During the night Charlie began tossing and turning as she dreamed she walked alone in an alleyway, it was dark and she knew she shouldn't be there. "Hey Buckton how's mummy?" That voice said behind her, she turned slowly and faced him. He had a hole in his chest with blood dripping down his front "No," Charlie gasped and took a step back as that smirk that made her sick appeared on his face and he took a step forward- she couldn't move she was glued to the spot "no please," was all she could say. Next thing she knew she was on the ground struggling to breathe his large hands squeezing on her windpipe "nooo!" She managed to scream- tears dropped from her face to the ground as he pulled her trousers off…
Downstairs Jack stirred he sat up and took in his surrounds, he thought he heard someone screaming- he listened and heard it again it... was a whimper "no please no," he slipped out from under Ruby and walked to the stairs jumping as the screaming became louder "NO PLEASE NO GET OFF ME!"
"Charlie," he whispered and took a few steps, he froze when he heard a blood curdling scream "CHARLIE!" He yelled and bolted up the stairs. Bursting into her room he stopped and looked around, she was asleep in her bed sighing in relief he walked closer. When she moved he jumped and she all of a sudden started screaming, running to the bed he climbed onto it and shook her shoulders "Charlie, Charlie wake up your dreaming," he said softly.
He had his hands on her shoulders holding her down he was laughing as he leaned closer to her face she got a surge of energy and punched him hard "oww Charlie what the hell," another voice came "Jack," she whimpered desperately looking around for her big brother.
Jack sat on the bed holding his now bloody nose "Charlie wake up," he said shaking her with his free hand.
"No no get off me!" She cried and dug her nails into his hand.
"Jesus Charlie wake up!" he hissed pulling his hands back he shook her again "Charlie sweetie it's me Jack, wake up," he looked closer and saw tears fall from her eyes, he jumped back when she began thrashing.
"You took them away from me, I loved them and you took them for nothing," she whimpered.
"Dad, what's going on?" A panicked Louise asked seeing his bloody face.
"Yeah Jack why is she screaming?" asked a sleepy Ruby in the doorway.
"Girls please just go back to bed she's dreaming… go on," he said quickly.
The girls hesitated for a minute before both going to Louise's room.
"Charlie," he said loudly "come on it's a dream wake up," he said shaking her again.
Charlie bolted up in the bed and gasped for air "hey hey- you're okay," Jack said grabbing her arms "just breathe okay."
"J –J-Jack," she stuttered.
"Yeah I'm here you're okay," he said pulling her into a hug.
"H-he tried to k-k-kill me," she whimpered and clung onto his shirt.
"Charlie you're safe it was just a dream," he said rubbing her hair, he sighed- he knew by her last few words before she woke who she was dreaming about.
Charlie was now wide awake at this stage she felt her wet face and pulled back "what happened to your face?" she asked frowning at him.
"Eh you kinda punched me in the face when I tried to wake you," he laughed.
"Aww Jack I'm sorry it was a nightmare I lashed out… sorry," she smiled sheepishly.
"It's fine do you wanna talk about your dream?"
"No," Charlie said straight away.
"Hey Charlz," he said pulling her chin up to him "I heard what you said I know you were dreaming about 'him'."
"I wasn't it was a stupid dream that's all I'm fine," she snapped.
Jack sighed again he knew he wouldn't get anything out of her "fine but you know where I am if you need me," he stood up and leaned over her "I'm gonna head home- night I love ya," he dropped a kiss on her forehead.
"Yeah love ya too and I'm sorry I woke you."
"It's alright that sofa thing is not the most comfortable, I'll see ya in the morning," he said before slipping out of her room.
Charlie sighed loudly and threw herself back onto her pillow staring at thr celing.
The next morning Charlie sat at the kitchen bench with her third cup of coffee, she was in a really bad mood, after bolting up in her bed for about the fifth time she gave up trying to sleep and got up, it was only eight am.
Over at his house Brax rolled over and opened his eyes adjusting to the light he sat up and yawned, sitting up he grabbed his phone and groaned he was normally on his way back from a surf now. Rolling out of his bed he pulled on some sweats and headed downstairs to find Jack with a pack of ice on his face "what the hell happened to you?" He asked tilting his face to the side to get a better look.
"Charlie kinda punched me in the face last night," he replied.
"What?" Brax groaned "what are you two arguing over now?"
"Nah mate we're not fighting she was dreaming, I heard her scream and ran up I tried to wake her and she still kept screaming then lashed out… she took a chunk out of my hand too" he said holding it up.
"Geez remind me never to get on the wrong side of your sister," Brax laughed.
"Hey I'm sure you will at some stage and then you'll find out exactly how crazy she is… so how did last night go?"
"Yeah it was great and that's all you're getting... no offence mate but you're her brother I'm not going in to details."
