We Could Be Heroes
Chapter 9
The party at Cartwright's went on till the early hours. Chris and Shaz dancing to anything New Romantic. Chris also dancing on the tables, until he had to throw up in nearest waste bin. Sam, and Annie smooching to all the slow tunes, and throwing a few serious moves to anything faster. Ray, Terry, and George sat in the corner like 3 stooges, putting the world to rights, Ray had brief shuffle with Shaz, but decided it just wasted valuable drinking time. They'd all really let their hair down, in their own ways, knowing this would probably be one of the last times they'd all be together. Although the 2 most important people were missing, the conversation was rarely about anyone else. They'd all been through so much together, good times, and bad. Falling out many a time, coming to blows on occasions, but the friendships, and bonds formed, would never diminish, unbreakable.
"Remember the time you pulled a gun on the Guv, Sam? I lost money on that, always thought it would be the other way around" Carling said smiling, Sam laughed, his relationship with the Guv had been rocky, to say the least, especially at the start, but Sam ended up with huge respect for Gene. The Guv got results, in his own way, but some of Sam, and Bols had definitely rubbed off on the Guv.
"I remember the day Alex turned up" Terry said laughing "The Guv carrying her up the bloody stairs, into the office, that skirt!"
"Tell me more" Sam smirked, thinking all he got was pinned to the filing cabinet by the lion of the jungle, who was having 'oops for dinner.
Terry told the story well, of Alex arriving, with several smutty details. They all knew from that day DI Drake would be trouble for the Guv, and she was.
"Bloody hell, I remember the day Alex gave the Guv a left hook, Joe Bugner in a dress. Thought Guv was going down, but he rode it well" Chris recalled. They all laughed.
"The Guv, and maam, had so many rows, they were impossible sometimes, always thought they should get a room, or just shoot each other" said Shaz, having huge admiration for them both. The Guv could be a pig to her, but he had looked after her when it was really needed. Carling had so many memories, especially that speech the Guv had given to Lord Scarsehole, receiving standing ovation, from all in the office. Carling had always been one step behind the Guv, covering his back if needed. There was no one like the Guv in his eyes, always lead from the front, didn't always make the right decisions, but brave as a bloody Lion, a Manc Lion. They all had the feeling that this time the Guv was shot, things would change, he had nearly died. They'd all came back because the Guv needed them, to get him out of a dark place, mentally and physically, the place they'd all had nightmares about. Their job had been done, whereas Alex's part in the Guv's life was starting a new chapter, or was it? They all gradually staggered off to various places to get some kip, Sam, Annie, Chris and Shaz using Alex's flat, Ray, Terry and George just crashed where they were, all that pissed, anywhere was comfortable.
Daylight returned, and George appeared with coffee, and loads of fried grub, enough to feed an Army, then heading up to flat to announce breakfast. Everyone slowly appeared, feeling a tad fragile, and looking at all the empty bottles of wine, scotch, and pint glasses everywhere, no one was surprised. The coffee, and fried grub soon vanished though.
"There's few things need sorting today, for the Guv, in case he comes out of hospital, can't see him staying in there long" Carling suggested, knowing the Guv would be itching to get to the pub.
"Sam, I'm looking at motor for the Guv today, do you want to come?
"Ok, sounds good, what is it?"
"Wait, and see" said Carling grinning, knowing the Guv would love it, well he bloody hoped he would.
"Shaz, and Annie, have some women's work for you 2" Carling said in his usual misogynistic way, but grinning, receiving a swift kick in the shins, from Shaz under the table.
"That's fine with me" Annie said smiling, anything to help the Guv was ok. Sam never stopped talking about the Guv, Annie knew he'd give anything to work with him again, and that worried Annie sometimes.
"Guv's coat needs dry cleaning, bit of repair too, also he needs a suit from his flat. Is that ok?" Carling asked, knowing the Guv couldn't part with that coat, but it was bit of a mess. Shaz, and Annie nodded, glad they could help in some way, and have some time to themselves, away from males.
"Terry, Chris can you head to station, check if forensics have finished with Guv's Magnum. Be good if he could have that back" Everyone was pleased to be doing something, it would help them forget their hangovers. George had to clear up, for opening in few hours. No one volunteered to help, but he was ok with that.
