Just a quick note for this chapter: when Gene walks back into the office, I imagine 'The Land of Make Believe' by Bucks Fizz playing. Simply because Gene is Alex's superman :)
Enjoy, my fellow ashies xx
Chapter 6 – Under Investigation
Gene was the first to wake up in the morning. He rolled onto his side, being careful not to wake Alex. She looked so peaceful when she was sleeping.
He brushed a stray curl of hair from her cheek, marvelling at the soft beauty of her skin. She stirred slightly and curled up tighter. He traced a gentle finger down her arm to her hand, then twined his fingers with hers.
As he looked back at her face he saw that she was waking up.
"Morning, gorgeous" he murmured.
"Morning" she replied sleepily. She stretched her limbs and Gene slipped his arms round her waist. She giggled and kissed him.
"You know what, Bols?" he said.
"What?" she mumbled, nuzzling his neck.
"You're gonna get me through this, sweetheart."
He kissed her and she could feel him smiling.
All eyes turned to Alex and Gene as they walked into the station. Gene wanted so badly to reach out for Alex's hand, but he knew he couldn't. The accusation burned through everyone's eyes.
They made their way to CID, each knowing that Gene's fate in the force would be determined by what met them there.
"Guv. Ma'am" Chris stuttered when he saw them. "You're back."
"Yes, Christopher" Gene replied. "Now, who's in charge of this shambles?"
"I am" Ray announced, striding out of Gene's office. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't call D&C right now."
"Because I'm yer DCI. Because Alex knows it was an accident. And because, if you do, you're gonna get my boot up yer arse" Gene spat. "That do ya?"
"You were gone for weeks, Guv! You can't just walk back in 'ere and act like nothing's happened" Ray shouted back, storming out of the room.
Shaz cautiously made her way to Alex's side in the stunned silence that followed. "It's good to 'ave you back, Ma'am" she said, embracing Alex warmly.
"Right, anyone wanna fill us in on what we've missed?" Gene addressed the room in general.
"Well, would you look at what the cat dragged in" a sneering voice came from the office door.
"Oh, fan-bloody-tastic" Gene muttered as he turned round.
"DCI Jim Keats, D&C" the man said flatly. "Shall we take a walk, Gene?"
Gene left the office slowly, Alex following closely behind. She couldn't help but notice Ray's sullen glare as Gene passed him.
Keats led them to his office, where they sat in semi-darkness. Alex reached for Gene's hand under the table and squeezed it reassuringly. He smiled at her briefly in thanks.
"You've caused quite a stir, Gene" Keats began. "Maybe the rest of your team are afraid of being shot too."
"Don't you dare!" Alex shouted. "It was an accident. He was trying to protect me."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Believe it or not, he's one of the good guys" she said, smiling at Gene.
"It's ok, Bols" Gene muttered through clenched teeth. "He won't listen to a word you say. Don't waste your energy."
"If you don't mind, I'd like to speak to DCI Hunt alone" Keats interjected. "Shut the door on your way out, Alex."
"That's DI Drake to you" she spat.
As she shut the door she felt her heart sink. The walk back to CID took longer than she ever remembered it being before. She tried to immerse herself in work while she waited for Gene to come back. It didn't work, and she fell to clock watching.
Half an hour passed, but it felt like a year.
Finally, she heard footsteps in the corridor. She crossed to the front of her desk as Gene entered the office.
In 3 strides he was beside her, sweeping her off her feet and kissing her in front of the whole team.
"It's ok, Alex" he murmured. "He recognises it was an accident."
"That's fantastic, Gene" she cried, kissing him again.
"Not quite" came Keats' voice from the doorway.
Gene lowered Alex to the floor, keeping his arms tight around her. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"The commissioner wants me to do a full appraisal of this department and its leader" Keats replied. "I'm gonna bring you down, Hunt."
"You just keep trying, Jim" Gene spat. "You'll never break us."
"Is that right?"
"Yes, it is" Alex cut in. "You just go right on ahead. You'll only make us stronger."
Gene kissed the top of her head and she snuggled into his chest. "Well, I hope you're happy" Keats said sulkily. "It won't last." And he walked out.
"Bloody well showed 'im" Gene muttered. "Right, you lot, I'm taking Miss Bollykecks off home."
"Home?" she whispered.
"Yeah, home" he murmured softly.
He had never called Alex's flat home before.
