Disclaimer: I do not own Rookie blue or any of the characters….

Thanks as always for the reviews, favs and follows and for reading of course. It does mean so much to hear from you.

Sorry it has taken so long to update. Things have been kind of hard lately and the words just weren't flowing. Hopefully I've pulled something reasonable together for this update. I had planned more for this chapter, but in the end decided it was better to update sooner. Chapter 40 - who'd have thought this fic would get this far when I wrote that very short first chapter over a year ago

Apologies for mistakes – I do my best to proof, but there are always some….

Hope you enjoy :)

…..

'Gimlet does have a son. Dr Hart was right,' Dov said, pointing to his computer. Gail pulled her chair in closer to take a look.

'Damien Gimlet. Twenty-two. Last known address 15 Riverdale Street, the Bridle Path,' Gail reeled off.

'Millionaire's row,' Dov gave a low whistle, 'how can a twenty-two-year-old kid afford to live there?'

'Gimlet's ex-wife lives in Bridle Park. What's the bet it's the same address.'

'So you think it's the family home?' Dov entered a new search into the computer.

'Yep. Gimlet said his wife kept it in the divorce.'

'Patricia Gimlet is listed as the owner,' Dov pointed to the computer again.

'We should head over there, although I very much doubt we'll find Damien aka Dominic Swartz', Gail said as she stood and grabbed the leather jacket from the back of her chair, 'but at least we can talk to Patricia. Maybe she can give us some dirt on Gimlet.'

'So what is Damien doing mixed up in this?' Dov asked as he followed Gail out of the detective pen. 'Even if he's not involved in Brierly's murder, at the very least he's undermining his father's company. '

'Conscience,' Gail suggested, 'maybe he saw what was going on in the labs. Knew animals were suffering.'

'Yeah, so why not report it directly to the SPCA? Why go to these lengths?' Dov mused.

Gail shrugged. 'People are weird. They do weird things. I mean, look at you Dov.'

'What if Gimlet didn't like the way his mother was treated in the divorce,' Dov said, choosing to ignore Gail's jibe, 'maybe it's revenge.'

'It's possible. What's say we go talk to the ex-Mrs Gimlet? If we get really lucky we'll find junior home as well,' Gail said. She looked at her watch. 'I'll let Frankie know. She and Chloe should be collecting Gimlet from the airport right about now.'

When Gail had gone to speak to Francine, Holly decided to head home. Much as she was curious to find out what Francine had to say, and much as a part of her wanted to hang around in case Francine was trying to dupe Gail or land her in more trouble, Holly knew she should leave Gail to get on with her job. Besides, Gail had said she probably had a long night ahead of her and told Holly not to wait.

As she made her way out of the station, Holly was flagged down by Traci. The detective wanted her opinion about a case - a drug dealer whose death appeared to be a suicide but one of Holly's colleagues felt otherwise. Reviewing the autopsy notes, Holly was inclined to agree.

'Definitely staged,' Holly said.

Traci sighed despondently.

'A can worms huh?' Holly smiled sympathetically.

'Yeah, this guy had so many enemies I don't where to begin. Any number of them wanted him dead, but thanks, Holly. I value your opinion. You and Gail should come over for dinner sometime soon. Leo's been asking to see Gail.'

'Don't tell Gail that –she'll be over there tonight,' Holly said and Traci chuckled.

A good forty-five minutes had passed by the time Holly made it to the lot behind the station where she'd parked her car. Apart from cars, the lot appeared empty. Since dating Gail, it had become something of a habit for Holly to scan her surroundings, particularly when walking to her car at night. 'You can't be too careful,' Gail had said. Holly had chalked up her caution to being a police officer but agreed it was sensible advice.

It was only as she pulled the car keys out of her coat pocket Holly sensed someone behind her. It was just an intuition really, nothing tangible about it. Since stepping out on the lot, zero had happened to put her on guard, no footfalls or muted voices, not even a flash of movement, yet the hairs on the back of Holly's neck stood up.

