Hey guys! The time has finally arrived and after writing this fan fiction for months, the final chapter is finally here.
It's quite a long one so I hope you're sitting comfortably?
I do not own either of the three songs in this chapter:
First: You Raise Me Up by Westlife
Second: I'll be missing you byPuff Daddy & Faith Evans
Third: It's a mixture ofSomewhere over the rainbow & What a wonderful world by Israel Kamakawiwo Ole'.
Thank you all for taking the time to read he many chapters in this fan fiction & I hope you enjoy 'The End'
Gina...Smithy?" Phil Hunter called out as he ran around the Lark mead estate looking for his colleagues.
"Gina...Smi..." Phil paused as he saw the scene in front of him.
For a moment, the DS stood still, frozen to the spot until something snapped inside him and he rushed towards the two officers. Bending down, Phil looked at Smithy's jacket and saw that it was covered in red blood.
"Smithy..."
Moving his hand onto the young Sergeant's arm, Phil turned to Gina.
"Have you phoned for an ambulance yet?"
Gina continued to look down at the grass, not looking up once since Smithy had closed his eyes about five minutes previous.
"Gina!" Phil called and with not only tears in her eyes but also a very tear stained face, Gina looked up and stared into the DS's eyes.
Phil welled up just by looking at Gina but took a gulp and asked
"Has an ambulance been called?"
Gina simply shook her head.
Phil sighed, closed his eyes and lowered his head.
"He told me not too" Gina mumbled.
For a moment, nothing else was said until Phil re-opened his eyes and shook Smithy's arm.
"Smithy...come on mate wake up...Smithy!"
Slipping his hand into his suit pocket, Phil pulled out his phone and dialled 999. Asking for an ambulance, Phil explained the situation to the lady on the other end. Just a few minutes later, Phil ended the call and threw his phone onto the grass in front of him.
"An ambulance is on the way, we're gonna get you to hospital. Come on Smithy mate...Smithy"
"He's DEAD Phil!" Gina yelled, just as Honey, Reg and Superintendant O'Karo arrived on the scene after sending Mason Craddick off in an ambulance and checking Mrs Taylor, Jess and her friend were back home safely.
Looking up to face her colleagues, Gina announced
"He's gone"
"Oh not again!" Honey exclaimed, bursting into tears and having to be comforted by Reg.
Adam O'Karo walked over to Gina, grabbed her by the arm and helped her up off the ground. Before he could say anything to her, she also burst into tears and the Super had no choice but to hug her. Just then, the ambulance was heard in the distance so Phil stood up and walked over to Reg.
"I'm gonna show them where we are" Phil announced as he dashed off in the direction of the sirens.
"Watch it mate!" PC Fletcher said to a boy who had run straight into him.
Both Will and the boy looked down to the ground as something dropped. The boy tried to flee but Will grabbed him by the back of his jacket.
"Oi stop! Come here!"
Pulling his hands behind his back and arresting him, Will Fletcher led the boy towards the police car, put him in the back and locked the door so he couldn't escape. After putting on some disposable gloves, PC Steve Hunter bent down, picked the knife up and placed it into a forensic bag before joining his colleague and thug in the police car. All the way to the station, both PC's questioned the teenager about the knife that fell from his pocket but the boy remained silent. Will and Steve were yet to be informed about Sergeant Smith so they didn't realise that the boy sitting on the back seat of the patrol car was the one who had just stabbed their colleague and friend.
"What's his name?" the paramedic asked as he rushed towards Smithy.
"Smithy...Dale...Dale Smith" Phil stumbled.
"Ok Dale...Dale can you hear me? I'm Neil, a paramedic from "
Neil placed two fingers onto the young Sergeant's neck to see if he could find a pulse but couldn't. Moving his hand down towards Smithy's, the paramedic planned to see if he could find a pulse on the Sergeant's wrist but suddenly realised at how cold Smithy's hand was.
"Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do. He's already gone. I'm sorry" the paramedic declared.
Gina, Adam, Phil, Honey and Reg all watched as their close friend and colleague was lifted into the back of the ambulance and driven off out of sight.
