Thanks for the reviews :-)

Chapter 15

Monday morning.

"I am more than capable of operating a filing cabinet Robert!" Pipa tersely rolled her eyes. It was her first morning working in the office and already Robert had got up her nose.

"It's important you follow our filing system..." replied Robert, also beginning to lose patience.

"I get it! A, B, C, " she pointed sarcastically "I think even Mathew could manage it."

"It's not just in alphabetical order, it is also in date order."

"Obviously!" she huffed "I had guessed that by the date stickers."

"I just don't want you screwing up Dora's meticulous records."

"Oh for heaven's sake, if I pass this test do I graduate to answering the phone? I can do that without sounding like I've been lobotomised you know."

Robert glared at her; he couldn't understand his girlfriend's stroppiness "What is wrong with you today? I thought you'd be happy coming to work...that is what you wanted. And this is the thanks I get."

"It is what I wanted, but I was rather hoping to be doing something a little above youth training scheme level. This is trained chimp standard!" she snapped.

"I hope you are not referring to Dora's role as 'Trained chimp'."

"I wouldn't dream of it, she's far more important than me, much higher up the food chain...she gets to answer phone and type letters up, love to see the day a chimp can do that."

Robert began to soften, he liked Pipa's sense of humour, it was something which attracted him to her in the first place. He decided it was time he left her to it and headed for his office "Well then chimp, it's time for my morning coffee!"

"Okay, you win." She sighed, "Coffee coming right up."

Robert cheekily peered round his office door catching her eye. With a grin he flailed his arms around and made the sound of a chimp "Oooohh, ooh, ahhahahaa."

"Idiot!" she grinned.

CID was a bustle with activity as each team member had swung into action on various tasks. Leroy was busily writing last night's musings on the case board. Alex, true to her word, had spoken to Gene about Dempsey and Harry's predicament and he had agreed that Robert Makepeace needed a 'good sorting' although his first suggestion of going round to Robert's office and hurling him out of the window didn't go down to well.

Chris was ploughing through the record files looking for connections while Shaz and Ray had more important things to discuss.

"Ray that is not fair, you can't slash the odds now just because you feel like it." said Shaz indignantly "Leroy, he's slashing the odds."

"You can't do that brother; I took a price at 10-1." Leroy yelled across the room.

Ray was frantically scribbling in his betting book, "All bets are having their odds shortened, I could lose a ruddy fortune here."

"That's the name of the game." replied Leroy.

Chris piped up "He did that with the Guv and the boss." He remembered Ray doing exactly the same when it became clearer that Gene and Alex relationship had subtly changed; now he was slashing the odds on Dempsey and Harry's.

"Did what?" Alex suddenly appeared behind Chris.

"Er nothing boss, er Ma'am." He quickly replied burying his head in a file.

Alex glared at Ray and said more forcefully "Did what?" She spotted Ray rapidly shoving his note book in his pocket, "Show me." She marched over to Ray and clicked her fingers "Give."

Ray, knowing the game was up, begrudgingly handed her his note book. She studied it in great detail. At the front of the book were a list of bets about her and Gene. She gave Ray a withered sardonic look "Very tasteful."

She read on until she reached Dempsey and Harry's pages "Sergeant Collins has 5-1 on them doing it in a back of car...PC Dean has 8-1 on them, urghh, we won't go there...Inga has 10-1 on Makepeace doing the hovering, no idea what that pertains to or indeed who Inga is," Alex glared disgustedly at Ray "Why wasn't I told about this?" she held up the note book.

"Because you're a killjoy." Stropped Ray "And we knew you'd react like this."

"Killjoy eh?" she was enjoying making Ray squirm, she wasn't really angry with him, she could see the funny side...Ray would have a fit if he knew the real truth about where and when it had happened. There were some quite inventive places listed in the book, but strangely enough no-one had bet on a potting shed.

She smiled as she handed a surprised Ray back his book. "I'll have 15-1, our wedding."

"Eh?" he questioned.

"Write it down." She pointed to the book in his hands.

"But, that's what the Guv said."

"I know, come on Ray, write it down."

Ray narrowed his eyes at her "You know, don't ye."

She shook her head innocently "I know nothing, I'm just as much in the dark as you."

"Don't give me that cobblers, you and Makepeace are bezzy mates. I'm not takin' the bet."

"Really Ray, I don't know." She pleaded.

"I'm still not takin' the bet." He smirked.

"That's not fair, everyone else has had a punt, why do I get left out?"

Ray quirked an eyebrow, standing his ground, not giving in.

Alex suddenly had a bright idea and leaned closer to him lowering her voice "Will you take a different sort of bet, one which no-one could possibly guess."

"Depends." Ray mirrored her by moving in closer.

"It's still a Dempsey and Makepeace bet."

"I'm all ears."