"So she had a good time then?" Jack asked.
"Like I said you're her brother but yeah I like to think she had a good time- I'm gonna pop over and see her, see ya later mate don't forget we have the girls tonight," Brax reminded as he walked out the front door.
Charlie still sat in a bad mood at the bench when Ruby walked into the kitchen "morning mum," she said happily.
"Morning," Charlie grumbled without looking up.
"Did you get much sleep last night?" Ruby asked as she poured herself a bowl of cereal.
"No," she sighed.
Ruby knew to leave it there or Charlie would snap. "Okay well I'm just going to watch tv me and Nicole are going shopping in a while," she shook her head when Charlie didn't even answer her and walked into the living room, before she sat down there was a knock out the door- looking out the window she smiled when she saw Brax "hey," she greeted.
"Hey mum up yet?" he asked with a smile.
"Yeah come in but you enter at your own risk she's in the kitchen."
Brax chuckled "she's in a bad mood?"
"Oh yes, the kind where you don't talk to her unless she talks to you first… I'll leave you to it," she smiled at him and went back to the tv.
Brax stopped in the doorway and leaned against it watching Charlie stare into her cup "morning beautiful," he said without moving.
Charlie looked up at him and smiled briefly before looking back into her cup.
"What's up?" Brax asked walking closer to her.
"Nothing I'm fine, why can't I just sit here without someone asking if I'm okay or did I get any sleep!" She snapped. Sighing she looked up at him "I'm sorry I'm just... I don't know what I am but I do know I'm in a bad mood."
"Wanna hug?" He asked grinning at her. A small smile played on her lips for a second she shrugged and dropped her gaze.
Brax took a step forward and wrapped his arms around her, she leaned back into him and sighed "I'm just tired I guess, since I was at…" she trailed off "…I'm not sleeping lately."
Brax knew something was bothering her and he knew there was more behind the attack than she said "is this about what happened with that guy?" He asked cautiously.
"No," Charlie said straight away "that was a straight forward jackass trying to get away from me I have to go get a shower," she said pulling herself away from him "I'll see you before I leave," she said and hurried from the room leaving a confused Brax behind.
Brax stood in her kitchen watching the empty doorway she'd just walked through he sighed and let himself out the back door.
Up in her room Charlie sat on her bed she didn't mean to be like that with him he couldn't know no-one could know the pain and guilt she was carrying around, huffing she threw herself back onto the bed and drifted off to sleep.
"Back up needed on the corner of Adamstown Gardens…" the radio called in her cruiser.
"Light them up Smithy," she said to David and grabbed the radio with her free hand "this is Unit9 we're two minutes out," she put the radio back in its cradle and took off.
Arriving at the scene she was amazed to see so many people peering over the crime scene tape "Unit9 on scene," she said into the radio "this doesn't look good," she muttered. Just before she got out the radio crackled to life.
"Unit5 on scene…" Jack's voice spoke.
Charlie rolled her eyes she'd had an argument with him before they left the station "Smithy let's see what this is all about," she said hopping out.
Before she could slip under the tape she was pushed back by a female officer and one of her best friends "Smithy you go Buckton you stay here Serge's orders," she said gently pushing her back.
Charlie looked at her face she had track marks down her cheeks "Mel what is it?"
Jack appeared beside them "what's going on Mel?" He asked peering over Charlie's shoulders.
"You stay here too Jacky," she said sadly.
"Okay why aren't we allowed in?" Charlie asked beginning to panic.
They were interrupted by a car screeching to a halt behind them "Dad?" They both said together when Ross jumped out of his car he wasn't on duty tonight he was supposed to be watching the girls with their mum while Denise went out with her sister.
"WHERE ARE THEY!" he yelled running to them.
"Where's who?" Jack asked.
"WE LOST HER!" A paramedic yelled behind them.
"Mel what the hell is going on?" Charlie snapped.
Mel sighed she couldn't hold the three of them off "Charlie, Jack, Ross- I'm so sorry but we were called to an attack on three women, one of them was taken off in an ambulance the other two didn't make it I'm sorry guys it's…"
"KATE!" their dad yelled horrified looking to where the paramedics had just moved aside.
Charlie's eyes followed his line of vision and settled on the image on the ground "Mum," she gasped. Shoving Mel out of the way with force she began running over to her.
She was stopped by David "Charlie no, she's gone sweetie, you don't want to see her like this" he said pulling her back.
"That's my mum! That's my mum no no this isn't right!" she screamed and fought out of his hold "mum!" she cried when she got to her. Looking at her battered and bloodied body on the ground Charlie dropped down beside her "mummy," she whispered, her mum- there- in front of her was… gone. she jumped up and ran to a dumpster and threw up, shakily she took a few deep breathes "this is wrong this has to be a dream… I-I've fallen asleep in the cruiser yeah that's it" she said as she walked slowly back to where she was kneeling down beside her mum again.