"When I am down and oh my soul so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened me
And I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me.You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.You raise me up to more than I can be"
"Come on you" PC Hunter said, taking the teenage shoplifter by one arm and letting PC Fletcher take the other. After being buzzed in through the back door, the two officers led the teenage thug into the station and waited in line to charge him.
"Who's that?" PC Hunter whispered to PC Fletcher as he spotted the unfamiliar face standing behind the desk.
"That's the new custody Sergeant, he started today" Will explained.
After waiting for two other people in front to be signed in, it was finally time for Will and Steve to step up.
"Alright Serge. We arrested this boy for possession of a blood covered knife. It's clearly been used in the last few hours..." PC Fletcher started telling the new custody sergeant.
"We questioned him loads in the car on the way here but he remained silent. We didn't even get a name out of him" PC Hunter added.
Before the Sergeant could say anything, the door rang and he had to turn his attention to the CCTV to see who it was before buzzing them in. He then turned his attention back to the young handcuffed boy.
"Okay, what's your name son?"
There was no reply, so Will stepped up.
"Look mate, we will find it out eventually but the longer you take to tell us, the more time you get to spend cooped up in one of those cells and believe me, they aint any five star hotel. So I'll ask you again...what's your name?"
The boy sighed but finally gave in.
"The names Taylor. Leo Taylor"
Without thinking anything of it, the custody Sergeant started typing the boys name into the computer as Will and Steve smiled at finally getting an answer from the suspicious boy. So they were rather startled and shocked at what happened next. When the Sergeant had buzzed the door open, Phil, Reg, Gina, Adam and Honey had all entered the station so when the boy admitted he was Leo Taylor; Phil felt the anger rage inside him.
"Oi you, murderer! You killed him, you killed Smithy!" Phil yelled, charging towards the killer thug.
"Phil No!" Reg shouted and Adam shouted unanimously, rushing after the DS and pulling him off from Leo Taylor.
"Get off me! It's him, he's the one who murdered Smithy!"
"DS HUNTER!" Superintendant O'Karo shouted as officers gathered around to watch the scene.
"PC Hollis, please escort DS Hunter to my office and don't let him out of your sight. I expect the two of you to stay put until I get there. NOW PC Hunter!"
With that, Phil slumped off down the corridor, followed closely by Reg.
"Is there anything you'd like to say before we start?" Superintendant O'Karo asked Leo Taylor.
With a smug grin on his face, the council estate boy replied
"Yeah...I didn't hurt your cop, like that other guy said!"
DI Manson shook his head and clasped his hands together on the table.
"You say you didn't, but let's look at the evidence shall we. PC Hollis and Sergeant Smith were on their way to see Mason Craddick when they were stopped by a young girl, your sister's friend who informed them that he was fighting with you...and that you had a knife. By the time PC Hollis arrived on scene, Mason was fighting for his life and you had just scampered away"
Neil looked over at O'Karo for him to continue.
"Sergeant Smith arrived on scene and chased after you but that's the last time he was seen alive because at 12:15pm, he was found lying in his own blood, dead"
Letting his boss have a breather from talking, Neil Manson spoke once again.
"Now if that wasn't enough for you, ten minutes later you literally bumped into another two of our officers who found you in possession of a blood stained knife. If killing Mason Craddick wasn't enough, you have also taken the life of a very popular Sergeant. On top of everything else, I expect you'll be going down for a very, very long time!"
Standing up from his seat and pulling out a pair of metal handcuffs, Superintendant O'Karo officially arrested the young thug.
"Leo Taylor, I am arresting you for the murders of Mason Craddick and Superintendant Dale Smith. You do not have to say anything else, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you may later rely on in court. Anything you do say, may be given in evidence. Let's go"
With that, Leo Taylor was led out of the interview room by the Super and put into a cell until a police van arrived to ship him over to Barton Street. It would only be a few days before his sentencing because of the nature of his crimes but for now, it was time for Adam to gather all his officers to tell them the outcome of the day.
"Okay thank you all for making it, I know you're all very busy with your work but, I have something to tell you. Earlier this afternoon, there was an incident where Sergeant Smith was stabbed and..."
Adam could feel himself welling up and struggled not to look at Gina, who was sat in the corner with tears rolling down her face.
