*******
Part 3: The Trip To Melbourne
*******
Tess Galagher's House
5:45pm
*BEEP* *BEEP*
Tess looked up from her suitcase. Her ride was here.
She quickly grabbed everything she had pulled out- and tossed it in haphazardly.
She ran into the small kitchen. She pulled out a notepad quickly, and searched for a pen.
*DING* *DONG*
'Just a sec!' called Tess.
She grabbed the marker she had found, and scribbled a quick note to Ben, with her mobile phone number on it.
She picked up the little kitten, "Bye sweetie,"
"Ah-hem!" Tess looked up to see Jo and Jack looking at her. "The door was open... so we..."
"Nah, it's okay. Just saying goodbye to Mitsi."
Jo and Jack looked confused, but then saw the ball of fluff in Tess's hands.
"Aw... cute!" cooed Jack.
"Mmm..." said Jo, stepping back, shaking her head, "I'm aler..... ACH-OOW... allergic."
Tess and Jack laughed at her.
"Come-on." Said Jo, grinning sheepishly.
********
Western Ring Road
9:45pm
Tess looked into the rear vision mirror, and saw Jack sleeping soundly in the back seat.
"Jo!" she whispered quietly. "Look at Jack!"
Jo turned around and saw him. It had been a long drive, so it didn't surprise her, that he had fallen asleep. They'd all
taken turns at driving, only stopping to change over. Jo desperately longed to stretch her legs. She remembered the
conversation that she'd had with Jack earlier. Jack announced that long car rides didn't affect him, and Jo had found it
difficult to believe. Now was her chance to prove him wrong!
"Ooh! I have an idea!"
She opened the glove box, and fumbled around.
"What are you doing?" asked Tess, looking over.
"You concentrate on the road!"
"All right..."
A few moments later she pulled out her camera. She flicked it on, and clicked the flash on it.
"Say cheese!" she said quietly to herself.
The flash awoke Jack, with a start. "Huh...what?"
Jo grinned cheekily at him. "Gotcha!"
********
CityLink Exit to Pascoe Vale
10:00pm
"Anybody hungry?" asked Jack from the back, whom was now fully awake.
"Hhmmm..." agreed Tess, "Anyone for Macca's drive thru?" she pointed at the alluminated 'Golden Arches,' ahead.
"Sure, I'll shout!" replied Jack.
"So what do we all want?" asked Jo.
"I'll have a Medium Chicken Meal." said Tess.
"Large Mac Meal for me." said Jack.
"Ah... McValue Snack." said Jo quietly. "With an OJ thanks."
"Oh... big eater!" teased Jack.
"I wouldn't be complaining- you're paying"
Tess slowed to a stop at the speaker box.
"Welcome to McDonalds Pascoe Vale. Can I take you're order please?" came the cheery voice.
Tess read the order to the voice.
"Drive thru thanks."
"I can never understand how someone can sound so cheery!" announced Jo. "After working for ages, tell me you
wouldn't be over it."
Tess stopped the car at the window, and they waited.
And waited.
"I wonder what's going on?" said Jack, impatiently.
Suddenly a tired teenager appeared at the window. "Sorry about that." she apologized, "Your order is a Medium Chicken
Meal, McValue Snack with a Medium Orange Juice, and Large Mac Meal. Are you interested in purchasing an Olympic
Mascot Baby Plush Toy with you're order?" she asked cheerily.
"What ever, happened to, 'would you like Fries with that'..." Tess searched for girl's uniform for a name, "No thanks Lizi."
"Okay, that's $13.95 thank-you."
Tess grabbed the money from Jack, and handed her the $20 note.
"And out of $20 it's $6.05 change. Drive through to the next window thank you."
The girl closed the window, and ran off.
"Must be busy!" declared Jo, as they drove to the next window.
They peered into another closed window. They saw Lizi running around within the store. She then came across to the
window, and placed a bag down on a table. She then went to her left to grab the drinks.
She then opened the window, "Sorry to keep you waiting." she passed the bag to Tess.
"All on your own tonight?"
"Yeah, the other's are on front counter tonight." She passed Tess the drinks. "There you are. See you later. "
She closed the window, and tore off again.
"See what I mean? She's having a cow of a night. Yet, she's all 'Hi, how are you?'" grinned Jo.
******
Part 4: The motel.
******
Pascoe Vale Hotel.
10:15pm
Jo jumped out, and ventured into the Reception.
"G'day!" she called to the little man sitting behind the desk.
"Mmm," He grunted in response. "What name."
"Ah... we're from Mt. Thomas Police, you apparently have two rooms for us."
