This will be slightly AU as I want to bring in Gina Gold and a few others in a little early because, well I adored her and them.
Chapter 4
…
June paused by the front door, hearing Jo's words cut right through her. She heard the footsteps behind her, turning back to see Jo watching her, tears threatening to fall.
"Please June, don't leave?"
June felt tears falling from her own eyes as she nodded her head, making her way back over to Jo, her arms going gently around her friend, as Jo clung to her.
"Why don't we have that coffee huh?" June said.
"Yeah, I think we need it."
They sat sipping their coffee for a few minutes before June spoke again.
"I've been a terrible friend Jo, I'm sorry."
"Well you're here now, that's all that matters." She smiled.
"Meadows must have come over very early this morning." Looking sideways at Jo.
"Yeah."
Jo had always been a terrible liar, her face was always the one thing that failed her.
"Staying the night now?" June smirked.
"I just…didn't want to be on my own."
"You're hiding something?"
"No I'm not."
"Jo…how long have we known each other?"
"Okay okay, he did kiss me last night."
"What?"
"I think it was more out of pity than anything."
"Meadows doesn't strike me as the type to kiss a woman out of pity."
"I don't know, he's just…he's spent so much time at the hospital the last couple of months and now he's here, offering to stay and look after me. You know me, I don't normally get involved with my work colleagues but Jack…"
"He's different?"
"I trust him with everything June."
"You know what, you've worked very hard to get where you are, you've sacrificed so much, including a family, kids, a husband, any social life. Maybe it's time to put yourself first, especially after what's happened, and it Meadows the the man to help you do that then, I say go for it."
"What if I'm just reading to much in to it, what if it is just him being a friend."
"Then at least you'll know, but you have to talk to him."
"Thanks June."
"No thanks needed, after my absence, it's the least I can do. Now I really should make a move, I agreed to get back to work and apparently a new Inspector is starting today?"
"Oh yeah, anyone we know."
"I don't think so, Gold I think her name is. I've never crossed paths with her before, you?"
"Never, well maybe some fresh faces is what Sun Hill needs."
"You'll be back before you know it."
"I hope so, if there's one thing I can't stand, it's being stuck at home watching daytime telly."
"Well I'm doing a few late shifts next week, why don't I come around in the mornings and we can do something, get you out of the house."
"I'd like that."
"Well I'd better go, don't want to be late for the new Inspector."
"Good luck."
"See you soon okay, and talk to Meadows."
"Bye June."
…
June arrived at the station half an hour later, walking through the front door to see Robbie at the desk, a smile on her face.
"Oh welcome back June, how are you?"
"Yeah I'm good thanks."
Robbie was about to buzz her through when she stopped, the door not budging when June pushed against it.
"New Inspector's here by the way."
"I heard she was due today, what's she like?"
"See that red sports car out there?"
June followed Robbie's gaze, spotting the car.
"Yeah?"
"Belongs to her, al-right for some."
"We're not here to judge, you want to buzz me through, I'm late as it is?"
"Oh yeah, sorry."
As June walked through the door, Robbie rolled her eyes at the Sergeant.
"Not here to judge, she won't be saying that when she meets her." She smirked to herself.
…
June rushed down the corridor towards the changing rooms, opening her locker to get her uniform when she heard the door opening behind her. Looking back to see see a dark haired woman in her fifties leaning against the lockers, arms folded in front of her.
"Can I help you?" June asked.
"June Ackland I presume?"
"That's right, you are?"
"Inspector Gina Gold."
"Oh right, hello I didn't realise."
"No you didn't, but then you wouldn't if you couldn't be bothered to make it to the briefing?"
"Yeah sorry, I was visiting a friend and I…"
"I'm not really interested in your excuses Saint June, when I ask everyone to be at my briefing, I expect you to be there…"
"Now hang on I…"
"Next time, be on time. Nice to meet you."
June stood, shock on her face as Gina turned and walked out of the room, the door slamming behind her.
Jack was making his way down the corridor, seeing Gina exit.
"Ah Gina, you settling in okay?"
"Just fine Guv."
"Please, it's Jack."
"Jack, yeah…it seems like a well organised place."
"We do our best, have you met everyone?"
"I had a briefing when I arrived. I've just met June Ackland, she missed it as she wasn't on time."
"Ah yeah, well she…"
"She's already explained."
"It's not a regular occurrence."
"I hope not, I'd better get back to it."
"No worries."
Jack watched Gina walk away, already knowing she wasn't June's biggest fan.
…
To Be Continued…