Another chapter to feed the hungry reviewers. Many thank yous to those who reviews both chapters one and two. Once again i would like to thank Sarah, my beta for her keen eye to spot my spelling mistakes! I hope you all enjoy this chapter! Now in the words of Mr Hunt "Mush!!"

A.N: I don't own A2A!

Chapter III

Arriving at the station early, Alex laid out all the relevant information across her desk. She wanted to catch this bastard and she wanted to catch him quickly.

Checking her boards, Alex was sure that she had everything right. They would have six officers dotted around Euston station; two would be dressed as security, one as bin man, two would be ticket conductors and the last one would be a shop assistant. All of them with radios so they could give Ray, who would be mingling with the public, the heads up if Yorkson was spotted.

Chris and Shazza were under the pretence that they were meeting friends off the morning train from Manchester, so they would be heading up from the underground. Then it just left Gene and Alex. Trying hard not to concentrate on the kiss that she had placed on his cheek the night before, Alex headed into the kitchen and looked for something that contained caffeine. What I wouldn't give for a cappuccino or an espresso! Waiting for the kettle to boil, Alex leant back against the cabinets in the kitchen, closing her eyes; she replayed the kiss. It had been a tender kiss, nothing teasing or misleading, just a tender kiss on the cheek. Revelling in the idea of what she would actually do to Gene, should she ever been allowed to do more than just kiss him, Alex smiled. I could have kissed him all night. God now you are starting to sound like a teenager with a crush on the school senior. Making her coffee on auto pilot, Alex absentmindedly made her way back to the squad room. Casting her eyes round the room, she found Ray with the customary cigarette stuck to his lower lip, Chris was talking quietly with Shaz and the six police officers who would normally be in uniform, clung together in the corner of the room, and Gene; well he was sat behind his desk, supposedly reading a file.

"Right everyone," Alex called for everyone's attention, handing each of them a copy of an artist's impression of Yorkson. This was now or never. This would be the last brief before they went out on the operation. Gene emerged from his office, listening in on Alex's brief.

"We are all aware of what is going to happen today. For those of us who are going under cover, I want you to familiarise yourself with those who will be in plain clothes, just in case anything happens For those of you in plain clothes, I want you to study the artist's impression that you now have. I expect you all to have read the profile report that was put together on this man, and also now the minor details of the cover stories for myself and WPC Granger," she paused, noticing a few of them were flicking through the profile notes.

Alex had decided that being a police officer married to a police officer was not the best cover story in the world. She had spoken with Shaz about it and what 'new careers' they would have liked to have.

"So what's the cover stories then, Bolly?" Gene interrupted the general mummer.

"Chris and you will stay as you are because Yorkson knows you both. Shaz will be a school teacher. They can keep their own story, there's no need to change that. As for my cover story, I'm sure you will approve," Alex said, a slight grin evident on her face. A few cat-a calls and whistling from the room didn't dissuade Alex from revealing her story. She had decided that it would be nice to play someone different for a change. Getting back to the task in hand, Alex brought everyone's attention back to Yorkson.

"This man is dangerous," They all knew it, but she wanted to make sure that it had sunk into their heads. "He has killed seven people; and tried to kill an eighth person whilst here in London," she pointed at the boards. The photographs of the murdered couples stuck to them. "Not to mention five people, including three children and his own wife, whilst he was in Manchester. He is psychotic and will not listen to reason. He believes that he is better than everyone else. That he is somehow cleverer than us. Yorkson won't be able to resist targeting two police officers, it'll be the ultimate high for him." The mumblings from CID all sounded similar. "Scumbag", "child killer", "bastard". Alex knew she had everyone's support.

"I want this bastard caught, and I want him caught today. Questions?" There were a few from the uniforms, who were still huddled together in the corner. The fact that Gene had appeared from his office, had made a couple of them retreat further into the corner.

Ray leant towards Chris, who was trying to complete the Rubix cube that Shaz had found in Lost Property. They had all headed into the kitchen when the plods had started asking daft questions.

"I think this is gonna be very interestin'," Ray said. He had his suspicions about his two senior officers but couldn't prove anything. He had known The Guv the longest, but there was something about the way he looked at DI Drake, that just didn't sit right with him. He had never behaved like this around a "bird" before. Even when Annie Cartwright worked with them, The Guv just kept her on tea duty; that were until Tyler asked him to give her more responsibilities. Bleeding Puff!

