hello. Apologies for the lateness! we are drawing to a close. There will likely be an epilogue so stay tuned for that! thank you for those of you that have taken the time to read all the way through and to DM or drop a little review.
Chapter 29
"Scott Tracy what's it like living in the UK?"
"Rose when are you getting married?"
"Reports say she was kidnapped by six men."
"Has a date been set for your wedding?"
"Such a harrowing experience, would tell us your story as an exclusive?"
"Rose – Scott – Mr Tracy!"
Scott held out a hand against the clamour of clicks and flashes, hugging Rose closer to his side in a bid to shield her. Microphones and scraped against their arms with fluffy fisher booms obstructing their progress up the steps into the courthouse. Rose flinched as something touched her back. Taking a deep breath, she focused on following her legal counsel up the steps while huddling closer under Scott's shoulder. It was a relief to reach the courthouse entrance where they were ushered into a private room.
Rose sat down at the large, polished mahogany table before her legs gave way. Scott sat on her right with her lawyers across the table. Light perspiration broke out across her forehead as she tried to tame her wild heart, the thud seemly ringing in her ears. "You don't have to do this sweetheart." Scott looked between her and their counsel in concern. The female lawyer with the brunette bob flashed them an expression of sympathy, her ice blue eyes warmed with concern.
"Yes, I do. Video testimonies aren't always as emotive, and I can't get a decent read on the room. I might not be able to arrest them myself these days but that doesn't mean I can't stop them hurting others and make an example of them." She lifted her chin a little higher as she adjusted the cuff on her left side where it was pinned in place.
Scott smiled kissing her hand. "I am so proud of you."
She found his hand under the table with a gentle squeeze.
"Right; here is your victim impact statement. You will be informed when called to court if it's to give this statement or for witness purposes. Please both familiarise yourselves with the statements. I take it Mr Tracy is still to read on your behalf should you not be able to?"
"Yes"
Scott read the statement swallowing hard as he tried to maintain a calm façade, this was the first time he'd laid eyes on it. Reading her words was like taking a punch to the gut as she detailed how the attack had left her feeling exposed and unsafe in the city she served so faithfully, how she felt guilty for making him move here because she didn't want to leave her career behind only to have it terminated. The pain he felt for her was indescribable as he watched her eyes well up, the tears threatening to spill from her hazel irises onto the script in her hand.
"Yep." Was all she could trust herself to say.
"Any questions?"
Scott could feel her restless energy roiling off of her in waves as her leg tapped against his. "How long will I be expected to wait?"
"There are no guarantees sadly. You may be called first or midway through or sometimes not until the end. It depends on the defence and any questions they may have as well as the other witness statements."
She nodded not sure how she was going to cope with the wait. "May we have a moment? In private?"
"Of course. We'll be back shortly to escort you to the waiting room." Rose watched as they gathered their things and filed out through the large, varnished oak door. The wooden panelled room was starting to feel oppressive despite housing a table that could seat ten. She fingered at her collar nervously before dusting down her textured navy suit and skirt. A hand clasped around hers stilling her movements instantly. "You're going to be okay. It won't be easy, but we'll all be here to support you." He kissed the back of her hand, his gaze steady.
She lingered on the shape of his mouth; those dimples she knew so well were hidden like the dark side of the moon, his features awash with worry. She leaned into his matching silk navy suit, closing her eyes as she savoured his sandalwood scent. Focusing on the things she loved about him helped to her weather the storm in her mind's eye, grounding her once more. Tucked under his chin she heard him say "Please don't feel guilty about us living here. I've been happier these last months at home with you than I have in a long time."
"I'm just sorry that you moved here for nothing in the end."
He reached out for her chin, drawing her attention to him. "I didn't move here for nothing. I moved here because I love you and I can't bear to be without you Rose. I'd go to the ends of the Earth for you if I needed to. Plus, there's no reason that you can't go back to work in the future, granted it may not be with the MET but your mom's petty hopeful that you could transition into an admin role or a local officer in a region that would be less overwhelming."
