"Fifteen minutes. She's bloody been in there for about fifteen minutes. It doesn't take that long for a bunch o' snotty-nosed twats ter tell yer you're amazing. What's taking her so bloody long?"

Ray shrugged, taking a long draw on his cigarette. "Don't know, Guv. Maybe Waltham's talking to her. You told her to meet you 'ere?"

Gene pouted. "Yeah, but I didn't think she'd take a decade about it. I'm going ter find her. Don't bloody move. I can't take both of yer going bloody AWOL."

Ray chuckled. "Yes Guv."

Gene stalked out of the bar, a bit annoyed. Alex knew he was waiting for her, and she knew he wanted to get on the road. So why was she taking so long?

Gene walked briskly back to the conference room, passing Waltham and some of the Supers in the lobby. Gene frowned. If they were out here, then where was Alex?

Gene decided to check the conference room, just in case she was still in there getting her stuff together or something. Bloody women. Always took their bloody time.

But as Gene approached the conference room, he swore he could hear someone trying to muffle their sobs through the heavy doors. Gene felt sick. That sounded like Alex. Alex was crying…she was upset, maybe hurt…

Pushing the doors open forcefully, Gene scanned the room desperately for Alex. He heard a little gasp and then the sound of someone frantically getting to their feet. It was then that he spotted her, standing in the corner of the room, looking extremely upset.

"Bolls," Gene said quietly, striding towards her worriedly, "Bolls…are you okay?"

"Mmm," Alex mumbled, nodding her head furiously, determined not to cry. She couldn't let him see she was upset. She fiddled with her blouse self-consciously. Gene noticed this, and stroked her arm soothingly. Seeing Alex dip her head and stare at the floor, Gene lightly cupped her chin and lifted her head up so that their eyes met.

"You can't kid me, Alex," he said calmly, "I can see it. Yer eyes…you've been crying. Come on, you can tell me, Bolls. What's wrong? What's happened?"

Alex took a deep shuddering breath, stepping back from Gene slightly. "Gene, am I a slag?"

Gene's eyes flew open wide. He gawped at her. "What? Bolly…Alex…no. No, sweetheart, of course not. I…I know I call yer a tart, but yer not, Bolls. What the bleedin' hell's brought this on? Who's said that to you?"

Alex whimpered, tears threatening to fall as Gene pulled her into his arms. She gulped back her tears as she relaxed in his embrace, trying to calm her breathing.

"It…it's just…those blokes last year thought I was. That's w-why they d-drugged me…and they all thought they could do what they wanted…because I was dressed like such a slag…"

"You weren't, Bolls," Gene said firmly, kissing her hair, "you looked lovely. Gordon and those dickheads were bang out of order. It shouldn't be a crime ter look good, especially when someone as gorgeous as you can't help it."

Alex smiled weakly, a little laugh escaping her lips.

"But Bolly, what's brought this on? Oliver and those dickheads did that to yer last year," Gene frowned.

Alex swallowed. "He's another one. Oliver thought I was a slag. A whore. A slut. Even your ex-wife said so! And everyone believed I was a hooker at that strip club…so I must have been pretty convincing! And…and that caller…that stalker…maybe I just give off the vibes that I want it…"

"Alex! This all happened last year! Why the bloody hell are yer bringing it up now?" Gene snapped at her. She suddenly dropped her gaze from his, shoving him off her as she slid down the wall and to the floor, the tears finally flowing freely.

Gene sighed, settling down next to her and pulling her into his arms again. He kissed her head as he rubbed her shoulder soothingly.

"Sorry Bolls," he muttered, "but why are you talking about it now? After blowing them away at the conference? You haven't heard from that stalker since…"

Gene suddenly trailed off, realisation dawning on his face.

"He's contacted you again, hasn't he?" Gene said, very quietly and very dangerously. Alex looked up, whimpering a little bit. Gene's eyes were black with fury. Slowly, Alex nodded.

"Well why didn't yer say something, yer dozy cow?" Gene erupted. "When was this? What did he say? How did he get your number? Fucking hell, Alex, you should've told me!"

