Disclaimer: I own nothing.
I apologise for taking so long. My nan died and it was her funeral. Then I just needed some time away. Been a stressful few days. Hope you enjoy. Please review.
Just a companion piece for last Chapter. No drama.
Gail felt assaulted with pain as she woke the next morning. Her head, neck, chest and right leg throbbing with it. She hissed out a breath, she needed pain meds. ASAP. Movement beside her alerted her to Holly's presence.
"Gail you need to wake up and take your meds" she heard her beautiful lover state and blinked her eyes open. The room was still dark but a glance at the clock showed it was close to midday.
"Thank fuck. Gimme" she held out her hand and Holly tipped two tablets into her palm. She immediately swallowed them dry and grimaced when they scratched all the way down.
"Water?" Holly asked and Gail knew that meant sitting up or spilling it down her front
"Help me up" she croaked and winced as Holly slid an arm under her shoulders and helped her into a sitting position. Gail groaned as her head felt like it was about to burst, clutching it in both hands. "Oh my god this is 1000 times worse than any hangover"
"Here let me" Holly handed over a water bottle and shuffled to kneel behind Gail while she sipped slowly. Then using gentle fingers and mindful of stitches she gently massaged Gail's temples. Gail sighed in relief at having the massage, leaning back into Holly.
"Thank God we don't have to go into work today". She sighed and frowned when she felt Holly tense. "Hols?"
"I have been called in" Holly sighed and bit her lip when Gail tensed and pulled away from her "they need me Gail. Oliver actually called me and begged"
"I'll kill him" Gail growled and Holly had to stifle a chuckle
"It's serious Gail. The gang that hit you last night, well apparently they did several armed robberies last night. Before and after your crash. Just after they became more ruthless. They killed people love, innocent people"
"Jesus" Gail suddenly felt like an ass for complaining. These innocent people needed the best and the best was Holly "let me guess, I'm going to Hayley's"
"Well it was that or your mums. Figured you'd dig your heels in on that one" Holly teased and Gail grimaced remembering last night.
"Help me get dressed and get to the bathroom then" she ordered "I also want a burger or pizza or something equally unhealthy for lunch"
Holly sighed. She knew she would never be able to change Gail's eating habits. Lord knows she had tried cooking her healthy meals. Only to wake up in the middle of the night and find her eating a stash of cheese puffs or ice cream. Gail always complained healthy rabbit food left her hungry.
"Fine. We will find something on the way. I promised my Aunt we would stop and bring them some take out. She is complaining the cupboards over there are bare" Holly hurried around the bed as Gail swung her legs off the side. Holly found some clothes, loose fitting grey track pants, t shirt and blue hoodie and helped Gail dress.
"Does Oli have any clue as to which gang did this?" Gail asked
"No, there is talk it may be a US gang trying to set up and recruit here. A vehicle with Illinois plates was found abandoned near where the truck that hit you got stolen. He was working with guns and gangs to try to get information from our friends over the border" Gail whistled at this information. They had enough problems with their own gangs. If one from the US came in to start a turf war things were going to get nasty.
Holly gave Gail her crutches which she had to use and then hovered as Gail clumsily made her way to the bathroom. Gail drew the line at Holly coming in with her so Holly waited outside nervously until she heard the toilet flush then barged in. Gail rolled her eyes while still pulling up her pants.
"Seriously Hol?"
"What, I just want to help" Holly blushed as she turned on the tap to allow Gail to wash her hands. Finally she led Gail back to the stairs which she found easier going down with the assistance of the rail and a crutch. Plus she wasn't high. They were soon in Holly's car, after much swearing on Gail's part and banging of her leg. After a quick stop at the local cafe for coffee they were heading for Hayley's.
"I think there is an Italian take away near Hayley's that is open for lunch. They do wood fire pizzas there, a pile of seafood and pasta" Holly informed
"Oh God you're making my mouth water. Hell yes. Garlic Bread and some desert"
"Gail Peck you are a pig" Holly sighed
"Yes but you love me" Gail smirked before reminding "plus Hayley eats as much as me, if not more and so does your uncle"
"Point taken" Holly agreed as she spotted the sign for the Italian restaurant and pulled in. She left Gail in the car and told her to behave, to which Gail grinned, before heading into the restaurant. She ordered 2 garlic breads, 3 large pizzas Supreme, meat lovers and pepperoni, a large box of squid rings and chips, plus a carbonara and two Caesar salads. Oh and two apple pies for desert.
