Disclaimer. I do not own New Tricks. BBC television, Wall to Wall and the original writers own all copyright. No copyright infringement is intended nor should be inferred.
1
Jack sat at his desk as he thought about the last few weeks. Sasha and Steve were still at the Court, giving evidence on the latest case they had solved. He knew the woman on the stand was guilty, the verdict this time would not be in question. Justice would be served for the three young men she had killed thirty years earlier. That had to be something. It wouldn't bring them back but he hoped it would bring their parents and surviving family members some peace. He looked up as Dan entered the room.
"Jack? Are you ok?"
"Me?" He looked up at the taller man. He had known Dan for more years than he cared to remember. Along with Sasha, Ted and Steve he made up the newer members of the team but he had to admit they had brought new energy, more life and a much needed boost to their team. Ever since the debacle in Gibraltar he had been feeling that the team had lost their way a little.
"No one else here."
"As ever, your powers of detection astound me."
"Don't be sarcastic Jack. It suits you too well." He smiled as he took his own seat. "Sandra and Brian are on the way back. Said something about going to the pub when Steve gets back."
"OK."
"So?"
"Just thinking. You know I am the oldest on the team."
"Yeah." Dan shrugged. He knew that everyone deferred to the older man, even Sandra listened to him when no one else could get through to her. He narrowed his eyes slightly. "You are beginning to worry me."
"Oh, I don't mean to." Jack smiled. "Sorry, I was just thinking. My Mary would laugh at me still here. She'd be nagging me to be at home. Truth is, if she were here then I would be retired. Properly retired." He sighed. "I quit to look after her following her injuries."
"Gerry told me."
"Ah, Gerry." He shook his head. "He's grown up a lot since he started at UCOS."
"He was what? Late 50s when he started here."
"Yeah, an adult but not a grown up." Jack smirked. "I dunno. I was just thinking how things have changed since this place started. So much has changed since my first day in uniform. Forensics for starters."
"If this is going to be one of those 'in my day' monologues. Things change, Jack. Always have, always will."
Jack nodded, turning back to his computer he began typing up his report. Dan was right. Things did change, not always for the better but they did change. He leant back in his chair. "Hopefully with all the new technology and new ways of forensics UCOS will one day be a thing of the past."
"What?" Sandra stated as she walked in. shrugging her coat off she threw it on the rack near the door. "You ok, Jack?"
"I AM FINE." He sighed. "Why is everyone asking me that?"
"No reason." Sandra and Dan exchanged glances. "Just you seem a little more.. introspective."
"Do I?"
"Yeah." She crossed the room to him. "What is it?"
"Mary would be 83 today."
"Oh Jack." Sandra sighed. She had known Mary and Jack all her life but the date had completely slipped her mind. She squeezed his hand as Dan made his way to the kettle. "I'm sorry. I." He shook his head.
"I was just thinking how much things have changed. Sasha and the boys have settled in well. Brian is, well, Brian, and you. Sandra." He sighed. "I couldn't be prouder of you if you were my own daughter."
"Jack." She bit her lip. He pushed his chair away from the desk as he got to his feet.
"Come on. Pub. Lets raise a glass for my Mary eh?" He paused as Sandra smiled and nodded. Looking around the UCOS office he couldn't help but wonder what would become of the place in the future, when like Mary he was nothing more than a memory.