"D! Denise! No no no! Oh baby please wake up WAKE UP!" she heard Jack cry.
She snapped her head up to the other body and her heart stopped beating her best friend, her brother's fiancée, her niece's mother lay not far from her mother also gone "D-d," she stuttered and crawled over to Jack. "Jack! What's going on? This isn't happening!" She cried and grabbed him.
Her father's sobs made them both look up as he cradled his wife in his arms. Charlie let out a scream and collapsed into Jack's arms both of them holding one another. Before she knew it two big hands pulled her to her feet and led her away and into a car.
From the car she saw a man standing in the crowd smiling that sicking smile eyes piercing into her "how's mummy Buckton?" He laughed and walked off.
Charlie jumped up from her bed breathing heavily she shakily took in her surroundings relaxing a bit one she realised it was all another dream and she was in her room, she'd had that dream a million times before but it always ended at her being led to the car, that last part was new. She felt her face it was wet and her forehead was all sweaty, jumping up she went for a quick shower.
Once she was dressed she walked to her phone and saw she'd a missed call from her boss, knowing she'd see him in a few hours she decided not to call him back and called Brax instead "hey," she said as soon as he'd answered.
"Hey," he said back unsure if she was still in a mood.
"So listen- I was kinda bit of a bitch a while ago and I was sorta hoping I could maybe make it up to you?" she said sweetly.
Brax laughed "oh yeah what have you got in mind grumpy?"
"Hows about a walk on the beach and lunch on me?"
"What like the lunch you were supposed to bring me to on Saturday?"
"Yeah sorry about that duty calls and all that, okay how about lunch now and… breakfast when I get home in the morning?"
"Hmm I'll think about it."
"Okay okay fine- lunch, breakfast and dinner tomorrow?"
"Now you're talking I'll meet at the diner at two, I'm just at my mums doing something for her.
"Okay I'll see you then," Charlie said and hung up.
Walking into the living room she was happy to see a man pulling plastic off her new sofa "hi," she smiled.
"Hi Ms Buckton, sorry your daughter said you were sleeping and let me in… she just went out with a friend there, I'll be out of your hair in a minute I just need to bring the other stuff in."
"That's okay there's no rush I'll be in the kitchen," she smiled again and went into the kitchen. Sitting at the bench reading a magazine a few minutes later, she had just signed for her new furniture and saw the man out when her landline rang "hello," she called.
"Charlie hey I've been trying to get in touch with you all morning," her boss said rushed.
"Is there a problem sir?" She asked grabbing her cell phone to see over ten missed calls from the station and Sean's cell.
"Yes Charlie a big big one, can you come in right away?"
"Um sure just let me sort the girls out first… can I ask what it is?" she asked getting a bad feeling.
"You'll find out once you get here, come see me the second you get here," Sean said and hung up.
Sighing Charlie called Ruby "hey sweetie I know you just left but I've been called to an emergency in work I have to leave now, can you tell Lou when she wakes up, I'll leave her a note- I'll call her later anyway."
"Sure…mum is everything okay? You sound panicky."
"I'm fine sweetie you go have fun and enjoy your date with Casey, I love you baby, see you in the morning."
"Yeah love you too mum… be careful."
"Always…" Charlie hung up and text Brax 'hey where are you now?'
Just walked into Angelo's, why?
Charlie didn't reply she hurried up to her room and threw on her uniform, peaking in on a sleeping Louise she left her a note to call her when she woke up. Grabbing her bag she ran downstairs and out the door.
Arriving at Angelo's she walked to the girl behind the counter "hi is Brax still here?"
"Hi, yeah he's in his office I'll go grab him."
"Actually do you mind if I go in? I need to talk to him in private."
"Sure- through them doors there and it's the red door on the left," the woman smiled at her.
"Thank you," she smiled back and made her way towards his office, rapping lightly she stuck her head in.
"Hey you," he smiled seeing her there.
"Hey," she replied and walked fully in.
Brax groaned when he noticed her uniform "here to bail on me again?"
"I'm sorry emergency at work my boss just called."
Brax sighed "okay but I'm holding you to breakfast got it?" He said walking out of his office with her following.
"I promise I'll be there I'm sorry Brax I have no choice, my boss sounds really worried he wouldn't tell me over the phone."
"Well you better get going then," he smiled at her, moving closer to her whispered in her ear "you look so god damn sexy in that uniform so it think its best you get out of here before I drag you into my office," he dropped a kiss on her forehead and stepped back "call me later if you can."
Charlie smiled "why will you miss me?" She teased and took a step closer to him.
Brax shook his head and laughed "get outta here."
Charlie smiled again and stood up on her toes, she wasn't normally this forward but she thought screw it and kissed him, she was about to step back when his arms circled her waist and pulled her closer.
