A/N: Can I just say a really big thanks for the response I've had with this. I was having a little trouble with it but all your encouragement's helped. Let's just say, I know where I'm going for the next ten chapters at least. Cheers all.

'If uniform had done their job properly, we wouldn't be out searching for a mad woman,' Phil complained loudly.

Sam glanced over to where Sheelagh Murphy was standing a few yards away with a neighbour. 'Phil, leave it.'

'I'm just saying.'

'Well, don't.'

The house had been clear, no sign of Mrs Levison or any blood that would have been left from such a vicious attack. The obvious conclusion was that it had happened elsewhere.

'Sarge!' Sheelagh approached them. 'The Levison's own a garage round the back. Number twelve.'

'Good work, Sheelagh. You come with me. Phil, take a few uniform round the other way in case she makes a run for it.'

A few minutes later the duo found the garage along with a crimson trail leading toward it. Sheelagh kneeled down. 'Blood.'

Sam nodded then pulled open the garage door.

It was pitch black in there. Trying to focus she took a few steps into the gloom, hearing Sheelagh beside her do the same. Shapes were starting to appear though little else and, despite straining to her ears, she couldn't hear a thing.

Sheelagh edged a little closer, Sam could understand why, it was much too dark for her liking.

'Who's there?' The voice was trembling.

'Mrs Levison, this is PC Murphy. We spoke this morning, do you remember?'

The woman came forward allowing Sam to see the knife shaking in her hands. 'Jack?'

Sheelagh stepped forward an inch. 'He's in hospital. They think he'll be alright. We could take you to see him.'

'I didn't mean to hurt him, I just... Why did you have to come interfering?'

'You can't pretend we started this. It had been going on a while, hadn't it?'

'He never knew when to stop talking but I never meant to hurt him!'

'Why don't you tell me what happened, hmm?' Sheelagh asked gently.

'He was just going on and on about what I was doing and the knife was just there and...'

'Okay, okay,' Sheelagh broke into the growing hysterics. 'Now, Mrs Levison, listen to me carefully. We'll be able to help you but only if you give up that knife right now.'

'No, I can't.'

Samantha watched as her colleague yet again moved closer to the trembling woman. 'Sheelagh...'

'It's fine,' she answered. 'You're not going to hurt anyone are you, Mrs Levison?'

'I'm scared.'

'I know. But everything will be much clearer once you put down the knife.'

'You're right, I know that.' The figure let the knife drop to her waist. 'I really didn't...'

'It's alright,' Sheelagh silenced as she approached carefully. 'We'll talk about it later.'

Just as Sheelagh reached the woman a noise behind Sam startled them all. Phil had come running into the garage. As Mrs Levison raised the knife dangerously close to Sheelagh's abdomen Sam dived forward knocking the weapon well clear.

Hauling the now sobbing Mrs Levison to her feet she glared angrily at Phil. 'What the hell are you playing at?'

'I thought you were in trouble!'

'Take her.' Sam passed the prisoner to me before turning to Sheelagh, holding out a hand to assist her. 'Are you alright?'

'Yes, fine. Really.'

'Sorry, he shouldn't have done that.'

Sheelagh smiled. 'At least it means I'm not the only one to have messed up today.'

'The only thing you were guilty of was not listening to yourself. And next time don't listen to Gabriel Kent.'

Later that day Samantha joined Gina Gold in her office for a drink, something they did occasionally.

'You look like you need it,' Gina pointed out as she poured. 'Bad day?'

'No more than usual.'

'Really?'

Knowing Gina could read her, she shrugged. 'You heard about the Levison incident?'

'Yeah, I heard Sheelagh handled it well.'

'She was brilliant, Gina. Calmed her down brilliantly.'

'So what's the problem?'

Sam sighed. 'It shouldn't have got that far.'

'We've all had situations like that. You just have to learn from the mistake.'

'I doubt he will,' she muttered.

Gina looked at her curiously. 'Who are you talking about?'

'Oh, no one.'

'That tells me it's one of my relief,' Gina replied shrewdly. 'Who?'

She'd managed to well and truly trap herself. 'Gabriel Kent.'

'Now, why doesn't that surprise me? What did he do?'

'I think he railroaded Sheelagh into not following up the disturbance at the Levison's this morning.'

Gina's face hardened. 'So he was responsible for the mess today?'

'In part, I suppose.'

'Knowing Gabriel, more than in part. I don't want him bringing Sheelagh down to his level, she's too good an officer.'

'Yeah, she is.' Sam downed her drink. 'Right, I have to go.'

'Oh?'

'I'm going for a drink with Phil.'

The Inspector choked. 'Hunter?'

'Yep.'

'Rather you than me.'

'It'll be fine.'

'It will be as long as you don't take your eyes off him.'