3
Steve returned to his seat feeling numb. Josh and his father had left shortly beforehand so now he was left on his own. Kate was his best friend - almost like the sister he had never had so when Mark had accused him of loving her there was no way he was going to deny it. They had been through so much together that to think of her as anything else than someone he loved was not possible. He ran a hand over his beard remembering how she had initially teased him for growing it - saying it was clearly to make himself look older and more responsible. He had laughed at her then, saying that he at least had that option. Now he would give anything to have the brunette copper taking the mick out of him. He pulled his mobile from his pocket deciding that he had to let the Gaffer know what was going on.
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Ted Hastings was not a happy man. Over the years he had come to think of Chloe, Steven and Kate as family. Letting her go to MIT had been a mistake as far as he could see, now he promised himself that whatever Carmichael said he would get Kate Fleming back on his team. All she had to do was survive the shooting. He grabbed his mobile on the first ring.
"Steven."
"She's still in theatre." Steve answered. "Complications. Can you tell the others please, Sir? Chloe and the team."
"Aye, lad."
"She still has Mark as next of kin."
"That wee gobshite." Ted shook his head. "She probably just didn't think, once the divorce came through. How's her boy holding up?"
"He's like Kate. Tough." Steve couldn't help but smile as he thought of the teenage boy who had defied his father to come to the hospital - because it was the right thing to do. He had his number and had already promised to call him, not Mark when he heard anything. Josh knew he was there to protect her, and that he'd die doing it if necessary.
"Complications?"
"She lost a lot of blood. Had to have a bigger transfusion. She also went into cardiac arrest during the operation but they got her back."
"Jesus." Ted felt the anger build in his gut. "When will that wee girl catch a break?"
"They said there might be some damage to her brain. Lack of oxygen. From when she arrested in the ambulance and now." Steve felt his voice crack slightly, knowing his boss had heard even though the line was silent. "Please tell me we have Pilkington and Jo. You've found them."
"Not yet." He sighed. "The CCTV showed it was Pilkington that fired the shot. Davidson tried to stop him - it seems she is an unwilling companion in this. We found the car near the industrial estate on the edge of town. Forensics are ripping it apart now."
"Its a start. Jo Davidson is a nightmare but I can't see her being a bent copper. I just can't."
"Oh I hope not, son. For her sake. Now you stay there. If Kate needs anyone right now its you. So, you watch over our girl, ok."
"Yes Sir."
Steve ended the call before hanging his head. He wanted to know why everyone thought there was more between him and Kate than there ever had been. He had been out with a number of women since he had met her, she had been through a messy divorce. It wasn't like they were ever going to be more than just friends. But. He sighed, there was always something. He remembered her words from years earlier. You're not alone. Not if you don't want to be. Well, mate. I don't want to be on my own anymore. Be ok, Kate. Please be ok.
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