A/N: Thanks for the birthday greetings, much appreciated.
Jim awoke early Thursday morning, instantly remembering the obbo that was to take place in a few hours.
DI Manson had strode into CSU late the previous afternoon, looking ever such the big-man, it didn't seem as though he'd been shaken by the article on Tony. He'd barely exchanged words of greeting with Ramani before briefly telling Jim the obbo would be taking place at the Black Bear Inn soon after lunchtime on Thursday. Sean Cooper was supposedly using the place to sell his guns and the idea would be that either Rob or Jim would attempt to buy one. When Jim had pointed out that Cooper already knew the DI after Abigail's shooting Manson had brushed it off saying he hadn't got a good look. Jim just hoped that was the case.
She hadn't expected to hear anything from Andrea in such a small space of time but nevertheless Sam was slightly disappointed when PC Dunbar gave her a quick shake of the head when they passed in the corridor.
Still there was that obbo to look forward to, getting Cooper was going to be the highlight of her week. The again, Abi had been shot, Tony's face had been splashed all over the papers and Manson was behaving like the innocent little boy he wasn't, it hadn't exactly been the best week had it?
By the time she'd reached CID Sam was starting to feel the latest events catch up with her. Getting Cooper was going to be satisfying but exhausted, not to mention what the strain sitting for any length of time with Manson was going to do to her.
'Samantha,' Manson barked cutting her ruthlessly from her thoughts. 'We leave in ten minutes.'
'Yes, Guv,' she smiled sweetly.
For a moment something akin to guilt passed over his face. 'How's Abigail doing?'
'She'll be out in a few days,' Sam informed him. 'I think she's enjoying the time off.'
'That's good,' he said, his features returning to their natural state.
'Yes, Guv.'
Just over an hour later Jim found himself in a car with Manson, Rob and Samantha, going through the strategy again.
'Jim, you'll sit with me in the main bar,' Manson said quickly. 'Sam, Rob, I want you in the other bar watching the back exit. Keep your phones on in case I need to pull out.'
'Is that likely?' Jim asked.
'No, we should get Cooper today, no problem.'
'We better,' Sam put in warningly.
Jim noticed Rob and the DI exchange a glance which eerily resembled amusement. What was wrong with two grown men behaving like adults for a change instead of acting like schoolboys with a grudge? It seemed, in his opinion, that Manson was more bothered about rubbing Samantha up the wrong way than catching a dangerous criminal. This man really was unbelievable.
'Right, let's go.'
The foursome left the car and split into their pairs, Manson indicated for Sam and Rob to go in first and then he led Jim to a table by the window. Jim caught sight of Sam and Rob sitting down, they were already bickering! It didn't look like they were going to have any trouble pretending they were a married couple.
'What you drinking?' Manson asked as Jim sat.
'I don't drink,' Jim replied. 'Mineral water.'
Manson leaned into the table. 'If you're not drinking it'll look suspicious.'
'I don't drink,' Jim repeated.
The DI straightened. 'A pint it is.'
Jim stared in disbelief as Manson wandered up to the bar. There was no chance Jim was going to drink again, he had June to think about, one drink would ruin everything.
A few minutes later Manson returned with two pints, placing them down heavily, a sort of warning for Jim not to protest.
Sam was sat in silence with Rob in a position where she could just see the bar. Manson had just bought two pints which Sam found a little strange given that Jim didn't drink, there was something wrong with that.
'I'll get us a drink,' Sam said starting to stand up.
'Wait,' Rob pulled her back down. 'Maybe I should do that.'
'Remove the hand, Rob.'
He must have noticed the glint in her eye. 'Mine's a pint.'
Sam smiled sarcastically. 'I'll make it a half.'
'Fine.'
She made her way up to the bar trying to fit in with this crowd who looked dodgy, definitely the type that would want to buy guns from a man like Sean Cooper. What was she supposed to be, a gangster's moll? Hmm, she'd seen herself as many things over the years, funnily enough that hadn't been one of them.
While she was waiting for service Sam looked over at the table where Manson and Jim were sat. There seemed to be a mini battle going on, the DI clearly wanted Jim to take a sip of his drink, so far the officer was refusing.
Manson said something to Jim who finally picked up the glass and took a long gulp. Sam watched Manson glow with the victory then he looked up and caught her eye, the smirk was enough to tell her he knew exactly what he was doing.