"Maybe."
A knock on the door signalled it was time. She threaded hands with him, the only man she knew who could give her the strength to see this through.
They sat in the witness waiting room where Rose rested on his shoulder as she tried to focus on her novel. He looked around at the other three occupants to which they had been briefly introduced. A steel grey haired man with black spectacles sat opposite them, his soft brown eyes and gentle features reassuring. He was the clinical therapist who would be providing evidence on the profound effect the attack had on her mental health.
The young lady to the right of them looked nervous, playing with the end of her platinum blonde hair, her foot jigging across her leg. She wore a cheap grey fitted suit with black pumps. Scott caught her wary glance and tried to reassure her with a smile. She was the barista that had been mopping floors the morning of Rose's attack. She'd witnessed Rose fighting with the men who eventually overwhelmed her. The court clerk surveyed them all with a watchful eye from his desk. Scott kept an arm wrapped around Rose her familiar scent of coconut and argan steadying him as they waited.
He felt the vibration in his inner suit pocket. Ignoring it he rested his head back against the panelling, they had been here over an hour already. Rose was due to be called in hopefully within the next hour. His watch started flashing the emergency beacon. Frowning he sat up straighter, disturbing Rose as he gently extracted himself.
"Do you need to step out?" She could see his watch flashing.
He nodded. Rose stood to speak to the waiting room attendant. A few minutes later they were shown back to the private side room they were in earlier. Scott called back his father as Rose watched on. "Son; we have a situation are you clear to speak?"
"I am but"
"Good. We have a situation in Arizona. There was a flash flood in the Antelope Canyon. A young woman is trapped by floodwater with a severe abdominal bleed. Your brother's have tried everything, the local teams can't get to her till the flood waters subside. Ariel rescue is now the only option, but the Canyon is too narrow for Thunderbird Two to navigate so we deployed Shadow. They have tried Scott, but we simply don't have a pilot who can make the flight path required through the Canyon, but I know you can."
Scott chewed his lip, frowning as he digested the situation. "Who tried flying it?"
"Alan." Jeff looked straight at him. "Scott. You're our only hope. This woman's only hope of survival. I'm sorry, I wouldn't ask unless it was vital, but you have to come in."
Scott's cerulean eyes flicked to Rose; his conflicted emotions evident in his distraught gaze and the grim set of his mouth. He didn't want to leave her. She placed a hand on his, "Go. You have to help her Scott."
"But you'll be alone. I promised I wouldn't leave you to face those scumbags on your own again." He bowed his head, unable to look her in eye. He would be failing her again.
She squeezed his hand gently. "I know what its like to wait for someone to rescue you when you're in hurt and alone. You know you are more than capable of making that flight. You have to go, I'll be fine. My parents are here, they'll help me."
With one more heart wrenching gaze he turned to his dad. "Alright I'm on my way. I'll fetch Penelope. I take it we're rendezvousing at Creighton-Ward manor?"
"Yes. Thank you, Scott, Rose." Jeff signed off his image blinkering out of existence to be replaced with a plain analog face.
Scott pinged a text alert to Penelope before hugging Rose tightly. "I'm so sorry sweetheart."
"I understand. Honestly, I'll miss your support, but I'll be ok."
"I'll try and get back as soon as I can." Giving her one last kiss on the lips he departed. Rose stared at the door in disbelief suddenly feeling rather alone. She chewed the inside of her cheek with worry but before she could dwell too much, she felt her wrist buzz. It was the alert com. She was being summoned to court. She smoothed her skirt trying to tame her building anxiety that was like a vice around her stomach before stepping out in the corridor. She would just have to manage. Somehow.
Rose stood alone in the witness stand, her eyes darted around the room taking in the large audience and the two accused in the docks. She made the mistake of hesitating on the gaze of Mick Vincent, his dead black eyes looking right through her. He was the first to grab her, the one who'd tried to haul her into the car as she kicked the door shut. She remembered those burly biceps locked around her shoulders hard enough to bruise. He was an imposing man at well over six foot, his skinhead appearance and sour face added to his intimidating demeanour.
