Truth & Lies
Ray Doyle's world was about to fall apart….
The shot came from nowhere. Doyle felt Emma slump against him, falling into his arms. Bodie and Murphy ran towards them but it was too late. Emma was lying on the floor with Ray on his knees, holding her in his arms. Her breathing was erratic, coming in short bursts. Doyle was covered in her blood. He tried to stem the bleeding from her chest by laying the palm of his hand over the bullet wound. He could tell her condition was worsening however he willed her to pull through, holding her close.
'I'm scared Ray' Emma whispered, acknowledging her fate, tears flowing down her cheeks.
Doyle swallowed hard: 'it'll be ok: hold on'.
They held each other, hoping that would somehow erase the last few moments. Through tears Ray kissed Emma on the lips. She smiled at him then closed her eyes. All was silent. Emma was motionless in Ray's arms, the breath gone from her body.
Ray gazed at the woman he loved in shock, unable to take it in. A trail of blood trickled from her mouth, like a red ribbon tracing its way down her cheek. He held her close, allowing his silent tears to flow in their final moment together.
A piercing yell emanated from Doyle, from pure grief, frustration and the bitter realisation of the loss he had just suffered. Bodie and Murphy approached them, not knowing how to handle the situation. Ray was still embracing Emma and wasn't prepared to yield. His world, his future had disappeared within the blink of an eye.
'Come on mate' Bodie gently gestured to his partner, trying to get him to relinquish his hold on Emma. The CI5 agents felt emotional too; they had witnessed the slaying of one of their own.
Neither Bodie nor Murphy could prise Doyle from Emma's lifeless body. Finally Cowley intervened, having been called to the scene by Murphy.
'Come on laddie' Cowley gestured, putting a fatherly arm around his agent. Doyle looked up at his boss, tearstained, with a questioning look on his face. Cowley thought he looked like a little boy lost, pleading with him to answer the question why.
Ray relinquished his grip on Emma and the ambulance personnel gently laid her on a stretcher. Cowley was keen to get Doyle away from the scene. He was clearly shocked at what happened and he couldn't be sure that the gunman had fled.
What was left behind was a bloody scene: Bodie observed the locus, a pool of blood in the middle of the street. Emma's handbag was lying on the pavement, the contents strewn across the road. Bodie noticed something glistening in the sunlight. He bent down and picked up a diamond ring, Emma's engagement ring. Conscious of not tampering with evidence Bodie placed the ring in a plastic bag. He held it up to the light and recognised the ring as Doyle's grandmother's ring. He put it in his pocket in order to return it to its rightful owner.
George Cowley managed to pour Ray Doyle into his car: he was a broken man. He tried to take him home but Doyle was adamant that he wanted to go to the mortuary, to say goodbye to his fiancée. Cowley didn't have the heart to say no to him so they drove in silence to the hospital.
They sat together in the waiting area, drinking tasteless coffee. Cowley was crestfallen, he had lost a good agent who also happened to be his niece and tried to comfort another agent who so nearly had become family. It had only been a few short days since Ray had asked for permission to marry. However they would now be attending church for another reason..
The door opened, breaking the silence. Bodie and his wife Zoe entered, Zoe's face red and puffy from crying. Bodie patted Doyle on the back whilst Zoe held him in her arms. Ray took advantage of those few seconds of solace, burying his face in Zoe's shoulder and crying softly.
'I'm so sorry Ray' Zoe whispered, not knowing what else to say or do. Doyle could only manage a watery smile, wiping away his tears. She returned to her husband, who put his arms around her and pulled her close. Everyone was completely numb by events, unable to decipher why this tragedy occurred.
The silence was deafening. Unable to handle it, Bodie announced that he was going to find out what was going on.
Ray sat with his head in his hands, still covered in her blood. 'Why sir; can you tell me why her? Make me understand what happened.'
Doyle's pleading questions pierced Cowley's heart. 'I don't know laddie; och I wish I could tell you' he whispered, placing a fatherly arm around Doyle's shoulders. 'Of course there will be an investigation..'
'I swear when I get my hands on these bastards….' Ray growled.
'You're not the only one mate' Bodie replied, re-entering the room. He approached his partner and whispered that he could now go and see Emma. Ray swallowed hard, mentally preparing himself for what was to come. He rose from his seat and headed towards the door.
Bodie followed him out; 'Ray, I've got something for you'. He held out the plastic bag containing the diamond ring, Emma's engagement ring and handed it to Doyle.
Ray removed it from the plastic bag and looked at it, shining in the sunlight. 'Thanks mate' he managed to mumble and walked towards the mortuary entrance.
He opened the door into a very small room. A clean, crisp white sheet covered a body, her body. As he walked towards her he felt his legs shaking. Ray stood over the bed and lifted the sheet away, exposing her face. The sight of her took his breath away. She looked like she was asleep: her dark wavy hair fell from her shoulders, her face white and cold to the touch. Ray leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips, somehow willing her to wake up and tell him it was all a bad dream. He stroked her cheek and flicked her hair away from her face.
Doyle sat down next to her and held her hand. He hadn't noticed the tears flowing down his cheeks. Only a couple of hours earlier they had been hand-in-hand planning their wedding when fate cruelly took her from him forever. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the diamond ring. Lifting her left hand Ray placed the ring on her finger, kissing her hand. 'This ring belongs to you.'