Alex shuddered, trying to string a coherent status together. "I…I didn't think it was important," she stuttered, "he…he just said the same. That I was a s-slag. And he knows about Zac…"

"When was this?" Gene demanded, clearly riled now.

"It…it was only about two weeks ago," Alex told him, wiping her eyes, "but I haven't heard anything since."

Gene sighed. "Well next time you do, you phone me straight away, got it? I can't risk anything happening ter you or my son. That nutter on the phone is messed up. We need ter catch him, not let him get away with it. Did yer tell anyone?"

Alex shook her head.

"Not even yer pal James?" Gene frowned. Alex shook her head again.

"What about Waltham? Surely he should be concerned about the safety o' his officers!" Gene scoffed. Suddenly, he noticed Alex clam up. Her gaze dropped to the floor again and her shoulders began to shake with sobs.

Gene stared at her, slowly putting two and two together.

"Alex," Gene said seriously, "what happened when I left you with Waltham?"

A small whimper tumbled from Alex's lips. Gene's stomach tightened.

"Did he hurt you, Alex? Did he?"

Alex shook her head, taking a deep breath as a few more stray tears fell. Her gaze was still fixed on the floor and she wasn't even aware that Gene had shuffled closer, protecting her even more in his tight embrace.

Gene swallowed, not quite believing her. "Did Waltham make you cry, Alex? Alex, answer me, sweetheart."

There was a moment of nothing. And then, Alex nodded slowly.

Gene's blood was boiling. "What did he do?" he growled threateningly.

Alex remained silent.

"Bolly," Gene prompted her, "did Waltham…did Waltham touch yer, Bolls?"

That did it. A sob erupted from within Alex, a meek but gut-wrenching sob that caused more tears to tumble down her cheeks. Then, she nodded.

Gene's arms were wrapped fully around her, feeling sick to the stomach at thoughts of what Waltham could have done to Alex whilst alone with her. She didn't deserve this. The 1981 Alex would have just given the pervy bastard one of her right hooks…but after the trauma she endured last year…nearly being raped by those men and of course the sexual assault and attempted rape inflicted by her ex-boyfriend…it was no wonder that she now cowered away from a man's unwanted touch. Alex was a lot stronger now, but things like this would always bring those horrific memories back to her.

"He…he kissed me," Alex whispered, "and…grabbed me, touched me…" she stuttered, gesturing to her breast in explanation as Gene comprehended thunderously, "then…then someone came in…and saw…and when they went, W-Waltham said I asked for it…all t-tight tops and short skirts…"

Gene pulled Alex closer to him. How dare someone say that to his Bolly. How dare they force her to do anything she didn't want to do.

"A-and then he said I only g-got the c-c-conference because he wanted to sleep with me!" Alex squeaked, mortified. "I didn't earn it at all, Gene…I'm just a slag who uses her looks to get somewhere…"

"Don't you dare say that about yourself," Gene ordered her, carefully taking her face in his hands, "don't put yourself down, Bolls. You're a beautiful woman who just happens ter be sex-on-legs and some blokes can't take that. They take advantage. They want yer so much that they don't care if they hurt yer. You're not a slag, Alex. Don't let the bastards change yer. They're in the wrong, not you."

Gene tentatively leant forwards, capturing her lips with his in a slow, sensual kiss. "You're beautiful, Alex," he told her again, "and don't you worry, sweetheart. I'm goin' ter get him for this."

"Oh Gene," Alex smiled through her tears, throwing her arms around his neck. Gene rubbed her back, loving the feel of her in his arms. He kissed her cheek.

"You're all right though? Nothing else happened?" Gene checked desperately.

Alex wiped her eyes, finally calming down. "No. No, nothing like that. I'm fine."

Gene nodded. "Good. Now, if we're quick, we can still find the bastard in the lobby."

The colour from Alex's face drained. "Please Gene…I…I don't want to see him."

Gene kissed her nose, his face brightening when she giggled. "Yer don't have to, sweetheart. Tell yer what, I'll take yer to the bar. Ray's there. He'll protect yer. You can sit with him whilst I go and sort DCI Dickhead out. Okay?"