The other one was Kyle Allen. Dirty blonde dishevelled hair hid half his face as he stood staring out at the jury, when she made eye contact with him, he averted his gaze. She couldn't help but notice where his nose had once been straight it was now crooked. An echo in her mind's eye of the sound of cartilage crunching brought some comfort in knowing he hadn't got out of it unscathed either.
Her eyes finally settled on the front row of the audience. She searched hopefully for the familiar tall brunette, imagining the crinkle in the corners of his eyes, his stead countenance lending her strength. Except he wasn't there. She did her best to reassure her mum with a subtle nod, but she was already beginning to tremble.
"The prosecution now calls forward Rose Williams, the victim of the abduction and assault."
Rose stood to attention looking to the prosecution bench for guidance.
"Miss Williams, thank you for coming here today. We know this can't be easy for you. Let's start with some simple statements." She nodded. "Miss Williams the attack took place on Monday the 14th October at approximately 6.50 am on Newman street."
"That is correct."
"Could you explain what happened to you that day?"
"I was walking to work, earlier than usual as I had a breakthrough on a case, so I was meeting my boss early. I took my usual commute on the tube and then along Newman Street. That's when I first noticed something was wrong. There was a black ranger SUV creeping along the kerb. I knew the road was a no traffic zone 6am till 6pm so I realised it was irregular. When I stopped, I could see in the windows of the café that it stopped too. When I started walking, it started moving again. There was nowhere open at that hour for me to seek help, so I turned to face it head on and ran in that direction to make it harder for them to follow." She could feel Mick leering at her as she shifted her position to glance at the jury. They were listening to her attentively, that was good. Her chest began to tighten, the air becoming thin as she recalled events. "But it didn't work, the men chased after me and I was on my own." She looked to the dock.
"These two men grabbed me. I was restrained in an armlock but managed to kick the door to the SUV shut but I was thrown against a tree and back handed across the face. More men tried to grab me. Dazed I managed to entangle one in my coat and hit the other with my keys, as I got up off of scraped knees, I ran towards the park knowing it was pedestrianised and that they wouldn't be able to drive after me, but they did. The truck was suddenly behind me in the park where the door opened, and a gun was pointed at my face. I was shocked and that was all it took for someone to come up from behind with a rag that must have had some kind of drug on it because I was paralysed moments after contact. Both those men then got in the car with me before I met my main attacker and was forced down on the seat so I couldn't see where I was being taken. I couldn't feel my body, the only thing I could move were my eyes."
"Thank you, Miss Williams. No further questions your honour."
"We would like to cross examine the victim your honour." The young male barrister for the defendants stepped forward.
The judge nodded her consent as he adjusted his wig and stood. "Miss Williams, first of all I'm sorry you have to endure this today after what was clearly a harrowing ordeal." He turned to face the jury at the end briefly before focusing back on Rose. She stood closer to the podium trying to anticipate what he might ask. She needed to think carefully not rush and defend herself. She kept reminding herself she was the victim she had nothing to be guilty of.
"You mentioned two men at the start of your statement. Can I just confirm that you can identify these men in the dock as some of the ones who attacked you."
"Yes."
"And how many men attacked you that day."
"Well, it's hard to clarify the exact number when I was fighting for my life, I identified four but there could have been more."
"Could have been? Are you sure it was definitely these two men?"
"Objection. Evidence log 2.3 has CCTV of the two defendants with the victim." The prosecutor stood; hands spread on the counter before handing the judge the evidence logs in question. She viewed the screenshots before addressing the defendant's barrister.
"Objection sustained. You will rephrase the question. Or retract it Mr Cooper."
"Miss Williams, you mention that the two men in question failed to get you in car on Newman Street."
"Yes"
"When were you put into the car it was in Jubilee Park?"
"Yes"
"Jubilee Park is quite popular with morning commuters yet there are no formal witnesses from that location. Did you see anyone in the park that morning?"
