Disclaimer - All recognized characters and settings are the property of Thames TV.

Putting the pen back in his pocket he left the card on the table before turning towards the door closing it softly behind him.

The rest of the shift passed in a blur. Smithy wasn't concentrating. He got back to the station and changed into civvies. A group of the relief were by the door.

"Coming for breakfast Smiffy?" asked Tony

"Not today, I've got stuff to do I'm afraid"

"Alright, cya later."

Smithy nodded and climbed into his car. Just as he was about to start the engine his phone beeped. 1 new message. He pressed read.

DALE, IT WAS GUD 2 C U

LAST NITE SOZ I WAS A BIT

OFF. IF U WANA MEET UP 4

COFE OR SUMMAT THAT WUD

B COOL? SAL X

He smiled. At least she didn't hate him he text back.

YE OK HOW ABOUT THE

CAF BY BOOTS 11:00?

Two minutes later a reply came back.

MAKE IT 10:30 I WORK AT 11:00

SAL X

Working, I'm impressed thought Smithy as he typed in his reply.

C U THERE

He drove back to his house to take a shower before going over to the high street. He walked to the café. "Tea please" he said and paid, he sat down. He took a sip and sighed. Was this worth the pain? It was too late though because he looked up to see Sally walk in pushing a pram. She looked around, as her eyes found Smithy she gave a half wave before walking over and sitting down.

"Tea, Coffee?" asked Smithy

"Tea please"

Smithy stood up and made his way to the counter.

Jo stood on the pavement craning her neck to see inside. Then Phil drew up and she climbed in?

"He in there?" he asked

"Dunno she's definitely meeting someone but I can't see who."

"Let's go in"

"But Sarge that'll just startle him"

"And where's he gonna- Hang on is that Smithy?

Phil reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

Inside Smithy was ordering Sally's tea when his phone started vibrating in his pocket. He pulled it out: CALLING… PHIL read the screen.

"Phil?"

"Smithy can you do me a favour. Is there a woman that came in about 2 minutes ago?

"What?"

"Just look"

"Erm I'm not sure" Hearing Jo in the background he looked round for where they were. "Where are you?"

"We're outside but listen she's wearing jeans and a pink jacket."

Smithy looked around there was only one woman fitting that description. Sally.

"Er yes there is why?"

"Who's she with?"

"Why do you wanna know?"

"None of your business"

"Then I can't tell you" Phil sighed

"We need to interview her bloke about this GBH. We're watching his house but he isn't in. Apparently she usually drops her kid off for a few hours. She came but when she found he wasn't in she made a couple of phone calls. Jo followed her here in case she's meeting him. The DI's at the house. So who's she with?"

"Me" replied Smithy hanging up the phone. He picked the tea up from the counter and made his way back to the table.

"So where do you work?" he asked

"Up at the pub"

"With Keeley?"

"Erm no. Usually Rob looks after her but he's not in. I tried ringing him but he won't answer his phone. I rung work they understand if nobody can watch her I can't come in but, I'm really sorry to ask, but I don't know what else to do. Could you watch her?" Smithy hesitated "It's only 'till 3, please I really need the cash."

Smithy sighed "Go on then. But only cos you're my favourite sister"

"Thanks Dale you've really saved me."

10:55

Sally looked at her watch "I'd better go. Thanks Dale" she bent over the pram "ByeBye Keeley be good for Uncle Dale."

Smithy was left on his own. He drank up the rest of his tea and stood up. "C'mon then." He murmured to the pram.

3:00

BANG BANG BANG

Smithy walked to the door

"Sal?"

"What did you do?"

"Sorry?"

"He's bin nicked. Rob has."

"Why?"

"I don't know. What did you say?"

"OK calm down Sal. I aint done nowt."

Smithy walked over to the phone and dialled.

"DC Masters Sun Hill CID"

"Jo its Smithy. Have you arrested anyone in connection with this GBH case?"

"Er well we had a man in custody but he's been released. He had an alibi"

Putting his hand over the mouthpiece he turned to Sally.

"What's his name?"

"Rob. Rob Walker"

Smithy put the phone back to his ear

"A Rob Walker?"

"Ye that's the one. His girlfriend gave him an alibi. It checks out"

"Okay hang on"

"Sal have you talked to the police?"

She shook her head

"Jo could I have the name?"

"Erm hang on… er ye hear it is Maggie Roberts"

"Okay cheers Jo"

"No problem cya"

"Bye"

He put the phone down

"Sally? How did you know he had been nicked?"

"My mate text me. Why?"

"Erm Rob claims he was with his girlfriend at the time of the assault."

"Girlfriend?"

"Maggie Roberts?"

She stood up. "MAGGIE? I had suspicions but Maggie?"

She broke down into tears. Smithy looked at his little sister in tears and put his arm around her. She stepped closer comforted by his unusual display of affection and wept in his arms. Smithy held his sister and realised Rob Walker and a GBH case had inadvertently brought him and his sister closer than they had been for far too many years.