As a scientist, Holly normally didn't give much credence to the idea of premonitions, but this time she had a bad, bad feeling. Which was ridiculous, Holly thought, she was in a well-lit police lot. She certainly hadn't noticed anyone skulking about, and yet there was this feeling, almost like something or someone was about to press in against her. Gripping her keys and key fob to use as a weapon, Holly spun around. The woman was standing inches from her, so close Holly was surprised she hadn't felt her breath upon her her neck.

'Fuck,' Francine screamed and jumped back as Holly assumed an aggressive pose, ready to strike, 'what are you doing Holly.'

Holly lowered her arm but still kept her keys bunched in her hand. Based on the expression on her face, Holly guessed Francine's heart was beating as wildly as her own.

'What are you doing here,' Holly said, fear and adrenaline making her sound more hostile than she intended.

'Don't be like that, Holly,' Francine wheedled, 'I saw you leave the station and I thought we should talk. You know, clear the air.'

'About Gail and your complaint?' Holly asked, confused. For an instant, she thought Francine might want to apologize for causing Gail such trouble, but she dismissed the thought as quickly as it occurred to her. Saying sorry wasn't something Holly imagined Francine would ever do. In any case, Francine probably thought the matter had been dropped once she withdrew her complaint. The surgeon had no way of knowing it had sparked an internal review into Gail's conduct.

'What? No!' Now it was Francine's turn to look confused, 'I want to talk about us.'

'There's nothing to discuss,' Holly said coolly, 'I think I made that clear. Gail's my girlfriend – I'm not interested in anything with you.'

'Oh Holly,' Francine sighed as if Holly were misguided or perhaps a recalcitrant child who couldn't see she was acting against her own best interest. 'Holly, Holly.' Francine took a step forward and placed a hand on Holly's arm. Holly reflexively flinched and tried to pull her arm away, but suddenly Francine had her wrist in a crushing grip. She pulled Holly to her so their faces were millimeters apart and for an awful moment, Holly thought Francine was going to kiss her.

'You know that cop's no good for you.' Francine's face was contorted and flecks of spittle had gathered at the corner of her mouth. At this close range, Holly could feel Francine's breath, hot and sour, on her face. She is quite mad, Holly thought.

'You need someone like me to look after you,' Francine continued but her voice softened, back to the cajoling tone, 'someone who appreciates you, someone who is your equal, not that dim-witted cop.'

Holly tried to pull away but Francine tightened her hold.

'Francine,' Holly said levelly, 'you need to let go of my wrist.'

'No, not until you admit we belong together.'

'Francine, you're hurting me. Let go of my wrist,' Holly said more firmly.

But Francine didn't release her hold, not willingly anyway. Without warning Holly shifted forward towards Francine, the surprise momentarily knocking the surgeon off balance. Holly took the opportunity to stomp down hard on Francine's foot, grateful for those self-defense classes back in college.

'Argh,' Francine cried out, letting go of Holly's wrist with such force it propelled Holly back into her car.

Holly steadied herself, thinking the best course of action might be to make a break for the station. However, before Holly had a chance to move, Francine was seized in a classic police hold, arms pinned behind her back. At first, Holly couldn't tell who it was who had come to her aid. She half hoped it was Gail, half hoped it wasn't, because if it was Gail then Francine Hart's life wouldn't be worth living. It was only as Holly straightened up, she saw it was Fiona Vincent.

'What the fuck, let me go,' Francine was screaming, 'you are hurting me.'

'Yeah,' Fiona said like she could care less, 'well, I'm about to arrest you for assault, Dr Hart.'

Francine twisted her head around to get a look at who was restraining her. 'You,' she said when she saw it was Fiona Vincent, her voice full of venom and outrage, 'aren't you supposed to be on my side. I'm in the right, you know that.'

For a moment Holly was confused. Why would Fiona be on Francine's side? It was such a strange assertion, well insistence really. Did Francine really believe she was in the right, although it was unclear if she was referring to her behavior of a moment ago or Fiona's review into Gail's conduct? Or maybe Francine just believed she was always right; that her version of events was the valid one. She was arrogant enough, Holly thought.