Rose tried to tamp her anger down, she knew where this was leading. "There were some people in the park that morning but unlike when you have a car accident or arrive at a crime scene, I didn't have time to stand round and collate witnesses. I was too busy trying to escape my attackers who were tail gating me down the bank, but I remember the men who chased me and as we heard they were identified on CCTV moments before attacking me."
Mr Cooper tried to keep his cool, but she caught the twitch under his eye as he clasped his hands behind him. Her gaze turned to her mum and dad who smiled at her reassuringly.
"To clarify we only have your word that these men actually abducted you in the park rather than attempted to abuct you in Newman Street."
"I can't attest to being the sole witness, but neither can I confirm if there were additional witnesses or evidence, but I've been investigating suspects for just over a decade now and I never forget a face and I have colleagues that can attest to that."
Looking rather dejected the lawyer conceded. "No further questions your honour."
A few moments later and she was finally excused, collecting her bag from the attendant. Unsteady legs took her out to the hall before she collapsed in a chair. She checked her phone the lock screen flashing a picture of Scott with her old dog Benny. A tear slid from her cheek as she furiously scrubbed her cheek with a tissue. After a few minutes she shoved her phone in her bag and hid the tissue up her sleeve. It was lunchtime, she was meant to have gone with Scott. She didn't want her parents mollycoddling her for fear she would break down completely, but she couldn't cope with being outside alone either, so she guessed she had little choice. Standing up and straightening her skirt once more she walked towards the doors as the public piled out. "Please hurry." She whispered to herself before plastering on a weak smile as her mum paced towards her.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Scott soared through the sky, frustrated that Thunderbird S still lagged in comparison to Thunderbird One. He had to get back. Rose's mother had text him to say that closing statements were likely to be five PM. He might just make it if he was quick. Rose hadn't messaged him at all, most likely respecting he was on call but being left in the dark was driving him crazy. How was she? Did she manage to withstand questioning? Knowing that those men who harmed her were in the same room with her was disturbing, he knew that there were procedures in place to protect her, but it didn't make it any easier, didn't lessen the anxiety he felt in the pit of his stomach that she was with them.
He had a horrible image of her alone afterwards in that dull wood panelled room crying as she hugged herself tightly. His chest hurt just thinking about it. White hot anger flared within him that someone had done that to her. She used to be so self-assured, ready to jump in before others dared to. So much so it used to scare the life out of him. Now she was a shell compared to her former self. Seeing her back in London these last few days had only reinforced she wasn't who she had been before. He loved her regardless, yet he couldn't escape the grief he felt at the loss of who she once was. He had been hopeful she would bounce back once more and return to work in some capacity, she was made to be a sergeant and she'd worked so hard to get there. It wasn't fair that someone had dashed her hopes and dreams in that way.
Finally, he could make out land, the south coast of England. He pressed the comms beacon waiting for it to connect. "Yes Scott?"
"I'm five minutes out Penelope can you ready the car?"
"Done. See you shortly Scott."
"Thank you."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
"The victim will now read their statement. Miss Williams you may begin when you're ready." The judge added sympathetically as she leaned across her desk.
She swallowed against the bile rising in her throat. "Thank you, your honour."
"I never thought I'd find myself on this side of crime, as the victim." She realised she was talking to the floor and raised her head to look at the audience. "The day these men preyed on me as I walked the same commute that I'd taken for years, was the day my life as DS Rose Williams ended." She raised her chin, voice trembling as she adverted her gaze from the men in the dock once more. "I used to serve and protect the public from crime but that day I couldn't even protect myself. These men dragged me off the street leaving me with handprint bruises and friction burn off the tarmac they raked me across. They drugged me so they could manhandle me into a car where I was then taken and tortured. Although they did not actively torture me or cut off my arm, their actions on that day enabled those events, albeit indirectly." Her voice broke as she fought to keep composure, her hand resting on the flat top of the witness box. She could feel herself choking up as tears flooded her vision, she couldn't do this. She backed away from the edge.
"Miss Williams are you alright? We can take a break if you feel unable to continue." The judge advised her kindly.
