A/N: If anyone can pull off being a loony toon, it's you, Claire. Okay, this is my last sort of happy chapter. It's got a bit out of hand, I don't like things on an even keel for long. I have something big in store next chapter. I'll try to get it up Sunday. Fingers crossed.

'As I'm sure many of you are aware, yesterday some unsettling facts about one of our former colleagues came to light.' Adam Okaro looked around the canteen, probably checking all eyes were on him. Despite knowing much more than the Superintendent was willing to part with, Sam was listening intently, just to hear what the official was going to be. It was probably going to be a whitewash of some kind, as she was sure the entire investigation as to how David Kent managed to get a job under a false name was going to be.

'A man managed to join the service under a false identity,' Okaro went on. 'Then used his position to abuse more than one officer at the station and possibly numerous members of the public. PC Kerry Young was raped by David Kent, though she didn't report it at the time. Along with a catalogue of other crimes, Kent confessed to this last night. It also transpired that Kerry, despite what was thought otherwise by some, was not leaking information to Jason Hardy, the Sun Hill sniper. David Kent and Hardy shared a military background so it appears he was more than likely the leak.'

The reaction to that was enormous. Sam saw Smithy in the corner, looking a mix of satisfied and angry, staring resolutely at the Super as the whispers around him intensified.

'I realise this is a shock but if I could continue,' Adam said loudly and the voices quickly ceased. 'We've all experienced the lies of David Kent in some form or another and some lives around here he has irreparably damaged. However, I hope that, as a station, we can rise above it. Any mistrust among ourselves would be letting this man win, I don't want that and I'm sure none of you do either. Thank you.'

As the Superintendent disappeared the canteen exploded with voices. Sam, though, was carefully avoiding contact with anyone as she made her way to the exit- people asking about Sheelagh's health wasn't what she wanted at that moment. They were starting to move on, a reminder that Sheelagh was fragile would have some ridiculous effect such as making her think she'd taken advantage of her the previous day.

She'd already been assured she hadn't, firstly by the way Sheelagh had acted but also because it felt so right. Anything that felt so perfect couldn't be unreciprocated.

Almost at the door, she was irritated when her shoulder was tapped. Until she saw who it was anyway. 'Oh, Gina. Everything alright?'

'Got time for a drink in my office?'

Hmm, scathing looks from Manson or a drink with a friend? 'Sure.'

A few minutes later the pair were stationed in the Inspector's office, both with a glass in hand. It was Gina who broke the silence. 'How's Sheelagh?'

Since this was one person who had a legitimate part in proceedings and therefore the right to ask, Sam smiled. 'Much better. We've hit a smooth piece of road.'

'You seem happy,' observed Gina.

'I am. Well, we both are. Kent's confession means that Sheelagh won't have to testify in court, she can move on.'

'It won't be as easy as you think. Something like this, it can scar a person.'

'I know all that. But we're together now, she's not dealing with it on her own, I'm there for her.'

'As long as you're sure.' Gina smiled as she downed her drink but it seemed a little too watery for Sam's tastes. She had some new food for thought.

Sheelagh surveyed the cardboard box empire that was now where her son's room used to be. 'You certainly are prepared. How long have you been waiting to tell me?'

He grinned sheepishly as he finished loading his shirts into a laundry bag. 'Few weeks. I'm sorry, Mum, I was just...'

'I understand,' she interrupted. 'This is just happening a little quickly, that's all.'

'I don't have to go now. I mean, I could wait a while if you need me.'

'You'll lose the flat-share,' answered Sheelagh. 'Honestly, everything's going to be fine. Now, you need to start thinking properly. This place will need a clean.'

His eyes lit up. 'So you'll do it for me?'

'Oh, no. As I'm being constantly reminded these days, you're an adult and it's time you learned the things that go along with that. Go downstairs, check the cupboard under the sink. Okay?'

It was obviously not the reaction he'd been hoping for but he shrugged, a sign in Sheelagh's eyes of how much more he'd matured in the last few years. As he thudded down the stairs she followed slowly meaning that she was passing the door as it was knocked on.

'Hi,' Sam smiled as she opened it. 'I was passing, found I couldn't.'

That was great to hear but as she closed the door she remembered her son. 'Connor's in the kitchen.'

'It's probably a good thing,' said Sam as she quickly kissed her. 'I am supposed to be working.'

'Am I a distraction then?'

'The biggest.'

Footsteps indicated Connor's return but he wasn't carrying bottles of detergent as she'd expected, instead there were two wine glasses in his hands. 'Oh, hi, Samantha. Mum, I found these behind the pipes.'

Suddenly recognising what they could be, Sheelagh glanced at Sam. After all, she must have been the one to tidy them away though the sink seemed a strange place to put them. Seeing them was bringing back some painful recollections of that night, Gabriel's manner more than anything. He'd been so calm, even when it was clear what he'd been planning all along. Why did that scare her the most, not the fact that he'd raped her, more the intricacies of Gabriel... no, David Kent's mind?

The shock must have shown. Despite Connor's presence, Sam put her arm around her shoulders. 'I'm sorry. I forgot about them.'

'What's going on?' Connor questioned. 'Mum?'

'Throw them,' instructed Sheelagh shakily. 'Don't ask. Just do it. Then carry on with your packing.'

He looked close to argument but seemed to think better of it. As he disappeared, Sheelagh felt herself guided into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Samantha was looking concerned. 'I put them there when I came back for your clothes that night. They could have been useful, evidence-wise. With everything, it slipped my mind.'

'It doesn't matter, I'm fine.'

'If you think I believe that, you're out of your mind.'

'Compliments won't get you anywhere.' Seeing the genuine anxiety, she relented a little. 'It surprised me a bit, alright? That's all it was, I promise.'

'It takes time to get over something like this. I don't want you feeling like you can't talk to me, I'm here for you.'

'Sam, please, I'm aware of everything. And I don't need special treatment. I'm trying to forget it.'

The detective took her hand. 'If you say so.'

'I do.'

'How are you fixed for dinner tonight? I'll cook.'

'You cook? I lived with you a week, I didn't know that.'

Sam shrugged. 'I'll get a takeaway.'