Okay guys seriously, I suggest you get comfy because this one, is a rather long one!
I'm working towards the end of the story now and I already know how I want to end it so shouldnt be that much longer!
Thanks for the reviews again, encourages me so much.
I do not own the song either. Its called I will be by Christina Aguilera.
Hope you like this one.
"Together we are gathered together at the graveside for George Young. On behalf of the family, I would like to thank you all for coming today. There is something I want to share with you. In Revelation 21 verse 4, it says 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever'"
Everyone emerged from the church and followed the Reverend up the stony path to a plot which had been set up ready to bury George. Rebecca had asked Yvonne and Smithy to stand in the front with her, which they gladly did. As Smithy watched the people gathering around, he spotted Cameron in the background and gave him a slight nod but dared tell Rebecca that he was there.
"Jesus said 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day.For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day"
Yvonne handed Rebecca a clean tissue from her pocket and wrapped her arm around her friend as she sobbed emotionally. Seeing Eddy filling up, Smithy placed a comforting hand onto the Chief Super's shoulder and was thanked with a smile from Eddy as he pulled out a hankie.
"George is not here today. He stands in the presence of the Lord, the same Jesus who said to the dying man on a cross "...TODAY YOU SHALL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE."
The body that lies before us is only earthly tabernacle, the house in which George lived among us. Tenderly and reverently, we commit that house to the grave, to God who gave it, waiting for the day when both the spirit and the body shall again be united at the coming of the Lord. Let us commend George to the mercy of God"
The Reverend then turned his attention to Rebecca and Eddy.
"Rebecca, Eddy. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid"
Everyone was silent for a moment and, knowing what was coming next, Smithy moved out of the way so that Eddy could hold his niece's hand. Yvonne was comforting Rebecca the other side so Smithy started to take a few steps back but Rebecca stopped him. Turning her head around, Rebecca took Smithy by the hand and placed his arm onto her shoulder before holding Yvonne's hand. Smithy's hand relaxed on top of Rebecca's shoulder as he comforted his emotional friend. George was being buried in the grave right next to Kerry's and Smithy struggled to keep his emotions inside as he kept glancing between the two. A group of people got into position and as Eddy gave a nod to the Reverend, the most difficult part of the funeral happened.
"We therefore commit George's body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life"
The moment those words were spoken; Rebecca gave in and burst into a fit of tears. Eddy tried to fight his tears so he could comfort his niece but it didn't work as tears started rolling down his face. Everyone stood and watched as George's brown coffin was lowered into the deep hole. Just then, the funeral director walked over to Rebecca and Eddy with a small black box which contained some mud and earth. Taking a handful, Eddy took a step forward, said "See you soon George, love you" and threw the mud on top of the coffin before walking back to his position. Rebecca took her handful, took a step forward and whispered "I love you lots Dad. Miss you already" before throwing the mud onto her Dad's coffin. The funeral director came over again carrying a light brown wicker basket. Placed delicately inside were twelve red roses. Eddy picked up three roses and handed them to Rebecca before choosing three himself. Rebecca turned around to face Yvonne and Smithy before explaining
"You two are my best friends and you both got on great with my Dad. You don't have to but, would you like to have a rose too?"
Without thinking twice, both officers nodded and smiled as their friend passed them a red rose each.
Rebecca moved her attention to Cameron, who was standing behind a few rows of people. She had spotted him a few minutes before and signalled for him to come to the front.
"This doesn't mean we're okay but, you got on well with my Dad too so I'd like you to have this" Rebecca explained as she passed Cameron the final rose from her hand. Smiling gratefully, Cameron took the rose off Rebecca and stood next to Smithy. Eddy handed Rebecca two roses and kept one for herself. The remaining six roses in the wicker basket were taken by the cousins who carried the coffin into the church. After picking a rose up each, the cousins threw them onto the coffin before moving back to their spaces amongst the many people surrounding the grave. Rebecca asked her three friends if they could go next so together, Yvonne, Cameron and Smithy took a few steps forward and tossed their roses into the grave. Rebecca took Eddy's hand as they both walked forward and looked into the hole at George's coffin.
"You weren't only my brother-in-law, but my best friend. Love you forever brother" Eddy said as he dropped his rose down onto George's grave. Rebecca bent down and looked in at her Dad's grave. Taking a deep breath and fighting back the tears, Rebecca whispered
"I couldn't have wished for a more amazing Dad. I love you so much & miss you but, I'll see you soon. Love you Daddy" and threw in one of the roses from her hands.