"And unfortunately, he died"
Most of the officers had already been informed but the ones who didn't already know, gasped and whispered to each other. The Superintendant added
"Of course, the press are hot on this and are already filling up the front yard but I will be making an official press release in about twenty minutes time. Leo Taylor has been arrested for Smith...Sergeant Smith's killing as well as Mason Craddick's and I'll be mentioning Taylor's name in the press release. His court case will only be a few weeks away and he'll be immediately sentenced. Now I know Smithy was a very popular officer here and a very close friend to many so, we will be providing counselling sessions for anyone to feels the need to have them. The Chief Super is currently looking for a suitable candidate to send over. So please just let us know if you want to set up a meeting. One last thing, people deal with grieve in a number of different ways so we currently have spare officers being shipped over from Barton Street and New Scotland Yard to cover anyone who would like to step down for the rest of the day as we don't expect you to continue working today. Inspector Gold and myself will also be stepping down today, once we've given the press their statement so if you would like to join us down the Canley Arms, we will have a few drinks for Smithy. Thank you"
"Superintendant O'Karo... Superintendant O'Karo can you tell us what happened to your officer today. Has anyone been arrested for your Sergeant's death?"
The local press had piled into the front of the station and were eager to get answers from the Superintendant who had just stepped in to the yard to make the official press release, accompanied by Inspector Gold and DI Manson.
"Hello everyone, I'm Superintendant O'Karo. I will give a short statement about the incident today but at this time we will not be answering any questions. Today, nineteen year old Leo Taylor from the Lark mead Estate was arrested for the murder of Mason Craddick and Sergeant Dale Smith, both of whom died earlier this afternoon. As it wasn't appropriate for Taylor to stay at our station, he's been shipped to another where he will stay until his upcoming court case which will take place within the next few weeks. There, he will receive his sentencing for the crimes he's committed. I ask to you be respectful of Mason Craddick's family as well as the officers at Sun hill police station who have not only lost a colleague but a very close friend. Thank you"
Ignoring the questions being thrown out from the press, the three officers walked back inside the station and changed into plain clothes before heading down the Canley Arms pub with the rest of the relief, who had all decided to stand down for the rest of the day.
A tap of a glass was heard and the whole pub quietened down.
"Today, we lost a good colleague and friend so; I'd like you all to raise your glasses with me as we make a toast: To Smithy"
"To Smithy" the room said together.
The officers decided to make the most of their time off work and spent most of the evening at the pub, drinking, laughing and sharing stories about Smithy.
The day of Mason Craddick's funeral arrived and most of the relief attended to show their respect. Smithy's was to be held the following day and all the officers knew it was going to be a hard day. Superintendant O'Karo let the relief finish early so they could go home and get sleep ready for their friends funeral in the morning.
Out of respect, Sunhill police station was closed on the day of Smithy's funeral and all cases were passed over to either Barton Street or New Scotland Yard. Pulling out their smartest black clothes, the friends and family of Dale Smith got dressed in their best and headed over to St Mary's Street Church for his funeral; the same church where Kerry's, Rebecca's, George's and Eddy's had all been previously held. Everyone held in their tears in as they walked into the church to one of Smithy's favourite song being played.
"Seems like yesterday we used to rock the show
I laced the track, you locked the flow
So far from hangin on the block for dough
Notorious, they got to know that
Life ain't always what it seem to be (uh-uh)
Words can't express what you mean to me
Even though you're gone, we still a team
Through your family, I'll fulfil your dream (that's right)"
"Hello everyone, thank you for attending today, not to be sad but to celebrate the life of Dale Smith who was not only a family member but also a colleague and a close friend to many people in this room today"
The Reverend continued speaking, saying lovely things that he had been told about Smithy.
