Chapter 5- Rumours

A week later, Francesca Simmonds started work as a DS at Sun Hill CID. She knocked on the DCI's door and as it opened, she went inside.

'Any idea who the new DS is?' Terry asked.

'Another woman I think,' Mickey replied.

'I heard the DI and DCI discussing something about her a few days ago,' Jo said.

'What was it?' Mickey asked.

'Umm,' Jo started.

'Come on Jo, you can't say something like that and then go quiet,' Terry said.

'OK then, I'll tell you what I've heard. She's called Francesca Simmonds and according to what I heard from the DCI and DI, she's DS Nixon's sister,' Jo replied.

'So how come she's got a different surname then?' Terry asked.

'Well, she could be married,' Jo replied. 'I honestly don't know.'

The DCI entered with Francesca and the conversation died down. 'As you all know, we've been looking for a new DS ever since Stuart got dismissed. I'd like to introduce you to our replacement DS, Francesca Simmonds. I really hope that you make her feel like part of the team,' Jack started. 'Sam, can make sure she settles in?'

'Sure, Guv,' Sam replied.

'Right Francesca,' Jack turned to Francesca. I'll leave you to get settled in,'

'Thanks Guv,' Francesca replied.

Francesca made her way over to her desk. The rest of CID came over to introduce themselves to her. She began to relax and feel welcome. Sam approached her. 'Do you fancy a quick coffee?' She asked.

'Yeah, why not,' Francesca replied and followed Sam out of CID.

5 minutes later, Sam and Francesca were sat in the canteen with 2 cups of coffee. They both needed the caffeine. 'So how's Abi doing then? I haven't seen her in years,' Francesca said.

She'd last seen Abi 4 years ago, at the time she last saw Sam. A lot of water had passed under the bridge since then. Abi was her niece; she cared about her as much As she did about Sam. 'She's at Uni up North now. She's got her own little boy now,' Sam replied.

'My sister's a grandma! Who'd have thought it?' Francesca remarked.

'I know, I wasn't keen on the idea at first but now I'm OK about. She'll be coming down for the wedding, you'll have to meet her before then,' Sam said.

'I'd like that very much. I've not seen her for years and it would be good to get to know her again. Have you set a date for the wedding yet?' Francesca asked.

'Not yet we haven't. I might try and talk to Phil about setting a date over Christmas in New York,'

'Good,' Francesca said. 'I just want to know when to dig out my hat.'

At that moment, PC Dan Casper entered the canteen and went straight over to PC Tony Stamp, who was just getting his breakfast. 'Tony, we've got a shout,' He said as he approached.

'This fry up isn't going to eat itself,' Tony replied.

'Is that all you think about, your stomach?' Dan asked.

'Yeah,' Tony replied.

''Ere Tony,' Dan said, as he turned to look at the table where Sam and Francesca were sitting.

'What?' Tony replied.

'Who's that with Sam?' Dan asked.

'Francesca Simmonds, new DS,' Tony replied.

'She's a bit of alright isn't she?' Dan said.

'What is it with you and married women?' Tony asked.

'She's married is she?' Dan replied as Francesca turned and smiled at him.

'Rumour has it she's DS Nixon's sister,' Tony said. 'As you said, Dan, we've got a shout.'

'OK, let's go,' Dan replied, smiling at Francesca once more before following Tony out of the canteen.

'Hello?' Sam said, waving her hand in front of her sister's face.

'Sorry, Sam,' Francesca replied.

'You fancy him don't you?' Sam smiled.

'I've gotta move on sometime sis,' Francesca said.

'Come on, lets go back upstairs,' Sam said as she drained the last of her coffee.

'Yeah, come on then,' Francesca replied and she followed Sam out of the canteen.