"And this one... is from Kerry. She'll look after you now Dad" Rebecca added as she threw in the remaining fresh red rose before standing up and walking back over to where she'd been standing. Reverend Watkins explained to everyone that refreshments would be served in the church hall just behind them so everyone turned and made their way towards it.
The church hall had been set up by a family friend Cynthia. She had grown up with Cree Young and when she passed away, Cynthia helped George to look after his two daughters. Cynthia had become a great family friend and someone who Rebecca and Kerry had regularly gone to for some 'motherly/girl' advice, to which George was dearly grateful. When hearing about George, Cynthia contacted Rebecca and asked if she could organise the refreshments and was over the moon when Rebecca accepted. After walking into the church hall from the cold and windy graveside, a number of people commented on how lovely the room looked and that the smell of fresh food filled the room. Even at the age of 62, Cynthia ran her own catering business and had a number of great employees who had turned up at the church to help with the buffet. With a plate full of cheese sandwiches, crisps, sausage rolls and salad, Rebecca walked over to the pretty decorated table and sat herself down next to her best friend Yvonne. Eddy was already sat at the table talking to an old family friend. Smithy was standing in the food queue waiting to fill up his paper plate and glanced over to the table where Rebecca was sat. He was impressed at how strong she was being but knew deep down that she wanted to kill Gabriel Kent and she wasn't the only one. As the young Sergeant watched Rebecca chatting away to Yvonne and being introduced to people who knew her from her childhood, Smithy couldn't help but feel something for her. Before Kerry had died, there was no doubting that he had loved her with all his heart but now, he realised he cared for Rebecca but there was more important things to do first. Like make sure Gabriel Kent goes down for good. Smithy was snapped out of his thoughts but Cameron clicking his fingers in front of the Sergeant's face. Both officers filled up their plates and joined their friends at the long decorated table.
"Hey everyone" Rebecca called out, trying to get the attention of everyone in the room.
Once there was silence, Rebecca added
"Hey. I'd just like to thank everyone for coming today. My Dad and Kerry were the two most important people in my life and, even though a part of me is sad and heartbroken that they've gone and left me, another part is happy because I know they're together again now and are reunited with my dear Mum too. So, I can be happy that one day I too, will join them in Heaven. I'd like to raise a toast so please, could you all raise your glasses..."
Everyone picked up their full glasses and held them in the air
"To Kerry and George Young..."
United, everyone called out
"To Kerry and George Young" before taking a sip of their drinks.
Nearly two weeks had passed since George Young's funeral and the officers were back on the streets working harder than ever. Rebecca had been given two weeks compassionate leave and was due back on Monday morning. It was early Friday morning and later on that day; Gabriel Kent's court case was due to start. Rebecca was obviously going to attending the court case as were a number of officers including Superintendent O'Karo, Inspector Gold, DI Morell from MIT and Chief Superintendant Roberts. After fighting and arguing with Gina and Adam, Smithy finally persuaded them to also let him attend. They had all been informed that the case could go on for up to two weeks and would be quite gruelling but, with all the evidence stacked up against the evil cop, everyone hoped it would only be a day.
"All rise" called a suited man sat stood at the front of the court.
Everyone rose from their seats as the judge walked into the room. The room remained standing while Gabriel Kent was led up a flight of stairs and placed into a glassed box. As if he knew she was there, Gabriel turned his head and looked straight at Rebecca who was stood on the top balcony. For a slight moment, the two coppers glared at each other but were broken up when everyone was told to sit down. The judge started by introducing himself before jumping straight into the case. Smithy and Gina exchanged a look when the judge passed the jury Kent's birth certificate which showed his true identity as David Kent. The court was dismissed for ten minutes so that everyone could have a little break and Rebecca watched as Gabriel was led back down.
"Hey you two, I'm gonna get some water, want some?" Smithy asked Rebecca and Yvonne once everyone was out in the corridor.
Yvonne glanced at Rebecca before stating
"It's okay, I'll get you some"
Smithy thanked her and watched as she walked towards the water dispenser near the main doors. Turning around, Smithy looked at Rebecca and sat down on the wooden bench next to her.
Staying silent for a moment, Smithy just looked at Rebecca with caring, loving eyes. Sighing, he finally asked
"You okay?"
Rebecca nodded and Smithy gave a slight laugh. Rebecca asked what he was laughing at so Smithy told her he wasn't convinced. He knew she wasn't alright.
"On a serious note Bec, when we go back in there...it's gonna get tougher you know. They're gonna bring up our..."
Smithy put his head down in his hands and sighed. Rebecca could tell he was feeling the strain and emotion just as much as she was. Placing her warm hand onto his back, Rebecca gently rubbed the top of his back and he sat up.
