3

"Ok?" Lucas got into the car as Ros nodded. The early spring sunshine making her squint.

"Cake is at home. The dogs are on best behaviour- all we need now are the children." Ros watched as Lucas held her gaze. He knew she was exhausted but determined Amy would have the birthday she deserved. Their little girl was growing up quickly- it was quite disturbing at how much she had seen during her lifetime and she wasn't in double figures.

"Lucas?"

"Just thinking."

"God, is that all you and Ruth ever do?"

"We nearly lost both of you this year. Meningitis and fractured skulls." Ros held his gaze for a moment.

"But you didn't. Us North women are tough. Cmon lets get James and Amy." She pulled the car out into the central London traffic relieved that Lucas didn't seem to be descending into one of his more melancholy moods.

Xxxxxxx

"All looks good." Tariq spoke into the comms as Malcolm watched everything on the computer screen.

"Ok Tariq. Get back here."

"Do I wait for Zoe?" He looked around as a corgi and young maid left the palace. He smiled at the young woman as the dog ran towards him.

"Come back here!" The voice accompanying the pretty brunette was hardly cut glass. Tariq had worked with Adam and Malcolm long enough to know a Welsh accent when he heard one. The dog continued to head for him. Tariq knelt down, more than happy to make a fuss of the dog. It was clear she was no more than a puppy.

"She's ok. I didn't realise Pembrokeshire corgis were good guard dogs." The puppy rolled onto her back, clearly deciding that Tariq was one of the good guys.

"She thinks she's a Doberman. Don't you girl?" The maid rubbed the puppy's ear as she squirmed.

"Tariq Masood. I'm here as part of the security detail for the week."

"Stacey Parks. Chambermaid ie general skivvy." She smiled. "Seem Atticus likes you."

"She's a very good judge of character. How old?"

"Me or Atticus?" Stacey smiled. "Shes eleven weeks. Runt of the litter and she isn't the Queen's. Not anymore. Atty was the runt of the litter. Her mother rejected her. So I hand reared her. Couldn't let her die, could I?"

"No. Oh you poor thing." He let the puppy lick his hand.

"So, her Majesty gave her to me. Said she could never break the bond. Had her microchip and everything in my name." Stacey picked the puppy up. "She's a good boss. Loves her animals."

"Who couldn't love little Atty?" The puppy yapped as they both laughed.

"Are you here all week?"

"Yeah. I'll be around." Tariq smiled as Stacey blushed.

"Good. Can you say hello to my Godfather for me?" Stacey blushed. "Tell him Henry's granddaughter got the job."

"Henry? Henry Parks?"

"Yeah. You didn't ask who my godfather is." She glanced back towards the door. "It's Harry Pearce." She watched as his face paled.

"Oh."

"I'll see you soon?" Tariq nodded as he watched her walk back to the house. Tariq smiled, suddenly not minding about the extra work.

Xxxxxxx

Amy ran from the school door towards Lucas as the other children all ran towards their parents.

"Mr North! Mrs North!"

"Ou oh!" Amy stopped as Ros brought James into the playground. Ros looked at her daughter who was clearly feigning innocence.

"Amy!"

"Remember that teacher is mean!" Amy grabbed Lucas' hand. "Daddy." She looked up at him as the teacher headed towards them; only to be headed off by Ros.

"Problem?"

"Amy."

"Shall we take this inside?" Ros walked past the woman into the school. Amy groaned as Lucas got down to her level.

"Amy Ruth North."

"Yoo in trouble." James stuck his tongue out at his sister. Amy narrowed her eyes at him as Lucas began to play referee. He couldn't help but be relieved that Ros had abandoned him to mind the children and the dogs.

"Amy?"

"Daddy." Amy huffed, folding her arms. "There were mitu, mitu , mitigating circumstances."

"Mitigating Circumstances? Where did you hear that phrase?" Lucas asked. Amy shrugged.

"Uncle Harry. He said Mum used the to get out of the bother." Amy shrugged.

"Maybe I should have a word with uncle Harry." Lucas watched as his children as they bickered. He could see they'd inherited Ros' death glare. He almost felt sorry for the teacher.

"Amy? I don't want to ask you again."

"Ok." Amy looked back towards the school. "Don't."

"Amy."

"I hit Brittany Rose. At lunch. She was coughing so I hit her." Amy shrugged. "She was a funny colour."

"So you hit her?"

"Yeah." Lucas shook his head.

Xxxxxx

Ruth pulled away from Harry as he closed his eyes. He knew she was worried about him but there was no way he could lessen the workload. Not until Airforce One was back in American airspace.

"Are you ok?"

"Ruth." He smiled at her. "I'm fine. As you say, tomorrow is going to be ok. Everyone knows what's expected of them. There is nothing more to do."

"So?" Ruth raised an eyebrow. "You're not going to the JIC meeting then?"

"That." Harry paused. "I can't get out of." Ruth nodded, slipping her hand into his before leading him towards the stairs.

Xxxxxx

"Amy. Car. Now." Ros stated as Amy closed her eyes. "Do you know what Miss Smith told me?"

"Mum, she is really mean." Amy narrowed her eyes. Ros crouched down.

"I asked do you know what I was told?"

"That I hit another girl at lunch." Amy bit her bottom lip. Ros nodded.

"I was told that the other girl was choking and you got to her and slapped her on her back so her food came out. You're not in trouble." Ros smiled. James shook his head. "Amy, the teacher told me you were very brave. I'm really proud of you."

"Oh. But I hit her."

"No you did first aid - like Wes did when Emma was chocking the other day? You told me about it." Amy hugged Ros tightly. James climbed into the car with a little help from Lucas. The school yard now much quieter than when the family had arrived.

"So? We can still go to the park!" Amy smiled as Ros nodded. Turning to get into the driving seat she couldn't help but hope that all the meetings that week went just as well.

Cccc