"Mmm," he grunted again. "Badge."
Jo whipped out her freddy to the rude man.
"One single. One double. Keys." he tossed the keys on the counter.
"Thanks..."
Jo grabbed the keys, and escaped out of the stuffy room. She saw Jack and Tess leaning against her car bonnet, and
walked over. They grabbed their bags, and followed the signs towards their rooms.
As they approached the door, Jo tossed one set of keys at Tess. "These are yours- I think. The bloke didn't say which
was which. "
Tess placed the key into the keyhole to open the door. She walked in, turning on the light. Her eyes widened when she
saw the double bed. "Hey guys- this one is yours!" she called.
She walked casually out, and tapped Jack on the shoulder. "Have a good night guys!"
The younger constables wandered into the room, and Jo dropped her bags when she saw the room. It contained a
kitchenette in one corner, a table, a double bed, with a TV with a stand. There was another room, with it's door opened
revealling a bathroom.
"It's probably just two singles rolled together," said Jack optimisitically. He got down on his hands and knees to inspect
the bed. Jo joined him. They weren't going to be that lucky.
"Umm... maybe there's been a mistake..." said Jo.
"Doubt it. " replied Jack. "Looks like we're sharing! Which do you prefer, left or right?"
"Umm..."
Stop it Parrish! Jo told herself. This isn't worrying Jack, why should it bother you? What does it matter, it's not like you're
attracted to him or anything.
"It's okay. I'll take the couch."
Jack looked around, and for the first time noticed the stiff looking couch next to the door. Jo picked up her bag,and
dragged it over. She pulled out the famous 'Elmo' Pjs, and ventured into the bathroom.
Jack took the opportunity to also change.
He then went over to the kettle and filled it up. He pulled out two cups, and prepared a cup of coffee for both of them.
Jo ventured out slowly.
"Coffee?" asked Jack.
"Yeah, ah.."
"White with one, I know." Jack smiled at her. "Hey, aren't they the pajamas you wore on duty once."
"Yeah- the night where I had to guard the guy, and didn't get overtime." replied Jo bitterly.
Jo lay down on the bed. "Mmmm.... something tell's me I got the raw end of the deal here!"
Several momments later, Jack wandered over with the two steaming mugs. He placed them on the night stand next to
Jo.
"There you go." He said quietly. But there was no response. Jo was sound asleep.
He studied her for a momment. He then pulled the blanket over her fondly, then walked round to the couch. He walked
over to a cupboard and pulled out a pillow and a blanket. He finished off his coffe, then lay down, quickly falling asleep.
********
Jack and Jo's Room
2:00am
Jo had awoken a while ago, and couldn't fall asleep again. She'd fallen asleep earlier she realised. And Jack had let her
sleep, and accepted the couch. It was so sweet of him,she'd decided. She lay on her side, and could see Jack, fast
asleep, facing her. He didn't snore, but was breathing steadily. She couldn't understand how Jack could sleep on the stiff
couch. She knew she hadn't been looking forward to it. He really was so nice her. She often wondered why he was like
that. A little part of her mind kept suggesting he had feeling for her. But she was push the thought away, and conceed
that he was just like that, and would do it for anybody. But if she honest......
********
Jack and Jo's Room.
3:00am
Now Jack lay awake. Jo had just turned over in her sleep, unconciously turning to give him a full view of her sleeping
body. She lay, with her hair out, with a few stray strands falling gently across her face, her legs bent, and tucked up in a
small ball. He breathed in deeply, trying not to wake her, but trying to control his ragging feelings. Steady Lawson... he
told himself.
********
Outside Jack and Jo's Room.
9:00am
"Jack! Jo!" Tess called, while banging on the door.
The noise awoke Jack with a start. He looked around to see that Jo hadn't moved from her position last night. He
wondered what the noise was.
"Aren't you two up yet?" called Tess from outside the door.
Jack got up slowly, and his bare feet paded gently to the bed, whre he shook Jo gently. "Jo..."
Jo awoke slowly, rolling over, and muttering to herself. She rubbed her eyes, then realised where she was. She sat up
quickly.
"Morning to you too!" said Jack.
"Hello??" called Tess, still knocking on the door.
"I should get that huh" said Jo hurriedly. She jumped up, and practically ran to the door.
She opened it quickly. "Morning Tess."
"Morning... look I'll leave you two to get dressed, and meet you in the bistro for breakfast."
Tess walked away, quickly, giggling inside. Although proffesionally, she should discourage the scene she had just
witnessed, she couldn't help but laugh. They looked like a married couple!