"They're gonna bring up Kerry...and probably going to go into great details"
Rebecca nodded.
"I know Smithy but, I'm prepared to listen to every single detail again and again if it means Gabriel Kent will finally go down for what he's done"
The two officers smiled at each other and turned to see Yvonne return balancing three plastic cups of water in her hands. Just then, everyone was called back in the court room so, drinking their water quick, Rebecca, Smithy and Yvonne returned to their seats, followed by Gina, Adam, Eddy and DI Morell.
Just a few minutes after re-entering the court room, the atmosphere could easily be cut with a knife. Gabriel Kent was standing in the glass boxed dock and was being questioned by a number of different people about the rape and murder of Kerry Young. Smithy was sat with both hands clenched fists while Rebecca bit her lip and held Yvonne's hand tight while fighting to stop tears from rolling down her face. Even Chief Super Roberts, being Kerry and Rebecca's Uncle, had to wipe his tear filled eyes every now and then as a mixture of anger and sadness took over them all. The room listened as Gabriel openly admitted raping and murdering Kerry but gave pathetic reasons as to why he did it. He generally thought that raping Kerry would make her fall in love with him and admitted that he was jealous of the relationship between Kerry and Smithy, so shot her. As Rebecca listened on, she started feeling sick and panicky. Thankfully, a few minutes later, the judge stood up and adjourned the court until the following day as there was another case starting soon in the same room, to which the young officer was eternally. Feeling terrible, Rebecca almost ran out of the room and out of the building. Both Yvonne and Smithy panicked when they couldn't find her outside the room so rushed outside to find her, but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Becca its Smithy. I dunno where you've gone but, give me a call to let me know you're okay..."
"Did you reach her?" Yvonne asked positively but sighed when Smithy explained her phone was switched off so he left a message. Smithy and Yvonne caught up with Gina, and Adam who were all heading back to the station and had a lift back with them. An hour later, Yvonne was out patrolling the streets alongside PC Tony Stamp while Smithy was catching up on some overdue paperwork in his office. Smithy had placed his mobile phone onto his desk and couldn't help but check it every five minutes. He made the mistake of leaving it there while he popped to the toilet because when he returned and checked his phone, there was a new message which said
'Just letting you know I'm okay.
Just had to get out of there. At home with Uncle Eddy now.
See you at court in morning.
B x'
Smithy quickly pressed the call button but by the time it connected, Rebecca had already switched her phone back off. There was nothing he could do but wait until the following morning.
The following morning, Rebecca woke up to thunder and lightning and knew straight away, that it was going to be a crap day. Switching on her blackberry, Rebecca had four missed calls from her Sergeant Smithy which were from the previous day, after she'd text him. There was a text from Cameron which Rebecca found a little strange because they hadn't spoken since her Dad's funeral. Scrolling down, Rebecca read her Aussie friend's text message.
'Hey Bec. I'm sorry for texting you, I know we aren't good atm but...
Yvonne's down to work all day tomorrow so I was wondering,
if you don't mind, I'd like to come along to court instead of her.
I didn't want to turn up without asking your permission.
Please let me know,
Thanks
Cam
X'
Rebecca didn't know how to feel. Cameron had been a friend for a number of years but she still felt angry that he saved her from the water and not her Dad. Already feeling terrible before even getting to court, Rebecca simply text back
'Sure. See you there'
Before pulling herself out of bed and dressed in smart black clothes ready for another emotional day at court.
At court, Rebecca sat with her Uncle Eddy on one side and Smithy on the other, but didn't talk to either of them. Cameron entered the room and sat on the other side of Smithy. After being in court for an hour, listening to Gabriel's sick reasons for the evil things he's carried out, the court was dismissed for a break. After the short break, Rebecca was going to be called to give her live statement to everyone about what Gabriel did to her. After drinking three cups of water and visiting the ladies toilets twice, Rebecca entered the room and stood in a large wooden dock, not far away from Gabriel who was also standing in his glassed box. As Rebecca started telling the judge and jury about the situation, Smithy and Cameron both looked on with anger as Gabriel stood in the dock, grinning from ear to ear. As Rebecca finished giving her statement, a number of other witnesses took to the stand to give their information on David/Gabriel Kent. Next, the court discussed the hostage situation where Gabriel drove the car into the Thames which resulted in George's death. That was the one thing that broke both Rebecca and Eddy down in tears but Rebecca's hand was taken by Smithy as he looked at her sympathetically. The last discussion was about the DNA on Kerry's baby and how it showed Gabriel was the father when it was actually Smithy. Doctor Balenco from 's maternity ward stood in the dock and handed the court CCTV footage which showed Gabriel Kent entering the empty Doctor's room carrying a small white envelope and emerging two minutes later without it. That, on top of the fact that Gabriel admitted the whole thing to the Sunhill officers, was surely enough to put him away for years.