Gene woke to find his Bols laying on the hospital bed next to him, her head on his chest. He smiled to himself, so many times lately they'd spent the night together, but never as one, that was going to change if it killed him. Alex stirred looking at her Guv, lots of stubble enhancing those brooding good looks, and those eyes... Alex had offered to help him shave, but Gene Genie valued keeping his neck in one piece. Alex touched his face, then his lips, they were just about to kiss when the doors swung open.
"Um, sorry Guv" said Carling, thinking they really need to get a proper room, before Matron caught them at it in here.
"Great timing as usual Raymondo" Gene said, slightly disappointed.
"Least you're not handcuffed to the bed Guv" Sam grinned cheekily, they all laughed
"Oh, tell me more Tyler" Alex said, wanting all the smutty details.
"Maybe later Alex" Sam suddenly wishing that maybe he hadn't mentioned that, what would Alex think. Matron appeared with the Doctor.
"Would you all mind sitting outside, while Doctor does his checks?" Gene hated all this, he felt fine, he just wanted go to the pub. Gene Genie was already planning his escape. They all sat outside, leaving Gene with the Doctor, and Matron.
"We're going to pick up a motor for the Guv, the others are sorting a suit, Guv's coat, and his Magnum, and maybe some Garibaldi''s"
"Sounds like you have it all under control Ray" Alex said, knowing her hardest job now was to stop Gene just legging it. Ray, and Sam headed off to collect the Guv's new motor.
Shaz, and Annie arrived at the dry cleaners, just round corner from the hospital. Gene's coat was a mess, hole at front, and back, stank of whiskey, and dried blood. The lady behind the counter wasn't at all keen to clean it, let alone manage it in few hours, until the name of DCI Hunt was mentioned, she gave a cheeky grin, blushed, and said it would be ready later that day. Shaz, and Annie just smiled, they knew how far Gene Hunt's reputation went, especially with the ladies. Now to fetch a suit from Gene's flat.
Chris, and Terry arrived at the station, and were bombarded by everyone asking how the Guv was. No prints were found on the Magnum, and any further enquiries into the shooting of Keats had just faded away, the case wasn't closed, but it might as well be. Litton had been charged with attempted murder of Tony Anderson, not received bail, and presently locked up in Fennchurch, where he was enjoying the hospitality on offer, from other inmates! Markham, and Layton were awaiting trial, with watertight cases, they were sure to be going down, for a long stretch.
The main CID office was empty, the Guv's office, DI Drake's desk, DI Carling's desk, and Terry's, exactly how they'd left them that fateful day. The Super had allowed them all compassionate leave, while it was touch, and go whether DCI Hunt would pull through.
"Ah, Terry I need to see go DCI Hunt today, I hear he's back with us, could you give me a lift?" Super asked, sticking his head round the door.
"No problem sir" Terry replied, wondering what was the fate of the office, the team, if the Super wanted Gene to have a break, a holiday in Bognor, or even retire, he for one wouldn't want to come back, and he was pretty sure none of the others would either.
Carling, and Sam arrived at the lock up. Young spotty lad appeared, with some keys in his hand, pushing up the shutters to reveal the Guv's new car.
"Oh bloody hell, the Guv will love this" Sam said, moving in for a closer look.
"Can I drive it back" Sam asked, knowing what the answer would be.
"No bloody chance" Ray answered, laughing, handing Sam keys to the other car, the beaten up Triumph they'd arrived in.
"What do I owe you?" Ray asked the lad.
"Nothing Mr Carling, DCI Hunt helped my Dad many times, this one's on us, and it's legit!" The lad said quite proudly. There's a bonus on both counts Ray thought, thanking the lad, shaking his hand.
Ray, Sam, Shaz, and Annie arrived back at hospital the same time.
"Oh wow, is this the Guv's new car, he'll love this" said Shaz, remembering the Guv's love for his cars. Annie thought it was a definite improvement on the Ford Cortina anyway. Shaz handed the Guv's coat to Ray.
"Nice one, looks like new" said Ray sounding horn on the Guv's car, hoping Alex would look out of the window. No sign, so he left his hand on it for a few seconds, that'll work, he thought.