"Wha' d'yer mean Ray?" Chris was frowning in concentration as he tried to complete the red side.

"I mean, yer div, there's something going on between them two. I just know it! Didn't I say when she turned up, she'd 'ave 'im wrapped round 'er finger?" The subject of gossip caught Shaz's ear. Even though she was loyal to Alex, she couldn't help herself!

"I know Ray. Just the way he looks at her! There's defiantly something there!" Ray was nodding.

"I don't think they're gonna be able to 'ide it much longer! I mean 'oo can pretend to be pretending that they are in love with one another?" Ray knew that eventually they were going to crack. Chris looked up from the Rubix cube, with a confused look on his face.

"You think The Guv and DI Drake are pretending to love one another... but I thought that's the 'ole idea? You know catch Yorkson an' all."

"No you twonk, I think they're pretendin' ter'be pretendin' tha' they love one another. There's no way that either of 'em two can act this out properly," Ray said, so matter of fact. Mulling the thought over, he added "not without somethin' 'appening!"

Gene had over heard them talking. They were right about one thing. He didn't know whether he could hide it for much longer. How the 'ell are yer meant to work with someone tha' makes yer crazy just by the sight of 'em? Heading back to his office, he dug around in his coat pocket. The pit stop before he had headed home the night before had been fruitful. Snapping open the box, he just stared at it. It was pretty, something that would look good on her. But is it pretty enough fer'er though? Battling with the over whelming desire to throw it in the back of the draw and cast the idea aside as stupid, Gene poured himself some whiskey. Just one for the nerves. Looking out into the squad room, Alex was hunched over her desk, scribbling the last details of the operation down before they all headed out. Ray, Chris and Shaz were no doubt ably gossiping about something that wasn't even happening. And the plods, well they were just trying to not put a foot out of place. This is it Hunt. Now or never! Show 'em bastards you can act...but am I though? Rising from his desk, clutching the small black box in his hand, Gene halted at the door; savouring a look at Alex. The way her hair would fall around her face, the perfect yet subtle makeup, her hands. She's too bleeding good fer'yer. This is only ter shut 'em pillocks up. Pulling open the office door, he headed over to Alex. There was most definitely no going back now.

The second Gene stormed into the squad room Ray realised something was up. He wasn't however expecting what was about to happen. Being so determined to see her plan succeed, Alex hadn't heard Gene enter CID. Her incessant need to have every detail of the operation down on paper had made her completely oblivious to the goings on in the squad room. As well as perfecting the plan, Alex still couldn't forget the moment she had kissed Gene. It was only his cheek but it meant more than it should. Her thoughts were so vivid and tantalising that she was finding it increasingly difficult on concentrating on anything else.

As the words on the paper began to blur and her thoughts took control and became lost in her reverie, she was promptly awaken by her chair being dragged backwards and her body being thwarted upwards by no other than Gene Hunt.

Looking into his steely gaze, she felt her knees begin to weaken. Thankfully, he had a strong hold of her. Feeling herself beginning to stare, she tried to avert eye contact and that was when she realised that every eye in the room was on them. It seemed they too were waiting for an explanation.

Now stay focused Gene, tell her what you came in here to say. Now he'd made his entrance, he hadn't a clue what he was going to do next. He had it all written down on his hand, but his palms were sweating that badly he couldn't read it. The way she was looking at him wasn't helping either. Spit it out Gene! He couldn't find the words. He must have rehearsed them a hundred times but right now, the Gene Genie was nervous. Why are you doing this anyway? This isn' the real thing, you idiot, you don't have to ask 'er. Shifting his body weight and averting his eyes, he tried to summon up the words. You weren't this nervous when yer asked the missus ter marry yer, and that was for real! SAY IT!

"Marry me, Alex." There, he'd said it. Not like that you twat!

"'Scuse me?" Alex said, astonished.

"I said marry me, Bolls. I've been wanting to ask you for ages an' never got the chance to tell ya 'cause you always 'ad something' to say an' I never got a word in edgeways. So I figured that if I 'ad summit to say, I should come out and say it straight away before the psychiatry started," he said, exasperated. Alex insides were screaming PSYCHOLOGY but she thought better of correcting him.

As he spoke those words, Gene could feel the ring pressing his thigh in his pocket as if branding his skin. What 'appens if she doesn't like it? Does it really matter if she doesn't like it? You're not really getting married you plonk!