"Me and the court have heard all the evidence against the defendant over the previous few days. The jury will now retire to consider the verdict. The court is now adjourned and will continue tomorrow at 11 hundred hours where the jury will present their final decision. Thank you" informed the judge.
Everyone was so grateful to be leaving after spending the last five hours at court,listening to the sick life of Gabriel.
The following day, Gabriel's trial was highly secured to keep members of the public and local press out. Believe it or not, Sunhill police station organised a mini bus down to court because they all wanted to see Gabriel go down for all the horrible, evil things he had done. As everyone piled into the court room, some were nervous, some were feeling positive that justice was going to be served, some were feeling more negative. The judge walked into the room and took his position on the seat.
Gabriel Kent was led up to his little glass box which he was locked inside and the jury piled into the room and took their seats. After taking a moment to shuffle through some paperwork in front of him, the judge looked up and over to the dock.
"David Kent, please confirm your plea" the judge ordered.
Rolling his eyes and knowing there was no way out, Gabriel replied
"Guilty"
Smithy looked at Rebecca who was sitting next to him and realised she was shaking like mad. Smithy held her hand tight and whispered
"It's gonna be alright" before giving her a comforting smile.
Rebecca was shaking, feeling sick and panicking. Her heart skipped a number of beats and the poor PC felt as though she was about to die. The court clerk moved towards the jury and the foreman of the jury stood up.
"Foreman of the jury, have you all come to a majority verdict?"
The man dressed in a black suit replied
"Yes Sir"
The clerk signalled for the foreman to continue, which he did. Facing, the judge, he explained
"David Kent, you have been charged with using a false identity, rape, attempted rape, murder, attempted murder and DNA tampering. We have listening to every statement and piece of evidence over the previous few days concerning David Kent and have come to a full unanimous decision. We the jury, find the defendant..."
There was silence in the whole court room as everyone waited with held breath. Rebecca placed her hands over her face before putting her head onto the lap.
"Guilty"
Smithy, Eddy, Cameron, Adam, Tony, Gary, Gina and a number of other Sunhill officers jumped up, clapping, cheering and shouting 'YES!' while Rebecca burst into tears with her head still on her lap. Everyone sat back down and with Yvonne one side and Smithy the other, they both hugged Rebecca tight as she lifted her head and wiped her tears.
"I told you it'll be alright didn't I babe!" Yvonne stated emotionally.
Rebecca nodded and turned her head to look at Smithy.
"It's over Bec, you've done it" he exclaimed, smiling.
The judge asked the room to quieten down so he could add his part.
"David Kent, you have been found guilty. You truly are an evil low life and you have shown no remorse for any of your convictions. Therefore, you are sentenced to life in Longmarsh prison with immediate effect. Members of the jury, witnesses and everyone else, thank you. Court dismissed"
The room stood up as the judge and jury left. A security officer opened the glass dock that Gabriel was standing in and let him out. Gabriel turned around and looked straight at Rebecca. This time, it was Rebecca smiling as Gabriel, without a grin or a smug look, was led down to the temporary cells by the security officer until it was time to ship him off to Longmarsh prison.
Everyone made their way out of the court room and waited for the mini bus to arrive so they could head back to work.
"Gina, I'm going to head back to the station in my car. Eddy's coming along with me. The verdict would have already got back to the press so I bet the stations surrounded already. We're going to call an official press statement so, we'll see you later alright" explained Superintendant O'Karo.
"Cam, have you seen Bec anywhere?" Yvonne asked as she realised, her friend had disappeared.
Shaking his head, Cameron told Yvonne to check the ladies while he checked to see if he was still inside the court room. After five minutes, they still couldn't find her and Smithy got suspicious as to why two of his officers were rushing around the court looking confused. Pulling Yvonne aside, Smithy questioned her.
"Umm...is everything alright?"
Yvonne started off by nodding but then realised she wasn't very convincing.
"Umm...Bec has kinda...maybe...disappeared..."
"What?" Smithy exclaimed, suddenly realising he'd spoken a little louder than he meant to.
Lowering his voice, the Sergeant added
"But, she was just here?"
