The bits in italic are borrowed from the episode 'Return Of The Hunter' were Smithy returns as part of SO19, only to find his sergeant and friend Bob Cryer had been taken hostage by an irate father.

Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks – Part 3

Smithy stood by the door, looking around the classroom, taking in the pictures on the wall, the row of coats and bags, the blackboard with the last lesson still written on it. It all seemed so familiar, like he'd been there before, he looked behind him, seeing Gina and a man speaking animatedly, frowning to himself.

"80 per cent shot…"

"Hold back Constable…"

"What they playing at?"

Smithy shook his heads and frowned a little, his gaze settling on the windows across from them, squinting a little to look out past the tissue paper and drawings covering the glass.

"That's my old mate in there…"

"Sergeant!"

Gina's voice cut through Smithy's thoughts, causing him to look at her. "Ma'am?"

"Problem?"

Smithy shook his head quickly, moving closer to Gina's side. "No ma'am."

"Mr Henderson's just going, aren't you sir…?"

The man in front of them pursed his lips and looked at Gina, before giving a slight nod, moving in front of them.

"He's going to speak to the courts." Gina started to follow, Smithy behind her. "I told him we'd do what we could to help."

"Of course." Smithy said firmly, pursing his lips.

Gina watched her sergeant for a few seconds, the small group nearing the main entrance. "Can we drop you off at home, Mr Henderson?" She asked, wanting to make sure he was off the premises.

James Henderson shook his head. "My car's outside." He looked around them, taking a step towards Smithy. "Craig?"

A small boy looked up as he passed with a teacher, the teacher's eyes growing wide as she pulled the child towards her, trying to pull him along.

"Craig!"

"Dad!"

"Where is she now?"

Marilyn looked up, watching Amanda pace in front of her. "Canley Primary as far as I know, ma'am."

"She came back from there hours ago!" Amanda scowled a little. "She should-"

"There was a disturbance, ma'am." Marilyn frowned. "That's all I know."

"No doubt they'll be having extended refs!" Amanda turned, stalking back up to her office.

"Get him out of here!" Gina shouted, helping Smithy hold James back, glaring at the dithering teacher who froze with Craig held to her. "GET HIM OUT!"

"Son!" James struggled in Smithy's hold, managing to get an arm free. "Craig!"

"DAD!" Craig tried to break free from his teacher's grasp to get to his father. "Daaaaad!" he yelped.

James swung his arm back, lashing out at Smithy, catching him with a lucky punch aimed at his jaw. Smithy staggered back a little, still holding him, James managing to lash out again and get free.

"DAD!"

Gina launched forward in a bid to catch Craig who was charging forward, her arm around his chest as James grabbed hold of her, pulling her to him. "Don't. Even. Think. It." James growled in her ear, pushing a hard metal barrel into her back.

"Ma'am!" Smithy moved to help her, Craig being pulled back by the teacher.

"Stay still!" Gina insisted, holding her hands up. "Don't move!"

Smithy frowned at the panicked look in Gina's eyes, catching on quick enough to grab hold of Craig, holding him tightly so he couldn't struggle.

"Give me my son." James looked at Smithy, taking one step closer.

"Get him out-" Gina stopped as she was pushed forward, the gun James was holding aimed at her back now moved to view.

"DAD!"

"Give me my son."

"No Smithy." Gina spoke as clearly as she could. "Get him out of here."

"MY SON!" James' voice rose sharply and he dragged Gina back with him as he heard noises, pointing the gun at the nearest classroom. "Get in there…"

"Mr Henderson!" Smithy swallowed. "I can't let-"

"Get in there," James glared again, pressing the gun against Gina's temple, his arm across her neck. "Now."