A/N: Warning for any Australian readers, this chapter contains information on recent storylines in the UK
And once again thanks to all my fantastic reviewers- i.e. sn0zb0z, Vikki, Ami and romy-kathrine. You all made me smile whilst reading this chapter.
Settling the score chapter 5- Jealousy
Sam drove the car just around the corner and parked in a space just across the road from where she could see Phil and another con artist, Stacie Monroe, deep in conversation. She had originally planned to intervene and help Phil talk to the woman, seeing as he didn't have a clue what was going on in this case, however he looked like he was doing great by himself. Just then, her mobile rang and she was slightly annoyed to see Stuart's name flash on the screen. Nevertheless, she had nobody else to talk to and although she was still worried about her potential pregnancy, she answered cheerily.
"Hey Stuart, how's the day off?"
"Boring. How was your meeting?"
"Meeting?" Sam asked, confused, before remembering she'd lied about having a meeting to avoid talking to Stuart earlier. Just to make Phil more comfortable, of course. "Oh, I remember now, yeah it was pretty boring. Phil and I are out talking to suspects at the minute"
"Do you want me to come and help? I've nothing better to do."
"No thanks" Sam brushed off her boyfriend, "Phil and I are…"
"On a roll, right' he finished for her, "Well I'll see you later then."
"Yeah," Sam agreed, rather distractedly, staring at Phil and the suspect. Phil had rested his hand on her arm and the pair were looking very cosy together.
"Love you" Stuart said.
"Okay, bye" Sam hung up, wondering what the hell Phil was doing flirting with a female suspect. She was used to him flirting with suspects' wives, but this was too far, even for him. She glanced up at the hotel they were outside and saw two of the other con artists- Mickey- the boss and Danny, staring out the window at the pair too, clearly in disbelief that Stacie would let a policeman get this close to her. Soon, Phil handed her one of his cards and they parted, Phil staring after Stacie for a while after she'd entered the building, before coming to join Sam in the car.
"What was all that about?" Sam asked as soon as Phil closed the door
"What was what about?" he asked, looking innocent.
"You and that suspect. Flirting."
"I wasn't flirting. Anyway, why do you care? You're not jealous are you?"
"Course not, but sleeping with a suspect's wife is one thing Phil, the suspect themselves are totally different."
"I'm not going to sleep with her" Phil snapped, looking hurt that Sam would bring up his numerous affairs.
"Sorry, I know you wouldn't do that." Sam assured him, but a little doubt did remain in her mind.
"I was just checking to see what the boss' reaction would be. I saw him at the window." Phil added
"Oh. That was smart"
"No need to sound so surprised" He laughed. She laughed too and said,
"He looked pretty jealous from where I was sitting."
"Yeah" Phil agreed, "Maybe we could use that…"
"The other one, Danny Blue, he likes her too. While I was talking to him, he kept looking around to make sure she was okay."
"So this girl has two guys that are crazy about her. Sounds familiar" Phil said, shooting Sam a sideways glance
"And yet, both of these guys have managed to remain good friends. Not so familiar anymore."
"It's not my fault that your boyfriend's a…" he trailed off when he saw Sam's annoyed glance.
"Look can we drop this?" Sam asked
"Fine by me, but I swear, I'd never sleep with a suspect." He said, before adding, "That's Zain's job now."
"It's really none of my business who you… What did you say?"
"That I'm not going to sleep with a suspect."
"No, about Zain" Sam said, staring at him. She saw Phil's face pale and he quickly said,
"Nothing."
"Who's Zain sleeping with?"
"Nobody. We'd better be getting back to the station."
"Phil, I won't tell anybody."
"He's not sleeping with anyone" Phil said firmly
"He's just going to get himself hurt, and in trouble"
"I know, but he's not exactly easy to control" Phil said, staring out the window.
"Just don't let him drag you down with him" Sam said, "If he gets in too deep he'll be leaving Sunhill one way or another. I don't want you to have to leave with him."
"Don't worry, I'll be here for a while yet" he said, touched by her concern for him,
"Good. Who else can I complain to Stuart about?" she joked
"Come on, we'd better be getting back to Sunhill." He said and they drove off towards the station.
Sam glanced occasionally at Phil. Ever since hearing of the Zain problem a few minutes before, she'd never been gladder to have Phil beside her, and out of trouble. Well, she hadn't been gladder recently anyway.
A/N: Hey, if you're all lovely readers and review, I'll try to put some Sam/Phil stuff in the next chapter, but after that, that could be the end of it for a while as the story moves to focus on Zain a bit more. Sorry. Anyway please review!