"I gotta go," she mumbled and pulled back.
"Be careful out there yeah?" he said pushing some hair behind her ear.
"I will I'll call you later, oh are you still okay with the girls later? Oh and can you tell Jack I had to go early too?"
"Yes Charlie we're fine don't be worrying," he kissed her again quickly "go on," he said nudging her towards the door.
"Bye," she called and hurried out of Angelo's.
Brax watched her go and turned around with a smile on his face to see his staff all smirking at him "what?" He laughed.
"She's pretty," the girl that Charlie had spoken to said.
"Yeah how long you've been hiding that for?" a guy asked with a laugh.
Brax smiled again and shook his head "its early days yet… okay shows over back to work."
The girl that was on the till when Charlie arrived followed him into his office "so I take it the date went well then?" She asked sitting on the side of his desk.
"Yeah Debs it went great- she's just great," he said with a goofy smile.
"Aww you really like her don't you?"
Brax's smile widened "yeah she's pretty amazing alright."
"Well if you need any tips let me know, how's Jack taking this?"
"Aww he wasn't too happy but he's fine now as long as I don't mess with her."
"Well she seems really nice, I hope it works out for you Brax you deserve it."
"Thanks Debs" he smiled as she heaved herself off his desk and back out to the floor.
Charlie was worrying now she had driven up the whole way thinking what it could be, she knew it wasn't IA they would have called her themselves. Sighing she pulled into her parking space and pulled herself out of the car. She made her way to her locker and dumped her bag, grabbing her gun and duty belt she fixed herself up and made her way to Sean's office "hey Jen he's excepting me."
"Oh hi Charlie, yeah go on in he's just after walking in there."
"Thanks," she smiled and went inside "you wanted to see me?" she asked.
Sean stopped his pacing and looked at her "yeah Charlie... I don't know quite how to say this bu…"
"… shots fired, armed robbery in progress at Arbour hill National bank, back-up requested immediately- multiple hostages three suspects armed…" the radio in his room interrupted.
"Christ, Charlie I'm sorry can you deal with that you're the closet unit."
"Sure sir," she nodded and walked back towards the door.
"Grab your vest you're in charge out there and come see me as soon as you get back," he called after her.
Speeding to the scene she tried to push the thoughts of what Sean wanted aside but it was bugging her. Pulling up she jumped out and joined the mass of patrol cars, ambulances, camera crews and onlookers "ALRIGHT EVERYONE LISTEN UP!" she yelled getting all the officers attention.
"I want these people moved back five feet, someone get me hostage negotiations on the phone, Dobson, how many hostages?"
"Possibly twenty could be more Constable," he replied.
Charlie sighed "children?" she asked hoping he'd say none.
"Five that I can see," Dobson replied.
"Any requests from inside? Have they asked for anything?"
"No just random shooting into the ceiling every few minutes no injuries as of yet," another officer replied.
"Okay, someone get me a speaker!" she yelled.
A female officer handed her one "thanks," she said and moved closer making sure to shield herself behind a car "THIS IS SENIOR CONSTABLE BUCKTON OF CDPD I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE PERSON IN CHARGE, GIVE ME A SIGNAL AND I'LL CALL IN," she yelled watching through the glass windows.
Inside the three guys looked at each other before the leader waved his hand towards Charlie.
"Alright that's a signal, someone get me a phone number," she said pulling out her phone.
Another officer ran to her with the number she dialled it and waited for it to ring "hello," a guy barked.
"This is Senior Constable Buckton who am I speaking to?"
"Lady you don't need to know that, all you need to know is we want all officers removed and we want a car here in ten minutes no messing about."
"I'd like to make a deal with you," Charlie said, the children in there were her first priority.
"What?" He snapped.
"I'll have the car here in five and all officers bar myself will be removed if you let me take the children in there out."
"No no-one comes in or I shoot!" he yelled.
"How about me coming in alone and unarmed? You can see me through the window," she said looking to make eye contact, once he looked at her she held her gun up "I am placing my gun down I am not armed all I want is the children- I'll be in and out in two minutes," she said placing her gun on the roof of the car and stepping away.
The guy watched her every move he looked to the children and sighed, this wasn't really meant to happen, turning back to Charlie he looked her over "keep your hands where I can see them get that officer beside you to remover your duty belt," he said.
Charlie sighed in relief she turned to see David beside her "officer take off my belt," she said loud enough for the man on the line to hear.
David raised an eyebrow but did it anyway after she mouthed 'do it'
"Right, now get him to pat you down I wanna make sure you're not hiding anything- step in full view of the front window."
"Okay- officer with me," she said as she moved in front of the car "pat me down," she said again loud enough.
David didn't answer back he started up one leg as Charlie held her arms out he did the other leg then up her sides, she turned around and he did the same to her back "clean," he said stepping back.