He laid his head on her chest, hoping beyond hope that he would somehow hear his fiancée's heart beating again.
He must have sat there for some time as he was interrupted by a knock on the door. Cowley entered and paid his respects to his niece. He stood behind his operative, again placing his hand on Doyle's shoulder.
'Come on laddie, time to go'.
Ray looked at his boss, his eyes red and puffy. He nodded slowly and stood up, wiping his eyes and trying to compose himself. Cowley made his way to the door and turned to see Doyle leaning over Emma and kissing her one last time. Even an old toughie such as Cowley could not deny the lump in his throat.
Bodie approached them, clutching a file. Gesturing to his boss, Cowley took him to one side and handed over the file; the autopsy report. Cowley opened the file and quickly scanned the contents. Both looked at each other.
'What's going on? What are you not telling me?' Doyle demanded.
'Sit down mate' Bodie replied, showing him to a chair.
'I don't wanna bloody sit down, just tell me what's going on'.
'Emma's autopsy is back' Cowley confirmed. 'It states the cause of death as a bullet wound to the aorta'.
Ray's brow furrowed; 'and…'.
'Listen mate, the autopsy found something else' Bodie added, swallowing hard. 'There's no easy way to say this Ray; Emma was pregnant when she died. I'm so sorry'.
Bodie stepped towards his partner, to put a comforting hand on his shoulder to which Ray Doyle was having none of.
'Leave me alone Bodie – just go!'
Cowley pulled Bodie back 'leave him'.
Bodie did as he was told and moved away. He knew what it was like to lose a baby. All he could do was to be there for his mate.
A couple of hours later Bodie found Ray Doyle at their local, cradling a half-empty bottle of Scotch.
Heading towards the bar, the landlady managed to grab his attention.
'I'm so glad you're here Bodie. What's wrong with Ray? He's been drinking Scotch non-stop for the last two hours. Thought I was going to have to call the police to get him out of here.'
'Don't worry love, I'll take him home now'. Bodie confirmed, making his way to his partner's table. He could easily see he had had more than enough; barely conscious and rocking back and forth.
'Ray, let's get you home; you've had more than enough of this shit'.
Doyle tried to grab the bottle from Bodie but failed.
'What the hell have I got to go home to eh? No wife, no baby, nothing! It's alright for you Bodie; you've got it all and you don't even realise it. What hurts the most is that you never wanted any of it in the first place!'.
Bodie looked at him and remained silent. He couldn't imagine what his partner was going through. His thoughts were of his pregnant wife back home; realising how lucky he actually was.
He managed to persuade Doyle to leave the pub and go home. He was in a hell of a state, smelling like a brewery and caked in dried blood. Bodie manoeuvred Ray onto his bed and switched off the light. He made his way back to the living room and opened a cupboard, picking up a folded blanket and settled himself on the couch. He glanced at the coffee table and saw the photo of Emma and Ray; so happy and so in love. Bodie thought of his own love and decided to call her.
'Hi sweetheart; I'm at Ray's. He's in a bit of a mess so I thought I would stay the night, you know, make sure he's ok.'
'Ok; how are you doing?' Zoe enquired.
'Honestly I don't know Zo. Ray's in bits; don't want to even think what he's going through. The autopsy reported that Emma was pregnant when she died.'
There was a momentary silence on the other end of the line. 'Oh God poor Ray' Zoe managed to finally whisper. Both knew what it was like to lose a baby.
'Yeah makes me realise how lucky I am Zo; I have you and the baby and love you both.'
'I know, we love you too. Take care of your friend and come back to us soon.' Zoe requested.
They bid each other goodnight and ended the call. Bodie started at the phone for some time afterwards, thinking about his life and how it had changed for the better since meeting and falling in love with Zoe. Today just proved how things can change within seconds.
Bodie woke early, stretching and cursing the lumpy sofa. He rose and put on a strong pot of coffee for them both.
Doyle emerged, bare-chested, his curly hair in a mess, clearly hungover.
'Morning sunshine, coffee?' Bodie asked.
Ray grunted and sat down at the kitchen table, taking a long swig from the coffee mug and pulling a face. Bodie sat opposite him and helped himself to sugar.
'Did I dream it?' Doyle asked pleadingly.
'Afraid not mate' Bodie confirmed.
Ray stood up and walked towards the coffee table, picking up the photograph of him and Emma. He traced her outline with his finger.
'I can't believe this; 24 hours ago she was here, with me. Christ Bodie tell me why, why her, why now?'
Bodie shook his head 'can't, wish I could. However I promise you we will get to the bottom of this; we'll get these bastards and bring them to justice.'
'Won't bring her back though will it? Or our baby. Christ why couldn't it have been you?'
As soon as he said it, Doyle wished he could take it back. It was a cruel thing to say to his partner, who was here trying to help him.
Bodie's nostrils flared in pure rage. 'Look Ray I know you're hurting and I'm truly sorry but I am not going to apologise for the way my life's turned out. It's true, I never wanted any of this but now it's happened, I can't imagine my life without her. I really want to help but please don't blame me for being happy.'
Ray hung his head in shame; 'sorry mate' he whispered. He sat, totally dejected; a shell of the man he once was.
