Thanks for the reviews, actually feeling slightly sorry for Shannon too, for some unknown reason. Hope you enjoy this chapter too as much as I love writing them
Looking at Shannon trying to hide the shock on her face and surprise of what she said, trying to keep her face neutral not wanting to admit the face is true "I'm not sure what you mean Shannon"
Spinning around to face her boss her eyes hard "Want me to spell it out to you Kerry" seeing her face remaining calm and giving nothing away "I know what happened." Shaking her head at Shannon "I don't know what you think you know Shannon but"
Interrupting her lying boss "Don't deny it, Lawson told me, you spend the weekend together, you slept with my boyfriend" Blinking back the tears she looks up at Kerry "Was this the first time, was it the whole weekend?"
Looking at Shannon wondering what she wanted and why all the questions, what is she meant to say no, she slept with Lawson a few months ago, whilst they were going out "What does it matter?"
Narrowing her eyes at Kerry "You spend the weekend fucking my boyfriend, I deserve some answers"
Biting her lip, not wanting to give her private life away, not wanting the whole squad to find out, her eyes look around, she doesn't want to look at Shannon bringing her hands up to her face rubbing them over it.
Trying to keep the tears from forming the silence by Kerry speaking volumes, then looking up at her boss "You don't even have the guts to tell me the truth, why Kerry, is your own life so fucked up, you have to mess with others people"
Seeing the guilt in Kerry's eyes and her not wanting to look at her "It wasn't the first time was it, how many other times have you slept with my boyfriend?"
Kerry's eyes moving side to side "None" Looking at Kerry, who won't look at her "Bullshit, how many times?"
Closing her eyes briefly before opening, them, looking briefly at Shannon, her eyes down slightly "What does it matter, Shannon, its in the past, lets not go there"
Biting her lip before looking around, blinking back the tears that are forming, once maybe she could of forgiven Lawson "When did it start?"
Sitting down on the table, fiddling with her hands Kerry looks up at Shannon "3 nights ago, when I came home from hospital"
Looking at Shannon, trying not to feel guilty about what she did, her eyes darting around before settling on her "I'm sorry Shannon" Looking back at her boss "You think that's all right, you say your sorry and that's it, you think that's all it takes"
Seeing Kerry shaking her head "Of course not, Shannon it just happened" then looking her in the eye "Please don't tell the team about this?"
Glaring at Kerry the hatred in her eyes her voice dripping with venom and anger "What do I owe you or Lawson for that matter"
Looking at Shannon, and biting her lip her voice soft "Nothing" going to walk out "Just clean up this before you leave"
Looking up at her boss, her eyes full of anger and more as she watches Kerry walk out, banging her hand against one of the standing lockers.
Hopping in her car Kerry bangs the steering wheel, damm Lawson, why didn't he tell her, Shannon had found out, the whole squad will be next, rubbing her eyes she felt for Shannon, pulling out of TR, she heads to the pub.
Picking up the lockers, Shannon looks around, sitting on the table letting the tears form, it hurt so much, the betrayal not only of her boyfriend or ex, but her boss too she didn't know which was worse. Putting her head in her hand, closing her eyes, she opens them soon after, the images of the two of them together going through her mind. Cleaning up the locker room she heads home.
Arriving at her hotel room later that night, Kerry opens the door to see Lawson there, her eyes looking at him her question simple "Why?" Looking at her confused "why what?" Looking at him "why tell Shannon, why not let me know she knew but why tell her?"
Walking over to Kerry and looking her in the eye "I'm sorry, but she cornered me this morning, and it came out" then nodding "I should of told you, but was going to tell you tonight"
Looking him in the eye "Lawson this isn't going to work out, the whole squad will know now" then shaking her head "I cant do it" before turning away from him
Walking over to her, turning her to face him "We can work this out Kerry, don't give up on us" Looking up at him "I don't see we have any other choice Lawson"
Feeling Lawson's eyes upon her, she looks away from him, feeling his hand on her chin, gently pulling her face around to face him "Look me in the eyes Kerry, and tell me you don't want me, or want a relationship with me"
Her eyes darting around before looking him in the eyes briefly "I don't"
Shaking his head "You can't do it can you?