"What's all that bloody noise" Gene snapped, he so needed to get out of here now. Alex headed to the window, looked through the blinds. There was Ray leaning on the roof of a Black Audi Quattro, waving Gene's coat in the air. Ray was a good mate to Gene, she thought. Gene is going to love the Quattro. Alex was busting to tell him. She could sense his mood changing, being in here was driving him nuts.
"Can't see anything" Alex said trying to hide her excitement. Well that's a bloody lie Gene thought, he could always tell, because Alex's nose twitched, delightfully.
They all came busting through the doors, all grinning madly. Gene knew something was going on, there wasn't much escaped him, and it was bloody obvious anyway. Annie produced some Garibaldi's. Surely that wasn't what they were all grinning about.
"What's got into you lot?" Gene growled
"Nothing" Carling said, trying to act casual, looking at Sam, who was desperately trying not to make eye contact,.
"You're a bloody awful liar Carling, same as Bolly Kecks over there" Gene said knowingly, nodding.
Chris came through the door, followed by Terry, the Super, and Matron.
"There's a Black A..." Chris started to say, Ray put his hand across Chris's mouth, pushing him out through the doors past the Super, and Matron.
"Sorry Sir, Matron" Ray said
"It's for the Guv Chris, he doesn't bloody know yet"
"Oh wow, he'll like that, sorry didn't think"
"No bloody change there then" Ray said laughing. They crept back in. Super was talking to the Matron, hearing how lucky Gene had been, and what a lovely patient he was. Gene really wanted to be elsewhere, anywhere.
"Wanted to talk to you Gene, but in private really" the Super stated.
"What you want to say can be said here Sir, in fact I'll save you the trouble" Gene said sitting up more, taking a deep breath.
"I've decided I'm hanging up my boots, and badge" Gene's heart was pounding, he couldn't believe he'd said it, but it definitely sounded like his voice. Coming so close to snuffing it had cleared his mind, he knew exactly what he wanted now. The times were changing, hatchets out for coppers like him, and his ways. Gene had decided he could sort the scum easier without a badge. The room was dead silent, they all looked at each other, but no one looked shocked except the Super. Alex's head was racing. Gene hadn't even mentioned it, something as big as this, he hadn't even consulted her. She wanted to scream at him.
"Just take a holiday Gene, have a break, we can discuss it when you get back"
"No sir, I've made my mind up, and nothing will change it" Gene said stubbornly.
"Ok then Gene, I'll set the wheels in motion. I'll leave you to it. Good night Gene, everyone"
"Good night Sir, thank you" Gene said, relieved that was over.
"Just when did you decide that Gene Hunt" Alex shouted at him.
"Would of been nice to discuss it, don't you think?" Alex added, looking out of the window almost in tears.
"Women, I'll never bloody understand them, especially you Bols, I did this for you" Gene said in loud exasperation. The others weren't sure whether to leave them to it. Things were definitely back to normal. Suddenly Gene was out of the bed, anything attached was removed swiftly.
"I need a bloody drink"
"Guv you can't just get up" Shaz said, wishing she hadn't when Gene scowled at her..
"Oh can't I?" Gene retorted
"Just as well we've got you a suit, and coat then Guv" Ray said grinning.
"See you can always rely on blokes, women, never" Gene growled as he got dressed. That felt better already he thought. Now to get out of here, he thought picking up the Garibaldi's, and his dented flask.
"Pub?" Gene asked, looking at them all.
"Pub!" "Pub!" "Pub!" Rattled round the room. Alex's emotions were shot, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry, be mad at Gene, or make love to him there, and then. He looked best she'd seen him for long while. His shoulders broad, passion, and fire in his eyes. How could she stay mad with him, but oh boy was he going to have to make it up to her. They all fled out through the hospital doors. Matron spotted them from down the corridor, but knew she'd be wasting her breath. She knew Mr Hunt would be fine with his team looking after him. He was a lucky man, and as for Alex, she was one lucky lady.
The cold air hit Gene like a brick, but oh God it felt good. Ray was behaving like a demented squirrel leading his mates to a hazelnut stash. Then Gene spotted the stash. Ray waving the keys.
"Yours Guv" Ray said, holding his breath.
"Oh bloody hell Raymondo, I could kiss you. Hallebloodylujah a Quattro" Gene exclaimed with the widest smile. Alex snatched the keys.