It occurred to Holly that each time she saw Francine the surgeon's behavior became more erratic. For some inexplicable reason, despite all evidence to the contrary and despite Holly's continual rebuffs, Francine believed she had a claim to Holly. It was crazy and irrational, and Holly wondered why it had taken her so long to recognize that Francine's behavior was not that of someone who was mentally stable.

'Dr Stewart,' Fiona said sharply, bringing Holly out of her reverie. The police officer's concerned expression suggested she'd repeated Holly's name several times. 'Are you alright?'

'I'm okay. It's okay,' Holly said, rubbing her wrist gently to ease the throbbing, 'I don't want to press charges.'

'Are you sure,' Fiona said, a note of disbelief in her voice. 'I saw everything that happened.'

'Yes, I'm sure,' Holly said.

'So let me go,' Francine said, jerking forward, which caused Fiona to tighten her grip. 'Shit. You don't have to treat me like a criminal. Tell her Holly. We're okay here.' Francine looked directly at Holly, her expression defiant, even challenging.

'Francine,' Holly said, determinedly, drawing herself up so she stood straight and tall to convey just how resolute she was. Francine was a good deal shorter and Holly decided to use the height difference to her advantage, peering down at the surgeon like she was of little significance. 'I want nothing to do with you. Stay away from me and stay away from Gail. Otherwise, I will press charges.'

'You heard her,' Fiona said, letting Francine go but giving her a not too gentle push. 'If you bother Dr Stewart or Detective Peck again, I won't hesitate to arrest you for harassment. Which means you can say goodbye to your fancy medical career too. Do you understand?'

Francine stumbled forward and then, righting herself, turned to face Fiona. Her eyes were unfocussed and she appeared to be about to say something, but instead took off, sprinting through the lot and out onto the street. Holly let out a huge breath. She realized she was trembling, just a little and no doubt from shock. Fiona Vincent must have noticed too.

'Let's get you inside, Holly,' she said, 'You might need to ice that wrist.'

Holly nodded numbly and followed Fiona back into the station. She didn't believe in premonitions, not at all, but quite suddenly she was struck by a sense of foreboding, like this wasn't the last she'd seen of Francine.

'Do you think I should have pressed charges?' she asked Fiona.

'Holly, that's completely your decision. But in my experience, someone like that, she may keep coming back until you take action.'

'It's just her behavior is out of character. I'm not a psychiatrist but it's like she's experiencing some kind of psychosis. I don't believe charging her will achieve anything.'

'So you two were involved?' Fiona asked. It was said casually but Holly was immediately wary, knowing Fiona was heading the internal review sparked by Francine's complaint.

'Hardly,' Holly scoffed, 'oh god are you asking as someone investigating Gail or as my best friend's partner? Because I don't feel comfortable having my private life dissected as part of your review.'

'It will be anyway, I'm afraid. From what I can tell, Dr Hart made the complaint because of an irrational hatred of Gail. If I can make that link, it will help clear Gail.'

'It was two years ago in San Francisco. Believe me, a very bad one-night stand. Francine wanted to take it further. I wasn't interested. She went to work in Africa for a year and I didn't give it or her another thought until she turned up in Toronto a few months ago.'

'And made it clear she was still interested?'

'Yep,' Holly popped the 'p' just like Gail did. 'And I made it abundantly clear to Francine I wasn't interested in her and was very, very happy with Gail. Oh shit, Gail would want me to press charges wouldn't she.'

'I'd say so,' Fiona agreed.

'Damien is my step-son,' Patricia Gimlet sighed, 'he hasn't lived here for three years.'

The house was enormous. What real estate agents would describe as a residence - two stories with a sweeping circular drive and a six-car garage around the side. Patricia had ushered them into a room just off the front entrance. The room was painted in muted tones and had a large white floral Persian rug and a good-sized fireplace. An off-white sofa and two stiff-backed chairs upholstered in gold brocade were arranged around a heavy square marble table. Hanging over the mantelpiece were two swords, crossed like a saltire on a coat of arms, except these looked like Samurai swords, each had a curved single-edged blade and long grip. The swords themselves were incongruous in what was essentially a sitting room, but it was their size which made them impossible to ignore.

