AN: Roobhab, in answer to your question on one of the other fics - My fics don't flow in any particular order, unless otherwise stated. Charlie is a character I made up for roleplaying on random TB RP sites, and she seemed a natural progression to be a fic character. None of my fics are continuation of any others, unless otherwise mentioned in their summaries – there are three that are a series :o)
Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
"So how're you feeling now?" Smithy appeared behind Gina, holding a file full of what she assumed was work, his trademark smirk flicking over his lips.
"You know me, Sergeant." Gina glanced up, "As fabulous as ever." Truth be known Gina was tired, but she wasn't going to admit it, not even to Smithy. "What are you doing now?" she asked almost suspiciously.
"These came for you." Smithy held out the file and grinned. "From Canley Primary."
Gina blinked, looking confused, before glancing inside, a small smile forming as she pulled out the makeshift cards inside, one from each of the children in the year group she'd been speaking to this morning.
"One of the teachers dropped them in." Smithy continued, "Thought you'd like to see them before you get cornered by Prosser the Tos-"
"Thank you Smithy." Gina cut him off with a smirk. "Run along," she gestured with one hand. "Before you get cornered for overtime." She tutted. "Can't have you working now, can we!"
"I work!" Smithy insisted, playfully teasing her. "Don't want to overdo it; you'll expect it everyday..."
Gina smirked and watched Smithy walk away, carrying the folder to her office, sitting beside the desk with a cigarette and cup of coffee, before emptying the file onto the desk, flicking through the cards the children had made, smiling at each message.
Earlier that morning, Gina had been on a school visit with Amber, as part of the children's career week. They'd taken questions and given demonstrations, showing the children how to use the ASP's and handcuffs etc. Gina had initially been dreading the assembly, especially with Amber of all people, attempting to swap her for Smithy, before being told by Amanda that it wasn't possible.
Amanda Prosser. Another thorn in Gina's side, taking credit for Gina's initiatives, and ideas – and even for her work; passing off reports as her own work. Gina had dismissed her irritation as pointless, knowing she'd battled worse witches than Prosser in her time and won. All it took was time, effort and patience – after all, revenge is best served cold, there was no fun if the recipient was expecting it.
"Oi!" Rebecca sat on the floor behind the front desk, waiting for Charlie to finish work, clutching a book as she flicked through the thick pages, "Oi!"
"Shhh, sweetheart." Charlie glanced down, bending over to settle Rebecca with a toy, before straightening, coming face to face with Amanda. "Ma'am…" She acknowledged, preparing herself for the obvious rollicking she was about to receive.
"What is she doing here?" Amanda pointed at Rebecca. "No children are allowed on police premises whil-"
"I know ma'am." Charlie cut in. "I finished half an hour ago – I was just finishing typing something up for Inspector Gold, because Marilyn's stuck in traffic."
Amanda raised an eyebrow, tilting her head a little. "That doesn't explain why-"
"Rebecca?" Charlie gestured. "She's been here 5 minutes, my mum works in the afternoons, she couldn't keep her whilst Maz got in and-"
"In future, arrange your childcare so it doesn't interfere with your work. I don't want to see her in the station again!" Amanda reprimanded, walking off, leaving Charlie staring behind her.
"I did!" Charlie scoffed, more to herself than anyone else, looking up as Smithy walked through. "What is that woman's problem?"
"Time of the-" Smithy trailed off, knowing better than to finish, especially with the glare Charlie was giving him. "What's she done now?"
"Daddy!" Rebecca pulled herself up on hearing Smithy's voice, attempting to move to see him, stumbling back as she landed on the floor, scowling to herself. "Daddy?"
Smithy leant over the desk and grinned down at Rebecca, "What's she doing here?" he asked, letting himself behind the desk, holding his arms out to pick her up as she toddled to him.
"Marilyn's stuck behind a RTA on Trafford Way, and I can't leave the desk unoccupied – mum's working as of 15 minutes ago, so I thought Rebecca could stay here with me – just whilst I covered for her, it's not like we're busy – and she's fine down there…."
"Alright." Smithy held his hand up, cutting her off. "You want me to have a word?"
"No point." Charlie scowled. "She'll only moan more about me not being able to fight my own battles." She pouted petulantly, "Though if you want to shoot her-"
"That stopped being funny 2 years ago." Smithy narrowed his eyes, cuddling Rebecca as she patted his cheek, turning in his arms to look round the office. Charlie smiled and watched them, taking Rebecca's hand as she offered it, leaning her head on Smithy's shoulder.
"You watch her come in now and accuse me of distracting you." She sighed, turning her face into his neck to press as soft kiss against his skin.