Disclaimer- I don't own Dempsey and Makepeace. All copyright belongs to ITV (London Weekend Television). No copyright infringement is intended; nor should be inferred
It had been six months since Megan had broken into his home that fateful night and Spikings had to admit it had been the best thing that had happened to him. He discounted the heart attack as a minor blip in what was otherwise a pretty good year. He smiled slightly before sitting at his desk. He was on speaking terms with his daughter, his boy was doing well, none of his team had caused him any undue stress and Kate was now his fiancé. He had to admit for a bloke in his 50s he was a lucky sod. He looked up as the door to the office opened.
"Ah Chas."
"Tea." Chas walked in, placing the mug on the desk in front of him as Spikings waved for him to sit down.
"What's going on?" Spikings nodded out to the main office where Dave could be seen taking his coat off before heading to his desk.
"Ow do you mean?" Chas raised an eyebrow. "The Rosier case is ready for the CPS. The Lanely Road job is almost ready." Chas drank his tea. Spikings nodded.
"Harry and Dempsey?"
"Same as ever."
"Really?"
"Yeah." Chas shrugged. "As far as I know."
Spikings nodded, just as the woman they had been talking about walked into the office looking angry and worried. It was a combination they knew was never good. Spikings sighed. He had a feeling his team were trying to protect him from any further stress. He appreciated their concern but he also hated the idea they were shielding him. Chas turned to see Harry pick up the phone on her desk, angrily muttering to herself as Dave walked over to her.
"Same as ever, eh Chas?" Spikings got to his feet, walking to the doorway of his office he called for Harry. He couldn't help the little smirk as she swore under her breath before following him.
"Where is he?"
"Sir?"
"Harry, I've had a heart attack not a lobotomy. The Yank. Your Partner. Fiancé?"
"I don't know." Harry sighed.
"I thought you two were living together." He paused as Harry bit her lip. "Has something happened between the two of you?"
"No Sir." Harry paused.
"Harry."
"He's missing. I haven't seen him since last night. His car is still outside the flat. He was home when I went to bed. No note, none of his things are missing. He's vanished."
"People don't just disappear." Chas frowned, immediately worried about his friend.
"Especially not Yanks with an ego as big as Dempsey's. Do you think he's ran out on you? Harry, I have to ask."
"Yes." Harry paused. "You did have to ask. No Sir. Last night everything was normal. I. He came to bed but later than me. Then he vanished."
Spikings nodded. He knew the Lieutenant would rather die than hurt Harry. Something was wrong. He just didn't know what.
"Then I suggest we treat this as an officer in trouble. Find him." He waved his hand as both Harry and Chas took it as a sign to leave. "And Harry?"
She stopped in the doorway as Chas walked away. "If there was something wrong, something that you think Dempsey is running from."
"Other than me? You mean?" Harry's voice broke a little. "I'd tell you. If it finds him alive - even if he ends up hating me. I'd tell you." She stepped through the doorway as Spikings began to wonder who he should worry for more.
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