Once Dempsey and Makepeace had briefed Spikings and handed him their reports, he told them that they might as well go home. They both felt exhausted due to the exertions and emotion of the day. Harry drove and Dempsey risked little furtive glances over at her from time to time, which did not go unnoticed by Makepeace. She got the feeling that he wanted to say something but couldn't, and if she was honest, she felt just as tongue tied. Soon, she pulled up outside Dempsey's apartment and turned to look at him.

"Home sweet home."

"Hmm. Thanks for the lift!"

"No problem."

Dempsey turned to get out of the car, but stopped with his hand resting on the lever to open the door. He looked into Harry's eyes, and she stared back with a desire for him to say what he was feeling.

"Do you have plans for tonight, Harry?"

"Nope! I think it's just me, a hot bath, a glass of wine and an early night. I'm exhausted!"

Dempsey deflated. He didn't want to sit alone in his apartment all night. He felt just as tired as Harry but he had so much going on his mind, he knew that he wouldn't be able to sleep that night. But if Harry was exhausted, he knew she wouldn't want him round at her place. He didn't know what to say, and Harry, aware of the long silence between them, decided it was best to break it.

"What about you?"

"Oh er...I dunno. An early night I suppose. Not that I'll be able to sleep much."

"Why? You must be just as tired as me! More so!"

"My minds workin' overtime right now, Harry. All this business with Coltrane just keeps playin' over and over in my head. It's drivin' me crazy!"

"Dempsey. Coltrane can't cause you any more trouble or pain. He's going to be put away for a very long time!"

"I know, I know. But it won't bring Joey back, will it?"

Dempsey's eyes searched Harry's. Harry saw the guilt and regret in Dempsey's face, and she realised that he was still blaming himself for the death of his partner. She wanted to reach out to him, to hold him close to her and tell him that he wasn't to blame. Dempsey heaved a sigh as Makepeace didn't answer, she just looked at him with an expression that he couldn't read.

"I feel so confused and alone right now Harry, and I ain't got a clue how to deal with it."

Those last words echoed in Harry's ears, and her hand moved involuntarily just to rest on top of his, which was placed upon his lap. Dempsey was surprised at her action, but risked placing his other hand on top of hers; and she didn't push it away.

"Listen. Why don't you come back to my place? We could get a takeaway? Maybe watch a movie?"

"But you said yourself, you're exhausted Princess. You don't want me in your way, ruining your plans."

"You won't be ruining them! I'm sure you can find something to amuse yourself whilst I take my bath!"

Dempsey smirked a little. "Yeah, I could scrub your back if you like?"

Harry smiled back at him. This was the Dempsey she was used to. Firing remarks like that at her every two minutes. He shouldn't be alone tonight, she thought. She had felt closer to him since he had told her about Joey, and she felt strangely protective towards him when he looked to vulnerable.

"I think I can just about manage that myself, thank you Dempsey! So, are you coming?"

"Sure, Princess."

Harry smiled and restarted the engine, removing her hand that was still sandwiched between his. As she put the car into gear, Dempsey spoke softly.

"Harry..." Harry turned to look at him.

"Hm?"

Dempsey could only manage one word. The exhaustion was creeping up on him, and knowing that he wouldn't be alone for the next couple of hours at least, he felt a strange warmth fill him up, and he longed for sleep. "Thanks."

Harry smiled at him once more, and started the drive to her home. As she pulled into her drive, she realised that her house key weren't on the same chain as her car key. She locked the car and began searching in her bag for her keys. Dempsey saw her rooting, her head buried in her bag as she rifled through her belongings.

"Lost somethin' Harry?"

"I can't find my bloody keys! I know they're in here somewhere." Harry became infuriated as she delved into her bag for a second time. Dempsey couldn't help but smirk at her. He walked up the steps and reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved the spare key that Harry had given him to stop him breaking in. He turned the key in the lock and the door opened. He looked down at Harry, who was still searching.

"Hey Harry. I've opened it."
Harry looked confused for a moment. Dempsey clarified.
"Spare key remember! To stop me breaking and entering. I know how you hate it when I break the law."
Dempsey winked at her and a laugh escaped Harry's lips. She walked up the steps and turned to Dempsey as he held the door open for her.

"It's not just that. I just don't want to admit that my house is so easy to break into!"

"Don't worry, Harry. You know I'll always be here to protect you, right?"

Dempsey had failed to protect Joey from drink, and Coltrane's influence. He knew that he always wanted to protect Harry. His life depended on it, because without her, he was nothing.
Harry paused and looked into Dempsey's eyes, wishing that she could see what he was thinking. She smiled up at him and spoke softly,

"I know."