All good things come to those who wait a bit longer. Finally chapter 11. Honestly plot is as flimsy as a Hollyoaks story, but you're not here for that (I hope)

He's stunned. Only his awareness of his body's reaction allows him to believe it was real, that he hadn't hallucinated and indulged in a fantasy. She's never been like that in his dreams, and he's never been so bewitched

Dempsey runs his hands over his face, even if he wants to run them elsewhere, and stands. He gives himself a few moments, and by sheer will, he gets it together. Buttoning up his jacket, he is determined to walk straight out, cool as ever on the outside.

He waits until he's sat in the privacy of his car before beating his hands in frustration on the steering wheel. For the first time in his life, he lets forth a howl. Dempsey doesn't yell over broads, but then he's had the upper hand in the past. Instigate the moves and left them hanging, all het up and needing his touch.

His hands itch for Harry.

It's an epiphany of sorts. He does nothing, and he'll watch her marry some chinless Brit. If he confesses what she means and he has to leave, well he tried. If she feels anything for him, it's worth the risk.

Against his better judgment, he returns to his hotel and vows to tell her that night.

XXXXX

She wakes up at 10. Her sleep, like it has been of late, is from sheer exhaustion after hours of surviving on her wits. If it weren't for the room around her, she'd think it was a weekend morning in London. She might forget about Marilyn and Sharon, her confused identities, but she can't forget that last night, she kissed her partner and almost screwed him.

What on earth will happen next? It's Dempsey; he won't forget it. Neither can she, but she's Harry. Not a stripper.

She distracts herself with tea and a plate of toast. What to do about Starlight? She takes a breath; what would Dempsey do? She'd have to talk him down from punching an MP first, but he'd weigh up the case. She thinks back to Edwards and his attempts to devalue her partner through reputation and finds her answer.

Harry waits for the phone to pick up. She's still expecting Chas's enquiring tone or Spikings barking, 'Who is it?"

"Hello?"

"It's Sharon, reporting in."

"Are you alright?" It's WPC Jane Groves who asks.

"Yes." She's not sure how to explain if she wasn't. "Did you learn anything from the information I have provided?"

"It's very vague." Miles replies.

Good. She supplied the bare minimum of detail in her reports on each girl and obfuscated Starlight. "I have a theory that this girl doesn't want to be found."

"Her step-father…" Miles interrupts tersely. "He is concerned about her location.

Harry misses Spikings, knowing he'd be willing to entertain her theory. She doesn't know Miles well enough to explain her idea and realies she has adopted Dempsey's paranoia. "If she was at The Electric Lady, she's not there now."

"And there's no reports of anyone passing through?"

"No, nobody. Danny tests dancers and bar staff, but if they showed no talent for either, he'd let them go with no records; it's not worth his time." Harry says persuasively.

"Well, yes, I suppose that's reasonable to assume."

"All that effort for this.." Jane's tones are impatient and then empathetic. "You did your best."

"Thank you. I wonder why the Chancellor requires her home." Harry suggests.

"WPC Groves, the Government pays your wages." Miles snaps. " I'd like one last sweep of the place and we'll have you out after tonight."

She hangs up. No matter what she does, nothing will come from it. The Chancellor will remain in post. If Starlight went to court, no jury would dare to side with her. It's the way of the world. She's certain Miles' request is a power trip.

One more day. She can do this is her mantra as she tidies up the flat.

Reporting for her shift that evening, Harry feels oddly nostalgic. She's ready to go home and leave behind this life that has disarmed her and allowed her to learn new respect; she'll never see these people again. In the dancer's room, she laughs a little harder at Cristal's stories, listens to Magenta, and feels an empathy to Faith.

She goes out for her first stage set of the night and has a little more fun, knowing it may be one of the last. As she circulates the floor afterward, she's a little more grateful for Rusty's vigilance and Danny's management.

Harry likes Marilyn's sense of fun and flirtation. Maybe she can stop worrying and be here 'now' and handle Dempsey with more patience. She is freshening her makeup when a familiar voice calls out from behind her.

"Hey Maz." It's Starlight.

"I wasn't expecting you tonight?" Harry is surprised by the younger woman.

"I had a stinker of a cold but I'm bored witless in my bedsit. I thought I'd come in and work." Starlight slumps in a battered armchair wearily. "Danny forgot to take me off the list of dancers; I'll have my regulars in."

"You should take it easy." Harry fusses and is relieved when Magenta appears and agrees.

Harry leaves them together, unable to shake the uneasy feeling that's settled on her since the call with Miles. Practically there's no reason for her to be here this evening, and she's suddenly longing for Dempsey. The stage lights blind her view of the audience during the dance. She wriggles artfully and moves more seductively,

As she steps from the stage, a hand takes her arm and causes old reflexes to kick in. "Ha… Marilyn, can we talk?"

She's astonished to see her partner and wishes he was always so well trained.

"It's important." He says and is about to take her hand when Rusty looms over them.

"No touching."

"Rusty, it's okay." Harry reassures them both, "Sir, we can go this way."

She's about to close the curtain and soothe the bouncer when she spots Betty's stricken face and follows her gaze. Starlight is on stage, but there's a sharp-dressed man with a grip on her throat next to her, taking advantage of Rusty's distraction. Starlight has one hand on the pole; there's a flurry of panicked movement from the audience to the doorway.

Harry reaches for her holster at her waist; of course, she hasn't got it, but the movement alerts her partner, who breathes a curse and whispers in her ear. "Cronies?"

"Maybe." She nods and holds Rusty in place with a stern 'wait'. She wants the attacker arrested or shot and lawfully so. "Dempsey?"

She risks her cover as her partner moves forward with his typical panther stealth, his gun poised. To her surprise, Dempsey retrieves her weapon from inside his coat and hands it over. She could kiss him if she hadn't already.

"Hot." Dempsey appraises her with a grin. Rusty looks baffled and alarmed, reassured a little perhaps by the flash of Dempsey's badge.

Harry moves to the back of the stage, watching her partner from the side shadows, knowing the lights give anyone on the floor an advantage. Starlight is on the ground, and the man is kicking her. Harry is infuriated by the audience of men; those who remain are looking uselessly at the scene. For God's sake

She can see that Dempsey has clear range; so does she. On his count, he allows her to make the call with a nod. "Armed police, put your hands in the air, or I'll shoot."

On reflection, she must look ridiculous in her makeup, plastic platforms, and barely-there dress. No badge. The suspect laughs.

"I'm an armed officer with the Metropolitan police, and this weapon is ready to shoot." She asserts in her most confident tone. "My partner's weapon is also trained on you."

As the man takes in the scene and raises his hands, Dempsey jumps the rail and has him handcuffed in seconds, handing him to Rusty's firm hold.

He's back to check on Starlight with her. The girl is unconscious despite their gentle effort to rouse her. Someone - Betty, probably - says the ambulance is on the way and the police.

Outside there is the sound of sirens.

"Here are the keys to my car; grab your stuff and meet me there; I've got some clothes for you." He says quietly.