Even though Gail guessed it wasn't the main living room, the effect was opulent, a display of wealth that was no doubt repeated throughout the rest of the house. She wondered if it was Patricia's handiwork – Frank Gimlet had said his ex-wife was an interior decorator. Patricia had taken the same care and expense with her own appearance. Long ash blond hair was artfully curled just below the shoulders, and her make-up was understated but skillfully applied. She wore an apricot colored skirt and white silk camisole, which she'd paired with a white blazer and long, fine gold chain. Light beige high heels completed the outfit.

Patricia hadn't seemed in the least surprised when Gail explained they believed Damien could assist the inquiry into the murder of John Brierly. Her only discernible reaction was a very slight lift of an eyebrow, and a 'you better come in detectives,' before she hastily shut the front door. Wouldn't do to have it known the cops were on your doorstep, Gail thought. Although the nearest neighbors were some distance away so there was little chance Patricia would be spied speaking to them.

'So when did you last see Damien?' Gail asked.

'A year ago. It was right before the divorce. He came to see Frank. He was quite het-up about something, wild-eyed but then he was always a boy who liked a cause. I heard raised voices and then Damien slammed out of the house.'

'Did Mr Gimlet say what it was about?'

Patricia shrugged and reached for a cigarette box sitting on the marble table. It was brass with a filigree pattern on the lid and looked antique. She flipped the lid open, offering Dov and Gail a cigarette, which they both declined. 'Mind if I do?' Patricia asked but didn't wait for an answer before lighting up and taking a deep drag and then exhaling. 'Where were we?'

'Did Mr Gimlet tell you what his disagreement with Damien was about?' Gail prompted.

'We were barely on speaking terms by then. But I was sitting in here so Damien passed me on his way out. Frank was right behind him, shouting.'

'Do you remember what he shouted?'

'Don't be naïve. We're not the only company who does it. Go public with this and you'll destroy me.'

'You sound very certain,' Dov said, 'that's excellent recall.'

Patricia Gimlet regarded him haughtily. 'My antenna went off when I heard the word company. I was about to start divorce proceedings – I had a vested interest in the health of EquanimityPlus. After Damien left, Frank saw me sitting here, and said, how did I raise such a naïve, stupid boy.'

'Did you ask what he meant?' Dov said.

'No. Frank went back to his study. They were the first words he'd spoken to me for days. You have to understand, when Frank turns against you he is a deeply unpleasant man.'

'So I take it you got a reasonable divorce settlement?' Gail said.

'Not that it is any of your business, but yes, I did well. A sizable stake in the company - thirty percent of the shares - and doesn't that stick in Frank's craw. Even though he set up the company entirely with his first wife's money.'

'Would you have any idea where Damien might be living?' Gail asked, 'could he have gone to his mother's?'

'Susan, the first Mrs Gimlet,' Patricia said bitterly, 'she died when Damien was four. Weak heart apparently, although being married to Frank would send anyone to an early grave.'

Not you apparently, Gail thought to herself. 'So you brought up Damien?'

'From the age of ten. Frank had employed a series of nannies before that. None of them lasted long because he usually screwed them. By the time I came along, Damien had had a fairly fractured childhood and didn't trust adults easily.'

'Abandonment issues' Gail said.

'By the bucket load. I don't think he's ever managed to maintain a long term relationship as an adult either.'

'So would you say you and Damien are close?' Dov asked.

'Not at all. Damien tolerated me. I guess I gave him some consistency. After the first three years of the marriage, Frank was rarely here. I knew he had affairs,' Patricia shrugged, 'and he worked long hours so the child rearing, including looking after Damien, was left to me. After I found Frank fucking the first nanny I hired, I made sure I only employed older women who were not what you'd describe as eye candy if you know what I mean, but it didn't stop Frank's eye wandering elsewhere.'