"Early spring 1987, SI10 wedding. I'll take 15-1" She beamed.

"Wha? 'ave you been staring into your crystal ball again? That's yonks away."

Alex kept smiling at him.

"Okay, I'm 'appy to take your money, can't see them getting spliced meself." He shook his head; to him it was a nuts idea.

"Thank you." She trilled.

Gene was sat in his office making phone calls to various Met departments and the coroner's office. He was trying to get as much background information on Robert, Thomas and Jeremy Chapman without arousing suspicions. He had half an idea to ring Spikings and fill him in on the bigger picture, but dismissed it as daft idea at this early stage. They needed something concrete on Robert before they could blow the whistle on the inquest.

Gene checked his watch, it had just gone past midday, he picked up the phone again and dialled. There was no answer, so he dialled another number with a grin.

Dempsey and Harry were rudely awoken by the shrill of Harry's bedside phone. Both had been in a blissful deep sleep having been awake into the small hours wearing each other out and now their peace had been shattered. Harry groaned as she reached out from under the duvet.

"Leave it." muttered Dempsey, half asleep.

"It might be Freddy calling." She signed "Hullo?"

Gene cheerfully barked down the phone "Are you two up yet or are ye still going for the gold in the all around bedroom gymnastics?"

Harry frowned "I have no idea what you're talking about Gene."

Dempsey wriggled over to her side of the bed and started nuzzling her neck.

"Don't give me that Harry!" continued Gene brightly "I hope he scored perfect tens for artistic interpretation and technical merit?"

Dempsey overhearing grinned into her neck as he continued to nuzzle.

Harry, now fully awake, replied "Is there a point to this phone call or are you just phoning up to take the piss?"

Gene's tone turned serious "Me and Alex need to talk to you two."

"Oh yes?" Harry was trying hard to ignore Dempsey's ministrations and concentrate on Gene.

Dempsey had now wrapped himself around her and was proceeding to kiss his way down her body.

"It's important, so we were wondering if you would like to go for a curry tonight so we could, y'know, discuss things outside of work."

Harry partially covered the mouthpiece with her hand and explained to Dempsey who was gradually disappearing under the covers "Gene wants to know if we want to go for a curry tonight, has something he needs to discuss with us."

"Sure." Came Dempsey's muffled reply as he had reached Harry's midriff.

Harry spoke into the receiver "That would be lovely and if we make it the Ruby Palace it would be all the better because Dempsey and I have vouchers."

"Vouchers?" quizzed Gene

"We won them in a pub quiz while on a stakeout."

"Fair dos, The Ruby Palace it is then, I'm sure Ray will be over the moon that you've got vouchers."

"Why?" she puzzled

"'He's buying."

"That's generous of him, can he afford it?"

"Not generous at all, you're not the only ones who's won a free curry. Let's just say Ray lost a little bet. See you at 7 then?"

"Yup, 7." She agreed and put down the phone.

By this time Dempsey had completely disappeared under the duvet. She lifted the covers up and called down to him "7 O'clock."

She squirmed as she felt his stubble tickle her lower belly "Hahaha!" she laughed "What are you doing down there? Hahahaha."

A cheeky, childish chuckle reverberated from somewhere further down the bed "I'm hoping for another perfect 10!"

"Are they coming?" Alex breezed into Gene's office.

Gene grinned at her "I could make a wholly inappropriate remark there Bolls. Yup all set, they don't half get up to some weird stuff those two. Who the 'ell wins a pub quiz on a stakeout?" he scratched his head

"Ha, the mysteries of the undercover world." replied Alex.

Maddy dashed up the stairs carrying handfuls of shopping bags. She had intended only buying one new outfit, but had gotten carried away with the sales. She didn't care, her wardrobe was lousy and was in desperate need of being updated. She was also immensely pleased with her other purchase, contact lenses. For the first time in years she was able to see her true self without her glasses and she was left wondering why she hadn't got them sooner.

She dumped her shopping on her bed and raced to the shower barely containing her excitement at the thought of spending another evening with Leroy.

Dr Andrews had found it rather amusing that his daughter had appeared to have fallen head over heels for a black American policeman; he would have never in a million years put the two together. But his daughter was happy and that was the main thing, he just hoped Leroy felt the same for her.

He was amazed when she emerged from her bedroom in a beautiful, blue dress, her hair softly curled around her delicate features and her glasses had been replaced with subtle makeup.

"Will I do?" she smiled at him shyly.

"Sweetheart, you look stunning." He said proudly. "You'll knock him dead."

"I hope so." She smiled sweetly.

"Is the princess ready to go to the ball?" He offered his arm to her.

"Lead the way daddy."