Bodie sat next to his partner, 'it's ok. Just wish this hadn't happened to you or Emma. She was a lovely girl and Zoe and I will miss her'.
Bodie stood up 'I'm gonna go and see Cowley. After all he lost his niece'.
Doyle looked up 'Christ Cowley! I've been so wrapped up in my own grief I never thought about him. I'm coming with you'.
He grabbed his jacket and both headed out to CI5 Headquarters.
They found their boss at his desk, cradling a glass of pure malt Scotch. He looked as if he was in a world of his own, thinking about his favourite niece. He hadn't noticed Bodie and Doyle entering his office and got a fright when he looked up and saw them standing there.
'What are you two doing here?' he asked, downing his drink.
'Em, we wanted to see how you were sir' Bodie replied.
For the very first time Cowley let his guard down. He looked on these two as the sons he never had and believed he loved them as much as any father could. Cowley rose from his seat, trying to wipe his eyes out of sight of his operatives. He made his way towards the drinks cabinet and poured out three more glasses of Scotch, handing them to Bodie and Doyle.
The silence was deafening; no one knowing what to say. Finally Cowley spoke.
'I want the bastards who did this; do you hear me? For once Bodie I don't care how you do it, just bring me their heads on a plate!'
'Yes sir' Bodie replied, with a smile on his face. At last he had been given carte blanche by his boss to apprehend these criminals in any way he thought fit.
Ray Doyle remained silent, which Cowley had picked up on. He walked towards him, knowing exactly what he was going through and put his arm around his shoulder.
'I know laddie; if things had been different you would have been family..' Cowley was unable to finish his sentence, the lump in his throat preventing him.
After an awkward silence Cowley confirmed that Murphy was heading the investigation in Emma's murder. Ray was about to protest but Cowley had pre-empted his feelings and stopped him in his tracks.
'I knew you would be upset but I need someone impartial; some who is not emotionally involved'.
'That's not fair sir. I was there, I saw what happened' argued Doyle.
'Aye and think about it: you are the prime witness Doyle. That is more valuable than being the head of the investigation. It is imperative that this investigation is 100% transparent. We need to make any conviction stick 4.5 – Christ even I have removed myself from this one' barked Cowley.
Bodie looked at Ray 'you know he's right mate. Let Murphy do what he needs to do'.
Grudgingly Doyle agreed.
'Right sir where do I start?' Bodie enquired.
'Eh Bodie I think we should leave Murphy to it after all' answered Cowley.
'Why?'
'Because you and Zoe were personally involved too. You were all friends with Emma and I don't want any evidence tainted by prejudice'.
Deep down he knew his boss was right but it didn't stop Bodie trying to argue the point.
'For now gentlemen let Murphy do his job. I don't have any further instructions for you other than to make yourself available to Murphy for questioning as and when required'.
3.7 and 4.5 departed. As Bodie walked away he noticed that Doyle wasn't with him. He looked back and saw him leaning against the door, looking up at the ceiling.
'What's up?'
Ray looked at Bodie, trying to hide the tears that were filling up in his eyes.
'I feel like I am letting her down Bodie. I should be the one heading this investigation. I owe it to her. It's the only thing I can do for her now.'
He stopped mid-sentence, choking back the tears.
Bodie put his arm around his partner.
'I know Ray but Cowley's right. To nail these bastards we have to let Murph do his job. You're too involved'.
'So if it were Zoe, you'd stand back and let someone else hunt them down?' snarled Doyle.
Bodie's demeanour immediately altered, he could feel himself tensing. He'd rip their heads from their bodies if he caught the men who murdered his wife. However he could tell that Ray was trying to push his buttons, enticing him to give the response he was longing to hear.
Bodie took a deep breath.
'I know what you want me to say. Yeah, if I'm honest then I'd personally hunt them down. Nobody would be able to stop me. But two wrongs don't make a right. In time you'll see that this is for the best. Do you think Emma would want this? See you in jail or even dead yourself, all for revenge? She wasn't like that mate. Let Murph do his job'.
Doyle nodded in agreement, unable to respond to his partner.
'How's about coming back to ours. Zoe can make us a meal and you can relax. Do you fancy it?'
Ray gave him a watery smile. 'Nah but thanks all the same. I'm not in the mood for company just now; I'd rather be on my own'.
Bodie knew his partner well enough not to push it.
'Ok mate see you tomorrow.'
'Yeah, 'night Bodie, and thanks'.
Bodie watched Ray trudge off to his car. He couldn't, wouldn't contemplate what his mate was going through. For someone who vowed he'd never settle down, Will Bodie couldn't imaging having any other life than the one he now shares with Zoe.
It was late when Ray Doyle pulled up to his flat. He drove home via the Chinese takeaway and off-licence. He opened the front door and entered into the dark flat. He dumped the food on the coffee table and grabbed a glass from the kitchen. He sat on the chair in the living room, turning on a lamp. He unscrewed the top from the bottle of Scotch and poured himself a large glass, downing most of it in one gulp. As he went to put the empty glass on the table he caught sight of Emma's photograph. He picked it up and stared at it for what seemed like an age, tracing her silhouette with his finger. Suddenly his appetite had vanished. As each day passed he felt that his grief was increasing, not having a clue as to how he was going to make it through each day without her by his side. Just when he had finally found the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, she was cruelly taken away from him.