Yeah, the child rearing must have been a hardship, Gail thought to herself, with all those nannies on hand. Still, she didn't envy Patricia's life married to Frank Gimlet. Her use of the obscenity had been deliberate, a bitter denunciation of her ex-husband and his infidelities.

'So would you have any idea who Damien's close friends are?' Dov asked.

Patricia scoffed. 'I wouldn't have been able to tell you who he hung out with at school, let alone who his adult friends are. Damien was secretive, kept to himself. Usually polite and charming, but some part of me always suspected it was an act.'

'How so?' Gail asked.

'Like he'd worked out how to behave around people to get his way rather than it being something that came naturally to him. There was something almost detached about him which he hid well.'

'Did he ever mention John Brierly?'

Patricia took a long drag on her cigarette and let out the breath slowly, regarding Gail through the swirl of smoke. 'No, but I think I met him about two years ago when I was waiting for Frank in his office. Dark hair, thin mustache. Mousey kind of guy.'

Gail and Dov nodded.

'He was looking for my husband and seemed agitated when he found me instead of Frank. I offered to pass on a message but he said no.'

'Did you mention this to Mr Gimlet,' Gail asked.

'Yes. Frank said Brierly was pushing for a promotion. Apparently, he'd spoken to Frank about it several times. Frank was clearly irritated. Said he didn't have much time for Brierly.'

'Did you two ever discuss Brierly again?'

'Not that I can recall,' Patricia shrugged, reaching for an ashtray to stub out her cigarette.

'Did Damien or Frank ever mention anything to you about the animal testing at EquanimityPlus?' Dov said

'No, I'm not involved in the day to day running of the company.'

'So you didn't take a look around the place when you redecorated Mr Gimlet's office?' Gail asked.

'No, hard as it is to believe, seeing a bunch of lab rats doesn't excite me,' Patricia said acerbically, making clear she thought the question stupid.

'Do you still work as an interior decorator?'

'No need,' Patricia scoffed, opening out her hands to indicate she was surrounded by wealth, 'I stopped working when I married Frank. I only decorated his office as a favor.'

'Did you decorate this house?' Dov asked.

'Yes. I wanted to put my own stamp on it. Expunge the ghost of Susan Gimlet.'

'So, those two swords hanging over the mantelpiece – were they purchased as part of the redecoration?' Gail asked.

Patricia raised an eyebrow. 'Are you a collector Detective? They are Katana swords used by the Samurai. Quite antique and very blunt. My ex-husband bought them on a business trip to Japan before we were married.'

…..

'What did you think?' Gail asked Dov once they were back in the car.

'I get the feeling Patricia Gimlet wasn't being entirely candid with us.'

'Yeah, and she didn't seem at all surprised when we said we needed to talk to Damien in relation to Brierly's murder.'

'Doesn't mean he did it,' Dov pointed out, 'the way she described him it seems like he was a troubled guy.'

'True,' Gail nodded in agreement, 'and what about her claim her ex-husband had spoken to Brierly several times. Frank Gimlet was adamant he only knew him by sight.'

'However, Patricia owns a chunk of EquanimityPlus. Would it be in her interests to point the finger at Frank or Damien?' Dov asked.

'Perhaps,' Gail drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, 'except if she brings down Gimlet she brings down the company.'

'Not necessarily,' Dov shifted in his seat, 'it depends on how the company is structured. With a thirty percent share, Patricia would be on the board of directors. Maybe she's aiming for a coup. Disgrace Gimlet, offer herself as a replacement.'

'It's a family company. Presumably, Gimlet owns the other seventy percent.'

'Not necessarily. Patricia said Gimlet set up the company using money from his first wife. What if Damien has a stake in EquanimityPlus too? That's something we need to check.'

Gail nodded in agreement. 'Was it just me or did you think those swords were kind of weird.'

'Out of place,' Dov suggested.

'Yeah,' Gail agreed, 'Patricia claimed they were blunt but could one of them have been used to behead Brierly?'

'It's possible,' Dov mused, 'if it was sharp and if the killer knew what they were doing. Didn't Holly say it was a clean cut?'

