The Torments of Memory
Disclaimer: All main characters and locations belong to BBC/Kudos/Monastic. Thanks for letting them out for a while. One or two direct quotations to spot, but otherwise most of the words are mine.
Chapter 6
Standing outside the Railway Arms, twenty-four hours later, DCI Hunt felt the urge to turn and run. Defiant to the last, he bellowed, "Nelson, what's 'appened to my boozer?"
It was not the Railway Arms as he remembered it. The outside of the pub had been painted white and there were window boxes and flower tubs for decoration. A large banner read 'Welcome Home' and there was even a sign with directions to 'Pub Garden at rear'.
While Gene was standing apparently struck dumb, the doors opened and Alex appeared.
"What 'ave you been doin', woman?"
"Well", she smiled, "I had to have something to do while I was waiting and there are many female officers coming here now. You know me, Guv. Wherever I am, I always make my mark."
"Please tell me it isn't a bleedin' gastro-pub, all pesto and 'piss-poor' beer?" There was real anguish in his tones.
Another familiar figure had emerged from the pub and stood waiting quietly, listening to their conversation. "She is most persistent, mon brave", said Nelson, "but still my favourite customer."
Gene could see that Alex needed to talk. Great, perhaps she'll save me the bother and Nelson won't 'ave to act as referee.
"Ray told me a long time ago that being with the Guv was the best place to be. He was right. I found that out as soon as I walked through these doors."
"I'm worn out, Alex. No-one in their right mind would choose eternity wi' me. Talk sense."
"You don't really know yourself, do you? If you come on in, I'll give you a hundred reasons. What about the 'Manc Lion' spirit that kept a whole police station going? Or your determination to do right in impossible situations: let alone the love for friends that you always tried to hide? I've had more than enough time to think about it, and I know I'm right."
"Most of all it's because you're here. After all this time, we're still an unbreakable team. We know the truth and nothing can hurt us."
Deep inside Gene Hunt could not quite believe what was in front of him. Was he really being offered the chance of happiness?
"Can't tell you how much I've missed your psycho-bollocks, Madam Fruitcake."
Alex realised that her profiling skills could be useful one last time. She began to speak directly to the young copper and not the all-powerful 'Guv' of latter years.
"You think you're a failure; that you don't deserve to go off-duty. You're afraid; you're worried that it would be soft to stop the fight. You're still blaming yourself for Viv and the others who didn't reach the pub. Stop thinking and accept your reward. Remember your favourite film? Even Gary Cooper gave up his badge for love."
"You saved so many - you saved me. Now it's your turn. What do you want, Gene Hunt? What would make you happy?"
Suddenly it was easy. "You, Bolly-kecks, you and nothing else. Heaven is where you are." Acceptance brought the familiar pout and the mock-aggressive manner as Gene challenged, "So what are you going to do, Alex, punch me or kiss me?"
As they kissed the bitter taste of their last encounter faded and Alex felt her spirits revive. Folded in his embrace she whispered, "Come on in, Gene. I've been picking up tips from the Vice Squad, and we don't want to waste any more time, do we?"
Nelson was still holding the pub doors open invitingly as, with a nod in his direction, Gene turned to Alex determined to have the last word. "Ok, my Lady Bols – it's finally your lucky day - the Gene-Genie is all yours!"
A/N: I have enjoyed myself (again), but I'm feeling a little lost now that's finished. It's back to the reading and reviewing and searching for some inspiration. I might just have to watch the whole thing again.