Yvonne explained to her Sergeant that Rebecca had left the court room the same time as everyone else and told Yvonne she needed to visit the ladies but she never came back. Cameron joined the two of them in the corner and they tried not to look too suspicious as they racked their brains on where their friend could have gone. Suddenly, Smithy whispered to both Yvonne and Cameron
"Psst, I think I know where she is. You coming?"
Both nodding, Yvonne and Cameron followed Smithy out to his car which was parked across the road and tried not to draw attention to themselves. Somehow, they managed to slip out without being spotted by Gina or any of their other colleagues. Jumping into Smithy's car, they buckled up and headed towards St Mary's church.
'The world seems so cold
When I face so much all alone
A little scared to move on
And knowing how fast I have grown
And I wonder just where I fit in
Oh the vision of life in my head
Oh yes
I will be
Strong on my own
I will see through the rain
I will find my way
I will keep on
Travelling this road
Till I finally reach my dream
Till I'm living, and I'm breathing
My destiny, yeah yeah'
Rebecca was sat with her legs crossed, just like she used to do in the school hall at assembly time but this time, she was sat in front of her Sister and Dad's grave.
"I really wish you were here babe, I miss you so much. I thought I was gonna have a break down in that court but luckily, Smithy and Yvonne kept me sane. Just. He's a great person Kez, I can see why you loved him. Shame you left it too late to tell him eh. Fair play you were pretty crap with your feelings, think that's where I get it from. Cheers for that. But anyway, I've done it babe. Gabriel Kent, David Kent, whoever the hell he is, he's finally going down for what he's done to you, to me...to Dad"
'I can't let go now
Even when darkness surrounds
But if I hold on, yeah
I will show the world
All the things that you never expected to see
From little old me, this Pittsburgh girl
And I wonder just where my place is
Close my eyes and I remind myself this
Oh yeah yeah
I will be
Strong on my own
I will see through the rain
I will find my way
I will keep on
Traveling this road
Till I finally reach my dream
Till I'm living, and I'm breathing
My destiny, ohh'
Smithy drove into the car park and parked up in an empty space. Stepping out of the car, Smithy jogged towards Kerry's grave, followed closely by Yvonne and stopped sharply behind a tree as they spotted Rebecca sitting by the grave. Slowly, the three officers walked towards Rebecca, not wanting to frighten her. Rebecca burst in to a fit of tears and didn't care if anyone was around watching her. Glancing between the two graves next to each other, Rebecca felt a flood of emotions. By the time she had more to say, the PC was hysterically crying and couldn't stop herself from crying or shouting.
"I can't believe I've lost both of you to the same evil psycho cop. You know, I wish he did kill me too because then...at least I wouldn't be on my own. My big Sister...Daddy...I want you both back. NOW. I can't do this on my own. I don't want to be on my own!"
'It comforts me
Ooh it keeps me
Alive each day of my life
Always guiding me
Providing me
With the hope I desperately need
Well I gotta believe
There's something out there meant for me
Oh I get on my knees
Praying I will receive
The courage to grow and the faith to know
That I will be
Strong on my own
I will see through the rain
I will find my way
I will keep on
Travelling this road
Till I finally reach my dream
Till I'm living, and I'm breathing'
"You're not on your own babe, you've got us. Always!" Yvonne exclaimed.
Rebecca looked up from the ground, wiped the tears from her eyes and turned her head to find her three friends behind her. Standing up, Rebecca turned to face them.
"How did you know where to find me?" she asked.
Smiling, Smithy replied
"Cause that's what friends do Bec. We aint gonna leave you deal with this on your own"
Rebecca looked at Cameron who was still unsure if their friendship was back on track or not.
"You're a great friend Bec and I don't wanna lose you. We've been there for you and we'll be there for you...every step of the way"
Overcome with emotions, Rebecca rushed forward and hugged her three friends, all at the same time. Pulling away from the hug, Cameron asked her friend
"You ready to go?"
Rebecca nodded and took Cameron by the hand and Smithy by the other. Yvonne made a sad pouty face and pretended that she wanted to hold her hand too, which made Rebecca laugh. Laughing in her funny, giggly way, Yvonne linked arms with Smithy instead and the four friends took a few steps forward to leave the cemetery until they stopped still. Cameron turned his head and gave a nod to both Kerry and George's graves. Yvonne turned and did the same, telling Kerry that she missed her. Smithy did the same as Cameron but in his head, told Kerry that he loved her and couldn't wait to see her again once day. Rebecca was last and she took a deep breath before whispering
"See you soon, love you" and together, the four police officers and friends walked out of the cemetery arm in arm and, most importantly, smiling.