"Thing is, Bolly, yer the biggest pain in me backside, but it's just that I er, I erm, I love yer, okay?" Gene stammered, saying it was harder than he thought. The look of surprise on Alex's face was beginning to worry him. Not only that but the gasps and the "crickeys", the "bleeding noras" coming from CID were starting to dawn on him. This only works if she says yes. What if she doesn't say yes, but then again what happens if she does? Does that mean she loves me? Of course she's gonna say yes! She bloomin' well 'as to 'cause we are playin' a married couple! Gene's battle with his inner self was beginning to make him crazy. Looking at Alex, the waiting was taking its toll.

He loves me? Does he really or is this just some stupid bet. No, if this was a bet, Ray wouldn't be looking in horror. Is this Gene's way of making the undercover official? Alex's mind was going into overdrive. Trying to keep an even balance between her feelings for Gene and creating a plan was hard enough, and then he went and proposed!

"So've we got a deal?" Gene said, as gruffly as he could. The stunned silence was getting too much for him. Delving his shaking hands into his pockets, he pulled out the little velvet box. Thrusting the box into her hands, she opened it. It was not what she had expected in the least; a simple, yet beautiful gold band, with three princess cut diamonds set in a row. Gasping unconsciously, Alex took the ring out its box.

"Well?" He asked. Patience wasn't Gene's strong suit. Gene Hunt has just asked you to marry him in front of all of CID! You have to say yes. You have to be married anyway Alex because you're playing a married couple, remember! But be honest Alex, do you really want to pretend?

Looking up at him, Alex could see the anticipation in his eyes. Slipping the ring on her engagement finger, there was only four other words that were heard before the room descended into chaos.

"Yes Gene, I will."

"Right, seeing as Bolly 'ere has got our plan sorted, it's time for a quick pint, gents. I'm off with my wife-to-be to celebrate in Luigis, care to join us?" Gene said, an arm resting across Alex's waist. As soon as Gene finished speaking, CID shot into action, grabbing their coats and heading for the doors.

Alex was stunned. One minute she was working avidly on finalising the operation, the next Gene Hunt was proposing to her in front the entire of CID! This just isn't happening...there has got to be a logical explanation for all of this. Grabbing her coat, she followed everyone over the road. Her feet were on auto pilot as her mind was too busy processing what had just happened. Gene Hunt, the Gene Hunt, "the over-weight, over the hill, nicotine stained, borderline alcoholic homophobe" had just asked her to marry him and yet even though he was the opposite to everything she would have looked for in a man in 2008. But we aren't in 2008, we are in nineteen eighty bloody one. She had said yes without hesitation. I said yes. I didn't even think about it. I just answered him. Alex glanced down at the ring that now sat on her engagement finger. It was gorgeous. Simple yet beautifully elegant. He chose this for me? Allowing the light to catch the diamonds, Alex stared amazed as it sparkled in the morning sun.

Completely oblivious to everyone around her, it was only when Shaz took her hand to examine the ring that Alex came back down to Earth.

"Oh ma'am it's beautiful. I just knew that The Guv loved you!! I could see it! None of them believed me." Shaz was gossiping as they descended the stairs into the bar. It was still a little early, but not caring about the hour of the day, Alex wanted, even need a drink.

"Luigi...a bottle of yer finest champagne," Gene shouted, turning to see Alex and Shaz gossiping as they entered the restaurant. Shaz looked like she was fit to burst with the amount of gossiping that she was doing. Alex on the other hand was silent. Too silent for Alex, there was something wrong. Shit! You 'ave really done it now Hunt. Bet she doesn't know whether she's comin' or goin'. Bet she doesn' know that yer don' mean it!!

"What's the matter Bolls?" Alex looked at Gene. She hadn't said a word since saying yes. That wasn't normal. Normally she had about a year's worth of opinions and suggestions just for one point. "Yer look like you've just been told yer fighting Joe Bugner. Marrying me can't be that much of a bad idea!" Alex smiled. "If you had asked me a year ago I would have told you to sod off! But now" ....now all I want to do is plan dress fittings and flower arrangements.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Moving across to him, Alex wanted nothing more than to kiss him. Well that's what you do when you get engaged, isn't it? Holding his face with her hand, Alex thumb rubbing gently over his cheek. His steely gaze held her transfixed to the spot.

