Anywhere But There

DISCLAIMER: 'The Bill' characters and original plot depicted in this story is copyrighted to Thames Television/Pearson Corp

High blood pressure, stress, worry and of course panic. Neil Manson was feeling everything any person in his position would, as he stormed though the hospital carpark towards St Hugh's A+E entrance. He had recently found out that Andrea may be in the crumbled building, and that Smithy was the only person who knows where she might be. He turned the corner, into the room, home for all the cubicles and trolleys. He found Smithy in the first cubicle he looked into.

He was in a bad way, Neil wasn't sure whether to disturb him, but he needed to Know where Andrea is. "Smithy?" Dale winced, Neil continued "Are you up to a couple of questions?"

High blood pressure, stress, worry and of course panic. Neil Manson was feeling everything any person would, as he strode over to the side of the burnt out station, calling Phil as he made his way to Gina Gold. After explaining, with the help of Phil that Andrea my still be in the station, Neil felt sick. Especially when he saw Bruce Malcolm heading their way. Gina ordered a officer near the editor, to get rid of him, but Bruce wanted to talk to someone - Neil.

"I have a message for you - from Andrea…" Bruce was about to continue but the sight of Neil walking over to him like a bull seeing red made him stop. Bruce repeated himself, as Neil grabbed Bruce's arm and pulled him away, Gabriel, Phil and Gina watched from a distance. Only Phil knew why Neil had a message from Andrea, the other two where left to come to their own conclusions.

"Where is she?" Bruce was taken back by Neil's lack of conversation.

"I don't know, I thought she was with you lot." Neil nervously looked back at the fireman-ransacked building.

"What makes you think she's in there?" Bruce asked as he gestured with his head the front of the station. "I told Andrea that she had an appointment, she's never late - that's why I've come here, she wasn't at home - and I thought she may have been with you." Neil looked confused.

"Why would she be at the station if she had to be with you?" Bruce sighed.

"I may look it, but I assure you DI Manson I'm not stupid I know that you and Andrea are having a relationship. I thought it would be useful…until she didn't give me anything." Neil clicked,

"She…she didn't tell you anything I told her?"

"No, well except for one thing - that thing about the Super and the drugs, but I ran it a different way from her draft, and she was the one who told me to print an apology to the man."

Neil felt even more ill, he had blamed Andrea for being heartless and nothing but a spy, but she was far from it. "How did you find out about us? Did she tell you?"

Neil asked as he walked slowly down the street with Bruce.

"Nah, I found out for myself - the first clue was when I went to her flat the once and saw two half full wine glasses, no-one doesn't pour two glasses to drink alone. Also she became protective of you, I asked for info and she's shield you from being the source… and how could I forget when you rescued the fair maiden from my evil clutches outside the station after PC Young was shot." Neil smiled for a second.

"Look there maybe one place she might be, when things get a wee bit heavy for her - she goes to a quiet place." Neil stopped next to Bruce.

"Where?"

"The cemetery, her friend died not too long ago, they were best friends - I always find her there when she's missing. You go there and I'll check the flat and news office again. If she's not there I'll be turning up here again, with a cameraman." Neil nodded and headed for Phil and Gabriel. "Her editor told me a place where she maybe, so I'll check it - if she's not there I'll come back here, call me if you hear …" Neil knew what he was about to say, but couldn't. Instead Phil nodded.