Just then Rose heard a door at the back click open. He locked eyes with her as he slipped onto the back row giving her a nod of encouragement mouthing the words, you can do it. A tear leaked down her cheek with a weak smile. He was here, he rushed all this way back for her. A flash of gratitude warmed her from the inside out, urging her on. If he could make it back, the least she could do was to pluck up the courage to finish this. "The actions of these men mean I can no longer walk down a street by myself past strange men without an anxiety attack. My heart quickens, I look over my shoulder, I jump at car doors opening and closing and I have to walk facing traffic. I flinch from my partners touch if startled. He spent four days not knowing where I was, thinking I was dead because of these men. My parents had fully prepared themselves to be notified of my dumped body. They knew the chances of their daughter coming home was slim at best."
I was medically discharged from the job I adore because I no longer have the confidence to serve on the frontline and I can't pass the metal health tests to be deemed fit for active duty. I'm twenty-nine years old and now classed as a veteran when I should have had a career spanning the next two decades at least. My partner moved across the world for me so I could continue to serve and protect those who live in this borough, so I could do what I loved most of all and now his sacrifice was for nothing." She directed her gaze to the jury pleading. "I came here today for justice for my family. More importantly I came here today because I want to be their final victim, my last gesture to protect the public from harm. Don't let there be another victim."
"Thank you, Miss Williams. Any questions?"
"Yes, your honour. The Victim mentions that the defendants' actions on the day enabled the torture and loss of her arm but there's no evidence to suggest these men were aware of the way Miss Williams would be treated after the kidnapping. With this in mind we wish for it to be retracted from the statement."
A flame curled around Rose's heart, burning through her veins. Her gaze flicked up to Scott's, but he was watching the defendants in the dock with a cold fury. She took a breath, turning. "May I respond your honour?"
She gestured with an open palm to continue.
"Are you suggesting their actions are justified because they didn't know that I would be harmed in such a way.? Does it make them any less culpable or my injuries any less relevant?"
"Objection overruled. The witness statement will retain the information supplied."
Rose breathed a sigh of relief nodding towards the judge.
"Any other objections?" Silence filled the court room. "Court is dismissed. The Jury will now take time to deliberate the verdict. We'll reconvene at nine AM tomorrow." She brought down the hammer on the pommel to signal the end of the session before rising. The court followed suit allowing the judge to leave first before filtering out. Rose stood frozen, watching as Mick and Kyle were led away below the dock for another night in custody, hopefully before their imprisonment tomorrow.
"Miss Williams?"
She swayed on the spot suddenly lightheaded. She'd barely eaten at lunch, spooning her spaghetti around without touching it. She couldn't remember the last time she drank either. She clenched onto the wooden rail of the witness box with one hand. Moments later she was enveloped in a familiar embrace. "Rose are you alright?"
"Just a bit lightheaded." She mumbled, leaning into him.
Scott lowered her into the seat, offering her a bottle of water which she took gratefully. Sipping slowly, she started to feel better. The clerk watched on anxiously, most of the courtroom had now cleared except for her family and Lady Penelope who had made their way over to her.
"Rose?"
"I'm okay mum. I'm just tired."
"Maybe you should go home, we can meet up in the morning."
"Are you sure?"
Rose nodded leaning in for a hug and kissing her mother on the cheek. With one last squeeze of the shoulder Sue stepped away.
They filed out onto the steps of the courthouse where her sisters and father gave her one last hug. Her dad pulled back holding onto her shoulders as he looked at her. "I'm so proud of you. You handled those questions with grace, they didn't stand a chance. Your mum and I are quietly confident for tomorrow."
She gave a wan smile "Thanks dad."
"Chin up kiddo the worst is over now." She nodded again, too exhausted for words.
"Bye!" Her sisters called from the bottom of the steps as their dad joined them. She waved till they disappeared around the corner.
"Please allow Parker and I to drive you home."
"That would be lovely, thank you Penelope." Rose took her friends offered arm with Scott filing in behind. The pink rolls stood waiting at the kerbside where Parker had already opened the rear door and was waiting.