Bodie arrived home. Closing the door behind him he turned round and saw Zoe, who was due to give birth any day now, dozing on the chair. Her glasses had fallen halfway down her nose and papers were strewn across the floor. Bodie smiled to himself. He leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips. Zoe awoke with a start then looked up to see her husband smiling at her.
'How are you?' he asked quietly.
Zoe leaned down and started to collect the paperwork that had fallen onto the floor. She looked into her husband's eyes and smiled.
'Sorry darling, I must have nodded off. How's Ray?'
Bodie sat down on the sofa opposite his wife. He was silent for a while before looking up at her.
'I'm not sure love. He's not in a good way. One minute I think he's coping, the next he flies off the handle'.
Zoe sat next to Bodie and put her arm around him.
'Grief affects people in different ways. I imagine he's trying to put on a brave face. Poor Ray'.
Bodie turned to look at his wife. He touched her face lovingly.
'Oh God Zoe I don't even want to think about what he's going through. Losing the baby was bad enough to but lose you too'.
'I know sweetheart' Zoe whispered. 'We're very lucky aren't we?'
Stroking his wife's belly Bodie nodded in agreement. They kissed and held each other close, enjoying the moment together.
Bodie got up and started to tidy up the papers that had fallen on the floor. 'What's all this?'
'It's the report I've been trying to finish for Cowley. Poor Cowley' Zoe mused. 'I've just about completed it but I'm not sure now is the time to hand it in.'
'What's it about?'
'Cowley asked me to audit all threats to CI5 personnel, going back over the last couple of years. Don't know why. He said it would take a while to collate and that I was the perfect agent to investigate this, due to my "condition"' smiled Zoe, patting her pregnancy bump.
Bodie smiled lovingly at her.
'Can I read it?'
Zoe shrugged, 'don't see why not. Help yourself' she replied, heading towards the kitchen.
Bodie trawled through the report. Zoe had certainly been very thorough; every CI5 agent was mentioned. He recognised many of these incidents: Ray's near miss with the ex-cop Preston and the murder of his partner prior to him joining the Squad.
Zoe returned with a couple of coffees. She sat next to him and he kissed her on the forehead.
Bodie reached his own section of the report. It was hard for him to read about his past. Marikka and Claire, his date who was involved in the restaurant explosion. Worst of all was reading about Krivas and the miscarriage.
'It must have been very hard for you to document all of this?' Bodie asked softly. Tears began to well in Zoe's eyes.
'Yes it was but in some ways it kind of helped. Writing it down got it out of my system'.
'That's good' Bodie replied in a whisper, taking his wife in his arms and holding her close. He too was reminded of the Krivas incident and the baby they lost.
Bodie continued to read Zoe's report and came across Emma's entry. It was surprising that she had anything to report on Cowley's niece.
All of a sudden Bodie threw down the papers and stood up. He turned to look at his wife.
'Zoe, Zoe you've done it! I have to see Ray and Cowley now'.
Before she could respond, her husband had rushed out of the flat, screeching the tyres of his Capri, tearing up the road. She was at a loss to comprehend what her husband had found.
It was very late by the time Bodie reached Doyle's place. He jumped out of his car and ran to Ray's front door, ringing his doorbell continuously. A dishevelled Doyle answered.
'What's going on Bodie?'
'Sorry mate but I have to talk to you now: let me in eh?'
Ray held the door open for his partner and closed it behind him.
Bodie noted the messy flat, strewn with empty drinks bottles and half-eaten takeaways. This was not the Ray Doyle he knew. Seeing the look of surprise on Bodie's face, Ray apologetically tried to clear a space for him to sit down.
'Ray, I think I know the reason why Emma was killed'.
Doyle looked at his partner, trying to keep a reign on his emotions.
Bodie began; 'well you know how Zoe has been given office duties? The Cow asked her to compile a report; an audit if you like about threats to CI5 personnel. She's been working on it at home and I asked if I could read it. I have to say, she's been very thorough, got everyone in it'.
Ray was getting impatient.
'Well what did she found out man? Spit it out!'
Bodie swallowed hard.
'She found out that Emma was, let's say, relieved of her duties at Special Branch because of a friendship she had with a known gangland criminal at the time: someone who was under surveillance by the very team she headed. Seems as though the whole operation fell apart because of this friendship. The evidence couldn't be relied upon at court so the team was disbanded and to save face, 'uncle George' offered her a position at CI5'.
Ray Doyle was shocked. He remained silent for some time then turned to Bodie, lashing out at him.
I don't believe it. Are you sure you're wife's not got the wrong end of the stick here? She doesn't know what she's on about.'
'Hey that's enough Ray. Zoe's only doing her job' Bodie retorted, sticking up for his wife.
'Well has she got proof? What about her sources? Are they sound?' Doyle prodded.
'Yes her sources are sound. She spoke with Special Branch herself. Don't blame her for doing her job' Bodie angrily replied.
Doyle sat with his head in his hands, not knowing what to think or who to believe. Could it be that his fiancée, the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with had been lying to him all this time?
'Sorry mate, truly I am' Bodie answered.
Ray started to cry but he was unsure whether they were tears of sadness or tears of rage.
'Has Cowley seen the report?'
