Thanks for the great reviews, thank you.
Sorry I'm not a Lawson/Shannon fan, so don't think they will end back together, not sure yet though.
Had trouble deciding what ending, had two endings in mind, have decided to go with this one, might post the other too, not sure let me know what you think
The second last chapter, thanks for all for reading
…..
The next day…
Walking into HQ, Lawson looks around seeing the team there, the remaining few member, unfortunately one of which is Charlie. Seeing the team sitting down, Charlie looks at Lawson, he should of spoken to him first, but his state of mind lately, he didn't, looking around "Guys settle down" hearing the noise cease he looks at each team member "As you all could of guessed Tactical Response, base, is no longer operational for the time being, it is being rebuilt but in the mean time, we don't have the equipment to deal with the situations we are trained for. They are looking for another place temporary, to operate out of, but until that happens, you have a few choices, you can take a break, annual leave and yes you will be paid for up to 6 weeks, have a transfer to another section or go on general duties until it is up and running, or if you want out of tactical response, after everything that has happened, talk to me, and we can transfer you elsewhere", looking around at the team, he sees them all looking at each other "You have a week to decide what to do."
Watching Lawson get up off the chair, Charlie calls out to him, seeing him turn around "When were you going to tell me this Charlie, you don't run Tactical response, your not the operational section of it", knowing how angry Lawson was going to be "How much have you cared about much lately Lawson, they had been trying to call you, you haven't even returned any phone calls, they want your input and help to rebuilt Tactical Response, if you still want to be in it"
Glaring at Charlie, did he still want to be in Tactical Response, "tell them I'm in, and don't keep me out of the loop, you staying or going", trying not to smile at Lawson, shrugging "Not sure yet, they need someone to do Kerry's job", seeing Lawson look at him his eyebrows slightly raised "Not up to the job Charlie?", giving a short laugh "I'm the careerist one Lawson, but leading Tactical Response is more for you than me"
Wondering Charlie's real meaning, Lawson shakes his head "Really, I would of thought heading up Tactical Response, you would of jumped at it, now that Kerry isn't head of it". Turning to face Lawson "Not having to answer to Kerry, and have her favouritism, and being totally in charge, I could really see the benefits there, your right Lawson, could be the way for me" walking out of the room.
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER
Arriving at the church Shannon looks around, feeling slightly out of place, despite everything she thought she never wanted this day to happen, walking towards the church, she sees Charlie and Stella arrive, raising her eyebrows at her friend, she waits until Stella catches up to her, before grabbing her arm, pulling her away from Charlie's amused look.
Walking away from the others, Shannon turns to Stella "spill, what is going on between you and Charlie", seeing Stella trying to look innocent "nothing, Shan, this isn't the place for this". Seeing Shannon still looking at her "Stel, please be careful, Charlie, I'm not blind I know there is something going on here"
Looking around before turning to Shannon "I've slept with him a couple of times, that's it" before walking off, leaving Shannon there open mouthed, before catching up to her friend, whispering "We're going out for drinks, and your telling me everything", nodding and whispering back "I will Shan, but not now" then looking around "Have you seen Lawson?", shaking her head "not since the hospital with….Josh". Seeing Charlie standing near the door Stella walks over to him waiting, looking up as she feels Charlie's hand on hers, pointing, seeing Lawson arrive.
Arriving at the church, Lawson pauses outside, looking around at all the people there, wondering if James will be there. His question answered a short time later as a car pulls up, surrounded by plain clothes policemen, a figure is taken quickly out of the car led into the church.
Looking down the road he sees the car arrive, pulling up at the church as the coffin is taken out, staring at it, is this all that is left of Kerry.
Seeing the hurst arrive, it all is so realm, not long ago they attended Micheal's funeral, now Kerry and in a few days Leon and she doesn't even want to think about Josh, seeing James arrive, Stella wondered if he would turn up, not being able to attend his own mothers funeral, yet he is here. Wanting Charlie's arms around her, she feels his touch against her soft, and subtle, but there for her, hearing his voice whisper "you ok", nodding she sees Lawson start to walk towards the entry, her eyes blinking back tears, she had never seen Lawson looking so desolate, he has always been so strong and in control.
Watching with the others, Shannons' eyes on Lawson, wanting to wrap her arms around him comfort him, be there for him, glancing she smiles to herself, seeing Charlie's hand on Stella's back briefly, seeing the others start to walk towards the church she follows them.
Walking inside the church Lawson stops at the door briefly, watching the procession down the aisle, walking down towards the front, his eyes towards the front he sees the coffin there, so final Kerry in there, sitting down near James, he sees James surrounded by plain clothes police. Putting his head on his hand, taking a deep breath, he can get through this, away in his own world, he looks up as someone sits down next to him, seeing Shannon there, and the rest of the squad near by, he looks at her, deep down slightly grateful for someone next to him, feeling her reach for his hand, looking up he sees the minister there as the service starts.