"Mil lady, Rose; it's good to see you."
Rose smiled at the man; he was a wily old thing. She would have hated to have been around in his younger years. It was alluded to that he had quite the history as a thief but these days he was a reformed man using his talents to help protect the family and the man she loved. They were on the same side now.
The ride home had been nice, no one asked her about court choosing instead to talk about the rescue which Scott had successfully conducted earlier, the girl was safe. He'd reached her in time to stem the bleed and before the next flash flood ran through the canyon, but it had been a close call.
As soon as they got in Rose settled on the sofa where Scott got her another drink and some chocolate to raise her sugar level. She was content to just rest her eyes, the ache in the balls of her feet mixed with the relief that they were resting against soft cushions and not four-inch heels.
"Right, you, come here."
She opened her eyes to see Scott with his arm extended. Cocking her head, she took his arm wondering what he was up to. He led her down her hall to the bathroom opening the door to the room filled with candles and a bath almost overflowing with bubbles. The calming scent of lavender and rosemary washing over her.
"I'll leave you to get in and then I'll be right back." He gave her a hug and a kiss on the neck from behind before gently shutting the door. Shedding her suit and blouse she felt better than she had all day. Finally undressed, she dipped a tentative foot into the water, the temperature on the hotter side of warm as she liked. She eased into the bath, her neck resting on the cushion behind. Her mind was immediately calmed as she savoured the way the warm water felt on her skin, seeping deep into the muscles weary from the tension of being anxious all day. The candles in the dim light managed to transport her away to somewhere else, where she almost felt free of burden.
There was a soft knock at the door. "Come in."
She turned to watch him slip into the room, his jacket discarded, and shirt sleeves rolled up. His hair was loosely tousled, most likely from being exposed to the elements earlier. Kneeling near the end of the bath he prompted her to lift a foot. Kneading the soft pad of her foot he watched with satisfaction as she slid deeper into the bath with a contented sigh.
"Nice?"
"Better than nice."
He chuckled softly switching it for the other.
More moaning ensued as she almost disappeared below the water, the strands of her hair floating around her chin. She was so beautiful with her features fully relaxed, her long lashes resting against her cheeks.
"That good huh?"
"Um hum. Could be better though."
"Really?"
"Yeah, get in here." She all put growled as she cracked an eye open looking him up and down.
He laughed; this time from deeper within his belly as he unbuttoned his shirt. Moments later she sat forward allowing him to slip in behind. She snuggled back into his embrace.
"That's better, your muscles probably ache too."
"Like you wouldn't believe. I hung off a ledge for the best part of an hour."
He played with a strand of her hair near her cheek waiting to see if she would open up about today. He didn't want to bring it up, he was trying to distract her but at the same time he had no idea how it went. Although from the news reports he'd just skimmed it seemed to be going as well as expected.
Rose drifted happily, her body finally relaxed and taking comfort in the skin-to-skin contact. Her relaxed state made her feel more open, willing to reflect on the days events when she just wanted to run earlier. "Today went well, I think. There were a couple of push backs from the defence, but I was able to stop their line of questioning on more than one occasion. Mum said the other witnesses were very convincing."
"You handled the last round of questioning amazingly. I wouldn't have been so calm."
"I know. I watched you staring daggers." She leaned back to kiss him. He responded starting off softly till touching her smooth skin as her tongue ran along his teeth, ruining his self-control. He kissed back in desperation urging her to return his fervour. She twisted around gripping his neck, deepening her kiss as the water sloshed over the edge of tub. Time was forgotten as passion took hold, the shadows of the night lengthening as they remained entwined together.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Morning came too soon she reflected as they sat in the courtroom together. At least she was in the audience today with her family and friends. Her mum sat on one side with Scott on the other and Penelope on the end. She pushed her hair behind her ear before looking up at Scott, but his gaze lay across the room where he watched the defendants being brought up. She felt his posture stiffen next to her shoulder. Reaching out she placed an arm on his shoulder, his body softening to her touch. She gave him a smile trying to reassure him.