The waiter looked at her then Gail in the car parked right out front then back at her. Holly grinned
"Trust me she is a bottomless pit. Don't let her size fool you. I'm trying to feed two more like her and two moderate eaters like me"
The waiter laughed and disappeared into the kitchen where she could hear much laughter and lots of shouting in Italian. He came out again and started ringing up the bill
"So why you leave your friend in the car?" He asked.
"Besides being scared she would go into the kitchen and eat as you cook?" Holly snorted "she's incapacitated. Was in a crash last night"
"No! What happened? Badly hurt?" He asked looking shocked
"Bad enough to scare me stupid. Her and her partner got side swiped an rolled"
"Partner? Ah you mean boyfriend?" Holly laughed much to his surprise and she shook her head
"No, I'm that kind of partner" she held up her hand proudly to show her rock "I mean work partner. She's a cop"
The man who had been beaming at her hand suddenly froze looking horrified then turned towards the kitchen and started yelling in Italian. Holly could only watch on intrigued before a big Italian lady hurried out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a apron. She was obviously the matriarch of the family. She spoke hurriedly to the waiter who waved at Holly then out of the door.
Before Holly knew what hit her she was being ushered out the door by the matriarch and towards her car. The woman headed for Gail and had the door open before Holly could stop her. Gail had been dozing startled awake
"What the fuck!"
"Gail!" Holly admonished.
"You poor child. Getting injured while serving and protecting. Your girlfriend she take you home. We deliver ok, special treat. No charge. You tell family and friends about us" she took Gail's hand and patted it. Holly thought Gail did extra well by not snatching it back. Gail appeared to be in shock as the woman stepped back and shut the door then turned on Holly "the robberies last night, They made news, as did your partners crash. Some neighbours owned one of the 7/elevens hit. Good people." She paused for a quick breath "you Police too?"
"Um no" Holly blinked trying to keep up with the quick talking woman "Medical Examiner"
"Very important job" the woman nodded "Now you go home and we deliver. My nephew, good boy, wants to be fireman. What address?"
Holly gave Hayley's address and specified the floor. Told her it was her cousins and someone else may answer the door. The woman nodded and told her not to worry, she knew what building she spoke of and to go. They would bring food in half an hour. Then she ushered a surprised holly around the car and gave her a hug and assisted her into the car.
"When you solve this bring everyone here. We put on big celebration" she told them and Holly decided it was just easier not to argue right now.
"Thank you...I didn't catch your name?"
"Maria"
Gail snorted "of course it is" she murmured but the woman was very sharp
"This one gives you trouble I predict" Maria laughed "such a smart mouth" Holly had to bite back a smile while Gail actually blushed "go now, we see you soon" and she shut the door of the car and raced back inside. They could hear her yelling instructions.
"What just happened?" Gail asked
"I think we just got hit by a tornado" Holly muttered still slightly in shock as she started the car and headed for Hayley's.
"Italians" Gail muttered and Holly shook her head trying not to laugh.
Andy woke to a gentle hand On her Good shoulder and startled. Pain speared through her injured shoulder and she sucked in a sharp breath.
"I'm sorry to startle you" Beth Stewart, Hayley's mum whispered, shooting a look at her daughter who still slept soundly.
"It's ok" Andy breathed as the throbbing in her shoulder eased to manageable levels.
"Good thing I brought these" Beth offered the two pills to Andy who took them gratefully and then the glass of water for Andy to drink from. "Holly is bringing Gail over when she wakes. Something about a gang doing a spree and leaving bodies behind. Same gang that rammed you. She got called in"
"Damn" Andy muttered and looked at Hayley "you better help me up. Every time I woke up during the night she was already awake. I don't think she had been asleep. Crazy woman"
"I'm not surprised. You should have seen her when Steve called. Jacob had to hold her up" Beth whispered helping Andy to her feet. Andy froze to the spot as she stared at Beth incredulous before turning to look at Hayley. Oh love.
"Oh damn, poor love. Steve can be blunt. It's the Peck thing." She sighed "can you get me some clothes? Baggy tracks and maybe one of Hayley's zip ups I can put around my shoulders. Nature calls" she winced much to Beth's amusement and headed off to the bathroom. Going to the bathroom wasn't easy with one hand or a sore back. Plus why did you always bump your injuries?
Long minutes later she finally made it back to the bedroom where Beth helped her dress carefully then leaving Hayley to sleep until the others got there headed downstairs.