Gail nodded.

'So it would have taken one blow. Definitely would have to be someone who knows how to wield a sword.'

'Oh god, Holly are you okay,' Gail exclaimed as she burst into the break room where Holly was seated at the table, an ice pack on her wrist. Elaine was sitting across from her, and by the look on her mother's face, Gail had clearly interrupted her mid sentence. Gail wasn't sure if Elaine's presence was a good or a bad thing, but didn't have space to process it right then.

On returning to the station with Dov, Gail was met by an anxious Anna Robinson, who informed her about Holly. Now Gail rushed over to Holly and leaned down to hug her, the awkward angle knocking the ice pack to the ground. 'Shit, sorry,' she scooped up the pack and handed it to Holly. If the worried expression on her face hadn't made her concern plain, Gail's clumsiness certainly conveyed how distressed she was.

'I'm fine honey,' Holly smiled, even though a moment ago she had felt anything but fine. Somehow the appearance of Gail, even if she was uncharacteristically agitated, was reassuring.

'Oh shit,' Gail said, taking Holly's hand gently so she could examine her wrist. Francine had squeezed so hard the bruising was like a red bracelet, with a larger oval spot where she'd pressed with her thumb. 'That looks bad. It must really hurt,' Gail bit her lip, conscious of the inadequacy of her words. She pulled up a chair to sit beside Holly.

'The ice pack is helping,' Holly said, looking down at her arm. Gail was still holding her hand, but a little tentatively as if worried she might inadvertently cause Holly more pain.

'This is assault, Holly,' Gail looked across at Elaine, acknowledging her for the first time, 'did you document this mother?' Gail's tone had changed. Her voice was low and quiet and controlled in a way Holly had come to recognize. It happened when Gail was so angry she could barely contain her fury. Yet when Gail was angry, really really angry, she kept it in check. She became very still, but very alert as if waiting for the right moment to strike.

'Of course, Gail. We've photographed Holly's injuries, and both Holly and Fiona Vincent have given statements, but,' Elaine paused and arched an eyebrow, 'Holly doesn't want to press charges.'

'You don't want to press charges?' Gail echoed in disbelief, 'Francine's behavior is escalating. I don't want to sound alarmist, but next time she could do worse.'

'Fiona Vincent gave Francine a very strong warning. Threatened her with arrest if she harassed either of us again,' Holly said quietly.

'And you think that's enough?' Gail did nothing to disguise her skepticism. 'Holly, unless we put a stop to this, Francine will keep coming back. People like her it's a pattern. Police officers, we,' Gail nodded in the direction of her mother, 'we see it all the time.'

'Don't think I haven't tried to convince Holly that charging Dr Hart is the best course of action,' Elaine said, 'but she is immovable.'

'The way Francine behaved it was like she was experiencing some sort of psychosis,' Holly said.

'Yeah, she's a pyscho all right,' Gail said, 'and she should be locked up.'

'No, right now she needs support. Psychiatric help. Arresting her isn't going to achieve anything or actually stop her harassing us.'

'Holly, don't make excuses for her,' Gail stood up from her chair with such force it teetered as if it were about to topple over but she grabbed it in time. 'If you won't press charges, then maybe I should go and have a chat with Francine.' Unconsciously Gail's hand moved to rest on the gun holstered to her belt. The gesture didn't go unnoticed by either Holly or Elaine.

'Gail,' Holly said, drawing out her name in a sort of entreaty.

'Holly, if you won't take steps to keep yourself safe, then I will.'

'Sit down, Gail' Elaine said forcefully, 'Fiona Vincent is just down the corridor, you don't want her to overhear such wild talk when she is investigating your conduct in relation to Dr Hart.'

'Surely this makes the review redundant,' Gail said, ignoring her mother's request to sit.

'Under service regulations, the review will need to be completed. That said, Dr Hart's actions and the fact Fiona witnessed them is excellent for your case. However, Gail, doing something hotheaded is a sure way to end your career, regardless of the fact Dr Hart is in the wrong.'