Walking out of the church after the service Lawson watches as the coffin is put in the car, taken to the crematorian, looking around he sees James quickly ushered into a car, pulling away. Not seeing them, but more feeling people around him he looks around seeing the TR team there, hearing Stella's voice still full of emotion "coming to the pub Lawson" not wanting to be with people but the urge for a drink he nods, but before he can walk away he feels someone grabbing his arm, turning around he sees Deputy Commissioner, David there, looking into his face as he talks softly, slightly confused he sees the team watching him as he follows David to his car.
The drive not taking too long, wondering where he is going, getting out a short while later, he follows David, opening the door, he walks in, looking around he sees another door opening, closing his eyes and opening them again, he stares, his eyes are playing tricks on him, his eyes fixated in front of him, the voice saying "Hello Lawson" a voice he has heard so many times before, this time soft, and not the usual air of assertiveness or confidence, her blue eyes on him searching his.
Staring at the person in front of him, no it can't be real, seeing her walk towards him, touching his arm, before walking over to sit down, seeing Lawson looking at her, searching for answers.
Looking at Kerry, Lawson is in shock managing to say "How, what why, I've just been to your funeral?", giving him a small half smile "I think you know the answer to that, I'm going into witness protection Lawson, they faked my death"
Looking at Lawson and Kerry, David turns to Kerry, "You have a few minutes, then your out of here" turning to David, her eyes pleading "Give us more time David, half an hour", looking at them both, he nods "I'll be back then," then turning to Lawson "not a word of this to anyone"
Looking into her eyes "where you just going to leave without letting me know?". Her eyes downcast slightly, still looking at him "yes", standing up, but still looking at her needing answers "what changed you, why tell me now?". Taking a deep breath "I had to tell you, I've heard what's been happening, your going to get yourself killed Laws, leave it,"
Trying to understand it, his voice slightly bitter and angry, the past weeks, thinking he had lost her, "that's the only reason, nothing to do with, the fact I am your boyfriend, I love you Kerry?"
Looking away from Lawson briefly before walking over to him and reaching for his hand "that's why I had to do this Lawson, if anything happened to you because of me… I wanted to tell you, more than anything but I couldn't. I'm sorry"
Feeling Lawson's strong big hands over hers "What about us?", blinking back the tears in her eyes "there is no us anymore Lawson, as of tonight, there is no more Kerry Vincent, she died and was cremated today"
Looking at Kerry's face, he doesn't know what is worse, thinking she was dead, or knowing she was alive, and never seeing her again, "So this is it, I won't ever see you again?" nodding unable to speak, she feels his hands cupping her face, trying not to show what she is feeling, putting her hand on her stomach, the one thing keeping her going.
Looking at Lawson's face, his lips, blinking back the tears that are forming trying to be strong, shaking her head "I….I leave tonight" Looking into her eyes "let me come with you Kerry,", seeing her shake her head "I can't let you do that Lawson, you'll never see your family again, friends, be in TR, you'll have to give up your life here in Melbourne", holding her hand still "It doesn't matter Kerry I want to be with you, your giving up everything"
Biting her lips "I'll have James with me, I don't have a choice here Lawson, you do, you'll end up regretting it, and hating me for it, I can't let you do it to yourself Lawson"
Understanding and knowing what Kerry is saying, it all doesn't matter only she matters, leaning towards her, she feels his lips upon hers, the kiss sweet and lingering, wanting to pull him towards him, wanting him inside of her, pulling away from him "I will always love you Lawson, ever since I saw you in TR, look after TR for me"
Opening the door, David sees them kissing, not envying the position Kerry was in, wishing there was some other way to help her, watching her pull away as she turns away, seeing the tears forming in her eyes, he walks over to Lawson "this meeting never happened, Kerry is dead, not a word of this to anyone", then turning to Kerry "its all set for tonight, get some rest, and I'll pick you up at 6.30"
Nodding at David, before looking at Lawson, the tears she had been blinking back forcing their way to her eyes, bringing her hands up to touch her lips, before walking out the door, breaking down as soon as she is by herself.
Watching Kerry walk out the door, for the last time, Lawson picks up a glass on the table throwing it. Watching Lawson throw the glass, David looks at him concerned, he had hoped knowing Kerry wasn't dead would help him, now he wonders if he had made things worse he should never of let Kerry talk him around. Seeing Lawson look at him "When is she leaving?", wondering if he should tell him the truth, knowing he could be trusted "7 pm tonight, she is on a flight out of Melbourne"
Watching David walk out of the room, Lawson looks around, looking briefly at what David had left behind, before seeing him coming back to pick it up.
…
Driving away, deep in though, Lawson drives to TR base, the area cordoned off, no one around, sitting in the car, can he let Kerry go, never to see her again, can he give up all of this, never see his friends again, if only Josh was around to talk.
