A/N: Queen of obsessed, Claire? No one comes close to your standard really, do they? And I totally agree, Gem, not a good day. Think I might kick things up a notch and have the next few days turn into... oh, I don't know, a nightmare?

Almost a month later Sam went into work contemplating the day ahead.

Sheelagh had taken emergency leave the day after Sam had overheard the altercation between Gabriel and Lance. The anxiety had set in straight away and Sam's first port of call had been Inspector Gold's office. After a little bit of pressure Gina had admitted Sheelagh had some family problems, nothing more. The relief had been immediate.

Of course, she was still concerned for her colleague but there didn't seem to be any imminent problems so she'd focussed on her relationship with Phil. It was going well. For him to be the perfect gentleman for so long he had to consider it a serious thing. Despite his innuendos she'd resisted falling into bed with him at the first opportunity and he'd seemed to accept that. So, yes, it was going very well.

She did have a favour to ask of him though, one which she'd decided would be better approached in a work environment. As in a place where he couldn't blow up about it.

He looked up suspiciously when she'd said good morning. 'Why do I get the feeling you're gonna ask me something?'

'Your coppers mind maybe.'

'Mmm, nice try. Come on, Sam, what is it?'

She sat down. 'What's your rule on double dates?'

He shrugged. 'As long as it's not Steve and his latest slapper it's alright.'

'So, Sheelagh Murphy and Gabriel Kent?'

'You what? Tell me you're joking.'

'I thought it might be nice.'

'Better than going down the dentist and having your teeth pulled?'

'Phil, come on,' she said sweetly. 'For me.'

He exhaled deeply. Alright, alright. But I thought you didn't like the guy.'

'I don't. That's the point.'

'You know, I was worried when you took leave. Thought you'd gone off me or something.'

'Oh, I'm sorry,' Sheelagh smiled. 'Patrick was in such a state after the crash, I couldn't leave him.'

'He's alright now though?'

'Once he started criticising my cleaning I know it was fine for me to go home.'

'You didn't answer my calls though,' Gabriel persisted.

'To be honest I needed some thinking time. I wanted to work out whether this was going anywhere.'

'And is it?'

'I think it might be.'

'Gina, have you seen Sheelagh?'

The Inspector looked up from her desk. 'She's out on patrol with Gabriel, why?'

Her face probably visibly sank but she attempted a cover. 'Just needed her expertise on a case.'

'Really?'

'Mmm, thought she might know one of the suspects.'

Gina sighed. 'Sam, come in here a minute.'

Closing the office door behind her, Sam took the chair opposite the Inspector's. 'What is it?'

'You've very interested in Sheelagh Murphy all of a sudden.'

'I'm not sure I know what you mean.'

'Samantha, this is me you're talking to. What's going on?'

'I'm concerned, that's all.'

'Why?'

She hesitated. 'What do you know about Gabriel Kent?'

'Not as much as I'd like.'

'Is he the kind of man Sheelagh should be with?'

Gina raised an eyebrow. 'There's something I haven't heard.'

'Do you trust him?'

'Oh, about as much as I trust Phil Hunter.'

'Very funny.'

'Who's joking?'

'Gina, seriously. Is he going to hurt her?'

'I'm sure Sheelagh can look after herself. Even if Gabriel is trouble, what's it got to do with you?'

'I care.'

'It's easier not to.'

Sam stood. 'Can you tell Sheelagh I'm looking for her?'

Her first day back had been thankfully uneventful. Aside from one angry drunk who Gabriel had restrained it had been an average day on foot patrol. The company had been nice, that was the most important thing.

She was caught by Inspector Gold as she was going off-shift, apparently Samantha wanted to see her. After a little search she located her by the water cooler in the top corridor. 'I got the message you wanted to see me, Sarge?'

Sam spun around. 'Enough with the formalities, Sheelagh.'

'Okay. So, what did you want?'

The detective appeared hesitant. 'How do you feel about coming out to dinner with me and Phil, with Gabriel, of course?'

Usually able to take things in her stride, Sheelagh found herself at a bit of a loss. 'Sorry?'

'Oh, it was just a thought.' Sam leaned down to fill her plastic cup.

'No, no, I just... When were you thinking of?'

'Tomorrow night?'

'That'd be nice.'