CHAPTER 1

Lately, Dempsey had seemed preoccupied, less like his usual self. Still an outstanding police officer, no change there, and, to be honest, Harry was hard put pinpointing why or how her partner had changed. She's wondering if it's her perhaps. When Simone showed up on his doorstep unannounced, it had the effect of a tsunami on the partners. She couldn't help wonder if Simone had stirred old feelings in her partner or made him think about his future in England. Was he thinking of going back to New York? He hadn't said anything to her. She's probably imagining all of this, her own insecurities and fears playing a trick on her.

She had stopped thinking about all that, when one day out of the blue, Dempsey came in radiant in the office, all smiles and joking with everyone. Makepeace looked at him like he'd grown two heads

"What's gone into you, Lieutenant? Tone it down would you, we could almost believe you're happy to be here!" she mocked him.

"Aaaaah Sergeant, today's a really good day and yes why wouldn't I be happy to sit opposite my gorgeous partner on this beautiful day?"

Harry looked at him dubiously, turned towards Chas who also thought Dempsey had lost his mind "Chas….he's not drunk, right? Surely 9 AM is a bit early?" Chas sighed, muttering something along the lines of "Either drunk or in love…..either way, it spells disaster!"

Dempsey chuckled, "Sorry to disappoint Chas but the Sergeant is still immune to my charms" with a twinkle towards her blushing partner. Makepeace shook her head and giggled giving her partner a warm look. It's at times like this when there was such a tender exchange that Dempsey really had to refrain himself from throwing himself across his desk to kiss his partner. One day, he'll make her see that there's more to him than the Casanova she thought he was.

"Anyway…. Makepeace, what ya doing tomorrow? Any plans on this beautiful Saturday?"

"Not really, the usual boring stuff, you know, food shopping, laundry, cleaning….very dull indeed. Why have you got a better proposition Dempsey?"

"Yup, I'm taking you out tomorrow. Lunch out and then I'd like your opinion on something."

"My opinion?" now Harry was rather perplexed and wide-eyed. "Okayyyyyyyyy… where are we going then?", she enquired.

"Ah that Sergeant is a surprise!" answered Dempsey with a wink and a grin.

"A surprise? Now lieutenant I must admit all this is very mysterious. I'm intrigued! OK, I'm game! Any dress code in particular?"

"Nah, casual, jeans, trainers, no big deal. I'll pick you up at 10.30. There's a bit of a drive."

"A bit of a drive? Where on Earth are you taking me, Dempsey?" she asked a bit concerned.

"A surprise, Harry, a surprise….", he smiled at her as he got up to leave "I'll see you tomorrow. I have a few things to take care of with Spikings this afternoon. And with that, he disappeared in their superior's office and she didn't see him for the rest of the day. Tomorrow couldn't come quickly enough, her curiosity was well and truly picked. Plus, on the positive side, she was looking forward to spending a sunny spring afternoon with him.