The Ruby Palace wasn't the poshest Indian restaurant in town, but it was clean, comfortable and welcoming. The staff were delighted to have a large booking on an otherwise quite Monday night. Gene took his place at the head of table with Alex sat next to him followed by two empty chairs awaiting Dempsey and Harry and Shaz. On the opposite side sat Leroy Ray and Chris, who huddled together giggling like school children. During the day's discussions about the inquest, Gene and Alex had to come clean and explain to everyone Dempsey and Harry's situation, hence Ray's book had been closed and he had to pay out, in curry, everyone's bets. It had been decided not to tell SI10 and keep their book running...they were detectives let them work it out for themselves.

Now, Ray had something planned to officially mark the occasion and bring the Demparry relationship out into the open. Shaz looked on tutting at her childish colleagues "She's going to go mad."

Chris disagreed "She won't Shaz, Harry does have a sense of humour."

"She's a very private person..."

"Oh shush Shaz." moaned Ray "It's just a joke, Dempsey will find it funny. Hey up, speak of the devil."

At that moment Dempsey and Harry made their way over to the table saying their hellos. They were greeted by the three cheesy grins of Leroy, Ray and Chris.

"What so funny?" asked Dempsey suspiciously.

"Yes, why the dopey grins?" Harry planted her hands on her hips finding the Cheshire cat impressions irksome.

Together, Leroy, Ray and Chris whipped out four large score cards from under the table and held them aloft. Each card had the score '10' written on them.

"Bedroom gymnastics." Explained Ray with glee.

Dempsey and Harry's mouths fell open in surprise. They both gave a perplexed, shocked look at Gene then a baffled look at Ray.

Ray holding two cards up said proudly "I've given ye two scores. You score '10' for doing it at a wedding and another '10' for doing it in a potting shed. Bloody genius!" he exclaimed "genius!"

Dempsey and Harry were horrified and were wishing the ground to open up beneath them, they shot Gene a thunderous look "You told them?" they said together.

"Just kind of slipped out in passing." He replied simply, not really understanding what all the fuss was about.

"How does a conversation like that crop up in passing, pray?" hissed Harry, unimpressed.

"Gene!" squeaked Alex "That was private! Sorry Harry, my husband is a buffoon."

"Genius, a ruddy potting shed, genius you got to admit!" laughed Ray again.

Dempsey fired a murderous look in Ray's direction and pointed to the score cards "Carling, would you like me to shove those somewhere?"

"Okay guys," said Leroy sensing the joke had gone too far "Let's quit while we're behind."

Harry threw her hands in the air "No point in denying it I suppose." She leaned over the table towards Ray and sneered sarcastically "Yes, we had a bloody good shag in a potting shed, happy now?"

"Wayhey!" Ray and Chris cheered.

A small knowing smile passed between Dempsey and Harry, they sat down as the waiter had arrived to take their drinks order. As they did so, Harry noticed the empty seat next to Leroy asked "Are we expecting one other?"

Leroy leapt to his feet and collected the girl standing shyly at the door. "Everyone, this is Maddy." He beamed "Maddy, you know Harry and Alex..this dude here is James Dempsey." Maddy was just about to shake Dempsey's hand when Harry jumped in.

"Maddy?!" exclaimed Harry "What?...I...mean...why are you here?"

"Am I missin' sumthin'?" Dempsey turned to Harry. She was staring at Maddy in surprise, but her expression was cold and unwelcoming. Maddy shuffled uncomfortably, she wasn't expecting to see Harry sat there.

"Maddy Andrews," clipped Harry "Daughter of Dr Max Andrews the coroner."

"Ya kidding me?" growled Dempsey.

Harry fixed poor Maddy with an icy glare and hissed "Also Robert's cousin, you've got a nerve..."

Everyone around the table had stopped laughing and talking, they were transfixed waiting for an explosion.

"Harry please..." whimpered Maddy

"Is this some kind of joke?" Harry barked her eyes flitting around the table "Eh? It's not remotely funny." All were averting their eyes, trying to avoid Harry's burning scrutiny.

"I sure aint laughing." agreed Dempsey, simmering with anger.

"Harry please hear me out.." Maddy pleaded. She turned to Leroy for support "maybe this wasn't a good idea. I should go."

Leroy put a hand on her arm to stop her from getting up out of her seat "Stay right there honey. Harry, Dempsey, Maddy wants to help you get rid of Robert and the inquest. She's here as a friend."

"Pfffff!" scoffed Harry "Help hang us more like."

Alex interjected "He's right Harry, Maddy came to us for help. We know all about the inquest into Monica's death and Robert wanting to get his hands on Winfield Hall."

Harry looked aghast at Alex "It's private, my life, my career, what gives you lot the right to interfere?"

"We want to help ye, ye daft mare." added Gene less than tactfully. "You two can't do this on ye own. You go anywhere near the inquest and they will 'ang ye out to dry...and also..." Gene pointed at Dempsey "He will be sent back to yanky land quicker than you can say 'stitch up'."

