We Could Be Heroes – Chapter 10 Alternative
Gene woke first, watching Alex sleeping for a while, his heart was still racing. Last night had been so intense, so much passion, that it had terrified him. Gene had never felt this way before, about anything, or anyone, and wasn't sure he could cope with it all. Gene wanted to run. He got up, trying not to wake Alex, dressed, and made himself a coffee. Gene's head was reeling...Alex...handing in his badge...all the team back... he needed time to think, on his own.
Alex rolled over, only to find the bed empty beside her. Surely it hadn't all been a dream. She'd never felt so content, and happy. Gene had taken her by complete surprise, the passion, the feeling that he'd shown, made her feel a real woman so many times, and easily. But Alex was now worried, was her future with Gene going to be just one night, she couldn't cope with that. Alex had told Gene at one point 'I love you' Gene had just replied 'um, me too Bols, me too' What did that bloody mean, besides being, just Gene Hunt? Why hadn't he mentioned about hanging up his boots, giving up his badge. Did his future not include her? Alex suddenly felt panicked, and scared.
Gene was sat on the couch, coffee in hand. Least it hadn't all been a dream, Alex thought. What had felt so right last night, suddenly felt rather uneasy.
"Are you ok?" Alex asked
"Sorry, didn't want to wake you. Needed a coffee" Gene said, staring into his cup, not wanting to make eye contact.
"I'm going to the station later, after had chat with the others, I need to catch up on everything"
Alex suddenly felt the wall had gone up again.
"Gene, what was last night?" Alex snapped, she couldn't contain herself.
"How do you mean what was it? I'd of thought that was bloody obvious. Don't start on me Alex, I'm going downstairs"
As Gene headed downstairs, he heard the smash of a cup against the kitchen wall, followed by
"Damn you" shouted by Alex. They all heard it downstairs too. No one knew what to say, perhaps last night hadn't gone as they'd all thought, but you never knew with those two. Those downstairs were already eating breakfast, Gene wasn't hungry. He was almost tempted to start on the Scotch, but needed a clear head, well until lunchtime anyway.
"Right listen up. I'm heading to station to pick up my things today, and catch up on everything"
"That reminds me" Terry said, handing Gene his trusty Magnum.
"Thanks. Is the case of Keats being shot closed then?" Gene asked, taking the gun. They all looked at each other, all pretty sure they'd not said about Keats being killed.
"How did you know Keats was shot?" Carling asked, a tad shocked.
"You told me Carling"
"No, I bloody didn't!" Carling snapped at Hunt.
"Tyler then" Gene said, now trying to think quickly.
"No, not me Guv"
"What is it, slap Gene day?" Hunt said, storming up stairs to front door, slamming the door behind him.
Alex entered the bar to see Gene storming out.
"What was all that about?" Alex asked, looking at everyone's stunned faces.
"Not sure. Did you tell the Guv Keats had been shot Alex?" Carling asked
"Keats, shot? Is he dead?" Alex replied, shocked.
"That answers that then, and yes hopefully!" Carling stated, although Keats body was never retrieved from the car, once it had gone up in huge ball of flames. But he was wondering how the hell the Guv knew Keats had been shot, did it matter? Maybe it didn't, maybe it did...
Hunt reappeared, annoyed with himself, realising Alex still had the keys to the Quattro. No one dared to say anymore about Keats, or question why Hunt had decided a Scotch at 9am seemed a good idea. Hunt sat at the bar on his own. Alex wanted to join him, but felt it wasn't what Gene needed right now, she was almost on the verge of tears, watching him.
"Maybe we should all go back collect our stuff. My job is done here, and I don't want to work under anyone else except the Guv" Carling said to the others quietly, hoping the Guv didn't hear.
"Me neither" agreed Terry. It was suddenly dawning on them all what the Guv had said yesterday. George appeared, started clearing up the cups, plates from breakfast.
"Are you coming back with us George" Sam asked.
"Holiday George?" Hunt asked, looking over.