'Not yet, Zoe's just finishing it off but he'll get it soon.'
'Hmm it doesn't say who killed her' Doyle thought out loud.
'No but it does give us some clue as to why she was shot' replied his partner.
Ray stood up, looking for his jacket. 'We need to look into this Bodie.'
Bodie rose and put his arm out, stopping Doyle in his tracks.
'No Ray, this needs to be looked into by Murphy not us. If this is to stick then we need to go through the correct channels. You know that.'
Ray hated his partner being right. 'Ok, ok we'll speak to Murphy in the morning' he announced, sighing heavily.
Bodie patted him on the back and departed home to his wife.
Doyle arrived early at work, closely followed by Bodie and Zoe, along with the completed report. Doyle approached her, desperate to read its contents.
'I'm sorry Ray I can't. I need to speak to Cowley first'.
Doyle couldn't hide his anger any longer.
'You've got no idea Zoe have you? It's all a bed of roses for you and your husband: all loved up with a baby on the way. You're holding the answer to my fiancée's death in your hands and you think you are so clever, so holier than thou that you won't put me out of my misery and show it to me'.
Noticing the visibly shocked look on Zoe's face, Bodie approached them.
'Come on Ray don't take it out on her. It's not her fault'. Bodie pushed Doyle to one side.
'Keep out of it Bodie!' Doyle yelled back.
Neither Bodie nor Zoe had seen Ray in such a rage before. Zoe got such a fright from Doyle's reaction that she burst into tears. Her hormones were all over the place due to her pregnancy and she rushed over to her husband to took her in his arms and kissed her forehead, trying to console her. Both ignored Doyle who by this time was taking out his frustration on the coffee machine.
After managing to calm his wife down, Bodie headed towards his partner. He was going to knock his block off for this!
He found Doyle thumping the drinks machine with his fists. Looking up he muttered something to the effect that the machine had swallowed his money.
Without a word being uttered Bodie pulled Doyle round and punched him in the jaw, knocking him to the floor.
'What the hell was that for?' cried an angry Doyle.
'Don't you dare speak to Zoe like that. If you ever do that again I swear this won't be the only punch up between us' Bodie growled, his face red with pure rage.
'Well how do you expect me to react? You have EVERYTHING I ever wanted. Just seeing you both makes me so bloody angry that that opportunity has been taken away from me'.
It was as if the fight had gone out of Ray Doyle. He slumped to the floor with his head in his hands.
Bodie felt sorry for his partner but he also wanted to protect his own family. Zoe and the baby meant the world to him and no one, not even his best mate was going to spoil that for him.
Both sat in silence for some time.
'Look mate can we start again?' asked Bodie.
Ray looked at his friend, 'yeah, sorry Bodie. I was well out of order'.
'I'm not the one that you should be apologising to: Zoe cares about you too and you had no right to speak to her light that, especially with the baby due anytime.'
Doyle shrugged 'I know. I'll go and see her now'.
Ray stood up and patted his mate's shoulder, as an unspoken thank you. He wandered to the office where he saw Zoe sitting at her desk, wiping her eyes. Looking at her was difficult; it reminded him of what might have been with Emma and also the fact that he had hurt a dear friend out of malice.
Zoe looked up and saw Ray standing in the doorway, looking sheepish. He walked towards and he noticed she was physically pulling away from him.
'It's ok love, I'm not here for another row. Far from it'. He sat next to her and took her hand in his.
'I'm sorry Zoe. I shouldn't have taken my anger and frustration out on you. Can you forgive me?'
She looked up at one of her best friends and took him in her arms. She felt him collapse against her, taking the opportunity to show his true feelings.
Parting she brushed a stray curly hair away from his face and smiled at him, in an almost motherly gesture.
'All forgotten Ray. I'm so very sorry for what has happened to you. Emma was such a special person and I will never forget her. I'm worried about you though. Do you fancy a home-cooked meal and some company over at ours tonight?'
Ray smiled at Bodie's wife. This was typical of Zoe: she never held grudges and was always the first to offer the hand of friendship.
'You're on!' Doyle replied, laughing and cuddling Zoe.
Bodie observed the conversation from the doorway. He was relieved that the air had been cleared between them.
Mischievously he shouted at them 'oi, hands off me bird you!' Both looked round and laughed at him. Thankfully the last few days of arguing seemed to have been forgotten.
Just then Cowley entered the office, to the surprise of all three agents.
'Well well this is good to see, all keen this morning aren't you?'
Zoe approached her boss, asking for a private meeting. Both disappeared into his office along with the completed report.
Some time later, Zoe was still with Cowley. Ray and Bodie were starting to grow concerned. Their trains of thought were interrupted by a scream from Cowley. He opened the door and yelled at Betty, his loyal secretary to find Murphy right away.
Throughout the day agents were summoned and dismissed, Zoe present at all times. Finally it was 3.7 and 4.5's turn.
On entering the office, Bodie headed straight towards his wife. It has been a very long morning after an early start and he wanted to check she was ok.
Cowley closed the door behind them. Frowning he headed back to his desk and looked at all three agents in silence.
'Well it's been some day. Looking at you all, you've all been affected by my niece's death in some way or another'.
Cowley never revealed his feelings to anyone but with Emma's death being so personal, he let his guard down. Swallowing hard, he looked at Zoe.