Dempsey suddenly realised the full implications of the inquest. Gene was right; if they were found guilty he would be sent back to New York and to his death. Harry looked at him worriedly as she too realised she could lose him because of Robert. She couldn't bear the thought, they had only just got together.

"Harry, we need to sort Robert," Maddy tried again "Not only is he trying to ruin you, he's also making mine and daddy's life a living hell."

Dempsey softened and said quietly to Harry "They're all right, we can't do this babe, we can't investigate Robert, he will catch us out."

All eyes looked at Harry expectantly, waiting for her verdict. She nodded resignedly "I'm sorry...this whole thing is getting to me." She looked around the table again "I know you're only trying to help."

"Believe me," said Alex "We don't want to pry into your private life, far from it, we just want you and Dempsey to be able to get on with your lives and be happy. You are the best detectives I have ever seen and this whole inquest is ridiculous...verging on the insane even. Give yourselves a break and let us help you."

Harry and Dempsey looked at each other for affirmation, they both nodded their acceptance. "Thank you"

"Right!" Gene clapped his hands together; let's get down to more important business like deciding what curry we're going to have.

"I think I'm gonna need some help here," Dempsey was puzzling over the menu "I aint never had a curry."

"Wha? Don't talk daft." Scoffed Ray.

"Me neither." said Leroy "Ya don't really do curry in New York."

"Hahaha, curry virgins." laughed Chris.

Harry gingerly stuck a finger in the air "That makes three of us."

"Oh aye, what's your excuse?" asked Gene.

"Harry's too sophisticated for a curry house, aren't you Harry?" smiled Shaz, looking at Harry adoringly.

"I don't know about that Shaz," she blushed coyly "I've just never had one."

Dempsey watched curiously as the waiter deposited a basket of popadoms on the table in front of him, followed by the pickle stand.

The curry officiandos dived straight in grabbing popadoms and ladling spoonfuls of sauce and pickles on to a plate.

"Whass that?" Leroy asked Maddy pointing to one of the pickles.

"Lime pickle...it's hot and sour." She replied.

"I like it spicy." Leroy dumped a huge spoonful on a popadom and took an enormous mouthful. He chewed thoughtfully for a couple of seconds and said to Dempsey "Hey brother, that ain't bad...try it."

Dempsey viewed the morsel suspiciously and sniffed at it, he liked spicy food, but he'd never seen anything like it before. "Smells kinda icky."

"Just shovel it down." encouraged Leroy with a mischievous twinkle.

Dempsey shrugged and wolfed down the pickle. "Jeeeezzzzus chriiist!" he exclaimed as the heat and the sourness took control of his senses. "What the hell is that?" he glugged down half his pint trying to quell the fire "Are you trying to kill me off with more noxious chemicals?" he spluttered

"Hahahahaha!" they all laughed

"Quit fussing," laughed Leroy "This stuff is great!" he shovelled another huge mouthful seemingly not suffering the same effects as his American colleague.

"How you do that?" accused Dempsey.

"Hey, it will be Maddy suffering later on if he keeps eating that stuff all night." chuckled Chris.

"Then there really will be noxious chemical fumes." Added Alex

Maddy blushed at the suggestion she would be with Leroy later on that night.

"Dempsey try that." Ray turned the pickle stand so that the lemon yoghurt faced Dempsey.

"Is that gonna kill me an all?"

"It's lemon stuff...mild."

"You try it, babe." Dempsey suggested to Harry.

She cautiously took a tentative mouthful and declared "That's lovely; I'll have more of that."

As the main meals arrived, all were enjoying themselves immensely, the banter and the good humour flowed. Harry noticed Alex was drinking orange juice "Did you want to share a bottle of wine?"

"No, I'm not on wine anymore."

"We have one more surprise fer you two." announced Ray.

Harry said "Don't think we can take many more surprises."

"We're expecting the pitter patter of crocodile feet." Alex smiled

"Wow, that's fantastic!" Harry beamed at her friend and gave Alex a girly hug.

"Congratulations buddy!" grinned Dempsey at Gene "You're gonna have to grow up and be responsible."

Alex smiled at Dempsey "If anything, Gene is planning on reverting back to childhood himself, he's already eyeing up stickle bricks and Airfix sets."

Harry still beaming asked "When's it due?"

"We don't know yet until I've had the scan this week."

Ray pulled out his note book again and found a clean page "Right then, let's bet on the due date."

All who knew about the book groaned.

Gene barked "Fer Christ sakes Ray, 'aven't ye learnt ye lesson. Will you put that bloody book away before I shove it up ye arse and set light to it."

Not entirely happy with this chapter and the more I try to fix it the worse it gets, so sorry about that :(