"No Gene, I'm packing up here. There's nice rural pub near Sam, and Annie, that needs a manager. Was going to tell you last night" George said, hoping Gene would understand. Gene just nodded, suddenly feeling everything was changing so quick, he wasn't in control anymore. Gene Genie hated not being in control.
"Bottle of Scotch George" Hunt said finishing one in the glass in front of him. They all looked at each other.
"Anyone else coming to the station, one last time, maybe a Scotch or two? Quattro keys Alex?" Gene demanded, taking the Scotch, holding out his hand for the keys.
"I'll come with you, drive you" Alex said hoping Gene would agree, at least to her coming.
"I'm bloody driving Bols, don't you trust me?"
"I'd love to come Guv, see the office, how it's changed, from the dinosaur era" Sam said grinning, feeling the tense atmosphere needed lifting. Annie agreed.
"Not sure about the Scotch Guv, but would be nice to see office one more time" said Shaz, knowing hers, and Chris's job here was done, they just needed to tell the Guv.
All headed out to the cars, leaving George to tidy up, for when they returned later. Like old times, Hunt in drivers seat of the Quattro, Carling, and Chris in the back, Bols in passenger seat. Hunt suddenly felt he had some control back, fired up the Quattro, then slamming the accelerator pedal to the floor, the tyres screamed. Happy days, Carling thought. Carling briefed the Guv on Litton. Hunt just nodded, and grinned throughout. Good result Hunt thought.
The cars pulled up outside the police station. They all got out, looking at the stairs in front of them. So many memories were flooding back to them all. Hunt took deep breath, and lead them all into the station, up to their offices. Gradually plods, office staff, cleaning, and catering staff appeared, all applauding as DCI Hunt, and his team walked past them. Even Hunt found it tad overwhelming, what a welcome back, how could he leave that? But his team were going anyway, weren't they? What about Bols? They could never work together again, could they? Hunt hated all this thinking, and felt his head was about to explode.
Hunt pushed the swing doors open into their offices, and it felt as if he'd been shot again, his chest tight, his head reeling, his heart pounding. He'd forgotten what it felt like to enter here, how could he forget? All the rest followed. Terry, and Carling heading to their desks. Hunt strode into his office, coat and belt billowing behind him. Alex followed. The man she'd fallen in love with, was back where he belonged. She watched him take off his coat, hang it up, as she'd seen so many times before, then pour himself a large Scotch. Gene poured another, handed it to Alex, then sat at his desk, in his rightful place. Sam appeared, Gene handed him a Scotch too.
"Well this is more like it Guv, almost modern, almost. At least not as caveman as before" Sam said laughing. Carling, Chris, Shaz, Annie and Terry all entered the Guv's office, all stood round the Guv's desk. Scotch handed out to those who wanted one. Hunt said nothing, he just looked at them one by one, taking the occasional slug of Scotch, then pouring another, it went very quiet.
"A toast" Sam broke the silence.
"To the one and only, the Guv"
"The Guv" rattled round the office, as they all raised their glasses. Hunt looked at Bols. Their eyes met, the first time since last night. They both knew he had to choose, they all knew he had to choose. Things could not return as before, without them tearing each other apart.
The Super stuck his head round the door, breaking the moment.
"Excellent to see the old team reunited Gene, and..." Super said, looking Sam's way.
"DI Sam Tyler" Sam said, shaking the Super's hand
"So you're Tyler, heard a lot about you, and Annie Cartwright I presume" Annie nodded, shaking the Super's hand.
"I'm hoping this means you've changed your mind Gene. Sure we could find room for all your old team, if they wanted" They all looked at each other, now that option hadn't crossed their minds. Not only unbreakable, but bloody formidable. Hunt now realised whatever he decided, could affect everyone else. The old 70's Gene Hunt wouldn't of cared, they'd all fit in, like it or lump it, but several years down the line, it mattered. Gene felt he owed them all his life, they'd given him this chance to make this decision. But it had to be made by all of them, although he had a pretty good idea of their thoughts already, which may decide it for him. He just wanted to make sure. Or was he just kidding himself? Was it that he really want to stay at the Met, carry on his job here. The passion he was starting to lose had definitely returned, but then maybe that passion had a different path to take.
