Disclaimer as before
'Good afternoon boys' Strickland approached Gerry, Brian and Jack who were all gathered in the hotel lobby. 'Where's Sandra?'
'She's probably still getting ready knowing 'er. Typical woman.' Gerry couldn't help but hear Sandra turn the music channel on when she had gotten into her room and proceed to sing along as she got into the shower. He loved that side of Sandra, the relaxed one that didn't always revolve around work.
'She is still your boss you know Gerry, a little respect goes a long way.' Strickland pointed out very sternly. It was like he didn't even understand how the UCOS team operated sometimes. Considering he'd been in charge for nearly 8 years now, he didn't seem to recognise that of course he bloody respected Sandra, and the feeling was mutual, no matter how many times they threatened to kill one another.
'I think you'll find sir, that I...' Gerry was interrupted by the presence of Sandra who had just entered the lobby from behind the three boys.
'You're not moaning are you Gerry?'
'No. I was just...'
'Just what, arguing?' Sandra smiled at Gerry as he gave in and stopped. He would have loved to continue explaining to Strickland though, just to make him see why they work so well together.
Strickland turned his attention onto Sandra. 'You all ready for this conference then?'
'Yes certainly. We all are, aren't we boys?' She glared at the three of them.
They all moaned in unison, 'Yes.'
'Right then.' Strickland clasped his hands together, 'Shall we make our way through then?'
'Yes of course.' Sandra replied sounding less enthusiastic than she had hoped for.
The five of them joined on the end of a crowd of police officers who were attending today's conference.
'How many of these bleeding things do we 'ave to go to?' Gerry whispered to Sandra as they walked down the corridor, almost forgetting that Strickland was behind them.
'Oh about four, but if you behave really well then I'll persuade them to let you into a few more, just as a treat.' Her smile was sickly sweet as Gerry just chuckled gently.
'Oh, then I better be really naughty hadn't I?'
'Well it is your speciality Gerry!'
'Oi' Gerry mocked offence as they entered through the large mahogany door into the designated room.
Strickland couldn't quite hear what Gerry and Sandra were talking about, but he could tell that they were laughing. He never knew quite how they managed to get on; they always seemed to be arguing, but yet they were always joking with each other as well.
'Sir. Sir?' Sandra's voice disturbed Strickland from his thoughts.
'Oh sorry, miles away.'
'Does it matter where we sit?'
'No, no, go wherever you want. Although the closer you are to the front the better you'll be able to hear the speeches.'
'Ok thank you sir.' Strickland carried on waking down the centre steps as the team took their seats about 5 rows from the front.
'You mean the better it'll look to all his poncy friends.'
'Shut up Gerry.'
'Only cause its true.'
***
The conference had lasted about 2 1/2 hours and Jack and Brian had almost fallen asleep. Sandra had to get Gerry to keep poking them as she was sat on the end of the aisle.
'When they serving dinner then?' Gerry finally looked awake.
'Do you think of anything other than food?' Brian asked as they walked to the lift towards their rooms.
'Occasionally.'
'Oh yeah only when someone of the female variety with blonde hair and a nice figure walks past.' Sandra butted in.
'Well in that case I'd never get anything done when I was in the same room as you.'
There was an echo of 'oohhs' from Jack and Brian.
'I don't know whether to take that as a complement.'
'I would!' Jack commented whilst he and Brian giggle slightly.
'Well I'm going to get changed for dinner; I'll meet you boys downstairs at 7.'
Gerry and Sandra left Jack and Gerry as they went up another floor to their rooms.
'So shall I knock on your door just before 7 then?'
'Why?' Sandra asked confused.
'To escort you down to dinner of course.'
'Oh! Oh go on thank you Gerry. See you just before 7 then.'
***
The hour or so spent getting ready seemed to fly by for all of them. Jack had a nap, Brian phoned Esther, Gerry phoned his daughters and Sandra spent ages trying to choose an outfit.
Sandra was just putting her scarlet lipstick on when she heard a knock at her door. 'Ooh he's on time,' she thought to herself, 'makes a change.'
'Hello.'
'Your date has arrived Sandra.' Gerry looked proud of himself as he stood there in his best suit and tie, which was for once not ridiculous.
'Oh really where is he then?' She laughed as she picked up her key card.
His eyes glanced over Sandra's dress. It came just above the knee showing off her slender legs and the red satin fabric moved steadily in the draft that swept along the corridor. 'You look stunning.'
'Oh thank you Gerry.' Sandra closed the door and placed her key card in her black silk clutch bag. 'Nice to see you do actually own a normal and sensible tie.'
'You're lucky I'm so understanding, I could easily be offended by that.'
'Lucky? Yeah I sure am.' She retorted sarcastically. 'Come on then, if you're meant to be my date then we might as well do this properly.' Sandra gestured for him to hold out his arm and placed her own around it, before they both walked down to the restaurant.
Hope you are all still enjoying this. Sorry it is taking me a long time to upload.
