The next day Andrea had made a statement, and had talked to the Supt. Inspector Gold had announced in the briefing that the rumors that were going around where actually true and that they were now investigating a case of rape against one of there colleges which was making everyone determined to get a result. Andrea had talked to Chris and they were now back on speaking terms.
Neil had made this top priority which had taken a few people by surprise, cause usual he banged on about drugs and gun crime, rape was something he usual pushed on to CSU. But this time it was different, because this time it was personal.
Neil: Got any leads?
He walked up to Phil, Debbie and Ken. Who had been huddled in a group, all turned.
Ken: Well we haven't got much I'm afraid Gov.
Neil: And why not?
Phil: Well we've been to the road in which Andrea was attacked, we've got the scene examiners in the alley she was attacked but it's been over a week.
Ken: We've also checked the street for CCTV, but there noting, there's only one came from a shop that points in the opposite direction but that's it.
Neil: So?
They all looked at each other, Phil looked like he was about to say 'so what'.
Neil: Why are you all sitting on your back sides, I take it you think uniform will do all the work and you sit around doing nothing as usual.
Ken and Debbie looked at each other
Debbie: Eh Gov it's not that simple -
Neil: It never is though with you Debbie, it's always got to be a little to hard for, well maybe you should try and put some effort into it, if not to save your position in this department but the sake of your colleague. I want to see a new lead by the end of the day.
As he turned to wards his office, Debbie gave Ken a 'Why dose he always pick on me' look before leaving with him at her heels. Phil waited until they were out of the door before walking towards the DI's door. Neil sat down at his desk and breathed deeply before throwing half of his desk onto the floor to take some of the stress out of him. Phil stood outside his door his fist half raised when he heard the noise, he had to tread carefully. He knocked but there was no reply so he gently pushed open the door.
Phil: Gov.
Neil looked out of the window rather then at his DS. Phil came in and closed the door, he glanced at the files, paper, stapler and telephone which were now on the floor.
Phil: Having a spring clean?
He chuckled at his own joke, but got no response for Neil.
Phil: Look mate I now why your being like this
Neil: Being like what?
Phil: Well you and Andrea, look your bound to be upset -
Neil: I'm not upset.
Phil: Really? Well maybe's you should just cool it down a bit.
Neil: I'm perfectly cool
Phil: Yeah well it doesn't look like it.
Neil took a sigh
Phil: Look mate this isn't your fault.
Neil: Yes it is.
Phil: How? How can it be?
Neil: I stood her up Phil, if I hadn't then it wouldn't have happened.
Phil: You don't now that.
Every since he had walked in on Neil and Andrea ''de – briefing'' he had kept to his word by not telling anyone, but even he, who was known for using woman was a little surprised at why Neil was taking this so bad, if Andrea was only 'the bit on the side'
Phil: Your in love with her aren't you.
Neil: I think you've said enough DS Hunter.
Phil: You are.
Neil didn't look at him he new he should be denying this allegation, but he couldn't.
Neil: Yeah I love her.
It took Phil a second to absorb this information.
Phil: Well that explains why you've made this top priorate, but there talking about it Gov.
Neil: What?
Phil: Them.
He nods out of the office window into CID were Rob, Sam and Terry were.
Phil: There starting to suspect something.
Neil: How?
Phil: Well look at your track record, your hardly one for getting all worked up on a rape case.
Neil: I'm just trying to put this right.
Phil: Well you wont do it by working yourself to death.
He was still looking un convinced.
Phil: Look we'll get him gov, you've got the best dam team in Sun Hill remember.
He managed a smile, Phil had his hand on the door nobb,
Phil: Oh I'd clear that up if I were you, you don't want that lot thinking your losing it do you.
Phil disappeared out of the door before, Neil could reply. Neil would usual have gone after him and given him what for in the front of the whole of CID but not today, his mind was else where.
Andrea was out on foot with Gary, she had been right about one thing people were treating her different but it wasn't as bad as she thought however typical Gary, had to put his foot in it. They been walking up the high street for about 10mins in silence, Gary had been giving her side glances every five seconds since the start of the shift.
Andrea: Gary I'm not going to drop down dead.
She half laughed at the look on his face
Gary: Yeah I now it's just.
Andrea: What.
They both stopped and looked at each other.
Gary: Well are you sure you OK, you now coming back to work and everything.
Andrea: Yes I'm fine but don't worry, if I feel that I'm going to cry, vomit, faint, trip up, break down or even burst into sing song I will let you no.
She tapped him on the check and carried on walking, Gary behind her.
Gary: Oh no I didn't mean that well -
Andrea: Well? Look lets get this out in the open OK, I was assaulted, I was sexually assaulted, now I haven't lost my nerve, I'm still the same person and your not going to catch the lurgy.
Gary stud there stunned with his mouth open.
Andrea: Right, now that we've got that out in the open maybe we can move on ... and I'd close your gob, it un attractive.
She turned around and was about to continue walking when she saw a man run out of shop carrying a bag and a woman appear at the door way, shouting at him, she then spotted Gary and Andrea and shouted at them and they both ran after him.
Custody was buzzing as usual, Sheelagh and June were behind the desk trying to process the endless amount of prisoners coming in. Kerry and Tony, Reg and Steve stood in front of the desk Gabriel had also appeared when Andrea and Gary buzzed in with there theft.
Sheelagh: Oh great not another one!
June: What you got Gary?
Gary: Bag thief, Sgt.
Kerry and Tony bugged up to make space for them. After June had processed him, Gary took him off to stick him in an already over crowded cell.
Tony: Well I'll tell you one thing.
Kerry, Andrea, Steve, Gabriel, Reg, Shee and June looked up.
Tony: I'm glad I'm not on night shift, tonight.
Steve: All right don't rub it in.
Kerry: Don't worry Steve, we'll be thinking about you when your down the pub.
She and Andrea laughed.
Gabriel: Oh come on Steve, 'you now you love it' really
As everyone giggled Andrea foze, dead in her tracks.
Kerry: Are you OK?
Andrea stared at Gabriel, and then turned quickly and walked out of custody down the corridor. Everyone looked at each other before, Kerry went after her.
Kerry: Andy! Hey!
She grabbed her arm and walked in front of her to stop her.
Kerry: What's up?
Andrea stared at her.
Andrea: Nothing I'm, it's nothing.
She walked into the locker room Kerry behind.
Kerry: Oh sure it's nothing, you look like you've seen a ghost.
Andrea sat down on the bench looking down at her hands.
Kerry: Hey come on, what is it.
Andrea: It's just something Gabriel said.
Kerry: Oh ignore him his a parasite,
She spat, Andrea was a little surprised to her Kerry talk that what but carried on.
Andrea: When I was – when it happened.
Kerry didn't say anything, she hadn't expected her to start talking about this.
Andrea: I remember, being pushed side ways, and when he grabbed my arm he said something, and now I've just remembered what it is.
Kerry: What?
Andrea: He said - ''you now you love it'' – just like – he said it in the same low, deep voice.
She stopped.
Kerry: What are you saying?
Andrea: What if it was -
They looked at each other, each knowing what the other was thinking.
Andrea: But I'm being stupid.
She stud up and started paseing.
Kerry: No your not.
Andrea: Yes I am, I mean he's my colleague, he wouldn't.
Kerry: Wouldn't he, he's capable of anything.
Andrea: What?
Kerry: You think it was Gabriel, and am saying it's possible.
Andrea: What do you mean?
Kerry: Because he did it to me.