"You and you alone if I see anyone else I shoot the first kid- walk slowly to me," he said watching her closer.
Charlie turned to David "you know what to do," she mumbled, he nodded and stepped closer to her slipping something into the back of her trousers, he pulled her back making it look like he didn't want her to go.
"What's he doing? Tell him to back off!" the guy yelled.
"Okay calm down, Constable I can take it from here," she said winking at David he nodded and mouthed 'be careful' and walked back behind the tape to join the others- now Charlie stood alone.
Back in the bay Jack and Brax sat at the bar as the tv flashed breaking news and a very stressed looking Charlie came on the screen- Jack spit his drink and stared choking.
"What man?" Brax said slapping his back.
Jack pointed to the tv still choking "C-C-Charlie," he stuttered.
Brax snapped his head towards it "Debs turn that up!" He yelled not taking his eyes off the screen.
Debs turned the volume up and the place fell into silence as everyone gathered around the bar and listened to the reporter "we are here outside Arbour Hill National bank where an armed robbery is in progress, as you can see behind me here the area has been cleared and here stands the officer in charge- a brave officer standing alone, my understanding is she has asked for the release of the children inside the bank."
"God damn it Charlie," Jack muttered.
"What?" Brax asked alarmed.
"The drill is if she's standing there alone she's the one going in, fucking unarmed too," Jack yelled noticing she'd no belt on and grabbed his phone and called the city station "Sergeant Wilson now!"
Jen knew it was Jack and put him straight through "Jack I am watching myself negotiations are on their way."
"I don't care my sister is not fucking going in there unarmed so you better get someone to pull her back now!" he yelled.
"Jack!" Brax yelled he turned to him "she's walking!" He said panicking.
"Pull back Charlie please pull back," he chanted hanging up the phone and glued his eyes back to the tv.
"Hey what's going o… mum?" Ruby shrieked looking at the tv, she had just walked in with Louise.
"No Charlie no," Louise cried as she and Ruby pushed their way through the gathering crowd to stand beside Jack and Brax.
Back at the scene Charlie walked slowly to the door and waited for someone to open it, one of the guys grabbed a young woman and held a gun to her as he unlocked the door.
Charlie held her hands up as she slipped inside making sure to keep her back out of view "okay everyone remain calm, we'll have you all out of here soon enough," she said loudly.
She stepped forward "I'm here for any children, so parents could you one by one stand up and bring your child to me," she said her eyes never leaving the guy she'd spoken to on the phone.
A woman with a small baby of around one year old walked to her and handed her to Charlie "please look after her," she sobbed kissing her head.
"She'll be fine mam don't worry," Charlie said rubbing her arm "we'll get you out too."
Next was a man with a girl of about four "honey you need to go with this nice lady here," he said nodding to Charlie.
Charlie held out her hand "it's okay sweetie daddy will be coming in just a minute," the little girl hesitated before slipping her hand into Charlie's "thank you," the man said to her and walked over to the woman who'd just handed her the baby.
Next was a woman with a boy and a girl of about seven and ten "you two be good I'll be out soon," she sniffed and kissed them both on the forehead.
A teenage girl probably Ruby's age she thought clung to her mum as they walked forward "it's okay Maddy I'll be fine you just help the officer with these kids keep them calm until their parents are out."
Last was a woman with a boy about three, "baby you go and have fun with the nice police lady she'll let you play in her police car won't you?" The woman asked looking up at Charlie.
"Of course I'll let you flash the lights too," the little boy got very excited and clung to her leg.
"Okay you have the kids get out," the guy from the phone snapped.
"You don't have to do this," Charlie said.
"Just take them before I change my mind!" he screamed.
Charlie was about to reply when a woman screamed in pain, she looked behind the man "mam are you oaky?"
"No no my waters broke," she screamed clutching her stomach.
"Okay she has to come too," Charlie said turning back to the guy.
"No no-one else leaves," he barked.
"She's in labour she needs to go."
"Baby's take hours," he hissed.
"Things could go wrong she's very scared and very stressed she needs a hospital now."
The guy looked to the woman who was being comforted by a man and woman each side of her "fine" he sighed "but no one comes in or I shoot you."
"Thank you," Charlie handed the baby to the teenage girl Maddy she grabbed the Radio stuck to her shoulder
"What are you doing?" the guy yelled and pointed his gun at her "I said no-one was to come in!"
"I'm letting them know the kids are coming out and I need an ambulance ready to go," Charlie said slowly dropping her hand from the radio, her training had taught her to always keep them calm and do as they asked, she let go of the breath she was holding when the guy looked at the woman on the floor and nodded his head. "Constable Buckton here, kids are coming out no-one move until I say so, I need an ambulance on standby I have a woman in labour here."
Turning back to the guy she took a step back "I am going to walk the children to the door then I'll be back for her," she said ushering them towards it.
