7

Angie stared at the computer screen waiting for the database to load as Matt read the witness statements the uniformed officers had got from people at the murder scene the day before. He knew it was important to close the case and make the arrest but he knew they had to do it quickly and without messing up. Since the death of their former DI a few years earlier the 'Powers that Be' as Ronnie had called them had been keen to get rid of the Unit in order to save money. Any mistakes could be costly - the last thing they needed was for the likes of Flynn to refer them to AC-12. He looked up as Sam walked into the room.

"Joe is talking to Fiona in records. Shouldn't be long." He stated as he crossed the room. "Any news on Ronnie and the Guv?"

"They aren't in for a while." Angie stated firmly, aware that the Chief Superintendent was stood behind her friend. Matt sighed.

"Ma'am."

"DS Devlin." The small red haired woman smirked. Joe shot him a look practically begging him to play nice. Angie dropped her pen.

"Self-isolating." She lied easily. "They'll both be back when they test negative. Bloody pandemic."

"Indeed." Flynn glared. "Give them my best. No one else feeling unwell? Needing any time off?"

"No Ma'am." Sam stated firmly. "No one else on the team has any symptoms or been in contact."

"Not even you? DS Devlin."

"No."

"You and Ronnie Brooks are as thick as thieves. I would have thought."

"With due respect." Matt looked her in the eye. "Everyone on this team is adhering to Covid regulations. Senior DS Brooks developed symptoms after someone without a mask coughed in front of him. He lives with our Guv, so precautions have been taken. As per protocol."

"Of course." The Scottish woman snapped before turning on her heel.

"Oh Ma'am?" Angie called as the older woman turned.

"What?"

"You forgot your mask. Would you like a spare?" She held out the small blue mask as the Scottish woman huffed before walking out of the office. Angie and Matt exchanged glances - trying not to laugh as Joe arrived.

"What I miss?"

xxxxxxxx

Ronnie stood in the shower, letting the hot water hit his skin. He barely registered that it was almost scalding as he let his thoughts wander. He knew he was a lucky man in many ways. He had got off the booze, hadn't wanted a drink for years. He closed his eyes, wincing as shampoo ran down his face. Swearing he grabbed the hand towel, wiping the soap away as his thoughts returned to his predicament. He was a family man at heart, always had been. He'd married young, joined the Met as soon as he could, was a dad, step dad and grandfather. Had a fiancé who loved him, though he couldn't fathom out why and a surrogate son and daughter in law in Matt and Alesha. He knew he had no right to feel as awful as he did. He had no idea why he was so low. Yes, he missed Wes. He had trained with the former DI and had been Best Man at his wedding but there was more to it than that. He switched the shower off before grabbing the towel knowing he had to find a way out. He didn't want to drag the people he loved down with him.

xxxxx

Natalie smiled as the phone on the kitchen table announced a text message. She knew her best friend was probably just checking on her but Gill Murray had a way of the knowing when she needed to talk. She picked up the phone, smirked at the cheeky message and put it in her pocket, intent on replying later. She knew that Gill was aware she had been worried about Ronnie but had no idea he was as unwell as he was. She paused as her phone bleeped again.

"Gill." She sighed just as the kettle boiled. She pulled the phone back out of her jacket only to see Matt's name on the screen with a message below.

Just told them upstairs you & Ronnie are isolating. You have 10 days off. Ring me if you need me. I'll call tonight. M x

She couldn't help but smile as she realised that her team had stood up to the seniors for them. She knew it would potentially cause trouble for them but Sam and the others had done it anyway. She text back 'Thanks' before putting the phone away wondering what mood Ronnie would be in when he came down stairs. The sound of the shower had been reassuring but now she wasn't so sure he was any better than the day before. Remembering the GP's words she knew the illness would take time. She just hoped Ronnie would realise that.