Kate replied quietly. "Jo wanted to, and I felt like I couldn't trust anyone after you told me Carmichael had pulled surveillance. I felt too exposed staying there, so I went to yours and took your car. I'm sorry if you got in trouble about that."

"No, it's fine Kate, anything you need. Anytime. I mean it."

"I know you do. Thanks. I feel the same." After a pause she questioned something he had said. "Did you really say you think I'm beautiful Steve?"

Steve pulled her closer again. "I did and I do, mate," he said smiling through the tears.

Kate dried her eyes and visibly returned to work mode. "Well, I guess it's up to us to sort this mess out now. Come with me back to the workshop?"

"Of course," He grinned at her. "You're such a tough cookie! But you know, both me and the gaffer have been arrested and locked up, it was always going to be your turn next!"

She smirked at his attempt at humour. "I'll drive," she said at the same time as him. They smiled together briefly at their unexpected joke, and then, as they walked the short distance to her car, he put his arm gently around her shoulders.

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"Have dinner at mine at his evening?" he asked as she drove fast through the light traffic, her eyes frequently checking the road behind, but not finding anything suspicious.

"And a glass of wine?" She asked with a soft smile. "I think I've earned it."

"Talking of wine, I need to tell you something actually. And it's not good."

"Is it the gaffer again?" queried Kate.

"No, not him, me. I was going to wait until this evening, but I don't want it to ruin the mood. I'll be suspended if I don't report to occupational health after a routine drugs test. I'm sure it showed up that I have a drugs problem."

"What?" blurted Kate. "You? What drugs problem?"

"After Balaclava man pushed me down the stairs, my back has never really been right. I've been maxing out on over the counter medication, mixing it up and drinking too. It just won't go away. I don't know what to do."

"Oh, mate," she said, grasping his hand where it lay. "We're a right pair aren't we? All three of us if you include the gaffer. Carmichael is going to have a field day when she finds out about you," she said, predicting the outcome would be fireworks.

"I'm sure there is something we can do; let me have a think," Kate reassured him as they reached the industrial unit and could see Chris Lomax looking quizzically at them arriving together.

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Kate had changed into a soft grey jumper and dark jeans and Steve couldn't help admiring how good she looked as she offered him the bottle of red wine that she had brought with her. He leaned forwards to kiss her on the cheek and winced at the movement.

"So where does it hurt?" she asked.

Steve motioned to the centre of the pain, at the midpoint of his back. Kate lifted his shirt up and tenderly massaged the area.

"That feels really good," breathed Steve. "Were you a physiotherapist in another job?"

"No, but Mark was. You remember, my ex-husband? The git who's stopped me seeing Josh," Kate exclaimed. "Take your shirt off, I'll do it properly."

Steve removed his shirt and Kate admired his physique. "Have you been working out?"

"A bit," Steve admitted.

The massage lasted a while, and they both enjoyed the sensual closeness. The oven alarm went off and seemed to bring the mood to an end. Steve got up to silence the bell, but instead of serving up he returned to the sofa, shirt still off. "Kate that was amazing, I feel brilliant. And a bit turned on actually," he admitted.

"I can tell mate," she smirked and leaned in to give him a full kiss on the lips.

"Dinner is going to burn," he mentioned.

"Let it," said Kate with a smile. "I've been looking forward to this for a long time."

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