Once she got to the door the other guy still stood holding the young woman, she looked through the window and spotted David pacing behind the tape she reached for her radio again.
"What are you doing?" the other guy said and grabbed her hand.
"I'm radioing for someone to meet the kids they can't go alone," she said ripping her hand from his grip "Constable Smith?"
"Go ahead Charlie," he replied.
"Front and centre the kids are in your care until I get out... coming out now."
"Done," he answered and walked under the tape.
"Okay guys you see that policeman there? He is my very good friend he'll take you to play in my car okay?" They all nodded "okay once I open that door I want you all to run to him as fast as you can," they all nodded "okay," Charlie stood back up and opened the door "go!" She yelled Maddy took the hand of the small boy while still holding the baby and led him out while the brother and sister took the hand of the smaller girl and ran.
Back in Angelo's they all watched as the kids ran to David "where's Charlie?" Ruby asked jumping up.
"I don't know, please don't be stupid Charlie," Jack said and grabbed his phone out again.
"What do you mean stupid?" Brax asked pulling him back.
"Charlie won't leave once she's inside, Brax I have to get up there," he said calling the station again being put straight to Sean.
"Jack I'm on scene now."
"She's done her job Sean get her out of there!"
"Have faith in her Jack, she's a very strong woman you know that, she'll be fine. There's a woman in labour she's helping her, don't worry SWAT are on scene and ready to go in once she's clear."
"She better be," he hissed and hung up.
Back in the city Charlie hurried to the woman on the floor "okay how far apart are they?"
"Not long," the woman cried in pain.
"Okay we gotta move now, I need help," she said looking to the guy behind her.
They guy was beginning to freak out he just nodded and pointed his gun at her "no funny business," he snapped.
"Okay sir I need you to help me get her to the ambulance," Charlie said to the guy that had been holding her hand.
The guy beside her nodded and helped her get the woman to her feet "okay on three- one, two, three," she said and began to walk to the doors.
She stopped two steps out and watched the man on the door release the woman he held onto the entire time she'd been inside, once she was back on the floor with the others Charlie looked to make sure everyone was clear before she made her next move. All clear she moved back a step and kicked the gun out of his hand, she grabbed him and pulled the gun David had placed in her belt "drop the weapons now!" She yelled pointing it to his head.
The guy who had not moved since she arrived cursed and threw his gun to her. The guy from the phone sighed "you gotta be kidding me," he knew he was beat and kicked his gun to her.
She picked up all three and tucked them into her belt "you three together now," she said walking the guy she held to the guy from the phone, "EVERYONE OUT!" she yelled and watched as the hostages got up and ran, grabbing her radio she yelled "SWAT MOVE IN! Suspects unarmed."
Seeing the man was having trouble getting the pregnant woman to walk she hurried outside as SWAT made their way around. Once she was outside the paramedic's and officers ushered the woman and man away. She heard a scream and looked back noticing two women still inside Charlie turned to go back in until David grabbed her back "no Charlie you're done you're not going back in."
"I have to Dave there's still people in there," she said pulling away.
"Charlie no you got all the kids out and the other people let SWAT handle it."
Charlie watched as SWAT swarmed the building, out of nowhere shots were fired and glass shattered everywhere. David pulled Charlie to the ground and covered her with his body.
Back in the Bay four very worried people sat on their edge of the seats watching their sister, mum, aunt, and possible girlfriend lay on the ground motionless. A sigh of relief went all round as she was pulled to her feet and behind a cruiser.
Charlie took a few deep breaths and was back to business she grabbed her radio "all units move in! Suspects may still be armed!" she yelled after checking Swat had the armed men under control. She watched as officers ran from every direction towards the building.
After everyone was released and the children were reunited with thier parents, the suspects were in custody she made her way back to the station where she was hailed a hero and arrived back to the applause of the entire station. They had put up banners and balloons for her last day.
"So Charlie," Sean spoke as they all gathered around "you were outstanding today as usual you outdid yourself, you showed us all what bravery really is. We hope you've enjoyed your time here with us you will do just great at Yabbie creek," glasses were handed around and Sean spoke again "after twelve years I regret to say we say goodbye to one of our finest, but not to worry she's off to bigger and better things, every one please raise your glasses to 'Sergeant' Charlie Buckton," he said smiling at her.
"To Sergeant Charlie Buckton," they all cheered.
"Charlie, we wish you the very best you'll be missed very dearly around here, you're an outstanding officer and I have no doubt you'll make inspector one day and as a token of our appreciation we'd like to give you something to remember us by- David if you will," Sean nodded to him.
David went behind a desk and pulled out a load of bags and walked to her he kissed her on the cheek as her tears fell she smiled at him and took the bags. Opening the first one she cried harder, it was a framed picture of the day they all stared at the station with Sean in the middle, the next bag held chocolates, bottles of wine and other knick knacks David also handed her a massive bunch of flowers.