Part 3: The Trip To Melbourne
*******
Tess Galagher's House
5:45pm
*BEEP* *BEEP*
Tess looked up from her suitcase. Her ride was here.
She quickly grabbed everything she had pulled out- and tossed it in haphazardly.
She ran into the small kitchen. She pulled out a notepad quickly, and searched for a pen.
*DING* *DONG*
'Just a sec!' called Tess.
She grabbed the marker she had found, and scribbled a quick note to Ben, with her mobile phone number on it.
She picked up the little kitten, "Bye sweetie,"
"Ah-hem!" Tess looked up to see Jo and Jack looking at her. "The door was open... so we..."
"Nah, it's okay. Just saying goodbye to Mitsi."
Jo and Jack looked confused, but then saw the ball of fluff in Tess's hands.
"Aw... cute!" cooed Jack.
"Mmm..." said Jo, stepping back, shaking her head, "I'm aler..... ACH-OOW... allergic."
Tess and Jack laughed at her.
"Come-on." Said Jo, grinning sheepishly.
********
Western Ring Road
9:45pm
Tess looked into the rear vision mirror, and saw Jack sleeping soundly in the back seat.
"Jo!" she whispered quietly. "Look at Jack!"
Jo turned around and saw him. It had been a long drive, so it didn't surprise her, that he had fallen asleep. They'd all
taken turns at driving, only stopping to change over. Jo desperately longed to stretch her legs. She remembered the
conversation that she'd had with Jack earlier. Jack announced that long car rides didn't affect him, and Jo had found it
difficult to believe. Now was her chance to prove him wrong!
"Ooh! I have an idea!"
She opened the glove box, and fumbled around.
"What are you doing?" asked Tess, looking over.
"You concentrate on the road!"
"All right..."
A few moments later she pulled out her camera. She flicked it on, and clicked the flash on it.
"Say cheese!" she said quietly to herself.
The flash awoke Jack, with a start. "Huh...what?"
Jo grinned cheekily at him. "Gotcha!"
********
CityLink Exit to Pascoe Vale
10:00pm
"Anybody hungry?" asked Jack from the back, whom was now fully awake.
"Hhmmm..." agreed Tess, "Anyone for Macca's drive thru?" she pointed at the alluminated 'Golden Arches,' ahead.
"Sure, I'll shout!" replied Jack.
"So what do we all want?" asked Jo.
"I'll have a Medium Chicken Meal." said Tess.
"Large Mac Meal for me." said Jack.
"Ah... McValue Snack." said Jo quietly. "With an OJ thanks."
"Oh... big eater!" teased Jack.
"I wouldn't be complaining- you're paying"
Tess slowed to a stop at the speaker box.
"Welcome to McDonalds Pascoe Vale. Can I take you're order please?" came the cheery voice.
Tess read the order to the voice.
"Drive thru thanks."
"I can never understand how someone can sound so cheery!" announced Jo. "After working for ages, tell me you
wouldn't be over it."
Tess stopped the car at the window, and they waited.
And waited.
"I wonder what's going on?" said Jack, impatiently.
Suddenly a tired teenager appeared at the window. "Sorry about that." she apologized, "Your order is a Medium Chicken
Meal, McValue Snack with a Medium Orange Juice, and Large Mac Meal. Are you interested in purchasing an Olympic
Mascot Baby Plush Toy with you're order?" she asked cheerily.
"What ever, happened to, 'would you like Fries with that'..." Tess searched for girl's uniform for a name, "No thanks Lizi."
"Okay, that's $13.95 thank-you."
Tess grabbed the money from Jack, and handed her the $20 note.
"And out of $20 it's $6.05 change. Drive through to the next window thank you."
The girl closed the window, and ran off.
"Must be busy!" declared Jo, as they drove to the next window.
They peered into another closed window. They saw Lizi running around within the store. She then came across to the
window, and placed a bag down on a table. She then went to her left to grab the drinks.
She then opened the window, "Sorry to keep you waiting." she passed the bag to Tess.
"All on your own tonight?"
"Yeah, the other's are on front counter tonight." She passed Tess the drinks. "There you are. See you later. "
She closed the window, and tore off again.
"See what I mean? She's having a cow of a night. Yet, she's all 'Hi, how are you?'" grinned Jo.
******
Part 4: The motel.
******
Pascoe Vale Hotel.
10:15pm
Jo jumped out, and ventured into the Reception.
"G'day!" she called to the little man sitting behind the desk.
"Mmm," He grunted in response. "What name."
"Ah... we're from Mt. Thomas Police, you apparently have two rooms for us."