"Holly is on the way" Dave informed them as he held up the cell phone he was just talking into "she has promised Gail junk food to keep her happy"
"Which means burgers or pizza" April Hayley's sister groaned as she came over to give Andy a gentle hug "glad to see you looking better, if not a touch bluer than last night" she referenced all the bruises.
"Thanks" Andy gave April a small smile. She liked the younger woman. She was totally different to Hayley and very feminine. She was in her first year of uni studying design and architecture.
"Hey mum, thought I'd pop in and see Andy. Bonus I get to stay for lunch. Hopefully Holly squeezes in something healthy. I'm starving." April gave her mother a hug and Andy snorted. That meant for April she would eat a small salad and be full.
Andy moved to the couch and settled into it gratefully, her whole body aching and her muscles fatigued. She was bone tired. Hopefully Gail didn't want to be entertained today. She doubted it if Gail felt half as bad as she did. She must have dozed a bit as she jerked awake and cried out clutching her shoulder when the doorbell rang. Beth rushed to her while April hurried to the door while looking on concerned.
Through the ringing in her ears she faintly heard a voice telling her to breath deeply. She was trying but it felt easier to take smaller shallower breaths.
Gail and Holly stepped in and saw Andy having some sort of attack on the couch while Beth helped her and looked around for Hayley who was nowhere to be found. Holly rolled her eyes. Time to do a Gail.
"Hayley!" She yelled and there was a loud thud upstairs as everyone but Andy who was still struggling to breath looked at her in shock. Gail gave her a wink as she slowly headed towards Andy. When there was no further noise Holly called again. "Hayley, front and centre. Andy needs you" then ignoring several thumps coming from upstairs she calmly hung her coat and handbag on the coat rack and headed over to help her aunt.
It sounded like a herd of elephants were suddenly racing down the stairs
"Andy?" Hayley called as she tore into the main room in only her singlet and boxers still. Seeing everyone around Hayley she dashed over, shoving everyone out of the way as she knelt at the brunettes feet. "Baby it's ok. Deep breaths ok. Just like last night"
"L..last night?" Andy asked confused as she tried to make a conscious effort to breath deeply.
"So high you can't remember. You woke up in pain when you tried to roll onto your shoulder" Hayley advised and took Andy's good hand in one hand while gently cupping the back of Andy's head with the other and pressing their foreheads together. "With me ok, in" she took a deep breath with Andy "and out" they exhaled together. They completed the cycle several more times before Andy was able to manage the pain better and had her breathing under control. "Way to go champ" Hayley pressed a kiss to Andy's slightly sweaty brow then pulled back. "Ok now?"
"Yes, thanks love" Andy sighed and gently leant back into the couch. Everyone else relaxed then finally turned to the newcomers to give them hugs, Gail grumbled and took herself off to the couch opposite Andy.
"Hey where's lunch?" April complained. Gail barked out a laugh while Holly rolled her eyes and explained the situation which brought about much laughter.
"Guess we better organise the table then" Beth stated and headed for the dining area, April and Holly hot on her heels. Gail looked over at Andy who was relaxing the best she could on the couch and Hayley who was still sitting there in her boxers. She tilted her head to one side and took the couple in, smirking when she realised what was different. Their dynamic had shifted, Andy had finally pulled her head out. About bloody time.
"Hey Romeo. Might want to put some clothes on" she called out to Hayley who looked down at herself and suddenly remembered she was only in her pjs. Flushing but trying to act cool she leant in and kissed Andy on her brow before standing. Gail gave her a very thorough once over when she stood, she sure was built, her eyes paused on her boxers and the large bulge there, oh right packer. She remembered Holly using their toy on her and flushed, tearing her eyes away.
"Like what you see Peck" Hayley laughed and Gail flushed further to the amusement of Andy who watched on quietly.
Hayley kept chuckling as she walked off to go get changed. Gail turned her attention to Andy who was watching Hayley disappear with a slightly predatory gleam to her eyes. Andy realised she was being watched and turned back to Gail
"What?"
"Nothing. Just happy for you" Gail smiled and Andy fought off a blush. Gail decided to tease Andy a bit further "you looking a bit cleaner than last night. Must have been a bastard trying to shower on your own"
"Shut it Gail" she growled and Gail laughed
"Seriously, I'm glad you are ok"
"Yeah. You too" Andy muttered awkwardly. Still embarrassed. "Crazy about the gang stuff"
"We were lucky last night" Gail said solemnly "if we had gotten to the 7/eleven before they left they probably would have shot at us. Plus they could have rammed us flush on your door, not to mention that pole." They both shivered at the idea.