"Thank you guys so much you really didn't have to but thank you, and I'm gonna miss you all so much it's been a pleasure working with you all and I'll never forget my time here, you guys are family I'll stay in touch and drop in from time to time you can't get rid of me that easily."
Laughter went around the room "so Charlie one more thing to say- your time is done here Sergeant, off you go best of luck Charlie and don't be a stranger yeah?" Sean said his own tears welling Charlie was like family to him.
Charlie placed the stuff down and walked to him "thank you for everything you've done for me over the years I'll never forget it, you were always there when we needed you and I am forever grateful for that… I will miss you the most," she whispered and pulled him into a hug her tears making tracks down her face "and thank you for you discretion with Jack the other night."
"I'll miss you too Charlie, you just get outta the city and start a fresh and look after that brother of yours," he laughed.
"I will," she sniffed and pulled back "well bye everyone I'll arrange a night out sometime you can go through David for details."
She walked over to hug everyone and had a few chats before she went to David who sat on his desk "hey," she sighed and sat beside him.
"Hey are you okay you know after today?"
"Yeah it was a bit hectic huh, I'm just glad it turned out with no injuries or deaths."
"Yeah it did and it was all thanks to you, I cannot believe you kicked the gun out of his hand what goes through your mind I'll never know" he laughed.
"Nah you helped too we all did and I wasn't thinking I just did it I knew I had to get them out that was all that mattered."
"Yeah, if you say so… anyway grab your stuff from your locker and I'll help you down to your car we're off the nightshift as I'm sure you guessed."
Charlie nodded and went off to the locker-rooms, clearing out her locker she grabbed her box and looked around, sighing she smiled sadly at the place that had been her home for the last twelve years. Making her way back to David she looked over every inch of the place before both made their way down to her car.
"So this is it?" David said as he helped her load her boot.
"Yeah this is it," she said sadly.
"We sure went out with a bang like you wanted," he laughed.
"Yeah we did," she started crying again "I'm really gonna miss you," she cried.
"Aww Charlie don't work yourself up," he said pulling her into a hug "I'll be down next week to see how you're doing team Buckton/Barton will still live on," he laughed.
"Yeah?" She smiled and stepped back.
"Yeah and if you're good I might just bring wine with me."
Charlie laughed "I'll hold you to that… I better head before I break down again." She smiled "my girls both have a date tonight and now I get to see them all dressed up," she laughed.
"A date really? Have you run background checks on the blokes?" he laughed "I remember you doing one on a guy who asked Ruby to the mall for lunch."
Charlie laughed "okay in my defence he was a weird kid I'd see him watch her anytime she left the house he was creepy, anyway turns out he was her friends brother and wanted Ruby's help in getting her a birthday present."
Dave laughed and hugged her "Okay you get going now," he hugged her again "I love ya Charlie look after yourself yeah."
"I love ya too I'll see you next week, tell Gina I said hello and give Ellie and James a big kiss from me," she sniffed again and climbed into her car, she sat smiling at him for a minute before she gave him a sad smile and a wave and stared up her car.
Sean watched her go from the door she was gone now she never needed to know what he was about to tell her this morning he sighed and walked back into the building.
Back in the bay she'd just pulled up to her house her eyes and nose red from crying she pulled herself from her car and went inside.
She was attacked the moment she walked in the door "Charlie!" Jack yelled and ran through the house, he stopped as he took in her sad face by the door "what the hell were you thing aye?" he said pulling her into a hug.
"What?" She sniffed burying her head into his chest.
"You're all over the news, I watched the whole thing don't you ever do anything like that again, Charlie when I heard them shots I thought I'd lost you."
"It had to be done, can we not do this now I'm kinda upset," she said pulling away from him.
"Oh your last day how did it go?"
"He let me go early I'm not needed for the night shift. I was there for the bank job then Sean made a show of me with a speech and they gave me a few gifts."
"Aww that was nice here sit down I'll make you a coffee oh and you might wanna call Brax he's freaking out too and the girls."
"I'll go see him now," she said grabbing her keys "why are you in my house anyway?"
"Lou asked me to bring over their stuff for tonight… not that she'll need it now."
"Okay I'll be back soon," she said and ran out the door "oh and they can still stay if they want to."
Running up the stairs to Angelo's she was greeted by Debs "oh Charlie you're okay! Brax is so worried, he's in his office hasn't left since the news went off. You did a great job today you should be proud of yourself."
"Yeah thanks, I better go see him," she smiled and walked to his office and knocked on the door.
"Go away!" He yelled.
She stuck her head in anyway.