'Zoe, as you probably know, has submitted her report to me. No agent has been excluded as those were my precise orders. She has also included herself in the report'.
He turned to her, 'I'm grateful to you Zoe for your detailed report, which I have to say is very impressive. It does seem to point to a reason for the murder of Emma'.
Doyle could not remain mute any longer.
'What did she find out sir? I have to know'.
Cowley stared at Zoe, pleadingly. She picked up on what Cowley was not verbalising. She looked at Bodie who smiled and nodded to her; in some sort of approval for her to discuss the report with Doyle.
Turning her attention to Ray, she could see the anguish in his face, begging to be put out of his misery.
She began,
'Sir I have been in contact with Special Branch. They have confirmed my findings. I'm sorry, this is not easy for me to tell you but I can assure you that what I am about to say comes from the highest authority. I have been informed, on oath, that Emma had a liaison with Jimmy Wallace, THE Jimmy Wallace, the notorious gangland drug lord. All surveillance and investigations were tarnished because of his connection with Emma. In fact the CPS threw out the evidence as they believed evidence could have been tampered with. However this was never proved.
Mr Cowley has confirmed that he offered Emma a position here at CI5 rather than see her sacked for her part in the Special Branch investigation. I'm sorry Ray'.
Both agents were dumbfounded.
'Are you sure about this Zo?' Bodie asked again.
She looked at her husband and nodded. 'Yes Bodie I am sure, I have affidavits from several Special Branch detectives who are prepared to go to court with this. There is no denying that the evidence is true, however much I wish it wasn't. She was a friend of mine too you know.'
She looked around the room which remained in total silence. Cowley sat with his head in his hands, motionless, Ray stared into space, trying to digest what she had said and Bodie sat next to her, his arm around her.
'Look, I feel awful about this. I wish I hadn't found any of this out but you gave me an assignment sir and I had to see it through to the end'.
Finally Doyle found his voice.
'Why, why didn't she confide in me. I wouldn't have judged her, I.. I loved her'.
Bodie rose and walked towards the drinks cabinet, helping himself to three glasses and filling them with Scotch. He handed them to Cowley and Ray, keeping one for himself.
'I told her not to tell anyone, not even you Doyle. I went out on a limb for Emma, broke a few of my 'good' rules for her, hell even went against my better judgement. I put the Squad in jeopardy in order to help her, to save her. I never thought it would end like this'.
Doyle downed his Scotch in one gulp and helped himself to another.
Bodie was weighing up the situation and frowned. He looked at this boss, in somewhat of a Eureka moment.
'Hang on a minute, did you ask Zoe to investigate, knowing full well that she would find out the truth about Emma? You bloody well used my wife to do your dirty work for you didn't you?'
Aghast all eyes were on Cowley. His face began to redden with rage.
'Aye in some ways I did Bodie. However I am not sorry about it. I cannot be seen to investigate my own department. I knew Zoe would be thorough and leave no stone unturned. Of course this was before Emma was killed. We have to be seen as being whiter than white. Our minister has been under pressure by his parliamentary colleagues to open us up to scrutiny; hence Zoe's assignment. I'm not proud of myself but I had no choice.'
This was too much for Ray Doyle. He had sat silent and motionless throughout Cowley's account. He could take it no longer. Standing up he smashed the crystal tumbler on the floor and stormed off, slamming the door behind him. Zoe stood up to run after him but Bodie stopped her.
'No sweetheart, leave him be. He'll deal with it in his own way.' Zoe nodded at Bodie, who by now had turned his attentions back to Cowley.
'Well I hope you're bloody proud of yourself. You lecture us on all loyalty: well it's a two way street. You have manged to use us for your own benefit in one way or another. Did you ever think about us really? We have all lost a friend and colleague but Ray lost his fiancée and the mother of his child. This meeting his tarnished his memories of Emma and the bloody joke is that she was your niece!'
Usually Cowley would chastise Bodie for insubordination but he had no words for him today. Cowley couldn't look at his operatives. Betty heard what Bodie had said and was standing in the corner, crying silent tears.
Bodie held out his hand to his wife. She took it and they headed towards the door. Zoe tossed her report on Cowley's desk in distain, closing the door behind her.
George Cowley was a broken man. He thumped his fists hard on his walnut desk and burst into tears, unaware Betty was still present. She pulled a handkerchief from her bag and handed it to Cowley. She remembered what Emma had asked her: the time was right, she knew what she had to do.
It was barely light when Betty left her home the next morning. Starting her Mini, she checked her handbag and removed the four envelopes. She knew she had to deliver them now, before they woke up.
Betty parked outside Ray Doyle's flat. She sighed, reaching for the envelope and exited the car. She opened the iron gate, cursing at the screeching noise from the rusty hinges. Thankfully there were no lights on so Betty quickly posted the letter and dashed back to her car, driving off before she was noticed.
Will and Zoe Bodie were asleep, wrapped in each other's arms when a noise from outside woke him. Bodie grabbed his trousers and headed towards the window, just in time to see Betty drive off. He headed towards the kitchen and switched the kettle on, wondering why Betty had been here. Bodie looked up and saw two envelopes lying on the floor next to the front door. He picked them up and observed that one was for him and the other for Zoe.