"Dale had lost a lot of people in his life including his beloved Kerry who passed away a few years ago. I remember seeing Smithy on the day of Kerry's funeral and he truly was heartbroken but, it lightens my heart at what I'm about to say next. Inspector Gina Gold has kindly informed me of one of the last things that he said to her. Just before he left Earth, Dale told Gina that he was about to re-united with his beloved Kerry and her sister Rebecca in a place where they were waiting for him. He believed this and I too believe that he is now looking down on us from that place. We shouldn't be sad anymore because we know that Dale Smith is in a better place with his loved ones"
"In the future, can't wait to see
If you open up the gates for me
Reminisce some time, the night they took my friend (uh-huh)
Try to black it out, but it plays again
When it's real, feelings hard to conceal
Can't imagine all the pain I feel
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living your life, after death"
Everyone stood to sing their first hymn 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' which was followed by some memories shared by a cousin of Smithy's. After Smithy's cousin had finished speaking, Phil Hunter stood up to read a poem for his friend, followed by Smithy's best friend Gina who read out something that she had written.
"Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I'll be missing you
Thinkin of the days, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
I'll be missing you"
"Smithy was not only my colleague but also my best friend and I'll miss him so much..." Gina started.
A few moments later, Gina let out some tears as her emotions became too much.
"He was always there for me and even though I'm terribly sad that he won't be around any longer, It makes me smile because I know he's happy wherever he is with his family, friends, Rebecca and of course, Kerry. Their chance of being happy together was snatched away when Kerry died but now they have a second chance. I hope and know that they'll be very happy together. Smithy was not only my college but also my best friend and I'll miss him so much!"
"It's kinda hard with you not around (yeah)
Know you in heaven smilin down (eheh)
Watchin us while we pray for you
Every day we pray for you
Til the day we meet again
In my heart is where I'll keep you friend
Memories give me the strength I need (uh-huh) to proceed
Strength I need to believe"
Gina stood down from the pulpit and wiped away her tears as she walked back to her seat. Everyone stood to sing the second hymn 'Amazing Grace'. Once the hymn had finished, everyone sat down again as the Reverend took at the front for the last time.
"Dale's family and friends have informed me that it was his wish to be buried so he could be near Kerry, Rebecca and George, the girl's father. Thank fully and luckily, a plot has been secured next to Kerry so that is where we are to bury him today. So, the family and I will leave first, please could everyone else follow us up to the cemetery so we can say our final goodbye to Sergeant Dale Smith"
"My thoughts Big I just can't define (can't define)
Wish I could turn back the hands of time
Us in the 6, shop for new clothes and kicks
You and me taking flicks
Makin hits, stages they receive you on
I still can't believe you're gone (can't believe you're gone)
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living you're life, after death"
The Sunhill lot walked together in a group as the whole church made their way up towards the top of the cemetery, which was a familiar walk for those who visited Kerry and Rebecca's grave regularly. The plot was right next to Kerry's so, while they waited for the rest of the people to walk up from the church, Honey and Robbie bent down next to her grave and chatted away to their friend before moving two graves away to do the same to Rebecca.
"Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I'll be missing you
Thinkin of the days, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
I'll be missing you"
"Together we are gathered together at the graveside for Dale Smith. 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' and we WILL see Dale again"
"Somebody tell me why
One Black Morning
When this life is over
I know
I'll see your face"
"Dale 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."
"Every night I pray, every step I take
Every move I make, every single day
Every night I pray, every step I take
Every day that passes
Every move I make, every single day
Is a day that I get closer
To seeing you again
Every night I pray, every step I take
We miss you... and we won't stop
Every move I make, every single day
Cause we can't stop... that's right
Every night I pray, every step I take
Every move I make, every single day
We miss you"
"The body that lies before us is only earthly tabernacle, the house in which Dale 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 Dale to the mercy of God"
"Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I'll be missing you
Thinkin of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
I'll be missing you"
"Friends, family, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid"
The funeral director walked over to the family and let them take some mud from a small box before moving over to the Sunhill lot and letting some of them do the same. Once the family had finished throwing their handful of mud onto Smithy's half lowered coffin, Gina, Honey, Phil Hunter, Adam O'Karo and Robbie Cryer did the same. As they all returned to their spaces, Adam O'Karo put a comforting arm around Gina as he heard and saw her crying. Letting her emotions take over her, Honey burst into tears and laid her head onto Will Fletcher's shoulder so he too put her arm around her. Robbie took Honey's hand in hers and held it tightly.
"Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I'll be missing you
Thinkin of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
I'll be missing you"
"We therefore commit Dale'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"
Tears were flowing and tissues were being handed around as Smithy's coffin was lowered into the ground and family members threw flowers on top. Everyone left the church, jumped in cars, taxis and minibuses and headed down to the Canley Arms pub where the back room had been closed off everyone who attended the funeral. Inside the room, there were hundreds of photos of Smithy with people and a large buffet had been set up. For the rest of the night, friends and family of Smithy shared stories and memories with each other as well as looking through old photos. It truly was a great celebration of Sergeant Dale Smith's life.
"Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I'll be missing you
Thinkin of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
I'll be missing you"
It had been two weeks since Smithy's funeral and Leo Taylor's court case had been going on for three days but today was the final day. Gina, Honey, Adam and the rest of the relief gathered together at Sunhill Crown Court to hear the verdict.
The all sat and watched as Leo Taylor was led up and made to stand in a glass box.
After taking a moment to shuffle through some paperwork in front of him, the judge looked up and over to the dock
"Leo Taylor. Two weeks today you were charged and arrested for the murders of Mason Craddick and Sergeant Dale Smith of Sunhill police station. For the final time, please confirm your plea" the judge ordered.
Leo Taylor grinned and stated
"Not guilty"
The judge and the people watching, including a large majority of the Sunhill relief shook their heads.
"Well Mr Taylor, Myself and the court have heard all the evidence against you over the previous few days and the jury have been asked to consider a verdict before their present their final decision"
The judge signalled for the court clerk to address the jury. As he walked over, the foreman of the jury stood up.
"Foreman of the jury, have you all come to a unanimous decision?" the court clerk asked.
The man dressed in a black suit nodded and replied
"Yes sir"
The clerk signalled for the foreman to continue, which he did. Facing, the judge, he explained
"Leo Taylor you have been charged with the murder of Mason Craddick and Sergeant Dale Smith. We have listened to a number of statements and looked at every piece of evidence over the previous few days concerning Leo Taylor 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.
"Guilty!"
While some people, mostly the Lark mead Estate gang cursed and became angry, Mason Craddick's family, Smithy's family and the Sunhill lot cheered.
The judge asked the room to quieten down so he could add his part.
"Leo Taylor you have been found guilty. Throughout the court proceedings, you have smiled, laughed and 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 Leo was standing in and let him out. Leo Taylor was led down to the temporary cells by the security officer until it was time to ship him off to Long marsh prison. Everyone made their way out of the court room and the Sunhill lot 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. Neil'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.
Gina nodded but as everyone jumped onto the min bus, she decided to walk it, taking a detour through the cemetery.
"Hey you! Thought I'd come pay you a quick visit on my way back to the station. You'll be pleased to know that Leo Taylor has finally been sent down. For life too! It's just a shame that it's your murder he's gone down for. Oh Smithy, I really wish you were here, I need my best friend back. Work is such a drag without you but, you know what, I'm happy for you. I know how much you loved Kerry and that you two never got a chance to be together, properly. If you really are with her now then I wish you both all the best. You don't have to be alive and live on Earth to get a chance of happiness. Wherever you are, I'm glad that you are both re-united and now have a chance to be happy together. If you're happy Smithy then...then so am I. You're my best friend and I'm never going to forget you. I'll pop up here to chat with you as often as I can and as you said yourself, I'll see you in another life"
Planting a kiss on the young Sergeant's grave, Gina stood up and walked back to the station, smiling to herself knowing that her best friend was happy wherever he was.
"Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
and the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby ii ii iii
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true ooh ooooh"
Smithy shielded his eyes from the bright white light that shone in front of him and he wondered where he was. Was it really the place that Rebecca and Kerry had told him about? Had he really died? Was it really about to happen or was it a dream once again? Just then, Smithy jumped at the sound of a familiar voice.
"Hey mate"
Smithy froze before nervously turning around to face the figure in front of him, shocked to see who it was.
"Tony?" he asked.
"Hello Smithy" Tony replied.
Smithy fell silent as struggled to find words. After a few moments of silence, Smithy took a few footsteps towards Tony.
"But, but you never died" Smithy exclaimed.
