China Girl
(An Ashes to Ashes Fic)
Hey everyone. I have a HUGE apology to make to everyone who has previously read this as I have not updates for ages. The only excuse I can make is that I've been away for a few weeks and not had access to a computer; but also because I'm cr*p at updating fics, but I am gonna try my best to keep updating this now so please bear with me…
Chapter 4 –
Without you I'm nothing
'D'ya think she'll remember Guv? Y'know about what happened and that; when she was shot?' Chris asked nonchalantly, not really thinking about how this question might affect the Guv until Ray shot him a warning glance and Shaz jabbed in the ribs with her elbow, as a warning to not push the subject any further, but by the hurt expression on the Guv's face, it was clear to them that the damage had already been done.
They watched as the Guv came to an abrupt halt, several feet in front of them, and turned his back so that, once again, they couldn't see his expression.
He was sure that they'd already seen his reaction to Chris's question, but the Guv was a private person. The man who they all looked up to. A man who they all respected. The Manc Lion. The Guv. If his face displayed any hint of emotion, he worried he'd ruin his whole 'reputation'.
He spoke, without daring to turn and face them 'You lot go on ahead. Tell Bolls I'll be there in a few mins'
'But Guv?'
'Don't you wanna see 'er?'
'Course I wanna see her you Div…' he snapped at Chris, although immediately regretted his actions; deciding it was probably better just to come up with some crap excuse.
'I just ain't that keen on 'ospitals that's all; smell gets to me. I'll just go get some fresh air then I'll be right back to see DI Bolly kecks'
'Orite Guv' Ray answered. After years of knowing the Guv, he knew that at times like these it was best to just leave him it to it. From previous experience he knew that the only two people he'd want to see at this moment were Sam or Alex, and right now that wasn't possible.
**
Alex looked up from the book she was reading as she heard three familiar voices, mumbling to each other, from down the corridor. There was no mistaking that they were the voices of her three colleagues, Ray, Chris and Shaz. But where was Gene?
Her heart sank.
It wasn't that she didn't want to speak to Ray, Chris and Shaz; it was just that right now the only person she wanted to talk to was Gene. To know that he was okay and to tell him that she understood. To tell him that she had forgiven him and in to turn to ask him for his forgiveness. She wanted to know that he still trusted her, that she could still trust him. She wanted to know if they still had that connection.
She jumped slightly as the curtain suddenly opened, revealing Chris, Ray and Shaz. She'd been so lost in her own thoughts; she'd momentarily forgot that they had come to visit her.
'Hiya Ma'am, how are you feeling' Shaz asked, sympathetically, the concern for her boss and friends, clearly etched into her expression, as she perched herself on the end of Alex's bed.
'I'm feeling a lot better, thanks Shaz' she replied, smiling at the young woman, who then motioned for Ray and Chris to sit on the two plastic chairs at the side of Alex.
'It's great to see you Ma'am' Chris told her and Ray nodded his agreement.
An awkward silence fell upon them, as the one unanswered question that Alex was dying to ask, hung in the air.
She wasn't sure how to approach the subject, as she knew Gene had been the one who had shot her, and she knew how he must be feeling. But she needed to see him.
Finally plucking up the courage to ask, she said 'So erm; what's erm…what's happened to the Guv?'
Ray shuffled awkwardly in his seat, but nethertheless it was he, who was the one to speak first.
'Well he erm, he shot…'
'I know that' Alex said hastily, not needing to hear it said again 'Bu what happened to him? I mean where is he?'
'E is right here Bolls'