'So we do nothing? Wait for her to hurt Holly again.' Gail stared at her mother belligerently. Holly had a sudden flash of what it must have been like in the Peck household when Gail was growing up. The two of them engaged in these futile stand-offs, essentially on the same side but still butting heads, neither willing to give ground. The push and the pull - Elaine insistent, Gail overreacting. It was a pattern, Gail had confided in Holly, she found hard to let go, something she was still working on with her therapist.

'Gail,' Holly said again, trying to get her attention but Elaine cut across her.

'Don't worry Gail, there are other ways to deal with Dr Hart.'

'Yeah,' Gail said, hope overtaking doubt.

'Oh yes,' Elaine said, 'you don't take on the Pecks and expect to win.'

'Jesus, Elaine, Gail,' Holly burst out, 'that's not what I want. Francine needs help. This is overkill.'

She didn't like the way Elaine was speaking. Like a call to arms. There was an arrogance to it and a surety like she knew evoking the Peck name would resonate with Gail, convince her to sign up to whatever Elaine had planned for Francine. It astounded Holly. Had the disgrace of her son and husband taught the Superintendent nothing? Even more astonishing was Gail's reaction. The slight glint in her eye, as if Elaine had indeed hooked her in.

'Gail,' Holly took her hand and squeezed. Gail looked down at Holly, then blinked and shook her head as if clearing it. In truth, Gail was perplexed by how quickly she'd become caught up in Elaine's scheming. It took Holly squeezing her hand to ground her and now her expression turned contrite.

'Um, yeah. Sorry,' she said, sitting back down next to Holly. Gail rubbed a hand across her face and sighed heavily. She was embarrassed by her behavior and couldn't bring herself to look directly at Holly again, not just yet. 'It's hard not to think the worst, you have to understand that Holly.' She turned to Elaine. 'What about a Peace Bond, could that work?'

'A Peace Bond?' Holly asked.

'It's a no-contact order. Unlike a Restraining Order which only applies to family, you know a partner or an ex-partner, you can take out a Peace Bond against an individual,' Gail explained.

'Only if you can prove you have a reasonable and rational fear that individual could cause you serious physical injury. It usually helps if you can provide documentation of when this individual has stalked or threatened you, as well as hospital records and photographs detailing injuries inflicted by the person,' Elaine said.

'So what you're saying is this one incident is not enough?' Holly asked.

Elaine nodded.

'But,' Gail said, 'it is part of a series of events. Holly, remember Francine grabbed you and tried to kiss you in Rachel's kitchen, even though you made it clear you were in a relationship and had no interest in pursuing anything with her. Then there are the nuisance complaints she made against me.'

'Gail, it's still not enough to prove Dr Hart is likely to hurt Holly again. At best, we could get her for harassment, but even then, given Dr Hart has lodged a complaint about you, a judge might think you're trying to muddy the waters.'

'Discredit her before she can discredit Gail,' Holly said.

'Indeed,' Elaine said

'Okay,' Gail bit her lip and seemed to be considering, 'let's say you're right Holly, and Francine is having some sort of psychotic episode, is there a chance she's done this before? Are there other women she may have become obsessed with and harassed and stalked?'

'It's possible,' Holly said.

'So if we find Francine has a history of this, will you press charges?' Gail's expression was earnest. Holly hesitated. 'If she has a mental health issue, that will come out if she's charged, Holly. It may be the push she needs to seek help,' Gail continued, her voice gentle, persuasive, and Holly imagined this was how Gail was with the victims she interviewed.

Was she naive to think Francine wouldn't approach her again, Holly wondered? She didn't see herself as a victim and maybe that was the problem. Somehow it felt shameful to be the target of a stalker or whatever Francine was. It was absurd to think that, but she couldn't help it.

'This doesn't happen to people like me,' Lisa had told Holly after her apartment was torched by the crazed building manager, whose obsession with Lisa was as ugly as it was dangerous. At the time, Holly thought Lisa was being self-centered and maybe even a little elitist thinking she wasn't the type to attract a stalker, but now she recognized the bewilderment behind the statement. The never imagining that this could be you. Holly became aware Gail and Elaine were looking at her expectantly, waiting for an answer.