"I need more time to think sir" Gene said, standing up.
"Take all the time you want Gene, as I said before, have a break. DI Drake, DI Carling, Terry too. You've all been through a lot this past week" Gene shook the Super's hand.
"Thank you sir" Gene said, just a tad relieved. He had more time to think.
Alex followed the Super out of Gene's office, tempted to catch him before he left, but stopped by her desk. Why was everything so complicated, difficult, and a roller coast of emotions where Gene Hunt was involved? Yesterday he'd announced he wanted to hand in his badge, last night he'd made the most passionate love to her, all through the night. Now today he was obviously contemplating maybe staying back at the Met. Gene didn't discuss anything with her. Where did Alex fit in with all this? Alex wasn't even sure what she wanted anymore, except possibly to be by his side whatever, that's why she'd come back surely. Or had she? Had Alex just come back to save his life, be with him when he needed her most. Gene had been by her side when she really needed help. Perhaps her job was now done too, and Gene's future didn't involve her, or was she back to make a difference, to maybe carry on at the Met, if Gene handed in his badge. So many bloody questions rattled round her head...
Gene watched Alex walk out the office, admiring her curves as usual, poured himself another Scotch. All the others were chatting, telling old stories, except Carling who walked over to Gene, putting his hand on Gene's shoulder.
"Are you going all Dorothy on me Raymondo?"
"No Guv, but I can see those rusty old cogs turning" they both laughed.
"Right listen up. George is leaving Cartwright's tomorrow, think we need to give him good send off, finish up any remaining booze. I do hate waste! Pub?"
"Sounds like a plan Guv" Carling agreed. Rest all nodded, except Annie, and Shaz who looked at each other, 'not again?' Alex heard the word pub, she was starting to hate that place. Alex wanted to be on her own with Gene, just to talk, well maybe just talk, but she wouldn't say no to another night of passion!
Arriving back at Cartwright's they found George putting bottles of beer, wine, Bolly and Scotch on the bar. Bottle openers, and various glasses too.
"That's it everyone, all the booze I have left except the top shelf. I'm not serving anymore, help yourselves" George said coming round from behind the bar.
"Nice one George" said Carling, first to the bar, poured himself 2 bottles of beer into pint glass.. Gene took bottle of Scotch, headed for his usual corner table, joined by Ray, Sam, Terry, Chris, and George. Shaz, and Annie went and sat down at another table, Alex joined them taking bottle of red wine.
"Nice to see you again maam" Shaz said, wondering how to say the next part.
"Me, and Chris are going back, we just don't know how to tell the Guv"
"Shaz, its Alex. There's no rank here now, except the Guv. I wouldn't worry too much, I think Gene already knows. Let's just enjoy tonight" Gene, and Alex although on seperate tables, in seperate conversations couldn't help but keep making eye contact, like a pair of teenagers on first date, not really knowing what to do next. God Alex wished she could just talk to Gene, on his own, a plan was needed.
The booze, and conversation were flowing well. Gene went to the bar to get another bottle of Scotch. Chris decided now was a good time to talk to the Guv. Just as Alex went to get up to follow Gene, Chris beat her to it.
"George can we have some music on" Alex asked, hoping that maybe a way to get Gene on his own, although of course Gene Genie didn't dance, did he? George put some 80's tape on, all he could find. Sam, and Annie were the first ones up, showing some moves.
"Guv, me and Shaz have decided to go back. We only came to make sure you were ok" said Chris waiting for Gene's reply, holding his breath.
"I understand" Gene said, already knowing really, went to just shake Chris's hand, but then Gene put the other hand round Chris's back, gave him half a man hug. Shaz looked up, knowing Chris had told the Guv. She then went up to the bar to give Gene a hug too. They held each other for some time, with Shaz starting to sob.
"Thank you, I know what it took to come back" Gene said now looking at both of them.
"When are you going?" Gene asked, hoping it wasn't now.