"I have so had enough of shootings." Andy growled "I hope they catch the bastards"
"Holly spoke to Oli. Think it might be US gang trying to muscle in. Found a car with Illinois place near where the truck that hit us was stolen"
"Jesus. What was last night. Some sort of Initiation?" Andy rolled her eyes. She never understood gangs. She wished any type of gang membership was illegal. Be it street gangs or motorcycle. You were in a gang you got hauled in. Make their jobs easier and safer. Dream on McNally she told herself.
"Who knows, but they only started killing after they crashed into us" Gail muttered, not happy with that piece of Information, like their aborted getaway only infuriated them.
"Shit" Andy growled and Gail nodded just as Hayley made her way back downstairs dressed in jeans and pull over as the doorbell chimed
"Food. Thank God" Gail grumbled and Hayley beamed
"Can't be too bad off if you still hungry" she teased the older blonde who flipped her off as she opened the door. Instead of food there stood Cameron and Laura. They ignored Gail's wail that she wanted food not in laws and hurried over to see her.
"Hey Pixie, feeling ok?"
"I'm so growing my hair long again" Gail complained
"Then I will just call you elf" Cameron teased and gave her a gentle hug. Gail grumbled but she didn't mind the teasing, for her it's what a real dad should be like and she was glad to be getting him as a father in law. Not that she would ever admit it. He let her go and headed over to Andy while Laura stepped up giving her a hug and a kiss which she readily accepted with a shy smile.
"Good to have you safe Gail" Laura sat down beside her "it's all over the morning news"
"Yeah, so I've discovered" Gail grumbled and before Laura could say anything the doorbell chimed "oh my God that had better be lunch this time" Gail cried and Hayley who was still standing returned to the door to see two strangers there laden with food.
"Ah I'm looking for Holly?" One guy said and Hayley stepped back ushering them inside. Holly stepped forward
"I'm Holly" she stated "please put everything on the table"
"Mama said To say she hopes you all enjoy and she hopes to see everyone again soon" he smiled as he and his sidekick placed the two large boxes they carried on the table and started to unload them with a range of food. More than Holly ordered that was for sure
"Wait I didn't order all this" she protested. This was way too much. Hundreds of dollars worth of food. The men simply beamed.
"Mama said no complaining. We take care of all emergency workers, colleagues and their families. You want to pay us, you frequent us often. Oh and Gail?" He asked looking around at all the stunned people and for some stupid reason Gail put her hand up like she was in school "Yes if you or your colleagues need feeding during shift you call us. We deliver. What precinct?"
"Um 15" Gail said stunned
"Oh yes I know. Cousin Marco has a coffee shop near there. No problemo, I will speak to him too" he nodded then picking up the boxes he cried "Enjoy. Ciao" and before they knew it him and his offsider were gone.
"See what I mean" Holly stated as everyone stared at the now closed front door "they're just a whirlwind"
"Well how about we dig in and see what we got" Beth stated and led the charge over to the table. Gail was able to haul herself to her feet with minimum pain but Andy had to be assisted by Hayley and Dave to her feet. They then shuffled over to the table for everyone to sit.
In the end they ended up with 2 loaves of garlic bread, several pieces of bruschetta, 5 pizzas the 3 they ordered plus cheese plus vegetarian (April was happy to see that), they had calamari, garlic prawns, chips, lasagne, fettuccine Alfredo, carbonara, deep fried fish and shrimp and several different salads. There were several apple pies and even a large chocolate cake.
"Jesus, even with all the pigs we have enough to do us two meals" April grinned "looks like my plans for the day just changed"
"I'm just thinking how much out of pocket they will be. We so need to go there for years to come" Dave, Hayley's dad stated. "The pizzas will save for dinner. Gail we will leave the meat lovers for you, no tomato sauce. How about we eat the seafood and what we can of the pasta?"
Everyone agreed and soon they were stuffing themselves stupid. No one was talking which went to show how good it was. There was still plenty of food to be eaten when Gail, Hayley and Cameron slumped declaring they could eat no more.
"You might be but some of us want pie" Holly told them then laughed when everyone teased her about leaving Gail alone while injured. Shaking her head she went over to Gail and gave her a kiss "that is so my cue to go to work, pie be damned. Behave and do as you are told. Get a nap in"
"Yes love" Gail grinned which earns another kiss before Holly headed for the door, pulling on her coat "I'll call and let you know how I'm going later"
"Not going anywhere" Gail called back and Holly gave her lopsided smirk before heading out the door with a hurried bye.