'Okay,' she nodded.

Gail let out a breath in relief. 'I should get you home now,' she said.

'It's okay Gail. I'll drive Holly home. I've arranged with Kurt and Becca to meet us there,' Elaine explained.

'Frankie doesn't need me for the interview with Gimlet,' Gail protested, 'I can take Holly home.'

'It's all right,' Holly said, gently placing a hand on the side of Gail's cheek, 'Frankie said you unsettle Gimlet and having you in the interview might make him slip up. If it helps the case, I want you to stay. Don't worry, Becca and Kurt will fuss over me.'

'I know, but Frankie said that before this happened to you. She'd understand,' Gail started.

'This is a stupid distraction. It's more important you focus on the case,' Holly interrupted, her voice firm.

'Nothing is more important than you,' Gail replied quietly, not caring her mother could hear what she was saying. These were sentiments Gail normally kept close. In fact, she was fairly certain only Holly understood the true shape and size of her feelings.

Holly tilted her head to one side, smiled and kissed Gail's cheek. 'Sweet talker,' she teased gently.

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, merely seconds, Gail forgot they were sitting in the break room with Elaine. She forgot about Francine and about Gimlet sitting in the interview room down the corridor. She forgot about EquanimityPlus and the terrible fate of the animals they experimented on. She forgot about the decapitation of John Brierly and his lonely, brutal death, so ignoble they hadn't even recovered the rest of his body.

As Gail stared into those brown eyes, so full of warmth and affection, she forgot all this, and instead was suffused with the love she felt for Holly, so enormous, so great, so miraculous she could not find the words to do it justice. It was a feeling that knew no bounds, that was of this world and far beyond, making Gail wonder how it was she was so blessed and thanking her dumb luck that this nerd had walked into her crime scene in the woods all those years ago.

Elaine coughed. A self-conscious sound, it seemed to come from far away, and Gail found herself turning slowly to identify the source of the discontent, the action an effort because it drew her away from Holly.

Elaine would be mentally chiding her for not staying focused, Gail supposed. Even when it was personal, you should be alert, on guard, Elaine had always insisted. One of her many mantras. Gail didn't really care what her mother thought, although she knew one thing for sure, from now on she would do anything to keep Holly safe. Which meant being vigilant and steadfast.

It wasn't a selfish desire, this desire to protect Holly. Even though Gail was well aware that before Holly some not so wonderful things had happened to her, and since Holly, she had opened herself up to a multitude of wonders and her world had become larger and happier, a sometimes joyful place Gail was finally content to inhabit. The act of loving someone like this, of wanting to make a good life with them, had made her want to be worthier, less cynical and self-centered and more generous. But even so, even though her life was better for having Holly in it, it wasn't for her own sake Gail wanted to keep Holly safe. It was for Holly and Holly alone.

Elaine shifted in her chair and coughed again, but Gail refused to look at her, and instead turned back to Holly.

'I'll be okay, Gail. I promise. I'll see you when you get home,' Holly said.

Elaine stood up abruptly and muttered something about needing to speak to Fiona Vincent before taking Holly home. She was clearly relieved to be released from the room, and Holly couldn't suppress a wry smile. She stood too then, and Gail followed suit, pulling Holly into a fierce hug.

'I love you, you know that,' Gail said, and was rewarded with that lop-sided smile she so adored.

'And I love you,' Holly replied, resting her forehead against Gail's, 'and everything is going to be okay, you know that.'

Gail hoped Holly was right. In fact, wished she could believe her, but she had a feeling, a cold and unpleasant feeling that had lodged in her gut and she couldn't ignore, which was telling her this thing with Francine wasn't over yet. Though she tried not to give into it, Gail also couldn't stop the thought that just when she was making a good life, a worthwhile life full of love and happiness and promise, it would be her stupid luck for something to come along and threaten to take it all away.

And for those wondering about Frankie and Alannah, there will be more in the next chapter.