"You OK sarge?" He asked
Sheelagh looked at him
"Yeah, thanks Des, I'm fine. Just the prospect of going home to an empty house I think" She laughed weakly
"Why is it empty?" He said quietly, the worry creeping into his mind once more
"Patrick's at work and the kids are all out with friends, it's nearly Christmas so I said they were allowed to go to a few parties" She said sadly, affectionately remembering the times when she'd go home to a houseful of laughter and warmth, and be doted on hand and foot by her adoring children, who'd missed her terribly all day. But now it was different, it was 'Hi Mum! Bye Mum!' kind of relationship and she was beginning to feel unnecessary.
"Oh" He replied quietly, not really knowing what to say.
Sheelagh looked at her watch
"Come on then, lets go back to the station, we're all done for another day" She smiled
Des was quietly pleased, if the shift was over then there was no danger of his dream turning into reality, well, not this time at least.
They drove back to the station in silence, it was driving Sheelagh mad. She had to do something.
"Des?" She asked quietly
"Yeah?" He replied, looking into her eyes for a moment before glancing away
"Come home with me" As soon as she'd said it she realised how terrible it sounded
"Sorry?" Des asked, looking rather flustered
"Well, I could use the company, and it seems a shame to cook dinner just for me" She smiled
"Oh right, well, yeah OK" He'd been wanting her for so long but lately he'd cast his feelings for her aside more or less as he'd found himself consumed by fear for her safety. Time and time again he told himself they were nothing more than dreams, but they still struck terror in him.
"Great, well I'll go and get changed and I'll meet you outside my office" She smiled triumphantly to herself, determined that by the end of the evening she'd have found out what was on his mind
She hurried to get ready and smiled happily to see him already there, waiting for her.
"OK?" She asked
"Yeah. You?" He replied
"Great thanks" She said happily as they walked towards Des's car
He unlocked the door and she got in, the key turned in the ignition and the sudden noise from the radio made her jump. He reached forward and turned it down
"Sorry, guess I'm not used to having passengers" He said nervously
"It's OK" She smiled gently
They drove the rest of the way to her house in silence, the quiet hum of the radio made it bearable for them both.