"Blast the woman, she always was handy with an excuse to get out of the dishes" Laura sighed as she started gathering plates and April and Beth started to clean up the food. Dave and Cameron helped the girls back to their respective couches while Hayley did a rubbish bin run.
Soon they were all settled into the couches, Hayley had dimmed the lights and they were having a batman movie marathon. Gail fell asleep with her feet in Aprils lap half way through the first movie. Hayley made it until the end of movie one before she passed out next to Andy holding her hand. Andy started to droop half way through the second. At the end of the second movie Beth gently woke Andy and Hayley and sent them upstairs. With Laura's help April managed to crawl out from under Gail's legs without waking her.
The women then decided it was time to go through the fridge and pantry, noting what was needed and the brands Andy bought since Beth knew her daughter didn't cook. Once they had a comprehensive list they left to go shopping leaving the men in charge of the injured and Hayley.
Once the women had left Cameron and Dave left a note on the coffee table that simply read UPSTAIRS and confiscating all phones so it wouldn't wake her headed for the roof, leaving a second note for Hayley and Andy at the entrance of their bedroom. Heading upstairs they braced themselves for the cold but found it not too bad with the glass petition doors closed. Hurriedly they turned on all the heaters to high to warm the room, 3 heaters in all, they should be very toasty soon. They then raided Hayley's fridge of beer and sat back to watch some TV, happy enough to watch some EPL.
Gail woke when three laughing women entered the apartment carrying several bags of shopping each. She hissed when she wrenched her neck and gingerly sat up reaching for her crutches and spotted the note left on the coffee table.
"Good sleep?" Beth asked and received the typical Gail ice glare in return as she shuffled over to where Holly had left her meds. Popping two she took them with the water Laura provided
"You seen the men?"
"Upstairs" she grumbled and awkwardly made her way towards the bathroom.
"She always wakes this grumpy? Poor Holly" Beth teased and Gail paused
"I'm sure you don't want to hear the way Holly wakes me to put a smile on my dial" she shot right back before continuing on leaving them staring open mouthed after her.
"Well I guess we deserved that" April chuckled as she continued to unpack the bags. "Come on let's unpack this stuff and head upstairs. Grumpy can make her own way up, will serve her right"
"I heard that" Gail called and everyone laughed. They managed to get everything away where they believed it belonged and with much teasing and laughter got Gail up to the nice warm roof. No surprise the men were drinking and watching soccer.
Gail was dying for a beer but no one would let her on her meds. She took a seat and her phone from Dave who said Holly had been messaging and they had let her know she was asleep. Taking her phone she checked the messages which were simple and after the first couple seemed to be directed at her father and uncle to see how she was doing.
She typed a quick message
'Hey nerd, I'm awake from my nap, just took my pills. How long you gonna be?'
She barely had time to thank April for the coke zero before her phone buzzed with a reply.
'Hey, should be finished here about 7.30 with all the important stuff. Save dinner until 8 and I will be there'
She told the others who agreed readily but stated only if they could have some of the chocolate cake.
'Done deal nerd. I will try save you a piece of cake they're using as a bargaining chip. Get back to work. Love u xx'
She smiled when Holly immediately text back
'You better. Love you too xox'
They settled in for the afternoon, only heading downstairs again when Andy and Hayley made an appearance at 7. They turned on the news as they settled on the couches again. The robberies and shootings last night made the headlines, along with the fact two officers were rammed while 'chasing' the robbers and crashed. Both officers had head, spinal and limb injuries. No pictures of them thank god. Also reported the Police and Medical Examiners office were working with their US counterparts on possible leads.
"Useless bastards, never can get it right" Gail muttered
"Yeah and they just told every gang member watching that US gangs might be involved" Andy sighed "gonna start turf wars"
"Are gang members smart enough to watch the news?" Hayley deadpanned which earned a few nervous chuckles. Everyone in the family was glad Gail and Andy were off the streets for a while. If there were going to be gang wars it might get deadly. Not just for the gangs.
The news moved onto other subjects, some wild weather moving down from the north, sports and a repeat on the weather. Holly text that she was leaving work and would be there soon. Pizzas were placed in the oven to reheat, left overs were taken out of the fridge to reheat. Drinks were organised and the table was set. 8 came and went and everyone seemed to be clock watching. At 8:15 well passed the time Holly should have been there Gail sent her a text.