Looking into Lawson's face "It makes no difference Lawson, if I want to be with you or not, or if I love you, it won't work out between us, there's too many obstacles, the major one we both work in the same squad and I'm your boss. Go back to Shannon, and have the relationship you deserve"
Holding Kerry's gaze "We can work through them, just give us a chance, I'll leave TR, if that is what it takes" "No" the words firm "that would be silly Lawson, don't give it up because of me, you love TR." Holding her gaze "I love you too Kerry," shaking her head "no you don't"
Seeing Lawson look at her "why turn up at my place last night" Looking at him her eyes slightly down "it was a mistake Lawson, it never should of happened". Watching Kerry "You know as well as I do it wasn't a mistake, and we both wanted it to happen"
Shrugging "maybe but it makes no difference now, it just won't work out between us" turning away from him, walking towards the bedroom "I'm tired, i'll see you tomorrow at work" closing the door behind her.
Hearing the front door close, she opens the bedroom door slightly, looking around there is no sign of Lawson, getting a glass of wine, she sits on the lounge, blinking back the tears that are threatening to form, damm Lawson, if only she wasn't head of TR, she would go out with him have a relationship, it is what she has wanted for years now, and here she is kicking him out of the hotel room. She was an idiot to think anything could happen or to have let something happen
Arriving at TR the following morning, Kerry looks around seeing both cars there, as tempting as it was to arrive later, no she is here now. Walking inside she sees Shannon walking out of the locker room, followed by Stella, glancing quickly that way she looks for Lawson, before turning away, seeing the glare from Shannon. Seeing Stella walk in front of Shannon, Kerry looks back at her.
Seeing Kerry walk into TR, Stella looks at Shannon, seeing the glare on her face, giving her friend a half smile, before looking back at Kerry, she used to like her boss, even if she was a hard arse, but now, she can't understand how or why Kerry did what she did, walking ahead of Shannon, Stella stares at Kerry, wanting to ask, to know what is happening between them. Seeing Kerry turn around again, Stella bites her lips her mouth moving around.
Seeing Stella watching her, "What Stella, I know you want to say something so just come out and say it" Looking at Kerry, could she say what she thought, usually she has no problem but that is with Lawson or someone, seeing Kerry raising her eyebrows at her, she shakes her head "nothing". Her eyes wide open "get out there then, your in TR 2 so stop standing around"
Watching Kerry walk away, like nothing happened, Stella calls out "There is something" seeing Kerry turn around her eyes on her "Why did you do it," seeing Kerry eyes open further and look past her, she continues "Why did you sleep with Lawson, when he is with Shannon and your their boss" Seeing Kerry walk closer to her she hold her position "Do you like working here?" Nodding at her, and holding her gaze yeah of course" as Kerry continues her voice low and firm "Then, If you want to stay in TR Stella, stay out of other peoples business, especially mine, and don't piss me off or you will find yourself looking for another job, or writing parking tickets at Moe" before turning away. Watching her walk away, Stella turns around, seeing the rest of TR standing there looking around no doubt hearing what she just said, with Lawson's glare upon her as he says "Stella" and a slight smile on Shannon's face as she watches her follow Lawson.
Following Lawson away from the others he turns around facing Stella "What" Lawson looking at Stella "I think you know..., what you did then was wrong" Glaring back at him raising her eyes " what you did wasn't?" Raising his eyes slightly at Stella "it's none if your business. You think the while squad knowing is the way to go. Kerry is your boss." Stella with a smirk "didn't stop you though. What you both did was wrong and she deserved to know. Not my problem if the whole team finds out about you both, ashamed of it are you"
Leaning closer to her "just think about what you do and say, Kerry doesn't want the whole team knowing" Looking at Lawson with a sly smile ""Too bad, did you think about what you were doing. Did you think no one would find out, I wonder if you thought at all"
Shannon walking up to them both "leave her alone Lawson she's not the one that's in the wrong" Glancing at his ex girlfriend "Shan leave, this is between Stel and me" Standing her ground her voice firm "no its between you and me and Stella being a friend. She didn't do anything wrong" then turning to Stel "go" then facing Lawson "your not punishing her or make her feel bad for what you and Kerry did." Looking at Shannon and the lack of expression towards him "that's not what this is about, if your such a good friend then make sure Stella, doesn't say anything she will regret to Kerry" Glaring at her ex "it wouldn't be anything Kerry didn't deserve" before walking off.
Watching Kerry walking into the communications room, Leon looks up at her, wondering if the rumours are true "What?" Shaking his head "Nothing, bad night" Turning away she walks into her office.