"In the morning Guv, we might as well party tonight" Chris said grinning. Chris, and Shaz sat down joining Alex. Alex held Chris's, and Shaz's hands briefly, and smiled knowingly. Gene stayed sat at the bar, Alex saw her chance, except Ray beat her to it.
"Oh bollocks" Alex said out loud, not meaning to.
"Are you ok Alex?" Chris asked, he like everyone else had noticed Alex, and Gene constantly sneaking glances.
"Fine!" Alex exclaimed, pouring another wine.
"Guv, I came here for one reason, and..." Carling started to say.
"It's ok Raymondo I know, I can never repay you" Gene interrupted.
"You don't bloody owe me anything Guv, it was an honour, and you've always watched my back, our backs. You'll always be the Guv, whatever happens" Carling said shaking Gene's hand.
"Please just promise me one thing" Carling demanded
"Depends" said Gene, taking large slug of Scotch.
"You'll look after Bols, whatever you decide. Know she's a pain in the arse, but she's your pain in the arse. She never left your side in hospital"
"Bols terrifies me Raymondo. Give me a scumbag with sawn off any day"
"From the day you met, you were destined to be together. You bloody know that. Don't throw away everything you 2 have been through. Grow a pair Gene Hunt" Carling said smiling.
"They day I take advice about women from you Carling, is the..."
"The day you bloody listen" Carling chipped in. Gene just looked into his Scotch, sunk that one, and poured another. Maybe Carling had a point. Carling joined Alex's table, no one mentioned going back, they didn't need to.
Gene went and sat with Terry, and George. All the others were dancing, and getting seriously pissed. Chris danced with Annie, Sam keeping an eye on Chris. Shaz danced with Sam, Chris knew Sam would be a gentleman, wouldn't he? Alex grabbed Ray for a dance. Ray couldn't believe his luck, bringing back memories of the cat suit, oh my.
"Raymondo keep your hands where I can see them" Hunt barked. They all started laughing, almost to the point of giggles.
"I'm gonna throw up" Alex declared.
"I'm not bloody surprised" said Gene, with a sigh, picking her up, taking her up to the flat, and putting on the couch.
"Stay Gene" Alex slurred, feeling sick again.
"I'll be back up later, get some rest" Gene said, shutting door behind him. I've blown it, Alex thought, that plan didn't go well, really now wishing she hadn't drunk so much, finally crawling into bed.
Gene was greeted by Sam when he got downstairs. Sam shook his hand fondly.
"You look after yourself Guv, and that Alex Drake. If ever there was a match for you, that lady is it" Sam nodded, smiling. Gene just rolled his eyes, shook his head, and smiled.
"We're leaving early in the morning, with George" Sam said. George, and Annie came over to give Gene huge hugs.
"You, and Alex could always come stay at the pub, has huge accomodation above. If you and Alex fancy a break Gene, better than Margate" George laughed.
"Now there's a thought Guv, come up with us" Sam said smiling, watching the Guv's reaction, noticing Gene was deep in thought.
"I'd love that too Guv, been so nice to see you again. You gave us a scare" Annie said, holding Sam's hand. Gene was so pleased they'd stayed together, stayed here, and it was an idea, for him and Alex to go up 'norf' for a break, clear their heads, spend some time together. Sam and Annie, hand in hand, headed up to George's flat. Shaz following them after giving her Guv one last long hug.
"Look after yourself, and maam too. You know you were made for each other. We've always known" Shaz said coyly.
Chris was crashed out on a bench seat. Terry too. Not together! Just Raymondo, and Gene Genie left standing, like old times. They could always drink the others under the table.
"Go up to Alex Guv"
"Alex is as pissed as one of your farts Raymondo. She can sleep it off. There's some 15yo Malt on top shelf, fancy one Raymondo, and one of them big bastard Cubans?" Gene asked, already behind the bar.
"Why not Guv" Both sat enjoying the Scotch, and Cuban.
"Guv, how did you know Keats had been shot?" Carling asked cautiously.