Arriving at the hospital a short time later, Lawson walks into Josh's room, walking in he sees his eyes open, wondering why Tash isn't there, seeing a nurse there, he looks at her "he opened his eyes up this morning", pulling up a chair sitting next to him "You gave us a scare mate?", seeing Josh staring at him, no smile on his face the words soft, taking effort to speak "Is it true, did you fuck Tash?", wondering how he found out so soon, he nods "I'm sorry"
Seeing Josh trying to sit up "Your sorry what about Kerry,?", his eyes downcast, wishing he could tell Josh the truth "She died in the explosion, and we all thought you were dead"
Looking at Lawson in the face "I might as well be, you thought I was dead, so you go and screw my girlfriend, we're finished Lawson, we're over"
Walking out of the room, Lawson sees Tash standing there, walking over to her "How did Josh find out, if he only woke up this morning". Seeing the fury in Lawson's eyes "Mink and I were arguing again, and he heard", she watches as he storms out of the hospital
…
Driving to Southbank, Lawson walks around the river, deep in thought, he has stuffed up so much, his best friend, wanting nothing to do with him, staring across the water. Looking at his watch, he runs back to his car, driving back to the hotel, fixing up the bill and checking out, he packs up his things, quickly going back to his house.
Hopping into his car, he glances at the clock, 6.30, the traffic still heavy, blowing the horn, he needs to get out of Melbourne, finally getting out of the city, the traffic thins out, putting his foot down and he accelerates down the freeway.
Taking the Point Cooke turn off, Lawson looks at the clock again 6.55 pm, putting his foot down, he speeds through the township, arriving at point Cooke RAAF, showing his badge he looks at the security guard "There's a plane booked by the police, where is it taking off from?" shaking his head, Lawson hits the steering wheel in frustration, taking a deep breath "where do the planes take off from?" following the directions he quickly heads down
Pulling up the car, he quickly gets out, grabbing his bags, he runs towards where he sees a plane, hoping it is Kerry and he hasn't missed her.
Wanting to run, but not draw attention to himself, he walks quickly out to the tarmac, where he sees a group of people, sure one of them is Kerry, walking quickly over to them.
Hearing footsteps, Kerry turns around her eyes wide in surprise "Lawson, what are you doing here?", smiling at her relief flooding through him, that he hadn't missed her "I'm coming with you?" shaking her head "No, you can't I won't let you"
Seeing David glare at him "Lawson, you've risked Kerry's life coming here, how do you know you weren't followed", then turning to the pilot and back to Kerry "We're leaving now" feeling his touch and hand on her arm "Kerry, you can't stop me, I'm coming with you, I want to be with you", looking up at David "you can't stop me, I'm doing this and nothing anyone says will change it, I want to be with you and if this is the only way, then I'm coming"
Seeing Kerry look up at David, "Just get in the plane, I'll organise your new ID, I just hope you know what your doing Lawson, this isn't just for a few weeks"
Nodding, he throws his keys at David, "to my car, and house" before following Kerry out to the plane.
…..
Walking out at the jetty at St Kilda, Stella feels Charlie's hand reach for hers, hearing her phone beep with a message, she opens it up, looking up at Charlie confused, handing her the message, from Lawson "I knew he was having a hard time, but would never of thought he would leave Melbourne and TR". Walking to the end of the jetty, Stella feels Charlie's arms around her pulling her close to him "I'm falling in love with you Stel, I want more than one night stands, I want to take you out to dinner, go out with you, spend time with you, I want to go out with you", looking into Charlie's eyes, "you mean like my boyfriend?", her face expressionless, he wonders if he has pushed her away, lost what they had, before seeing a smile spread out on her face, as she wraps her arms around his neck, pulling his lips down to hers, moving away a short time later "Does that answer your question", before looking into his eyes "what about TR and us?" shrugging "I'm not sure what they are going to do, they want to get it up and running but, not with Lawson and Kerry gone. We'll work something out"
…..
Watching the scenery below as the plane takes off, Kerry is partly grateful for having Lawson beside her, tears forming in her eyes, at the life she is giving away, the one that no longer exists, feeling his arms around her waist, and his lips kissing the top of her head. Glancing at James sitting near by before turning back to Lawson.
Looking at Kerry the sadness in her blue eyes "it was you at the church at Leon's funeral", nodding "I had to go, David didn't want me to, but I couldn't not go to it, I didn't think anyone would see me, or hoped so" leaning against him "How's Josh going", glad that she isn't looking at him, the guilt in his eyes, his words so final to him, their friendship now over, something he can't tell Kerry, something he is so ashamed off, something that should never have happened.
Turning and looking into Lawson's eyes, he sees him leaning down towards her his lips meeting hers, as he kisses her, she puts his hand on her stomach "I'm pregnant Lawson" seeing him raise his eyes in surprise "I'm 3 months pregnant and you're the father"
Looking at Kerry, the news a surprise, trying to hide his shock, and part anger that she was ready to leave without telling him, looking back into her blue eyes, waiting for an answer or reaction from him, smiling at her "I'm going to be a daddy?" nodding as she feels his lips upon hers briefly before pulling him towards him needing to know "Would you of ever told me, that you were pregnant?"
Looking at Lawson, seeing the surprise in his eyes, and shock but something else slight anger, trying to maintain his gaze she shrugs "I honestly don't know, I couldn't tell you today, it would of made things too complicated, and I had part of you with me always". Looking her in the eyes still, the blue eyes that pierce through him, that make him melt, what would he have done if he told her today.
Leaning against Lawson as they fly, feeling him stroking her head, the one thing he has realised is life it too short "I love you so much Kerry, will you marry me?".