Walking out of TR later that day, as both TR cars come back, seeing Lawson glance her way, with a glare from Shannon and Stella the others turning away. Walking towards her car, she looks up as a car drives in, seeing two men in suits getting out, out of the corner of her eye, she sees Lawson walking closer to her, showing a badge to her "Inspector Vincent" Nodding she looks up at them, one of them David, the deputy commissioner, "what's this about?" "Is there somewhere we can talk" Nodding she locks her car walking away, feeling the eyes of her team following her, not the only one wondering what this is about.
Following them up the stairs, her mind wondering what was going on. Walking into the room, she looks around, it has been ages since she has been here, the room where she first met Lawson their meeting quite firey. Looking up at David she doesn't have to wait long.
Are hearing what he has to say, finishing with "This is a huge promotion for you so what do you say " Looking at David and Superintendent Fordham he eyes wide open, never expecting this not really needing to think "I'll take it" Nodding and smiling at her "good, you will start immediately, and Senior Sergeant Charlie Lewis, will join Tactical Response to take over" Shaking her head "no no no, Im very happy with my Senior Sergeant Lawson Blake, I don't need or want anyone else to take over" Looking at her in the eyes "That one is non negotiable Kerry, he's coming into the squad" Shaking her head her words firm "Im not taking a promotion for someone else to come in"
Walking towards Kerry, David looks her in the eyes "Kerry, the choice is simple here, take the promotion, or your under house arrest then witness protection" Seeing her mouth and eyes wide open at what he is saying "After what happened to Detective Finch and the recent events happening to you, this is the options for you"
Glaring at them "I really don't have much of a choice here then" feeling David's eyes upon her "you'll need to start in two days time" then walking towards the door "You can find your own way out" before walking downstairs. Heading to the locker room, she pauses a distance away, seeing Lawson there talking to Josh, closing her eyes briefly, knowing how Lawson will feel about it, the helpless she is feeling at not being able to do anything about it, hating not being in control
Walking into the locker room, Kerry sees Lawson, looking up at her, "Do you mind Josh" watching him walk out. Standing near Lawson leaning against the metal wall before walking over and sitting on the table she looks at him, knowing how hard it is to say this "I've been offered a promotion" seeing the surprise in his eyes, but not letting him say anything "I mightn't be here at the office as much or out on the road" then looking down slightly "They have appointed someone else to take over" before looking up at Lawson. His eyes focused on her "Your kidding"
Looking at Lawson "Lets just see what's he's like" her voice trying not to betray how she's feeling about it., "Is he in charge of TR" her eyes slightly down but still looking at him "he will be working here at base with you" Looking at her "That's not what I asked, do I answer to him, does he replace me or what" Looking up at Lawson seeing him looking at her, trying to show his emotions either "Not exactly" Looking at Kerry, not believing what he is hearing after everything they have gone through with TR "Do I report to him or not?"
Staring at Lawson, the question is simple and the answer is there, but she can't seem to say it, she doesn't want to say it or admit it, she wants him still in charge. Feeling Lawson's intense gaze upon her as he speaks "Its a simple question Kerry, but i get the answer" Nodding without saying anything she looks up at him as he continues his voice rising slightly "You get offered a great massive promotion, and the first thing you do, the first decision is to slot some new guy above me, do you even know who he is or anything about him"
All she can do is nod and whisper "No" how she wished she could tell him the truth, the only reason she said yes, that she wants him in charge of Tactical Response instead all she can do is nod as he continues "Do you want me to quit, do you hate me what's the deal here"
Shaking her head, this time she can answer "No, that would be ridiculous, Lawson please work with me here" wishing he did know her, that she wouldn't do this out of spite or anything, she wanted him in this squad more than anything, she would fight to have him stay, she would miss seeing him every day. Seeing him look at her "I have to think about it" Nodding as she moves from her spot, rubbing his arm "Please don't do anything you'll regret, work with me here, I want you to stay" looking at him before she walks out
Hopping in the car, she bangs the wheel closing her eyes briefly, knowing Lawson would be hurt by it all, and there is nothing she can do about it. Arriving back at the hotel, she gets out the bottles of wine, pouring herself one drink after another walking out onto the balcony looking out over the city and the Yarra River, how she wished she just could turn back time.
Walking into TR the following morning Kerry takes a deep breath, not getting much sleep and drinking way too much last night. Walking into the communications room, she sees Leon, turn around looking at her raising her eyes at him, she motions for him to join her as she walks towards the locker room.
