Thanks again to all who are reading, and especially to those who've taken the time to leave a review. It is appreciated!

Back into Gene's past again …

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Chapter 3 – Manchester 1970

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It was just after five on a dull Wednesday afternoon. Lily sat curled up in an armchair, a trashy romance novel open in her lap, although she was doing more daydreaming than actual reading. Mainly about a big handsome gruff DCI with a warm heart who had literally changed her life overnight. She'd make a point of showing her gratitude if she ever saw him again, that was for sure. Smirking to herself, she glanced around the room, still surprised that it was hers and hers alone. She had occasionally been in possession of a door, but in the past that was no guarantee of security. Here she knew she was safe, although it had taken several days before she'd even begun to relax.

Brenda proved to be the star that Gene had predicted: motherly, protective and caring of all her girls. Lily was worried about the fact she hadn't been capable of working since her arrival, but Brenda would hear none of it. You rest up and recover, luv. There'll be time enough to find some regular punters when you stop looking like you've been ten rounds with Muhammad Ali. A couple of taps at the door made her sit bolt upright, heart racing.

"You decent, Lil?"

It was only Brenda, for god's sake. Old habits died hard, though.

"Give me a couple of seconds, Bren."

Grabbing the novel, she shoved it unceremoniously into a drawer. Nobody needed to know about her secret penchant for romance, it wouldn't do much for her credibility. Pulling her robe tighter around her body, she opened the door, the cheeky greeting dying on her lips. Her new boss stood on the threshold and behind her, seeming to take up all the remaining space, stood the very man she'd been having some rather lewd fantasies about recently. She blinked in surprise, suddenly lost for words. Brenda gave her a warm smile.

"You've got a visitor, luv. Don't be conned into feeding 'im more biscuits, he's already eaten half me packet of Garibaldis!"

The detective chief inspector gave her what could only be described as a hard stare.

"I can't 'ave had more than three, yer cheeky mare!"

He winked at Lily, and her heart began to race. He was just as tall and ruggedly handsome as she remembered. While his attention was elsewhere, Brenda reached around behind him and deliberately squeezed his backside. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Oi, mitts off the goods, missus. That's police property yer gropin'!"

"Still the best bum in Manchester, Gene."

She giggled coquettishly as she headed for the stairs and Gene shook his head in mock despair.

"There's a word for women like that, only I'm too polite ter use it …"

Lily risked a tentative smile, feeling somewhat more composed.

"Where are me manners? Come in and make yerself comfortable."

She stepped back to allow him access, closing the door firmly behind him. He paused with his hands in his pockets, gazing around the room before returning his attention to her. To her surprise, he reached up and gently cupped her chin, tilting her face to one side, as he surveyed the damage. Her lip had healed and the swelling around her eye was almost gone. Granted, her cheek was still a mass of yellowing bruises, but at least it was a vast improvement on the first time he'd seen her. He gave a brief nod of satisfaction and released her.

"Much better. Yer pretty face will be back to normal in no time."

"I … um … ta."

She felt her cheeks begin to colour. To cover her embarrassment, she moved away and busied herself with refreshments.

"Cuppa, DCI Hunt? Or something stronger?"

"I'll take a whiskey if you can spare some, luv. And it's Gene to you."

She opened the bottle of single malt and poured two generous measures, her imagination working overtime. Gene. It suits him. Wonder if he's here for more than just a chat. God, I really hope so. Taking a deep breath, she handed him his glass, making sure their fingers touched, if only briefly. She was back in her comfort zone, now: seducing men was something she'd had plenty of practice at, and this one would definitely be worth the effort. Indicating he take a seat, she curled up in the chair opposite and regarded him over her glass.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Gene?"

She tested it on her lips, liking the way it felt. He took a mouthful of his whiskey, sighing in contentment as the spirit hit the back of his throat.

"Just wanted to see how yer were gettin' on, luv."

He turned that mesmerising blue-eyed gaze on her and for a moment she was lost for words. Those eyes should be illegal. Clearing her throat, she tried to form a coherent reply.

"Fine. Great, actually. Or I will be, once I can start work again. You were right, Brenda is somethin' special. She's been so good to me."

She tailed off, finding herself surprisingly emotional all of a sudden. It was just that she wasn't used to people being kind, she supposed. Gene waited, knowing there was more.

"Anyway, ta muchly, DCI Hunt … Gene. I owe yer one. Or several."

She gave him a seductive look from under her lashes, hoping he'd take the hint. Whatever he wanted, she'd be more than happy to provide. The thought made her stomach clench in anticipation.

They made small talk for a while, and by the time he checked his watch and announced his intention to leave, Lily was no clearer as to his motive. Did he really just want to check up on her? Had her experiences with men tarnished her vision so much that she couldn't recognise a true gent when she met one? Either way, she had to know.

"Well, its way past beer o'clock and there's a pint waiting with me name on it. Time I cleared off and left yer to it."

He got to his feet and she followed his lead, moving in close and gazing up into his face.

"I meant it, Gene. I really do owe you one."

She slid her hands slowly over his broad chest, toying with his tie before linking her fingers behind his neck.

"Anything you want. Just name it …"

She licked her lips, her voice low and seductive, her meaning unmistakeable. There was a brief flash of some strong emotion in those incredible blue eyes before the shutters came down again. Need? Desire? Regret? She couldn't be sure. Then he reached up and gently disentangled himself from her embrace, squeezing her hands briefly before returning them to her sides.

"Told yer before, luv, I'm a happily married man. I didn't come here for that. Not that I'm not tempted, you understand."

He held her gaze for a moment, and something in his expression told her he meant it. She sighed, reluctant to let him go.

"Shame. Will yer come back and see me again anyway?"

"I will if yer promise to keep a supply of Garibaldis in. Brenda hides hers from me nowadays."

He pouted at her, feigning annoyance, and she grinned.

"It's a deal."

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I remain convinced that underneath that gruff exterior beats a heart of gold. Gotta love the Guv! Hope you enjoyed. If so, do let me know and there may be more Galex soon ...

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