Disclaimer: Again, all I own is Kelly, and the parallel universe in which this is set... I also don't gain any money from this... wish I did, could use it, but alas, I don't, so don't sue
A/N: Please remember that in my universe, Ben is dating Suzie, and Evan is still single, and unattached... oh, and the bomb didn't happen, so Jo's still alive and PJ's heart is still intact...
Masala: Yay! I got a review! Thanks! (oh, and you seem to share my ideas of the show)
"Hi, can I help you?" Ben asked, somewhat perplexed as to who this was. He gasped as she turned around. "Tess?"
"Hey Ben. Long time no see." Tess smiled as he walked over to give her a hug, and glanced down to her stomach. "Longer than you remember evidently!" She said, referring to the fact he thought her still pregnant
"What are you doing in town?" Ben knew it was a bit blunt, but he was sure that his old superior would understand, given the circumstances.
"I thought you would like some lunch." She chirped, holding up the bag that Chris had given her.
"I'd love mine, but Suze and I are the only ones here." Ben realised that he hadn't introduced the two blondes. "Tess, this is Suzie Raynor. Suze, Tess was the previous Senior Sargent."
"Ahh, so you're the infamous Tess Gallagher. Nice to finally meet you." Suzie extended her hand towards Tess, who firmly shook it.
"So, where is everyone? I don't remember it normally being this quiet at lunch time." Tess smiled, "Jonesy's stomach was generally rumbling loudly, but he was always to stubborn to get the lunches."
"Still is!" Suzie replied. Tess laughed. She could see herself become firm friends with this woman.
"Jonesy's out on patrol with Jo... they were due to pick up the lunches on their way back, the Boss is in his room and PJ's around somewhere." Ben paused, "you never answered my question: What are you doing back here anyway?"
Tess was saved from having to answer by a familiar voice cutting its way through the station. "Raynor, what happened to that cup of coffee?"
"Oh shit!" Suzie looked sheepish. "Sorry boss! It's coming." She yelled in his direction and was making a move to make it when Tess stopped her.
"He still has it the same way doesn't he?" She queried Ben. He looked a bit confused then smiled.
"Yeah."
Tess made her way over to the kitchen, motioning for Suzie to follow her.
How much did they tell you about me?" Tess asked, while trying to find the instant coffee.
"Nothing much... you were a tough boss, Ben hit on you before finding out that you were to be his new boss, that this station seems to attract blondes, that you left because working was harming your kid, umm…" Suzie stopped, pretending to think and Tess poured water into the mug. "Oh, and one night when Jonesy was rather drunk he said that he thought it was really stupid of you to marry that doctor." At Tess' surprised and somewhat objective look she added: "What? You did ask!"
Tess laughed. She couldn't remember a time when she'd done more laughing. "I suppose I should take this into the Boss before he yells at you again!"
Suzie followed Tess as far as Ben, and stood next to him. Together they watched as Tess paused in front of Tom's door.
Tom was sitting at his desk, engrossed in what he was writing on his computer. He heard the door open.
"About time Raynor."
"Sorry boss." Tess moved towards his desk, unsure as to how he would react.
Tom knew that voice... he hadn't heard it in a while, but he couldn't place it.
He looked towards the door and gasped! His mouth literally fell to the floor (or would have had it not be very strongly joined.)
"Gallagher?" He asked, not quite believing his eyes. He got up from his chair and walked around to her. "How are you?"
Tess passed him his coffee before answering. "I'm good... life's chucked me a few surprises since I left."
"And how's Kelly?" Tess stared at him, wide-eyed. "I had you followed for a few weeks... Joking Tess, joking!" Tess let out a sigh of relief. She hated to think that all her skills from the job had diminished in less than a year. "I kept an eye out in the birth section. Rather original I thought." he said, referring to the announcement she had placed.
"Well, I've never done anything the normal way."
Tess and Tom sat around, talking for ages about the goings on in the town and their lives. Tom was filled in about the small details of Kelly's life, Tess on the cases that had occurred in the past twelve months. There was one topic they didn't discuss, and that was Josh. Tom knew that if Tess needed someone, she knew he was there, but he had a sneaky suspicion that he wasn't the one she would come to. That there was someone else who's shoulder she would prefer to use.
"Hey Boss, do you know what happened about the lunches? Jo and I got there and Chris said they'd already been picked up." Jonesy continued on his rant, not yet fully in the room, and unable to see that the Boss had company. "You could have told us tha..."
Evan stopped mid-rant. The thoughts that flowed through his mind were something of the sort that had earlier passed through both Ben and Tom's minds. He thought he was dreaming, and half expected the woman in front of him to stand up, and pull a mask off, or kiss him, depending on what particular dream he was in.
"Jones, I believe you remember you're old superior?" Evan continued to stare at Tess, dumbfounded. Tom got up out of his chair once more, suprising even himself when he left the room.
"Tess?"
"Evan."
A/N: Well, what did you think? I'm sorry to leave it like that, but I'm preparing for my yearly exams, and that's all that the creative juices would allow to happen. I'm sure you understand, and if you don't, tough bickies! :P
PS, yeah, I know, no confessions were made but meh!