Seeing everyone getting ready, she walks in, the glare from Shannon still there, and not much better from Lawson, walking to the table she sits down "I don't know if Lawson has told you this" seeing Lawson shake his head she continues "I've been offered a promotion" seeing the surprise on their faces, and hope on Shannon's, he eyes fixed on a point avoiding Lawson as she continues "Senior Sergeant Charlie Lewis will be coming into the squad to take over from me" Looking at Stella as she hears her voice "When" Looking at her "tomorrow?"
Feeling Josh's intense gaze upon her "Why have someone else come in, why not Lawson take over?" Looking at Josh, she would love to tell the team the truth, she was pushed into the promotion, feel some excitement over it, why couldn't Lawson take over, instead she replies "Just give him a chance, lets see what he's like"
Getting up off the table "my last day will as Inspector here, will be Friday, I will still be overseeing TR, but not running it" looking around she gets up walking out.
Walking back towards the coms room, she hears Josh calling out, turning around in no mood to answer his questions "Was it your choice to slot some new guy in above Lawson, for him to take over from you?" Closing her eyes very briefly, she nods "yes" Feeling Josh's intense gaze upon her as she leans in close to her "After everything he's done for you, all the work he's put into TR, you get a massive promotion, and you go and appoint some new guy into TR" Staring at Josh her face void of emotion "Is that it?"
Shaking his head at her "Is this payback to Lawson or something?" before he can continue her voice full of anger and loud "Josh piss off, get out of here now" walking away, hearing Josh's voice call out "if you want Lawson to leave TR, then your going the right way, I never thought you'd be like this" trying to ignore him she turns around her eyes flashing in anger her voice loud "Piss off Josh, or you'll find yourself out of TR, do you ever think there is more to it" walking away glaring at Leon who is looking at her "what" as she walks towards her desk,
Out on the road the following day, Stella glances at Lawson deep in thought, even though she was still angry and mad at him, she felt sorry for him, looking at him, she thought he and Kerry were going out, maybe they were and this was her payback. Looking at him "Did you know about his?" Shaking his head, still staring straight ahead "I found out yesterday"
"So does this mean you and Kerry aren't going out?" Glaring at her not answering her question "Just drive Stel"
A short time later, Stella glances at Lawson again "Why do we need someone new, why can't you take over, we pretty much do everything ourselves, why bring in some new guy, we managed without Kerry before she came, we can manage now" the same thoughts crossed Lawson's mind, he wish he knew what was going on, but Kerry was tight mouthed about it, saying nothing. "I dunno Stella, i don't know what is going on" Hearing Christians voice from the back seat "Do you know anything about this new guy, where's he from" Shaking his head, his reply short "No, i don't know anything, as i said Kerry hasn't told me much"
Looking straight ahead Stella can't help herself "Maybe it is payback with Kerry, did you dump her after screwing her" Glaring at Stella talking through gritted teeth "Drive, it was a one night stand" shaking his head "its none of your business what happened, so piss off" Smiling at him not backing down "I'd say it was more a two night one" seeing the anger building up in him "ok, i won't say anything else" glancing at Christian in the rear view mirror whose trying not to laugh.
Walking out of TR after the shift, Lawson bumps into Josh who looks at him "Pub" nodding "yep, got no where else to go, no girlfriend, and a boss who seems to want me out of TR"
Getting their beers and walking over to a table, Lawson looks at Josh "Don't you have somewhere else you'd rather be" Shaking his head "Nah, Tash is working late this week"
Finishing quite a few drinks, Lawson looks at Josh "Maybe screwing Kerry wasn't such a good idea after all" Looking at Lawson, "You don't say" Looking around the pub before looking at Josh again "Who is this Senior Sergeant Lewis anyway, what does Kerry want me to do, throw a hissy fit and resign, I'm not going to give her the pleasure" Glancing at Lawson "Maybe she had no say in it" Thinking about what Josh said "Kerry has never held back in what she thinks, I think I have to do something to make it up to Shannon" Giving a short laugh at Lawson "No shit"
Seeing a guy walk into TR the following morning Stella looks at him "So your the new guy?" Glancing the attractive female talking to him, with attitude "Yeah thats me, Senior Sergeant Lewis" Seeing the glare in her eye "We don't need you here, so why don't you piss off" Smiling at her fiery attitude "and you are" Looking at him "someone who doesn't want you here, we don't need you" as she walks off to the locker room.