Peace

Harry watched as Malcolm spoke with Adam and Jo. The wake had been a small affair; just family and close friends at Colin's sisters request. Now there were just a few people left he felt able to talk with Ruth.

"Have you seen the news?"

"Harry."

"Tom was true to his word." Harry watched as she held his gaze for a moment. She had no idea what he was talking about. The day of Colin's funeral had passed in a whirlwind. The last thing she had thought of was watching the television. The only thing she had been able to concentrate on had been getting through the funeral. Raising an eyebrow she turned to him.

"I daren't ask."

"Both men arrested last night in the Camden area. Around £30000 worth of heroin, MDMA and cocaine. Biggest haul London has had got twenty years. They're looking at fourteen years in prison."

Ruth glared at Harry.

"Ruth."

"It should be a murder charge."

"Ruth," Harry knew she was right. There was no way of proving it and he knew it would only cause Colin's family more pain. "This way they are punished."

"They may go to trial, yes. But there may be a not guilty verdict." Malcolm stated as he joined the couple. Ruth gulped her wine; a lump in her throat threatening to force her tears to the fore. She didn't want to cry in front of Malcolm and Harry. They had been through so much her tears felt selfish.

"No." Harry touched her hand. "It isn't the charge it should be. But they will be found guilty."

"I'm not going to ask how you know." Malcolm looked pointedly at his friend. Ruth bit her lip. Moments later Carl, Colin's nephew approached them forcing a change in subject. Ruth excused herself before leaving the three men to chat.

Xxxxxx

The evening wore on as Ruth sat on the sofa, Fidget curled on her lap. She knew Harry had meant well when he had contacted Tom but there was something about him she couldn't trust anymore. Planting Class A drugs on someone was low. She couldn't feel sorry for their entrapment but it still made her feel uneasy. It didn't seem right that the men who had mercilessly murdered her friend would never face a judge to account for their crimes.

"You'd have liked Colin." Ruth spoke to the kitten as he rolled on his back. "Everyone did."

The kitten purred, enjoying the attention.

"Yes, I'm a mad cat woman." She smiled as the doorbell rang. She wanted to ignore the bell but knew whoever it was wouldn't go away. Deciding paying her cat attention was more important she let the bell ring once more. The cat me owed as the door lock clicked.

"In here Harry." She called as he made his way to the living room. He tugged on his tie as she looked up. He sat down.

"You frightened me. Why didn't you answer?"

"Anyone else would have left. I knew you'd pick your lock." She smiled as he raised an eyebrow. "Are you ok?"

"Yes. I just drove Malcolm home. Jo is making sure Ros and the boys are safe. I was worried when you left."

"Sorry." The cat jumped off her lap as Harry spoke. "Didn't mean to worry you. I just needed to be on my own. Not to have to lie to Colin's family."

"I understand. Marjorie knew. The rest of the family thought he was a computer tech in an office in London." Harry spoke calmly. "It wasn't really a lie when you think about it."

"I miss him."

"I know. Me too."

"I hate this." Harry crossed to her. "Colin was my friend. We were close but all I could think of today was how I'd feel if it were your funeral." Tears filled her eyes as Harry took both her hands in his. "I'm a horrible person. My friend was laying in that coffin, dead and gone and I was crying for another man."

Harry felt his heart break a little as she looked away. "Peace? Colin may have found it but I don't think I will." Harry pulled her into his arms, soothing her as she cried into his arms. He held her tightly, whispering quietly into her ear before kissing her temple.

"You will. It's ok." He breathed the words as she clung to him. "I know you wanted the truth to come out. Tell the truth and shame the Devil, but these people. These people have no shame. No conscious."

Ruth nodded.

"This can't happen again."

"Ruth."

"Promise me we won't end up like Joss Myers and his cronies. Bitter and full of hate."

He took her face in his palms.

"I promise." He kissed her forehead. "That can't happen to you. To us."

"I kept thinking." Ruth bit her lip.

"I'll do my best not to put you in that position. Ruth." He smiled slightly as Ruth nodded. "We keep going."

"Can't go on. Must go on." Ruth sighed. Harry nodded; knowing things were changing between them but not knowing exactly what to do about it.

Xxxx

Malcolm walked through the cemetery glad that the rest of the team had gone home. Colin had been his best friend. A brother in arms. Now he was gone. Sitting on the bench opposite the newly dug grave.

"Colin Wells." Malcolm paused. "I hope you are at peace now. This has shaken my faith. I don't know his a God can allow this to happen to a man like you." He swallowed hard; his voice breaking. "I know I won't forget you. We got you justice but we couldn't get you the truth. I'll always regret that. Rest my friend, I'll see you again one day." He got to his feet, ready to leave. "Sleep well, I won't forget you. None of us will."

Xxxxxxx

A/N the end. Please review