A/N: Couldn't possible comment on the outcome, just that this a has a little way to go yet. A bit more for the Eva fans among you right now.
'Nice turnout,' Jim commented looking around the packed room.
'Yeah,' June agreed. 'Could've done without one though.'
'I know,' Jim said as he spotted Manson lurking in a corner, obviously trying to blend in and gain information. 'But he's not gonna ruin it for us.'
'Hello, you two,' Eva said as she approached. 'Congratulations.'
'Cheers, Eva,' Jim smiled.
'Yeah, nice of you to come,' June added.
'Nice to be invited,' Eva answered. 'Is Sam coming?'
'She said she was,' Jim replied. 'Do you need to talk to her?'
'Oh, er...no.'
There was something about the look on Manson's face that prompted Tony to go over there. Maybe it was the fact that the DI looked so out of place in such a social gathering, everywhere else there were people laughing and having a good time whereas Manson was alone with a snarl on his face.
'Good evening, Sir.'
Manson barely glanced at him. 'What do you want?'
Tony kept a smile pasted on his face. 'Just a word.'
'I'm listening.'
'Alright, why've you got it in for me?'
'I don't like nonces.'
'Well, we should get on cos I'm not a nonce.'
'I think otherwise,' Manson said.
'Enjoy wrecking people's lives do you?' Tony asked casually.
'I'm a copper, Stamp, I enjoy putting criminals away.'
'Ever gone too far when you're trying to put someone away?' Tony bluffed through an uncharted path smoothly. 'Used a little force to get your way maybe?'
'What are you implying?'
'Nothing, Sir,' Tony said. 'Just making conversation.'
Manson shrugged. 'What copper hasn't wanted to use a bit of force once in a while?'
'Bit of a difference between wanting to and actually doing it.'
'Same could be said of you, Stamp,' Manson countered. 'You say you've never touched a kid, ever thought of it?'
'I'm not that kind of bloke,' Tony replied. 'Like I keep telling you.'
'If you say so.'
'Does a man like you ever feel guilt?'
'Excuse me?'
'Well, I was just thinking,' Tony said. 'You were the one responsible for Abi Nixon getting shot last week.'
A smirk appeared on the DI's face. 'I think you'll find Samantha Nixon's responsible for her own daughter.'
'Don't think Sam sees it that way.'
'What's she been saying?' Manson queried.
'Oh, nothing. Must have been mistaken,' Tony answered sensing the growing anger. 'If you'll excuse me, I've got something to do.'
From her secluded vantage point in the corner Sam watched Tony and Manson having a seemingly amicable conversation. Except Sam knew better.
There was certainly a battle going on over there. Part of her wondered whether she should butt in, stop any possible confrontation dead, but there was a nagging voice that told her Tony could hold his own.
'Even Manson'll notice if you keep staring at him like that.'
'Eva!' Sam exclaimed as she caught sight of her friend. 'Nice to see you.'
'Had to check up on everyone,' Eva said with a grin. 'And make sure Jim and June actually get to the altar.'
'They better, even after all the interference.'
'Interference?' Eva repeated before she got it. 'Oh, right. What's his problem? Happiness?'
'Yeah, probably,' Sam admitted. 'I had to play the middle-man just to get them back together.'
'Everyone's guardian angel.'
'Don't know what you mean.'
'Why are you so eager to help everyone all of a sudden?'
'Someone needs to,' Sam answered. 'Why not me?'
'Cos people drive you mad,' Eva said. 'You'd rather be nicking them than talking to them.'
'Manson's dangerous.'
'And the other reason?'
'There is no other reason.'
'Samantha...'
'It...,' Sam murmured knowing she was caught. 'Well, it's something to do.'
'Yeah, I knew it,' Eva nodded.
'It's not that I...' she struggled with the words. 'When I was Acting DI I always had work to do, always had to stay late. Now I have to go home and spend with Abi and...'
'You're not used to it,' Eva finished. 'Don't feel guilty about it.'
'Shouldn't I?'
'Your job's your life,' Eva replied simply. 'You don't need to feel guilty for that.'
'Yeah, maybe.'
'How's it going anyway?' Eva queried. 'With the DI?'
'I'm dealing with it,' Sam said evasively.
'You've no need to doubt what you're doing.'
'You sound like Gina!'
'That's because we're right,' Eva said. 'And you know we are.'
'No need to gloat about it.'
'Watch out,' Eva hissed.
Sam barely had time to register the warning before a snaky voice echoed behind her; 'Hello, you two.'
'Hello, Guv,' Sam answered with as much sweetness as she could muster.
Eva was a little braver. 'Aright, Neil? CID doing okay these days?'
'Can't see that's any of your concern.'
'No,' Eva said slowly. 'Don't suppose you would.'
'You were lucky to get such a cushy transfer.'
'Nothing cushy about MIT, Neil. But you wouldn't know about that.'
Sam suppressed a snort as Manson turned a strange colour and pursed his lips. She felt she just had to stick her oar in. 'I've heard it's good work in the murder team.'
'Oh, it is, yeah,' Eva answered keeping her eyes level with Manson's. 'And I get on with the team.'
'Always a bonus,' Sam said. 'Don't you think so, Guv?'
Manson didn't seemed amused. 'Can I have a word, Samantha?'
'Now?'
'Yes, in private.'
'Course, Guv.'