Sighing, Tony Stamp explained
"Actually mate, I did. I died a few weeks ago while on a training course in Germany with a few colleagues from Hendon. We were involved in a serious car accident and, I'm the only one who didn't make it"
"Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me ee ee eeh
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me oh
Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I?"
Smithy felt sad that he hadn't known about his friend's death but seeing him made Smithy a little confused.
"Where are we Ton?"
Tony smiled and explained
"Well, this is the place Kerry and Rebecca told you about Smithy. Becca told me all about it before I left for Hendon. This is the place that we've all made so that we could find one another"
Smithy could feel himself filling up with tears.
"So...I don't...Is this real or another dream?"
Tony shook his head and announced
"No Smithy it's not a dream, it's real"
Smithy lowered his head and sighed as it hit him.
"So, I died too"
Without a seconds thought, Tony moved towards his good mate and hugged him. Smithy wrapped his arms around his oldest friend and cried.
"Hey shhh it's ok" Tony whispered.
"Well I see trees of green and
Red roses too,
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world"
Pulling away from Tony and letting the tears flow down his face, Smithy asked
"So you're real? You're not just in my dream?"
Tony laughed and smiled at Smithy
"Of course I'm real, your real, everything the sisters ever told you about this place is real"
Wiping his tear stained face, Smithy asked an important question
"Is...Is Kerry here?"
Placing his hand onto the young Sergeant's shoulder, he asked
"Did she say she would be here?"
Smithy nodded and Tony replied
"Then she's here. She's in the room with well...lots of people"
"They're all dead?" Smithy asked.
Tony sighed, looked sad and revealed
"Everyone dies sometime Smithy. Some of them have been here for days, while some of them for many many years. You're the one we've been waiting for Smithy"
"Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark and I think to myself
What a wonderful world"
Tony moved her hand from Smithy's shoulder as the young Sergeant walked away. Stopping just a few footsteps away, Smithy turned back around to face his friend and explained
"When I saw Kerry...in a dream...she told me about this place and said that everyone will be waiting for me. She told me that when I get here, we were leaving"
Tony shook her head
"Not leaving no, moving on"
Looking around the room and sighing, Smithy nervously asked
"Where are we going?"
Tony's eyes lit up and, smiling, he announced
"Let's go find out"
Taking Smithy by the arm, Tony led him out of the room and towards a door on the opposite side of the corridor.
"The colours of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, I...I love you"
Tony opened the brown wooden door but let Smithy enter the room first. As he did, an emotional smile spread across his face as he realised, it was true. Smithy stood still for a moment, trying to take it all in and watched as his loved ones hugged each other. Noticing someone walking towards him smiling, Smithy took a few steps forward, smiled and shook Cameron's hand as his Aussie friend also smiled and announced
"We've been waiting for you"
"I hear babies cry and I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more
Than we'll know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world (w)oohoorld"
Smithy laughed and walked a few more steps towards George and Cree Young. George shook the young Sergeant's hand before giving him an emotional hug. Just behind George, Smithy spotted another familiar face; Eddy Roberts (George Young's brother/Kerry and Rebecca's Uncle/The Chief Superintendant of Scotland yard) who gave him a comforting hug. Next to approach Smithy was Yvonne who literally picked him up and hugged him. Standing next to Yvonne was Rebecca who introduced Smithy to her fiancé Ryan, who had heard a lot about Smithy so also gave him a hug. As Smithy looked around, he spotted the familiar smile that he had always loved and he couldn't help but beam as Kerry walked over to him, taking him by the hand and leading him to the front row of pews. As they walked, Smithy couldn't help but admire Kerry's beauty and he instantly fell in love with her all over again. Kerry took Smithy's hand in hers and the pair exchanged a loving look as their friends took their seats in the pews around them. Tony Stamp walked forward from the front and placed his hand onto Smithy's shoulder, smiled at his friend and nodded before walking off up the aisle of the church. Smithy smiled to himself as he wondered where he and his friends were all heading off to. As Tony opened the large double doors of the church, the familiar bright white light filled the room and everyone smiled as they not only knew they were about to move on to a better place but also knew that wherever they were going, they were going to be together, forever. The bright white light continued to fill the church and the room fell silent.
"Someday I'll wish upon a star,
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top that's where you'll find me
Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I?"
The End