"So what you gonna do?" asked Terry, swaying on his revolving chair when Ramani returned to the CID office. "Take her to the refuge?"
Ramani laughed hesitantly, "I don't think you want to know, Terry."
She went through to the DI's office and began to gather her things from her disastrously messy desk.
He'd been wondering when she'd return, why she'd taken so long, what the sod she thought she was doing. Well, actually, he had a few ideas. But he'd hoped she'd prove him wrong.
He followed her into her office.
"Tell me you're joking," he said.
"About what?"
"You know what I'm talking about. Aylesbury on the fly with Maggie. Don't go there again."
"Nice," said Ramani, and went on looking for her keys.
"Ramani. The best thing to do is hand it on to social services. Don't get involved."
"Terry. Don't."
"She's a case, Ramani. Not to mention an 'eadcase. We get dozens of her sort every week. Stick her in a refuge and deal wiv it tomorrow."
Ramani paused in her 'organising', put a hand to her forehead and sighed. "There's been a development."
Terry set his jaw firmly, sceptical. "What?"
"Did you notice her clothes, the way she wears her hair, her boots?"
"Yeah. So she's on the game and dressed by oxfam - where's the newsflash?"
Ramani scoffed, shaking her head. "I don't expect you to understand. Nor do I have to justify my actions to you."
"Turn it up. I didn't come down with the last shower - I'm your friend. I want you to be sensible, is all."
"You're gonna have to trust me, then."
She shoved her phone into her bag, shouldered it, and left the DI's office, switching off the light.
Terry emerged from the darkened office and went to sit back at his desk. But he couldn't stomach returning to the report he had to write. He flicked a paperclip at Jo. "Oi! Master!"
"Watch it. Or I'll turn you into a - hunk?" She laughed, flinging it back. "What was that word he used?"
"I dunno. I thought he said homo…someink," said Terry, and they both pissed themselves laughing.
"Poor old dear," sighed Jo.
"Listen, you up for a pint later at that new bar in Jamaica Lane? I think I've lost my date."
"Last minute substitute, is it? Story of me life."
"Is that a yes?"
"Course it is, you desperate bastard."