"All rise."
They stood in unison as the judge took her position before taking their seats once more. "Will the defence please step forward." Mick and Kyle sauntered closer. "On the charge of aggravated assault how do you plead?"
"Not guilty" replied Mitch.
"Guilty" replied Kyle ignoring the stare from his companion in the dock.
"On the charge of attempted abduction."
"Guilty" Their two voices merged.
"On the charge of actual abduction."
"Not Guilty"
"Not Guilty"
Scott's hiss was audible among the family, his fists tightening. The audacity to think they could get away with the lesser charge when they'd actually kidnapped her. Just because the evidence from the park had been circumstantial where she was actually kidnapped. He turned to Rose who was still calm, her attention fixed on the jury where she knew some of them had noticed her presence.
"The jury have reached their verdict. Lead Juror please step forward to address the court."
"On the first charge of assault the jury finds both defendants guilty. One the second charge of attempted abduction we also find both defendants guilty. The Third and final charge of actual abduction we also find both defendants guilty.
The judge shuffled her papers on her desk before surveying the court. "Thank you to the jury for their time and effort in assisting with this case. In view of the report, jury statement and evidence based in front of me I will now sentence the defendants." She paused looking at the dock directly. "You have been found guilty of all three charges for committing terrible crimes that have not only significantly harmed the victim in question but have also led to the loss of one of our fellow law enforcement officers which we do not take lightly. These men are a risk to society and therefore I sentence you Mick Vincent to twenty-six months for aggravated assault and a total of nine years for attempted abduction and abduction combined. Kyle Allen in account of your guilty plea for aggravated assault I sentence you to fourteen months and a total of nine years for attempted abduction and abduction respectively." The judge rapped the desk. "Case dismissed."
Outside court in the hall, the family rushed to hug Rose and congratulate her for both men received near to the maximum sentence and although four were still unidentified at least some justice had been served. They headed out on the steps to a raft of reporters. Scott patted her on the arm before stepping up to address the media gathered. Rose stayed sheltered within her parents reach.
"Today justice was delivered as the two men who were involved in my fiancé's abduction were convicted. We are relieved that these men are no longer on the streets to prey on other individuals, and we now respectfully ask the media to allow Rose to time to recover as well as for the rest of the family to heal. No further questions thank you." The clamour of questions hit as soon as he finished speaking but he ignored them stepping away.
Hopping down Scott returned to Rose where he wrapped an arm around her waist to escort her away from the paps to the cars waiting below. One recognisable person stood at the base of the steps. "Boss!" Rose broke into a grin, splitting from Scott to hug DI Sharpe.
"Steady!" He coughed uncomfortably not used to the open gesture of being hugged by his junior. "Congratulations, you handled yourself in there brilliantly. They had nowhere to turn, and you held your own."
"Thanks" She glowed under the praise.
"The reason I'm still here is that I have a proposition for you, if you'll hear me out? Maybe we could grab a coffee at the usual place in say… an hour?"
Intrigued she replied with "Sure."
"Good. Well see you soon. Scott" He bowed his head towards him in a final farewell before taking the taxi waiting behind him.
"What's all that about?" Scott wondered out loud.
"No idea but it won't hurt to find out."
"Right where are we heading?" Rose's dad asked as they drew near.
"Five guys."
"Five guys!" He looked flabbergasted leaning in closer. "You want to take a Lady to dine at Five guys!"
"I happen to know the Lady enjoys Five guys."
"It's true I am rather partial to them."
"Alright then. Lead the way." Scott indicated. The group chuckled at poor Mark who still looked lost for words. Linking her arms with Scott once more Rose finally felt complete. She may not have her job and Scott may not have his Thunderbird, but they had each other and their family the rest would come in time.
She smiled to herself, Scott looking down to give her a quizzical glance at her sudden happiness. "Here's to new beginnings."
He paused walking to kiss her on the lips, cradling her head in his hand. "To new beginnings."