"Mmm," he grunted again. "Badge."
Jo whipped out her freddy to the rude man.
"One single. One double. Keys." he tossed the keys on the counter.
"Thanks..."
Jo grabbed the keys, and escaped out of the stuffy room. She saw Jack and Tess leaning against her car bonnet, and
walked over. They grabbed their bags, and followed the signs towards their rooms.
As they approached the door, Jo tossed one set of keys at Tess. "These are yours- I think. The bloke didn't say which
was which. "
Tess placed the key into the keyhole to open the door. She walked in, turning on the light. Her eyes widened when she
saw the double bed. "Hey guys- this one is yours!" she called.
She walked casually out, and tapped Jack on the shoulder. "Have a good night guys!"
The younger constables wandered into the room, and Jo dropped her bags when she saw the room. It contained a
kitchenette in one corner, a table, a double bed, with a TV with a stand. There was another room, with it's door opened
revealling a bathroom.
"It's probably just two singles rolled together," said Jack optimisitically. He got down on his hands and knees to inspect
the bed. Jo joined him. They weren't going to be that lucky.
"Umm... maybe there's been a mistake..." said Jo.
"Doubt it. " replied Jack. "Looks like we're sharing! Which do you prefer, left or right?"
"Umm..."
Stop it Parrish! Jo told herself. This isn't worrying Jack, why should it bother you? What does it matter, it's not like you're
attracted to him or anything.
"It's okay. I'll take the couch."
Jack looked around, and for the first time noticed the stiff looking couch next to the door. Jo picked up her bag,and
dragged it over. She pulled out the famous 'Elmo' Pjs, and ventured into the bathroom.
Jack took the opportunity to also change.
He then went over to the kettle and filled it up. He pulled out two cups, and prepared a cup of coffee for both of them.
Jo ventured out slowly.
"Coffee?" asked Jack.
"Yeah, ah.."
"White with one, I know." Jack smiled at her. "Hey, aren't they the pajamas you wore on duty once."
"Yeah- the night where I had to guard the guy, and didn't get overtime." replied Jo bitterly.
Jo lay down on the bed. "Mmmm.... something tell's me I got the raw end of the deal here!"
Several momments later, Jack wandered over with the two steaming mugs. He placed them on the night stand next to
Jo.
"There you go." He said quietly. But there was no response. Jo was sound asleep.
He studied her for a momment. He then pulled the blanket over her fondly, then walked round to the couch. He walked
over to a cupboard and pulled out a pillow and a blanket. He finished off his coffe, then lay down, quickly falling asleep.
********
Jack and Jo's Room
2:00am
Jo had awoken a while ago, and couldn't fall asleep again. She'd fallen asleep earlier she realised. And Jack had let her
sleep, and accepted the couch. It was so sweet of him,she'd decided. She lay on her side, and could see Jack, fast
asleep, facing her. He didn't snore, but was breathing steadily. She couldn't understand how Jack could sleep on the stiff
couch. She knew she hadn't been looking forward to it. He really was so nice her. She often wondered why he was like
that. A little part of her mind kept suggesting he had feeling for her. But she was push the thought away, and conceed
that he was just like that, and would do it for anybody. But if she honest......
********
Jack and Jo's Room.
3:00am
Now Jack lay awake. Jo had just turned over in her sleep, unconciously turning to give him a full view of her sleeping
body. She lay, with her hair out, with a few stray strands falling gently across her face, her legs bent, and tucked up in a
small ball. He breathed in deeply, trying not to wake her, but trying to control his ragging feelings. Steady Lawson... he
told himself.
********
Outside Jack and Jo's Room.
9:00am
"Jack! Jo!" Tess called, while banging on the door.
The noise awoke Jack with a start. He looked around to see that Jo hadn't moved from her position last night. He
wondered what the noise was.
"Aren't you two up yet?" called Tess from outside the door.
Jack got up slowly, and his bare feet paded gently to the bed, whre he shook Jo gently. "Jo..."
Jo awoke slowly, rolling over, and muttering to herself. She rubbed her eyes, then realised where she was. She sat up
quickly.
"Morning to you too!" said Jack.
"Hello??" called Tess, still knocking on the door.
"I should get that huh" said Jo hurriedly. She jumped up, and practically ran to the door.
She opened it quickly. "Morning Tess."
"Morning... look I'll leave you two to get dressed, and meet you in the bistro for breakfast."
Tess walked away, quickly, giggling inside. Although proffesionally, she should discourage the scene she had just
witnessed, she couldn't help but laugh. They looked like a married couple!