"Charlie!" He said and jumped from his chair "I've been trying to call you all morning, are you okay?" He asked pulling her into a hug holding her tight. Pulling back he stroked her face noting her red puffy eyes, smiling down at her he dipped his head he kissed her softly "I was worried about you," he whispered.
"Don't be I'm fine- see, I'm right here, and I'm finished with work. I don't need to do the night shift my boss figured I'd done enough with the bank, I'm sorry I never called you back it's been an emotional day."
He rubbed her back and rested his chin on her head "It's fine as long as I can see for myself you're okay… so?"
"So?" She stepped back and smiled.
"So we can go for lunch now?"
"Yeah we can… on me," she said opening the door.
"Nope on me, after what you've been through today it's on me," he said leading her out the door.
"You're cute when you worry you know that?" she said as he stood over her in front of the bar.
He laughed and leaned down to kiss her again "you're cute full stop."
"Mum!" Ruby yelled and ran towards her, she dived on Charlie before she was even standing "I was so scared," she cried.
"Hey hey I' fine it's part of my job Rubes, but I'm okay," she replied hugging her tight she looked up to see Louise standing at the door "Lou?" she questioned when she still didn't move.
Anger took over Louise and she marched forward, Charlie let go of Ruby and walked to meet her half way, to say she was surprised was an understatement when Louise shoved her backwards "WHAT THE HELL WHERE YOU THINKING CHARLIE? WE COULD HAVE LOST YOU, YOU COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!" She shoved her again "did you not think about us at all?" She screamed.
"Lou I-"
"No, don't tell me you're sorry Charlie, I can't take another person leaving me ESPECAILLY NOT YOU!" Louise pushed her again and again "I hate you I hate you! How could you be so selfish," she cried "you can't leave me too," she whimpered.
"Louise! That's enough!" Ruby yelled after her shock had worn off, she jumped and pulled her away from Charlie.
Brax looked on in shock as Louise broke down in Ruby's arms, thanking god they were empty he shook his head and text Jack get your ass down to Angelo's now your kid has flipped at Charlie, he sent it and walk to Charlie who still hadn't moved. "Charlie?" he said softly.
Charlie shook her head and took a step towards Ruby and Louise she had tears falling from her face but she didn't care.
Brax turned to the few staff that where there watching open mouthed "you guys take off and come back for your evening shifts." They all nodded and hurried out of Angelo's knowing better than to argue with their boss.
Charlie wrapped her arms around the two of them and Louise turned and clung onto Charlie crying harder.
Knowing this was between the two of them Ruby untangled herself from the situation and grabbed Brax leading him out of Angelo's and down to the surf club.
Jack ran through the door panting he had just got back to work "what's going on?" he panted worry all over his face.
"Leave them be, Louise is finally opening up let Charlie deal with her," Ruby told him.
"But what happened?" Jack asked taking a seat beside them.
She totally flipped out I've never seen her like that before, she went off on one and shoved mum yelling that she can't leave her and how could she be so selfish, she shoved her a few times and told her she hated her- Jack, seriously leave her," Ruby grabbed him as he jumped up off his stool.
Upstairs Louise and Charlie still hugged "Lou I've noticed you haven't been yourself the last week or so, is there anything you want to talk about?"
"I just miss my mum," she sniffed.
"I know you do sweetie and I miss her too- so much she was one of my best friends and family." Charlie hesitated about the next bit "um is that why you called me mum the other day?"
Louise nodded "aww sweetie if it makes you feel better I don't mind," she said holding her tight.
"Nah I'll stick with Charlie… it felt wrong like I was betraying her or something don't get me wrong you've always been there for me Charlie, even more than dad you mean everything to me. Seeing that today and what that reporter was saying scared the hell out of me, I was waiting for a call to say you'd been shot that you were never coming home- that can never happen," she whimpered "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Aww baby I promise I'm not going anywhere, and as for what that reporter said about me being brave and all that- I wasn't, honey I was scared out of my mind and the only thing that was on my mind was will I see my girls again? Jack, Bianca… and even Brax- you listen to me you are my girl Lou you always will be- it will take hell of a lot than some nut with a gun to ever take me away from you do you hear me?" Louise nodded against her "good now let's go see where everyone ran off to."
Louise looked up at her "I love you Charlie and I'm sorry for going crazy on you."
"It's fine sweetie, we've had our talk and now it's in the past, I love you too now let's go missy," she said and led her to the stairs.
"Everything okay?" Jack asked jumping from his seat the moment he saw them.
Louise looked up and smiled at Charlie "yeah everything is fine, let's go Rubes we have stuff to do," she said and pulled Ruby out of the club.
Jack watched her go in confusion then turned to Charlie with the same look she laughed and walked to him "go back to work we're good," she kissed him on the cheek and watched him go- still confused as to what had happened "so you Mr Braxton own me lunch," she said walking to him.
"That I do," he smiled and led her back up the stairs.