"I'll drive" Alex said climbing into the drivers seat.
"No bloody way, out of my car Bols, now. No one drives my Quattro, but me" Gene barked at her.
"She does have a point Guv, you have just got out of hospital" Ray said boldly. Sam, and Annie starting to realise what a fiery relationship Gene, and Alex had, they now understood, but it was still obvious they were a match.
Gene resigned himself to the passenger seat. His head was reeling.
"Don't you dare scratch her" Gene said, as Alex put key in the ignition.
"Fire up the Quattro Bols" How much had Gene Genie missed saying that. The engine burbled. Alex hit the accelerator, causing it to wheel spin, sending Gene's foot to the imaginary brake pedal on his side. He was never a good passenger, especially when a female was driving. They arrived in one piece at Cartwright's. The others all piled out of their cars, straight into Cartwright's. Gene, and Alex sat in the Quattro, just looking at each other, neither quite believing where they were. Gene leant over, pulling Alex close, and kissed her like he'd never kissed her before. Alex was shocked by the passion she could feel surging in Gene, nicely shocked. She was sure her heart was about to explode.
"Think we should join the others" Gene said, with a naughty twinkle. Alex had never been so happy, her thoughts drifted quickly, and briefly back to the other world, it had never felt as real as this. Sam was right.
Gene, and Alex walked down the stairs hand in hand, both a tad flushed. Opening the door, there was sudden round of applause, a standing ovation to the Guv. Alex joined in the applause. There weren't many dry eyes in the pub, even the hardest of hearts, had melted. George came round from behind the bar giving Gene the hugest of hugs, he was so glad to see him ok. Gene returned the hug, he had changed, he realised just how much people meant to him, and him to them, and for once in his life it mattered. There was plenty of wine, and scotch starting to flow.
"A toast. To the man that will always be our Guv, whatever" Carling said raising his glass.
"Our Guv" came back the replies.
"My team, un bloody breakable whatever" Gene replied, they all raised their glasses.
"I need a shower, get changed, won't be long" Alex announced heading up to the flat. Everyone sat chatting, stories flowing, booze too, except Gene who was just staring up at the ceiling, imaging what Alex was doing right this moment. Ray noticed, and smiled to himself. I'll give him 5 mins he thought. Gene got up, went to the bar.
"George, bottle of Bolly, 2 glasses"
"Coming up" Gene took them, said nothing to anyone, just headed up the stairs to Alex's flat. They all looked at each other with one single thought.
"Police, open up" The door opened, Alex fresh out of the shower, in her satin dressing gown. Gene opened the Bolly with a bang, handing Alex a glass.
"You and me Bols, unbreakable" they clanked their glasses. Tonight there would be no interruptions, no knocks on the door, the phone off the hook. Gene wasn't sure he could pick up Alex, still feeling a tad groggy, but he was going to bloody try.
"Gene, no!" Alex screamed, both laughing as he nearly dropped her. Composing himself, gathering his strength, Gene carried her through to the bedroom, laid her on the bed. There was no indecision in his heart tonight. Gene took off his jacket, tie, and boots, without taking his eyes off Alex. Both their hearts were pounding. It had been one hell of a journey for both of them to get here, the place both knew they were destined to be. Suddenly this all felt so right. Gene laid on the bed next to Alex, leaning on his elbow, chin resting on his hand, looking into her eyes. Alex had never seen so much passion in Gene's eyes before, often lust, boyish cheek, even anger, but this was different, so different. He ran his fingers through her hair, Alex's heart was busting as Gene started kissing her neck, she could feel his strong fingers slowly moving down her side. Gene felt her tremble...
They'd all heard Alex's scream, and the laughter, but now it was silent upstairs.
"I don't think we'll be seeing the Guv again tonight" Carling said with a naughty grin. He was glad they'd finally got it together. He knew both would be ok, together they were a formidable team.
"I think you're right Carling, and that makes a bloody change" Sam said laughing.
"Ha, bloody ha Tyler" said Carling thumping Sam on the arm.
"More drinks all around George" Carling ordered.
"The Guv, Bols, and all who sail in her" Carling said cheekily, they all raised their glasses, the room filled with laughter..