A/N: And, hey, I'm back. Thanks for the reviews and the ideas of murder, they're much appreciated.

'What did you just say?'

It was too late it back. Bracing herself, more for Sheelagh's eventual reaction than Gina's immediate one, Sam sighed heavily. 'You heard.'

'Are you..?' Gina composed herself. 'What the hell happened?'

'Sheelagh doesn't want anyone to know, she's not reporting it.'

'Oh, come on, Samantha! You can't be serious.'

She shrugged. 'It's not my decision.'

'The hell it isn't. I want you to tell me everything. Now.'

'Gina...'

'Now.'

A little sidestepping about the general truth was in order since Sheelagh was probably going to kill her as it was. 'I don't know much. She turned up on my doorstep, I let her in. Simple as.'

'I'm sure you can do better than that.'

'Gina, don't you think I want her to report it?'

'You haven't done a very good job of persuading her so far now have you?'

Sam stood, kicking her foot against the chair involuntarily. 'Forget it. Stay out of it.'

'This is one of my relief!'

'When has that ever made a difference?'

Quietness was daunting. Between her own large family, Patrick and the kids, not to mention the rowdy station lot she'd never noticed it before. In the living room of the Nixon household she could almost feel the silence swallowing her whole. It wasn't a pretty thought.

All day she'd been alone, too much time to think. Occasionally she wished she'd contested Sam's decision for her to take the day off work but then Gabriel would pop into her mind and, well... Nausea was the polite term for how she felt at that.

For the third time in as many hours the doorbell rang. The first time it had been a little boy selling raffle tickets, the second a Jehovah's Witness. This time Sheelagh was expecting someone selling double-glazing at the very least. It was amazing the number of people who thought Samantha Nixon's home looked like an inviting one.

Opening the door though she was shocked to see not a salesman but her new nemesis. Trying to slam it straight back in his face, she found a foot in the way. 'What do you want, Gabriel?'

'You.' As she flinched, he added, 'To talk.'

'We haven't got anything to discuss.'

'Why weren't you at work today? Why are you here?'

Again she tried to close the door but he blocked it. 'Move.'

'Not until you tell me what's going on.'

She stopped trying to force the wood. 'You know perfectly well.'

'Look, if it's about last night... If you regret it, that's fine. I understand. I'd just like to be told.'

'What? Gabriel, you...' Glancing along the street, she lowered her voice. 'You know as well as me what happened last night.'

'I should hope I do, I was there.'

It was unbelievable. As Sam pulled her car into her regular space she glanced left towards the house seeing Gabriel commanding her doorway. It took her less than a minute to make her presence know by stomping up the path. 'What the hell are you doing here?'

He didn't even have the decency to look surprised or worried. 'I wanted to see Sheelagh, Sarge.'

Glancing past him, Sam checked her friend was alright. Physically, yes, but she seemed shaken. 'You're not welcome here.'

'Look, I don't know what she's said but she's lying. Honestly.'

Any further calls of innocence were stopped by her slap. 'I want you off my property.'

Gabriel touched his cheek. 'That's assault. I could have you.'

Sam stared him out. 'Likewise.'

'Now why don't I believe that?'

As she felt a surge of anger she saw Sheelagh shake her head slightly. For once loyalty overrode hate. 'I won't ask you again.'

'That's funny. That's what she was saying last night.'

That tipped her over the edge. Lifting her knee and wiping the smug smirk off his face was one of the only things to make that day bearable. 'Get the picture now, Gabriel?'

It took him a minute to regain his composure, even then he looked defiant. 'She was practically begging me.'

Taking another lunge towards him, Sam found herself halted by Sheelagh's arms then heard a whisper in her ear. 'Please, don't.'

Immediately she stopped, grasping Sheelagh's hand tightly before watching Gabriel. 'Get out of here.'

'Going soft, Samantha?'

'Oi!'

Looking down the path, Sam saw Gina Gold, arms crossed. They locked eyes and suddenly Gina accepted the truth, her gaze moving to Gabriel who, for the first time, appeared worried.

Sheelagh seemed unsure what was going on. 'Ma'am, what are you doing here?'

The Inspector stared straight at PC Kent. 'Gabriel, hop it. Now.'

Nervously, Sam glanced at Sheelagh. 'I'm so sorry.'