Fairy Tale Of Fenchurch Chapter 2

The streets of London were unusually quiet for this time of day. The sun was shining, casting a warm glow over the place, and a smile on most people's faces. No Gene though. He was feeling glum after his sharp conversation with Alex. Although she had not told him what is going on he had an inkling about it. She wanted to know about Sam, he should have known she wouldn't leave it alone. Alex knew that everything was about to be turned around, but she did not know how or why. Gene lifted his bag over his shoulder as it was leaving marks on his arms. He hadn't walked anywhere in ages, the Quattro was that much a part of him. And he had left it to Bolly, was he mad? He would go with her as she needed him, he would go with her to protect her but he would not help her. This was something only she could do on her own. After this he knew he was going to lose her. She would be gone forever, and there would be nothing he could do about it.

He, just like Alex, was hit by the warmth of Luigi's as he entered it. It was deathly quiet and even Luigi himself was not in sight. Gene left his bag on the bar, under the twinkling lights and swept the room looking for a familiar face. He found himself looking at the slumped body of his DI. She had changed into a simple outfit consisting of jeans, a red top, a pair of shoes and the white jacket she had not worn since last year. He wondered why, after a year, she had decided to wear it again? He thought it had been ruined after he shot her, but this one had not a spot of blood on it. It was unbelievably white, shining and smelling of freshly applied perfume. He took this sight in, it reluctantly strummed at the strings of his heart. She looks so vulnerable and innocent. And also young. It was then the thought of the Quattro squashed its way into his mind. He glanced at Alex again and noticed her hands were clenched tight, and within them were his keys. The sound of the door slamming startled him, and he straightened up to face the rest of CID. Shaz had changed out of her uniform into her typically 80's clothing. Chris and Ray, however, still looked like they had just rolled out of bed.

'Err, Where's Drake?' Chris asked as he looked around. Hunt looked behind him to see Alex's eyes open and leaning up on her elbows. She clocked everyone and began blustering out apologies. Shaz walked closer to speak to Alex.

'Ma'am, where are we going?'

Alex looked at the Guv. She was suddenly wide awake and eager to get going.

'Manchester. Look I know you don't think it's a good idea, but I fear I may not be with you for much longer. I need your help.'

'I don't see how me and Ray will be much help, ma'am.' Chris interrupted.

Gene shot him a look. ' The lady asks for your assistance, now get in the cat you dozy sod!'

The car was incredibly stuffy, with all five of them in the Quattro and both windows open, there was little chance for small talk. It was only once it started to rain and the windows were drawn up that anyone spoke. It was Ray who broke the silence.

'So why exactly are we going to Manchester?'

'It's just…it could be my way home.' Alex answered, not wanting to give too much away yet.

'Why Manchester? It could be anywhere, Newcastle? Cardiff?'

Chris butted in at this point. ' Naa, you don't want to go Cardiff, My brother went there for a weekend out and was never the same since.'

'I once went out with a girl from there. Cor, I tell you now!'

Alex glanced behind her to the squabbling kids in the back seats.

'You're stroking your 'tashe again.'

Ray folded his arms and rolled his eyes. Alex was just glad that conversation had steered off course. She couldn't share with them at the moment that she was here to find out about Sam. She was surprised that they had just followed her, but she guessed that they had built a strong bond over the last few years and they all trusted each other, especially after they had all, except the Guv, had seen stars. It seemed to bring them even closer. I think, secretly, they were all as interested as Alex in finding out the truth, they just did not want to awake the Manc lion in the process. This was by far the final stretch in the race to the ending. She just had to ensure that no-one over took her.

They arrived in Manchester after the sun had set. Gene had arranged a place where they could all stay. An 'old mate' of his was out of town and had allowed him to stay at his place. Gene had said it wasn't much but it was better that sleeping the car. The all tumbled out of the Quattro, stretching their legs out after hours in the car. The street they were in was empty, with rows of houses on either side. The house Gene entered was modestly sized, but it was clear someone would be sleeping in the living room. They all filed into in, everyone just wanted to get into bed. Gene sat himself down on the sofa, and looked up when Chris spoke to him.

'Where we all sleeping?'

'Chris and Ray, you're in the second door on the right upstairs, Shaz you're in the first on the left. Me and Bolly will crash down here. Toilets first on the right and kitchen across the hall.'

Ray and Chris followed Shaz upstairs and shouted ' Goodnight'.

Alex closed the door behind them and walked across to the sofa, but did not sit down. She was unsure how to start a conversation, but instead focused on the sleeping arrangements, There was only one sofa and the floor. A small TV sat in the corner and a lamp at the other end, but nothing else. As she turned back to Gene, he started to stand up. He walked out of the room, living the door ajar. She heard his footsteps on the stairs and she noticed how silent it was in this house. It was quite creepy actually. She sat on the sofa and waited for Gene to return. Within moments of doing this she decided against it and changed into a pair of pyjamas. Silky red and falling just past her ankles and wrists. Her feet were bare and her toenails painted the same colour as her pyjamas. She was just settling down on the sofa when Gene emerged from the doorway, carrying a duvet cover and two pillows. He threw them down on the floor and shut the door behind him with his foot. He left them on the floor and joined Alex on the Sofa. He met her gaze and parted his lips.

'I know you are here to find out about Sam, Bols. You never were one to just leave things alone were you.'

She lowered her gaze.

'Gene, I have to do this. I thought I was home, but it wasn't real. Maybe Sam is the answer to this all.'

Tears were starting to come to her eyes. Her voice wobbled but she continued to talk.

'I'm forgetting things. I don't remember my daughter's birthday or the date of my parent's death Gene! The world is claiming me as one of its own, but….but… I don't belong here. I have to go back to Molly. She needs me… Gene.' She lost control at his name and floods of tears fell from her eyes. She swallowed several times but it did not help. She kept her eyes low, so as to not make Gene uncomfortable. She could feel something wrap its self around her waist. Gene pulled her closer and she laid her head on his chest as he squeezed her arm.

'Come on Bolly, You don't want to wake the kids upstairs now do you?'

A smile broke out on her face as he kicked off his boots. He wiped the tears from her eyes and hushed her. She was getting hot and was itching to shred her clothes, but not in front of Gene. She unbuttoned one button on her top and looked into his eyes. Still holding back the tears she spoke again.

'I'm sorry'

He held her eyes there and emotions swirled up behind them both. They knew this could be the last chance, their last night they would see each other. He lifted his hand and tilted her chin towards him. Their lips parted and brushed against each other. It was only then that they both knew that they should have done this years ago, and as they fell asleep later in the night on the same sofa, Gene's arm wrapped around her waist, Alex was no longer sure if she wanted to go back home.