Don't know about you but I'm swamped in writing festive cards. I haven't neglected this story, it'll be finished very soon with a festive ending for Xmas week. Hope you love it, always nice to hear from you. Few more scribbles underway.

OOOOOOOOO

Dempsey wanders through the hallways of SI-10. It's the end of the day and he's only just found time to open his mail. When he shouts 'Alright!' with glee and races towards the stairs, Spikings can't help but smile from his office door as his Detective Inspector departs for the day.

Dempsey slows down as he heads to the ground floor. Peace is important in this department. He slips through the door into the carpeted domain that is the latest addition to the growing SI-10 department. He stands outside the first office on the left, and taps on the door.

"Come in."

"Ain't ever gonna stop catching my breath when I see you sat there." Dempsey comments, leaning on the doorframe, smiling at the occupant of the room who offers him a warm smile. He takes in the soothing furnishings of this safe space, far removed from the bustle of SI-10. He's fallen asleep in this office a few times. "You got some time?"

"Always, what have you done?" Harry teases. He's realised it's pointless hiding down here from whatever senior person he's pissed off. Everyone in SI-10 knows about his relationship with Harriet Winfield.

Dempsey pauses for a moment, watching as she efficiently tidies up her desk and packs up her bag. Not much leaves him dumbstruck, just loving her and the newness of each day. He constantly wants to bury his face in her body and often does. Make her laugh and cry out his name. Most of all, he wants to marry her. To make their unidentified magnetic force cemented in law. To call her his wife. The word sounds better each time he thinks about it. They're due to see Freddy soon and he wants to ask about the etiquette, and get some reassurance that it's the right thing to do after her last unhappy union.

"Who says I did something bad?" He loiters like a lost puppy. "You having a good day?"

Harry closes the zip on her bag and turns off the computer, "Yes, very busy. Got a lovely letter from someone recommending our services." She holds it out for Dempsey to read.

"All down to you, Harry" He pulls her into a warm embrace and kisses her.

"And Joyce, it was her idea." Harry loyally acknowledges their friend, turning in his arms to put the paper back on the desk.

"Do you want some more good news?" Dempsey waves the memo that brought him happiness a few moments ago. He holds it tantalising out of her reach with a grin. "Stop moving, I'm getting distracted. You know I love that dress."

"More than the red one?" Harry grins, smoothing down the black silk knowingly.

"Almost as much as that red one." He shivers. He knew that when she gained confidence, she'd ignite his desire every time and he was right. "You gonna slip into that later. Please, honey?'

"Wasn't planning on it, but I could be persuaded." She indulges him for moment, enjoying the feel of his body against hers."You'd better share the news otherwise we're going to break the not in the office rule."

"We've got funding to keep the unit going for at least five years, and…" Dempsey begins and pauses as Harry beams at him. "…the crazies upstairs approved the request to use Winfield Hall a venue to train the counsellors, so Freddy might get the roof fixed at last."

She looks open mouthed at him and catches her breath.

"That's team work, partner." Dempsey laughs.

And it is. The domestic violence unit that Joyce had longed for, hasn't been easy to establish. At the start, many old cops thought it was a vanity project, only coming on board when DI Dempsey sung its praises and Spikings was quick to back him up. Harry is a major benefit, not just as a name but with her training, she's leading more than capable of leading the department with Joyce. They've worked hard to get it set up.

"Speaking of which…" Dempsey looks at the clock, "You wanna make an appearance at Friday night drinks together? Celebrate this news."

"Sorry, I can't. I've got a date with this sexy big bad cop who said something about a red dress.…" Harry plays with the buttons on his shirt, "and I want a long hot soak in a bath for hours."

Dempsey groans, "You and your American accent…"

"You said, and I quote… don't drop the American accent, I like it, it's sexy." Harry raises an eyebrow and leaves him judged. He's guilty and she never forgets his crimes.

"Keep talking, Harry." Dempsey grins, holding up his car keys, "I've bought you some of that Joy du whatever you call it."

"Joie de Vivre." Harry corrects him patiently. "You are a little Joie de Vivre yourself, Jim."

"Just a little!" He complains, throwing her his best mock hurt look, at which she tries not to smile.

"Oh alright! There's an awful lot of Joie de Vivre in you." Harry comments, "And we've got a magnum of 1976 Cristal champagne for a toast too."