"I…err…" she mumbled, somewhat confused.
"What…" said Jo, turning over and staring blearily at the face above her.
"Oh," said Diane, quickly waking up, "Sorry…I just couldn't remember where I was…"
"Hey…" laughed Jo, raising herself on her elbows, "It's ok…"
Diane smiled and dropped a kiss onto Jo's lips.
"What time do you need to be back?"
"Err…shift starts at 8. What's the time?"
"10 to 7. You have ages. What do you want to do…" she trailed off, smiling subtly.
Jo raised an eyebrow.
"Is that such a good idea? I mean…do you regret…"
"No! But, on a different note, I probably should get into work today…"
"You ready?" asked Jo, concern showing in her voice.
Diane nodded.
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"Have a great day," smiled Diane, stroking Jo's leg gently as she got out of the car, "Pick me up at 6?"
Jo nodded.
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"Jo…"
"Sarge," nodded Jo.
"You know the victim of the mugging yesterday- Diane Lloyd?"
"Yes, that's all sorted isn't it?"
"Oh, yes. Thing is, we found the bag…not the contents, but the bag itself. Wondering if you'd accompany me to the hospital to drop it off?"
"Sure. I'll drive."
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"So how come you know your way so well to this area of Holby?" asked Sam.
"Erm…" said Jo, biting her lip.
Sam laughed.
"Oh, it's not suspicious. I was just interested!"
Jo grinned tensely, concentrating on the road. Anything to save her blushes. She parked the car and followed Sam into the building.
"DS Samantha Nixon and DC Jo Masters, Sun Hill. We're here to see Miss Diane Lloyd," said Sam to the doctor standing by the door.
"Connie Beauchamp, cardiothoracics. I think Miss Lloyd is in theatre. But I'll show you to her ward and you can find a seat. Shouldn't be too long…general surgery list for today is fairly easy going."
"Thanks," murmered Jo, following Sam and Mrs Beauchamp.
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"Miss Lloyd?" called Sam after a while, standing up and walking away. Jo bit her lip and followed, hoping that Diane would keep her mouth firmly shut.
"Yes? If you'll just excuse me…" she smiled at her patient being wheeled back from theatre.
"Problem?" she queried, looking at Sam.
"Oh, no. Myself and DC Masters were just here to drop off your bag. We were unable to retrieve any of the contents, I'm afraid."
"Oh, that's ok," said Diane softly, her eyes resting on Jo now she knew she was there.
"Listen, it's really kind of you to bring this out to me. I really appreciate it," Diane smiled, instinctively resting her hand on Jo's arm.
Jo's face flickered for a second, but she tried not to react. It seemed suspicious enough. She saw Sam's eyes dart down to Diane's hand and then back up again, still with the regulation smile on her face.
"Well, anyway, we need to be off…" said Sam suddenly, breaking the silence.
"Yes, well, thanks again."
Diane's eyes followed the two women as they left, resting on Jo just a little too long.
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"Jo…" murmured Sam eventually, on their way back to the station.
"Uhuh?"
"What was all that about?"
"Sorry, Sarge?"
"You know…Diane Lloyd. She just seemed very…familiar with you. I'm probably just being silly," laughed Sam.
Jo drew in a breath sharply and sighed, trying desperately not to let the colour get into her cheeks.
"Jo…" asked Sam again, "Oh, please tell me you and her…"
Jo brushed her hair off her face, sighing.
"Yes, all right? We did."
"She's a victim of crime. Not to mention "work." You shouldn't mix them…"
"Honey did," muttered Jo, angry at herself for saying anything.
"Jo," said Sam, talking as if to a young child, "You're a DC. You're expected to be professional…"
Jo let a tear fall subtly down her cheek. However much she wanted to tell Sam that she loved Diane, she knew it wouldn't earn her any respect. Work or Love…which was more important?