"You know Gene... I never did say..." Their moment together was shattered, when Luigi came bustling out of the back, wondering what all the commotion was about. Sliding into the nearest bar stool, Alex rested her chin on her hands. She couldn't make heads of what had just happened. Does he really love you? Does he love you enough to propose in front of everyone? "Senior Hunt, what is the occasion?" Spotting Alex in her dazed state and the ring that now occupied her left hand, Luigi smiled beamed from ear to ear.

"Signor Hunt, Signorina Drake! Congratulations! Heavens be praised. It is a beautiful day that you are to be married!" Dashing round the bar, Luigi enveloped Alex in what could only be described as a fatherly hug, and shook Gene's hand, until Gene was convinced it was going to fall off.

"Gerroff me yer prat! I was kidding. We ain't getting married!" The words reeled round Alex's head. He was kidding. What? He didn't mean it? But he...he said that he... Luigi was looking at Gene as though he truly did not understand English.

"I only proposed, 'cause that useless bunch of twonks," Gene paused as he pointed to the rest of CID who were now sat round the usual table, "thought we couldn't pull off being a married couple. Didn't think we could act," With that Gene rounded on Ray. "Oh and Raymondo, don't ever say I can't act!" He turned his attention back to Luigi and Alex.

"We ain't really getting married. Aye Bolly?" Alex just stared at Gene. The look that swept across her face, evident for all those who looked that little bit harder, was a mixture of hurt, pain and confusion. Snapping herself out of her downward spinning turmoil, Alex answered Gene's question.

"Of course not, Guv," Alex was certain that Gene had winced at the use of his title. Ahhh Shit. Nice one Gene. Fan-fucking-tastic. She now thinks that you're a heartless bastard who goes round proposing to people!! She thinks you meant it. Well I did, sort of. There is 'no sort' of you twat. Every word, that came out of your gob was true! She just didn't know it!

"See Luigi, there is a rather vicious man running around the city, who is targeting couples who are happily married." Alex explained, shooting Gene a quick glance. He was too busy popping the cork on the champagne to notice.

"So DCI Hunt and I are going to pose as a married couple," Alex said, her head screaming. You have just agreed to marry him in front of everyone and now he just brushes it aside as a joke! He did it to prove a point. BASTARD! Realising that she was not going to be able to handle being in the same room as him for much longer, Alex grabbed one of the glasses, sank the champagne in one before anyone could so much as even think of a toast. Glancing round the room, Shaz was reassuring Chris that everything was going to be okay. Ray was dishing out little pearls of his wisdom to the uniforms and Gene, well Gene was sat by the bar drinking champagne as though nothing had happened.

Not knowing whether she wanted to cry or scream. Alex headed for her flat. She had to get changed into her 'costume.' She had to get out of the room. There was no way that a full emotional breakdown was going to look good in front of everyone.

"Where you headed, Bolls? Hadn't we better be going to the station?" Gene made an attempt to hold her hand but Alex pulled it away from him. Rounding on the rest of CID, Alex used the anger meant for Gene and barked orders to everyone else.

"Right, Plods, I want you back over to the station and changed now, and then I want you over to Euston. Ray you can head over there as well. I want as many eyes looking for Yorkson as possible," nobody moved whilst Alex was talking, just her body language said that she would rip off their heads at the hint of an interruption. "Chris, Shazza, head over to the tube station and make your way to Euston, give it half an hour after the plods have left. I want them in position before you arrive." Pausing for questions, Alex rounded on Gene.

"As for you, Mr Hunt," Bastard Liar, Gene looked directly at Alex. He could see the hurt in her eyes, he could see that his little stunt had upset her. Trying to look as placid as he could, Gene just waited for her brief.

"I am going up stairs to get changed. I will be on the 1046 train into Euston; I will meet you on the platform when I arrive." Without giving Gene so much as a second to ask what the matter was, she was gone. You know what Gene? You are just one Bastard Liar!

Gene picked up the champagne flute and drained the rest of his drink. With half of the congregation scampering off after Alex had issued her orders, Gene had a bit of time to sit and think about what the hell had just happen. One minute Alex is all stunned and silent, the next she was as angry as Darth Vader on a good day! What the 'ell rattled 'er cage? I mean I know it was a bit of a mean joke proposin an' all, without tellin' 'er, but she can't be upset, about it being a joke can she?? Gene thought to himself, playing with the stem of the glass. Naaaaah, she's too posh to wanna marry me. Although....she did say yes without thinking about it! Yer going crazy, Gene. There is no way that Alex Drake wants ter marry the likes of you.