By the time she arrived at headquarters, the sun had risen, brightening the sky. Betty parked in her usual space and let herself into the office, hoping she had beaten Cowley into work. As she entered his office she saw that her boss was slumped at his desk, fast asleep, an empty bottle of Scotch keeping him company. It was obvious he had been there all night.
Tiptoeing around him she laid the envelope carefully on his desk and tidied up the mess. She switched the coffee machine on, knowing that it would be well-used this morning.
Across London Zoe yawned and wandered out of the bedroom. She saw her husband, sitting at the kitchen table, reading a letter with a sad look on his face.
'What's wrong?' she whispered.
Bodie looked at her, 'it's a letter from Emma. She's written one for you as well sweetheart'. He handed her the envelope and sat beside her.
Zoe opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.
'Dear Zoe,
I have asked Betty to deliver these letters in the event of my death. Please don't be sad. I knew this was going to happen sooner or later following the Special Branch incident.
I wish I could have been candid with you from the outset, but I know that for the safety of me and my colleagues, that had to remain a secret. What happened was out of foolishness and naivety. It was never intentional, believe me.
You have been such a great friend to me Zoe. I've loved our lunchtime talks and nights out with our guys. You are very lucky to have a great husband in Bodie and a baby on the way. Cherish and take care of both of them.
Look after Ray for me: he'll need his friends around him now. Let him know how much he was loved and how I'll never forget him.
Emma"
Zoe sat in silence, staring at the letter. Bodie touched her face and saw the sadness in her eyes. She leaned against him, drinking in his love for her. He lifted her face to his and kissed her.
'Are you ok?'
'Yes, such a sad letter. She knew this was going to happen you know. Why didn't she tell us, we could have helped her?'
'I know sweetheart but I think her fate was sealed as soon as she stepped into Cowley's office' Bodie replied.
Zoe then had a thought 'do you think Ray has a letter?' she enquired.
'Well we'll find out soon enough. Come on let's get ready' Bodie replied as he took his wife's hand and led her back to the bedroom.
The stench of stale alcohol and half-eaten food greeted Doyle as he awoke from another drunken slumber. Swinging his legs out of bed he stood on an empty bottle of Scotch and kicked it away. Scratching his curly head he made towards the living room and saw the envelope lying on the floor.
His flat was strewn with newspapers, takeaway boxes and various bottles of half-drunk alcohol. He opened the front door to retrieve the milk and picked up the envelope: it had 'her' writing on it. Hurriedly he ripped it open and began to read.
"My Darling Ray,
I asked Betty to deliver this letter to you on the event of my death. There is so much I want to say, I just don't know where to start.
When I joined CI5 I never thought that I'd meet someone like you. I firmly believed that you only get one love in this life and for me, he died in Scotland many years ago. However you showed me that lightening can strike twice. I never really meant to fall in love with you Ray but I couldn't help it. As soon as I met you I knew I'd found the man of my dreams and could only hope you felt the same about me.
Leaving Special Branch under a cloud is not something I am proud of. Uncle George was my saviour, offering me the position at CI5. Please don't be angry with him my love, he has been hurt just as much as you have.
I had a friendship, which turned into somewhat of a relationship with an individual whose full background was unknown to me at the time. Hindsight is a great thing but he was a good liar and I was sucked into his world. Believe me Ray I never committed a crime, unless you count my silence. I knew my fate was sealed when my real identity was revealed. I knew he couldn't let me live my life knowing what I knew.
Please don't be angry at me darling for not telling you of my past life. I was trying to protect you. Never doubt my love for you Ray: what I felt for you was real and genuine. Remember the good times as I go to my fate happy in the knowledge that I was loved and had loved the greatest man alive. In my heart you will always be my one true love.
Saying that, don't dwell on what might have been. I want you to go and live the life you deserve. I want you to meet a special lady, get married and have a family, like you always wanted to. I know I will be watching you from above with a smile in my heart.
I will always love you Ray.
Emma x"
Tears poured down Doyle's face. In a fit of anger he scrunched up the letter and threw it as hard as he could across the room. He then threw papers and furniture around before slumping on the sofa, crying softly, eventually falling asleep.
When he awoke, he felt that he had been exorcised in some way: the memory of Emma still held true but all he felt now was calm.
Bodie and Zoe walked into the office and straight to Betty's room. Betty was typing at her desk, not noticing them at first. No words were uttered; Zoe walked round the side of the desk and hugged the secretary, as best she could with a large baby bump. Betty began to weep. It had been an awful burden for her to deliver these letters. Bodie popped his head around the door, witnessing the two women embracing. He decided to retreat, to give them some privacy. It was so typical of Zoe, thinking of others he thought, which was one of the reasons he fell in love with her.
Betty sat down, wiping her eyes. 'Thanks Zoe' she managed to whisper. 'I never thought that when Emma gave me those letters that I'd ever have to deliver them'.
'I know, it has been such a sad, strange few weeks' Zoe commented, offering a hand of friendship to Betty.
Zoe departed, leaning against the office door closed her eyes and sighed. On opening she saw her husband smiling and kissed him.
'Everything alright?' Cowley asked as he emerged from his office. He had a stiff neck and was rubbing it, trying to get some relief.