"Yeah," Alex nodded, smiling as she and Gene got to their feet, "just…don't do anything stupid. Please, Gene."

Gene winked at her. "You know me, love. Man of words, not actions."

Alex laughed. "Yeah right."

Gene put a protective arm around her as he guided Alex back to the bar. With strict instructions to Ray to look after her and a quick peck on Alex's cheek, Gene left seconds later, storming off to the lobby furiously.

Waltham was on his own, checking out of the hotel. Gene was thankful for this, as he didn't especially want the Detective Superintendents to witness what was going to happen.

Waiting as Waltham finished checking out, Gene then followed him out of the hotel and into the car park.

"All right, dickhead!" Gene bellowed at him, causing Waltham to jump and turn around suddenly. His face cracked into a smirk as he placed his suitcase down on the pavement.

"Gene," he sneered, "and to what do I owe this pleasure?"

Gene snarled at him, walking towards him threateningly. And then, Gene swung his fists and punched Waltham squarely in the face, causing the man to gasp in pain and clutch his face, blood staining his hands.

"WHAT THE FUCK?" Waltham hollered. "You crazy bastard!"

Gene landed another furious blow to Waltham's stomach and then stood back, seething. His breathing was heavy and his eyes full of hatred.

"That's for Alex," Gene growled menacingly, "and if you even think about goin' near her again I'll have you strung up by your bollocks! Do I make myself clear?"

Waltham wheezed, anger etched upon his face. "Oh come off it, Hunt! She's my DI."

Gene clenched his fists. "You know what I mean, you piece o' scum. You put your 'ands on her again and you'll really fucking regret it, sunshine. And as for being yer DI…we'll see about that when I convince her to report yer for sexual harassment. You might even find you're the one who's the DI after that."

Waltham visibly paled as Gene walked away. Wiping his nose furiously, he gritted his teeth. "Keep your slag!" he roared. "Like I want the frigid bitch!"

Gene stopped in his tracks. Thunderously, he stalked back to Waltham and grabbed him, slamming him into his car with his neck in a vice-like grip. Waltham struggled, grasping Gene's hands desperately.

"Never – call – her – a – slag," Gene seethed. Waltham nodded, looking genuinely scared as Gene flung his hands away, turning his back on Waltham for good.

Striding back into the lobby, Gene was surprised to see Ray and Alex waiting there worriedly. Upon seeing Gene, they leapt to their feet and Alex charged towards him.

"Gene!" she cried. "What did you do? Where's Waltham? Oh Gene…your hands, your knuckles…Gene, what happened?"

"Calm down, woman," Gene hushed her, "its okay. I'm fine. DCI Twathead will probably be sporting a few bruises, but the arsehole deserved it."

Ray winced at the state of his Guv's knuckles. "Yer need me ter drive, Guv?"

Gene stared at him. "What sort o' poofy, wimpy, sissy, nancy-boy do yer think I am, Raymondo?" he scoffed. "You are not driving my Quattro!"

Alex smiled weakly as she followed the two men out. She couldn't describe how happy she was that this conference was finally over. She didn't care at all whether the Detective Superintendents got in touch about a promotion or not. All she cared about was going home and finally being reunited with her gorgeous baby son.

-xx-

Alex couldn't hide the joy on her face when she collected Zac from Debbie's flat. The little baby held out his chubby arms to Alex, cooing a string of incoherent words as he smiled at her, giggling. Alex's heart soared as she kissed her son, taking him in her arms instantly. This little bundle of joy was a constant reminder that everything she went through in 1983 was worth it. Here, in the last few days of May 1984, Zac was almost two months old and continuing to make her life worth living. Of course, Gene was a huge part of that too. All though no longer her lover, the man had worked his way up to being one of her best friends once again.

On the Monday after the weekend conference, Gene had fully supported Alex when she gave a statement against Waltham. Alex was nervous about reporting her superior officer, but Gene gave her that encouragement and was right there in the room with her. The Superintendent had listened to her words and Gene and DC James Farmer had also supported her by giving evidence of Waltham's inappropriate behaviour as witnesses.

