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"So let me get this straight," Gene said, trying to keep calm, "Stoke told you to deliver this and you just decided… not to?"

"Yes, Gov, but…"

"And you're going to tell Stoke that you did deliver it?"

"Yes, Gov, and I…"

"What… in… GOD'S NAME WERE YOU BLOODY THINKING?" Gene was literally shaking with anger, a vein in his temple beginning to pulse visibly in his temple.

"I know it's a risk, Gov, but…"

"An UNNECESSARY risk at that, Alex. If anything, I'd say it was bleeding well counter-bloody-productive! Well? Explain yourself, woman!"

Alex took a deep breath and waited long enough to make sure Gene was going to let her answer. "It's to make sure he trusts me. If he doesn't trust me, he won't tell me anything."

"You've stolen his gear, he's not going to trust you now! You've only been there a few days!"

"I know it was a gamble, but if it pays off it could speed up this whole investigation."

"In case you've forgotten, I am your DCI. I am in charge of this investigation and you run EVERYTHING by ME. You got that?"

"Yes, Gov," Alex mumbled, like a sulky school kid.

**

Out of her peripheral vision, Alex spotted Smith storming across to the bar while she was polishing glasses.

"The boss wants to see you," he grumbled, his expression unreadable, "now."

Alex smiled meekly and put the glasses down, walking towards the stairs leading to his office with intent. As she climbed the stairs, she tried to prepare herself for her meeting with Stoke, trying to imagine his reaction. It was obvious what he wanted to see her about, but she would have to maintain the façade of ignorance. Although she was practised at spotting a liar, Alex's confidence in her own poker face was shaking.

Alex knocked and entered Stoke's office. He was sat behind his desk, his hand over his mouth, visibly angry. "Alex, I've just been on the phone to a client. The client I drove you to see last night in fact. Apparently, he didn't receive anything last night. That's strange, isn't it, Alex?"

Stoke had risen from his chair and was moving closer to Alex, who was resisting the urge to move away from him. "You dropped me right outside, you must have seen me post it through the letterbox?"

"I let you out of the car and drove off. See, I thought I could trust you Alex."

"You can, Alastair."

"Where are the drugs, Alex?"

"I swear, I don't know."

"DON'T lie to me!" Stoke stepped closer to Alex has she began to cry; she was terrified. He placed his hand on the back of her neck. "You told me you didn't take drugs." He tightened his grip, making Alex's knees buckle. "So where is the package?"

"I swear to you, I posted it and then I went home! Why would I risk a stunt like that when I've only been here a couple of days?" Alex immediately thought of Gene and felt a pang of guilt.

"Why would he lie about not getting it?" Stoke's voice had dropped low, and Alex sensed that she had convinced him.

"Well, you said he had already paid you. Maybe he's trying to two for the price of one?"

Stoke sighed. "He did say he was having some money trouble… Maybe you're right, maybe he was just trying it on…" He sat down and looked up at Alex, smiling weakly. "I'm sorry, Alex, but I've had some delivery girls like that before."

"It's okay, honestly…"

"No, it isn't. I'm really sorry, did I hurt you?"

"Not really…"

"I can't believe he's tried something like this… bastard."

"He's only one customer, Alastair, I'm sure it won't send you under."

Stoke managed a smile. "Thanks, Alex. Look, I know you'll know about what happened to one of my employees…"

'Finally,' Alex thought. 'Looks like my gamble paid off.'

"I won't let that happen to you, Alex. I'll keep you safe."

Alex smiled and felt herself blush. "I'd better get back to work."

"You're keen, aren't you?"

Alex left the office and closed the door. She leant back on the door and sighed. She felt the familiar lump in her throat and her tears seem to burn her cheeks. Alex's emotions were becoming more and more entangled and she was scared. Scared of what might happen, and scared at what she would do.