Big thanks to everyone whose read and reviewed so far. Without further delay …

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xxxxx

Chapter 8

"So. What happened after Jason came to find you?"

Faye prompted her, knowing this was still a story without a conclusion, and Jacks sighed.

"He was so angry when he saw what O'Malley had done to my face …"

David leant forwards, propping his elbows on his knees and steepling his fingers.

"Not Brendan O'Malley?"

Jacks nodded.

"Yeah, that's his name. Do you know him, then?"

David grimaced.

"I know of him. Nasty piece of work, by all accounts. Anyway, carry on, love."

She took another sip of her coffee.

"Well, I knew I couldn't stay there after what had happened so Jason offered to come back with me while I collected my stuff. It was easy enough getting back in – we just acted like he was a punter and nobody batted an eyelid – but getting out again with a suitcase was a different matter. There's a fire-escape out the back but just as we were about to climb out of a window, O'Malley appeared and made a grab for me. Jason went for him, punched him in the stomach, and while he was doubled up on the floor we legged it."

She glanced between David and Faye.

"Somehow I don't think O'Malley's the kind of man to forgive and forget, if you catch my drift."

"Are you saying he's capable of inflicting those kind of injuries on Jason?"

David furrowed his brows and Jacks snorted with derision.

"Not personally. And even if he was capable, he wouldn't get his own hands dirty. He's got a couple of thugs who're quite happy to deal with any 'inconveniences' for him, though. I've seen them around."

David pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow at Faye.

"Seems we've got a pretty good idea who's behind this, then. Proving it is an entirely different matter, of course. Let's hope Jason can fill in a few gaps when he regains consciousness."

He turned his gaze to Jacks.

"Thanks, love. What you've told us could be very useful. You've done Jason proud."

She coloured slightly under his scrutiny and then leant forwards, making sure he got a good eyeful of her ample cleavage.

"Any time, DCI Walsh. And if you're ever short of female company … well, let's just say it'd be on the house."

She winked suggestively and he chuckled. There is was again, that stab of jealousy somewhere beneath her ribcage. Faye gritted her teeth, trying not to dig her nails into her palms and forced a smile. Jacks fell serious again, looking hopefully at David.

"Could I … see him?"

David sighed, and shook his head.

"Sorry, love, not right now. He's still out for the count and his girlfriend's with him at the moment. If you leave me your contact details I'll let you know when he's fit for visitors, though."

"Please, I'd be very grateful. I really need to thank him for what he did for me. If it wasn't for him …"

She swallowed hard, biting her lip.

"Here, write your number down and I promise I'll give you a call. OK?"

He proffered a business card and she scribbled her name and number on the back and returned it to him. She glanced between David and Faye.

"Jason told me he was planning to open a bar. Do you think maybe he'd give me a job? I've waitressed a bit in the past … I'd really like a normal life again, you know?"

She looked so wistful that Faye's heart went out to her despite the overt flirting with David.

"You could always ask him. What's to lose? And he knows you, so that's a good start."

"You think?"

Jacks looked at her doubtfully and Faye gave her a reassuring smile.

"If he didn't think a lot of you he'd never have come to your rescue in the first place, would he?"

Jacks returned the smile.

"I really hope you're right. Anyway, I should go … thanks for the coffee, DCI Walsh."

She got to her feet, and David stood also.

"My pleasure, love. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Thanks. Nice to meet you, Faye."

"And you."

They watched her walk away and then David moved back towards the drinks machine.

"Think we offered to get Lorraine a coffee eons ago, didn't we? Bet you're dying to fill her in on recent developments."

Faye grinned up at him.

"I think it might be a good idea, don't you? Preferably before Jason wakes up and she's tempted to batter him into submission again!"

He chuckled in understanding.

"Lead the way …"

xxxxx

Outside Jason's room he paused, plunging his hands into his pockets and rocking back on his heels, his gaze dropping to the floor. Faye raised a quizzical eyebrow, waiting for him to speak.

"I … um … need to head back to work now, but I was just wondering. Are you …er … seeing anybody at the moment?"

He risked a tentative glance at her and she shook her head, her heart leaping into her throat.

"Not at the moment, no."

"Good, excellent … In which case, do you fancy going out for a drink one night? With me, that is …"

She wanted to punch the air but resisted. Play it cool, girl. Don't seem too eager. She pursed her lips and pretended to consider his offer.

"Well, that rather depends."

He blinked at her, slightly non-plussed.

"On …?"

"Whether you're seeing anybody at the moment."

He flashed her that knicker-melting smile again.

"Fair point, well made. And the answer is no. Couple of dates since the divorce, but that's it."

She nodded sagely, stifling a grin.

"Good to know. In which case, I think the answer is yes, DCI Walsh."

She fished about in her bag and produced a business card, tucking it into his top pocket.

"Call me."

His smile widened.

"Oh, I will. You can count on it."

xxxxx

Faye floated back into the room in a haze of euphoria, and Lorraine narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her friend.

"You took your time. Again. And why do you look like you just won the lottery?"

Faye placed the coffee cup carefully down on the table before stepping back and taking a deep breath.

"Whoo-hoo!"

She punched the air and then did a little dance of joy, a huge grin spreading over her face. Lorraine blinked at her as if she'd finally gone mad.

"What the … ?"

Faye chuckled.

"Sorry. Loads to tell you, but first things first – DCI Dreamboat just asked me out. On a date. With him."

She sighed, clasping her hands together for effect, and Lorraine beamed at her.

"Way to go, girl! He's single, then?"

"Recently divorced, apparently. Her loss is definitely my gain. Or will be if I play my cards right."

She took another moment, flashing her friend a dazzling smile before taking a seat.

"Now, to the important stuff. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I shall begin …"

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xxxxx

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Hope people are still reading and enjoying. If so, do let me know.

A/N. Away on hols very soon – no internet access, so there won't be any new chapters posted for a while. I am hoping to get some writing done though, so hopefully updates will be more frequent after mid Sept!