"To use a phrase that really pisses me off Raymondo, no comment" Gene said laughing wryly. Ray just smiled, thinking maybe the subject was best left. But he was now thinking maybe the Guv had something to do with it, but how...
"George has suggested we go up 'norf' with him, Sam and Annie, stay the pub for a while" Gene said, wondering what Ray would think.
"Do you both the world of good Guv" Ray said, starting to think maybe that would be an idea for a while too, before returning to the Railway Arms.
"I need some kip Guv" Ray said staggering to the nearest bench seat. Gene sat there on his own for a while, everything just rattling round his head, he needed to talk to Alex, but he was pissed, perhaps it should wait until the morning. He had couple more large Scotch, Gene Genie size, then wandered up the stairs to Alex's flat.
Gene fell through the flat door, trying to look his usual in control self, but failing, and then fell in a heap in the couch, waking Alex. Finding Gene slumped on couch just conscious, she picked up his legs, moving him to more comfortable position.
"I'm fine, I'm not piffed, I'm just tired" Gene slurred, then promptly fell asleep. Alex covered him in a blanket. The rest of Alex's time here with Gene was not going to be simple, she could see that.
Several heads were banging next morning, none more so than Gene's.
"Morning" Alex said handing Gene a coffee.
"Is it?" Gene replied feeling rougher than a Badger's arse. There was knock on flat door.
"Guv it's Sam, we're getting ready to go"
"Ok, just coming down Sam. Do you fancy few days George's pub Bols?"
"Ummmm"
"That's great then, I'll let George know" Gene said without even giving Alex chance to think.
"Grab any stuff you want to take, meet us downstairs" What had Alex just agreed too, the Gene Genie method of discussing things, important things left a lot to be desired. Alex just sighed, and smiled to herself.
Everyone was now coming to, and chatting when Gene got downstairs. Chris, Shaz and Terry were heading off back to the Railway Arms, without Raymondo, they said their goodbyes, and walked up the stairs to the door out. Ray approached Gene.
"Morning Guv, George has said I can stay the new pub for few days too, before going back to Railway Arms" Ray said, holding his breath, waiting for the reply.
"Oh great" Gene replied, pleased in one way Raymondo would be around a while longer, but desperately wanting to spend some time with his Bols. Ray wasn't sure which way to take the reply, but time would tell he thought. Alex appeared, refreshed after a shower, looking and smelling stunning, taking Gene's breath away. They looked at each other, both knowing exactly what the other was thinking. The others couldn't help but notice the magnetism between them. It suddenly hit Gene, right in the heart, like a bullet, everyone else was right, they were meant to be together.
Just as well they had George's car, and the Quattro. There were quite a few belongings, and stuff to go in the boots, mainly what George didn't want left at the wine bar. They all walked up the stairs to go out, taking one last glance back, the end of an era, all feeling sad in one way, but knowing new chapters were beginning for them all. Sam, and Annie climbed into George's Triumph Stag. George locked the door for the last time, putting keys through letter box, then got into drivers seat.
"Follow us up Guv, see you there" Sam said through the back window, smiling, looking at Annie who was beaming, pleased her and Sam weren't heading Railway Arms just yet. Gene nodded getting into Quattro, Ray climbing in the back, Bols in passenger seat.
"Let's fire up the Quattro, start another chapter" The Quattro burbled, Gene Genie felt he was back in control, the tyres screeched as his foot hit the accelerator. Alex was really hoping the whole journey wouldn't be quite as nerve wracking.
"I've got an idea Guv, we could start a PI service. Carling, Hunt and Drake" Ray said half seriously.
"You are joking me Raymondo. Has to be Hunt, Drake and Carling" Gene said stubbornly.
"I don't think so" Alex retorted.
"Surely Drake, Hunt and Carling" Alex gave Gene one of her looks. Gene's trousers suddenly felt a tad tight.
"Or you 2 could get married, call it Hunt, and Hunt. Could be right pair of Hunts!" Ray said, unable to control his raucous laughter. He was joined in the laughter by Alex and Gene. The arguing over the name, with many alternatives continued all the journey up the motorway...