However, as Waltham was a highly respected officer of the Metropolitan Police with no previous form, the Super reached the arrangement that Waltham would remain DCI, but would be transferred effective immediately to another London police station. Waltham was furious about this, but went quietly as he did not want to be demoted.

A new DCI was being stationed at Fenchurch West by the start of next week as Alex had turned down a promotion. As much of an honour as it was, she knew a DCI would have to be available at all hours and put a lot more work in, and she just couldn't do that part-time. As much as she loved her work, Zachary came first.

The weekend was upon them again, and Alex was really looking forward to work Monday morning as she was eager to meet her new DCI. But firstly, Alex was spending the sunny Saturday afternoon in early June with her baby boy, Gene, Kieran and Tiffany. They were having a picnic in the park so that Kieran and Tiffany could enjoy some quality time with their little brother. Other families were dotted around them, so everyone could relax and just let all their inhibitions go.

Alex couldn't help but smile as she observed Gene making baby faces at Zac and then grinning ear-to-ear when the baby started to giggle hysterically. It really was something magical. Something she was privileged to see, as at work he was the scary Manc Lion.

"Who's a handsome chap?" Gene cooed to his son as Tiffany watched fondly and Kieran rolled his eyes. "Goin' ter be a right little footballer. Play for Man City, not a poofy team like United. Yeah. My son."

"He was convinced I was goin' ter be a footballer too," Kieran muttered to Alex as Gene carefully eased baby Zac into Tiffany's arms, "until I said I support Manchester United, and then 'e went off the idea."

Alex chuckled, repositioning herself on the rug as the sun beamed down on them and Kieran made a start on the sandwiches. She had to admit, they did look like the perfect family to an outsider. Mother, father, son, daughter and their newborn baby. But no-one actually knew just how complicated their little unit was.

"Look, 'e likes me!" Tiffany beamed as Zac began to tug on her long blonde hair with a dopey grin on his face. "Ah, bless 'im. He looks like you, Dad. Got Alex's eyes though."

Gene smiled as he watched his daughter cradle his youngest son. Tiffany was right, Zachary really was the spitting image of Gene. He had tufts of sandy-blond hair on his head and an identical pout. But the eyes. Those full, hazel eyes were Alex's.

"You want ter 'old yer brother, Kieran?" Gene asked his first son. Kieran shrugged.

"Nah. Maybe when he's bigger. And can kick a football round the park."

Gene chuckled. "That's my boy. Right, let's get started on this nosh then. Alex love, what would yer like?"

"Oh I'll feed Zac first," Alex smiled, "then I'll just have a few nibbles."

"Can I help you feed Zac?" Tiffany begged, carefully edging over towards Alex with Zac still in her arms.

"Of course you can, sweetie," Alex said eagerly, "if you just hold him in your arms like that, then I'll get his bottle…right, you hold that was this hand, and then angle it like this…there! You see his little mouth? You're a natural, Tiff."

"Just don't go getting any ideas," Gene warned her as the two girls laughed. Gene winked at Alex, enjoying seeing her bond so well with his daughter. Gene was seriously impressed with the way she had continued to make an effort with his children even if they weren't together anymore. She'd happily made a personal appearance with Gene at Tiffany's fifteenth birthday party only a week after Zac was born in mid April and popped round to see Kieran on his seventeenth in early May. She didn't mind sharing her son with them and didn't get funny when Gene wanted days out like a regular family. The only thing Alex refused to do was go anywhere near Diana, something which Gene understood completely.

"Look at him gulping it down!" Tiffany giggled as Alex looked on happily.

Gene smirked proudly. "Goin' ter be one for the beer, my lad. Just like his old man."

"Although I'm not letting this one start the fags," Alex grinned back at Gene as her former partner chuckled.

"You will not deny my son of 'is rights," Gene teased her, "he can smoke if he wants ter smoke. Kieran does, and he's still running round fit as a fiddle on the football pitch."

"That's because he's seventeen, Gene," Alex sighed, "he won't be at thirty at this rate."