'Yes sir' Bodie managed to muster before disappearing. He didn't want to be around if Emma had also given Cowley a letter.
Ray Doyle arrived, clearly dishevelled and unshaven, He muttered good morning to his friends and sat down. Zoe approached him.
'Did you receive a letter from Emma Ray?'
Doyle looked up and nodded, 'why?'
'We all got one' Zoe confirmed. Just then a shriek emanated from Cowley's room. He had read his letter.
All three agents went to Cowley. He looked up from his desk, his hands full of papers.
'This is her evidence, her testimony on Jimmy Wallace. She wrote me a letter, says she wants me to use this to bring him down. She wants to take full responsibility for everything that happened, no other special branch officer is to be involved. Why the bloody hell did she wait until now? I don't understand it'. Cowley wailed.
'She knew her fate sir, whether we all liked it or not. This was who she was, she wanted to protect everyone' Zoe said.
'Well Zoe this evidence will not only bring down Wallace, but also his whole organisation. She gave me times, dates, names the whole lot!'
'She said in her letter that she got in too deep, the line between right and wrong had faded and she wanted out'.
'Did, did she have an affair with Wallace? Doyle dared to ask.
Cowley looked at his would-be relative. 'I won't lie, I believe so Doyle but I don't know how involved she was. She never confided that to me'.
'What are you going to do now sir?' Bodie enquired.
'I've been in touch with the minister. I am submitting Emma's evidence along with her letter to the relevant authorities. Hopefully some good will come out of all this: Emma's legacy to justice.'
'What about Emma? Do we just forget about her?' Doyle demanded.
Everyone could see that this comment had Cowley's hackles up.
'No; she will NEVER be forgotten. You seem to forget she was my niece, my flesh and blood, more like a daughter. God knows I tried to help her, tried to do the best I could for her. It was out of my hands in the end, which is something I will never forgive myself for'.
Cowley's anguish was palpable. The silence was broken by Cowley's phone ringing. Betty answered it and handed it to Cowley 'it's Special Branch'.
He took the call and without a word being uttered, replaced the receiver.
'Well?' Bodie asked, unable to remain quiet any longer.
Cowley looked up, 'that was Cole from Special Branch. They raided Wallace's flat and found the gun, the gun that killed her. Ballistics report confirms it. It was Wallace himself who killed her' Cowley confirmed.
Ray began to head for the door, 'where are you going 4.5? Come back here, that's an order!'
Bodie grabbed his partner's elbow and pulled him back. 'Going after Wallace isn't gonna bring her back mate' he said. Doyle glared at Bodie, then acknowledged he was right.
There was nothing else to say or do. It had been a rotten few weeks. All three agents excused themselves and headed home early. Cowley poured yet another Scotch and didn't know whether to be angry or proud of Emma. All he knew was that it was a waste of a young life.
The day of Emma's funeral finally came round. Doyle awoke, opening his curtains and gazing out to a foggy London skyline. Sighing heavily he made his way to the shower, going through the perfunctory motions of getting himself ready to say goodbye to his fiancée. He wanted this day to be over as soon as possible.
Fiddling with his tie, Ray pulled it off. He looked at his watch to see that he was running late. Grabbing his keys he ran out of his flat, speeding away in his Escort.
Across the Thames, Mr and Mrs Bodie were also getting ready to attend church. Both were silent: there was nothing to say. Bodie put his arm around Zoe tenderly. She was due any day now and looked up at him full of love, kissing him on the lips. Bodie escorted her out of the flat and to the car.
Cowley arrived church early, greeting all his agents one by one. Ray stood away from everyone. The last thing he wanted was to mingle with his colleagues today.
The church was packed, with many friends and relatives travelling from Scotland to be there. The hearse pulled up and the sight of the coffin took Ray's breath away. Cowley, Ray, Bodie and Murphy were all pallbearers. Each man did their duty and lifted the coffin, making their way into the church: the very church Ray and Emma were to be married in.
Cowley gave a touching eulogy to his niece whilst Ray sat next to Zoe, who clutched his hand, squeezing it throughout the funeral.
Outside the church Cowley managed to gather some of his agents together, telling them that Wallace had been arrested and charged with Emma's murder.
'Seemingly Wallace's story is that he fell in love with her, not knowing who or what she was. This all changed of course and he felt the only way out for him was to kill her. Hopefully that'll mean that he'll be under lock and key for the rest of his life'.
'Come on, let's say goodbye to our friend' Bodie gestured as they headed towards the cemetery.
The sun emerged, brightening up the sky. Ray stood a distance back from the graveside, unable to participate. Cowley, Bodie and Zoe all threw in a handful of soil as the vicar recited the burial passage from the Bible.
The whole day had been surreal for Doyle, unable to take in the fact that they were burying the woman he loved. The numbing feeling hadn't gone away for him: all he felt was calm.
As friends and family paid their respects and made their way back to their cars, Ray Doyle was finally left on his own. He walked towards the grave and looked down. He saw Emma's name and the year of her birth and death engraved on the coffin. He lifted the single red rose he held in his hand up to his nose and smelled it. He kissed the petals and dropped it in the hole in the ground, on top of her coffin. Salty tears emerged from his eyes.
'I love you Emma; sleep well darling'.
He walked away, not daring to look back. He knew this part of his life was over: now he had to look to the future.
21