The next instalment of the 'Blake Saga'. I'm hoping to start a romance with Frank and Alice, but it will be a slow burner and will most likely be included in 'Of children...', hope you like it. As usual it's a bit long and detailed but it's how I play them out in my mind.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The first thing Frank said when Charlie gave the station the news was,

'Right, good oh. D'you think he'd be allowed out to wet the baby's head?'

'Not sure, but he won't let Jean do anything, insists she stays in bed so she mightlike a break.' Charlie was thinking how they could get round this when Dr Harvey appeared with an autopsy report to be filed.

'I take it you've heard Blake's news?' she said, noticing they didn't seem to be doing any work, just standing round gossiping like old women.

'Yes, replied Frank, 'we were just wondering how we could get him out to wet the baby's head.'

'Oh that's easy,' laughed Alice, 'I'll sit with Jean while you drag him away.'

'You don't mind?' Frank raised his eyebrows, he didn't think visiting new mothers was Alice's thing.

'No. I've not seen Jean for a week,' she turned to Charlie, 'what time does Bobby go to bed?'

'Six-thirty usually, why?'

'Right, you lot pick Lucien up at seven-thirty, I'll be there talking to Jean. He'll have no excuse.'

'Won't he be suspicious if you turn up at that time?' Frank queried.

'What do you suggest?'

'We all turn up together, he doesn't get a chance to argue. If necessary we'll pick him up and carry him!'

Alice rolled her eyes, she'd like to see that, but she agreed she'd meet them there.

Down in the morgue, Alice was finishing putting instruments away when Frank came in.

'Superintendant, what can I do for you?' She was surprised to see him, there were no cases as far as she knew.

'About tonight, Alice,' he looked her in the eye, 'why don't I pick you up? I have to pass your place to get to Blake's. I'll drop you off afterwards.'

'Well, that's very kind of you, there's really no need.' She felt vaguely uncomfortable about this. Lifts with men in the past had never ended well, not really badly, just not well.

'It's no problem, you and Davis can help me persuade Blake to come out with us.' He dug his hands into his pockets, she was an interesting woman, he thought.

'Mmm... well, if you insist, about seven-fifteen?'

'Should be right,' Frank noticed Alice was always precise, in control.

Seven-fifteen saw Frank pull up outside Alice's house. Neat and tidy little garden, just what he'd expect from Alice, nothing frivolous. He tooted the horn and she came out of the house. Frank noted she'd changed her outfit, the pale blue blouse she now wore suited her, a sharp contrast to her dark hair.

'Now, now, Frank,' he thought, 'You're just offering a colleague a lift.'

'You're looking forward to this, aren't you Superintendant?' she said, noticing his small smile.

'Yes I am, and it's Frank, Alice, at least off duty,' he grinned.

Alice raised her eyebrows.

'It's alright, we won't get him drunk!' he laughed.

'Stick to beer,' Alice told him, 'Jean can't stand the smell of whisky at the moment!'

'Will do, ma'am,' and he saluted.

Alice smiled.

'Ice broken,' thought Frank.

'Right, no arguments then, Alice, we don't take no for an answer,' Frank declared as they got out of the car on Blake's drive.

'I'll leave the talking to you, then.' She knocked on the door.

Lucien opened the door, surprised to see two of his colleagues on the doorstep at half past seven in the evening.

'Alice, Frank...!'

'Right, get your jacket, Blake, we're going out to wet the baby's head!' Frank propelled him back into the house, followed by Alice.

'Who is it, Lucien?' Jean's voice floated through from deep in the house.

'Frank and Alice,' he called back.

He turned to find Charlie casually holding his jacket and tie.

'Well, let them in!' Jean called back.

Lucien, mouth agape and scratching his head, motioned the guests forward. Alice, who knew where the bedroom was proceeded Frank and poked her head round the door.

'Alice, come in, please,' Jean sat in bed looking quite serene, 'how lovely to see you!'

'Jean, you look marvellous,' Alice was please to see her friend looking so well.

'I feel it.' She looked at Alice, quizzically. There was a twinkle in her eye not usually seen. 'You're up to something.'

'Frank and the boys want to take Lucien out to wet the baby's head. He's promised not to bring him back sloshed.'

'How does Lucien feel about that?' But Jean knew perfectly well how Lucien felt about leaving her, he'd not left her all day.

'They're not asking him, they're telling him, unless you object of course. The agreement is I stay with you while he's out,' Alice said, a smile playing round her lips.

Jean beamed, 'I think that's an excellent idea.'

They could hear Lucien protesting outside, that he needed to keep an eye on Jean, make sure she had everything she needed.

'Lucien,' she called through the door, 'I'll be fine with Alice. You go and enjoy yourself!'

He poked his head round the door,

'Jean...'

'Lucien, go on, I promise to behave,' she deployed 'that' smile.

He went over and kissed her, 'So do I.'

He opened his mouth to give Alice her instructions, but then thought better of it when she raised an eyebrow.

Lucien joined Frank and Charlie and allowed himself to be taken to the club, where the rest of the men were waiting with beers already poured. When they heard that Frank had been given strict instructions, by Alice, that they were not to take him home drunk, they knew better than to even think about it! At the bar, Cec congratulated him and insisted the first drinks were complimentary.

Back at the house Jean and Alice were having a lovely time. Alice wanted to know how it all happened, and how Lucien and Bobby had taken it. Jean gave her all the details (well she did ask!), and Alice said she sounded as if she'd been remarkably calm about everything.

'Well, one of us had to be,' she replied. And they chatted on about all sorts.

Alice was happy to make tea when Jean wanted some, pass her the baby for a feed but she drew the line at nappies!

They were still giggling when Lucien returned with Frank and Charlie, grinning from ear to ear.

'He's only had three, honestly,' said Charlie.

'It's alright, Charlie, I believe you,' she grinned happily, it could have been a lot worse!

Lucien went over to her, 'Everything alright?' he asked.

'Fine, but Alice needs lessons in nappy changing,' she laughed.

Alice looked suitable horrified at the thought, it wasn't a skill she was in a hurry to acquire!

She and Frank said their good-byes and promised to call again soon.

Outside, Frank opened the car door for her, 'Jean looks well,' he remarked.

'Yes, she does, and she's very happy.' Alice smiled.

'The baby?' he asked.

'Oh, she's fine, good pair of lungs on her. Jean thinks she'll have Lucien's colouring.'

'His colouring but her temperament would be a good mix,' replied Frank.

'Yes, it certainly would.' Alice agreed.

They'd arrived at Alice's house. This is where her lifts usually went wrong, but Frank left the engine running while he went round to the passenger side to open the door. He took her hand to help her out, a perfect gentleman.

'Thank you, Supe...Frank,' she smiled.

'Any time, Alice, anytime,' nodding his head politely.

As she walked to her door she turned, 'Frank,' she called, 'it would be nice if the station bought Jean some flowers, you've just taken Lucien drinking.'

He looked at her, 'Yes, er, would you sort that out for us, please?'

Eyebrows raised, 'Men,' and she went inside.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

If anyone thinks I had better stop, tell me, please! This is becoming a long running serial!