"Oh shush," Gene smiled at her, "speaking of which, I could bloody do with a fag."

"Not around the baby," Alex said firmly.

Gene rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Kieran me lad, take a walk wi' your old man an' a fag?"

"Yeah," Kieran nodded as the two of them got to their feet, lighting their cigarettes.

"Back in a jiffy, Bolls," Gene said to her, ruffling Tiffany's hair as they left the two girls alone. Tiffany smiled at Alex as she passed the baby back into her dad's ex-girlfriend's arms.

"Dad still really loves you, yer know," Tiffany sighed, "a lot."

Alex swallowed awkwardly, stroking her son's hair as the baby relaxed in her arms. "I…I know. And, well…I do love him. I do. I just…I'm just not sure if I want to go there again, you know? Our relationship is so perfect at the moment. Zac sees his mummy and his daddy and his half-brother and sister without any ill feelings. I don't want to ruin that."

Tiffany nodded. "Well…why did you break up then if you still love each other? Dad was miserable for months. Even on Christmas and New Year. He was just thinking of you."

Alex froze. "He…he never told you?"

Tiffany shook her head. "Dad doesn't really talk about 'is feelings, yer know? But I could tell he was sad. What happened then? Why did yer break up? If Dad can't be with me mam, I want him ter be with you."

Alex's heart clenched painfully at the mention of Diana. "I…I don't think its really for you to know, Tiff. I'm sorry. But…if Gene, your dad, wants to tell you why we split up, then he can. But…I don't think he'd really thank me for telling you."

Tiffany stared at her, working it out. "So it was Dad's fault?"

Alex smiled weakly. "I'm not going to say. But the important thing is, is that we're friends again now. We care about each other and our son and have come a long, long way. If…things get…more intimate between me and Gene, it would truly make or break us. I'm not sure I want to take that risk right now."

Tiffany nodded as she saw her dad and brother approach. "Well I hope you get back together," she said sincerely, "Dad loves you. He really, really loves you."

Alex gazed at Gene as he walked towards them, an open smile on his face. Alex smiled back.

"Yeah," she sighed, "I know."

-xx-

Alex fell asleep that night with thoughts of Gene. It was a hot night, so Alex lay on top of the sheets in a blissful sleep. Gene had kissed her when he dropped her and Zac home after the picnic. Really, properly kissed her and Alex loved every minute, every feeling. It was no wonder that Gene was the only man in her dreams.

But then, the dreams were interrupted by the shrill, piercing ring of the telephone.

Alex jumped wide awake, her detective instincts still strong. Grabbing the phone, Alex brought it to her ear groggily.

"Hello?" she croaked. Her heart hammered in fear when she heard angry, furious breathing on the other end of the line.

"You slut bitch!" the man spat. "You dirty slag, you fucking dirty whore! I saw you, slag; yes I saw him with his lips on yours and his hands all over you. I saw you, bitch!"

"Leave me alone!" Alex squeaked in fear. "I'll…I'll tell someone, you'll get c-caught for this!"

"Not such a frigid bitch when you're with that bastard, are you, slag?" the man roared, angrier than she had ever heard him before. "Well, you better watch yourself, sweetheart. I'm going to take what's mine. You won't know when, you won't know how, and you won't even know who I am. Just watch out, slag, because I will have you, do the things I've dreamt of to you…"

"Stop it!" Alex yelled, petrified. "Just stop it! Go away, please!"

"Shut up, you fucking slag," the caller sneered, "or I'll make sure something happens to that kid of yours as well. Two months old…not even had a life yet…"

"Don't you dare!" Alex screamed down the phone. "Don't you dare threaten my son! Gene…I'm calling Gene, he'll g-get you!"

"I don't think you really have the time, sweetheart. Look up, slag. Look at your window. Someone didn't draw their curtains tonight…"

Alex looked up in rigid fear, and then screamed.

Holding his radio telephone, the caller was staring right back at her, tapping on her bedroom window with a dangerous glint in his eye. Reaching underneath the window as he balanced on the roof of Luigi's, Alex cried out in terror as she registered what was happening.

He was coming in.