'Hey lunchbox where are you?'
Everyone waited nervously until Gail's phone beeped
'Sorry got held up. Be there in 10'
Gail passed on the message and everyone helped move her and Andy to the dining table. When the doorbell finally rang Hayley hurried over to open it expecting Holly. What she found was Holly, Steve, Traci, Leo, Nick and Mel, Dov and Chloe and Chris.
"Hi, sorry I got held up I kinda ran Into friends then we had to make a detour for more food" she grimaced as they walked in, Chris and Dov carrying more boxes of pizza. Holly met Gail's eyes and offered a silent apology. For the lateness, for not telling her about the others. Gail just shrugged. Even though Hayley's large table could sit twelve comfortably, maybe 14 at a squash there were still too many People to fit. In the end the 'guys' got the couches and the TV while the girls got to eat at the table.
Gail had greeted her friends, trying not to overly cringe at all the mushiness, letting them hug her and telling them she was sore but alive before they moved on to Andy. Soon Gail's plate was filled with Meat lovers pizza, some pasta and a tiny amount of salad to keep Holly quiet. She felt starved after having to wait so long to eat.
Happy banter filled the room and Andy and Hayley were roundly teased about having such a place and not inviting them around before.
"Oh let them go. We are lucky they even graced us with their presence occasionally. They are in the honeymoon faze, too busy rooting like rabbits" Steve grinned before Traci hastily slapped a hand over his mouth and warned him parents and children were in the room. Steve didnt look repentant.
"Too bad Traci is holding out on you bud, jealousy is a bitch" Hayley returned smugly. Everyone laughed. The banter continued and Gail sat back relaxed, just enjoying the evening with her friends relaxing. Holly was by her side holding her hand and adding to the banter as were her parents and family.
Slowly though the banter turned to what happened last night. Have a bunch of cops in the room and they will soon talk shop.
"We're pretty sure someone from the US is involved. Whether its a gang or not we don't know. Could be someone up here visiting relis on a crime spree. Gang makes the most sense though. Everyone is on high alert for tonight including customs on both sides of the border." Steve informed them "the car from Illinois we found turned up stolen too. So no leads. There has been a string of cars reported stolen overnight but no more than usual really so no leads there. We are printing all the cars, sifting through all the forensic evidence we find, going through CCTV and trying to share info with other divisions."
"They will form a task force tomorrow if more places are hit tonight. Detectives from all districts. Last thing we want is a cock fight as to who can solve this case. Need to work together" Traci informed.
"Well I hope the bastards refuse to come in quietly so we have a legitimate excuse to take them out of the gene pool" Gail snarked then grimaced as she shifted to get more careful.
"I don't. I pulled semi automatic bullets out of two bodies tonight" Holly informed them and everyone went quiet "I don't want to have to do that to any of my friends." Gail was suitably chastised without even meaning to. Their Glocks Were no match for semi automatics. She squeezed Holly's hand tight, an apology for her comment and in Sympathy for what she had to do.
"All were killed by automatic fire?" Steve asked
"All but one. Shotgun blast killed him"
"Shotgun?" Traci suddenly sat up and took notice "One of the shop owners in another precinct was found with a shotgun by his side. One spent cartridge."
"Yes shotgun, close range to his chest. He had been dragged outside, was on the front verge" Holly informed
"He may be one of our suspects" Steve was stunned
"Oh dear, I thought they were all victims, I was told they were all victims." Holly was a bit upset with herself. "I just told my team to hand all the evidence to ballistics and left after I completed my two autopsies"
"I need to call Sam, he's still working the case. He can contact the other division." Traci grimaced at the mention of the man. Everyone understood. He was an ass but a good detective and surprisingly enough had stayed away from Andy, even at work. Hayley wasn't prepared to relax though. He was a sleeping dragon.
Traci got up to make the call away from everyone as they continued to discuss the case and Steve questioned Holly. Holly told him everything she knew and told him he would have a comprehensive report on his desk by lunch the next day. Traci came back and informed that Sam was going to focus on the male shot by the shotgun, see if they could get an ID.
The mood after that conversation was sober. Efforts were made to turn the TV onto a comedy channel but their laughter seemed forced. Hayley did some channel surfing but no one could agree on what to watch. This seemed to be people's cues to leave with excuses of early shift. Goodbyes were said and people started to trickle out, including Holly's parent and April.
Gail looked expectantly at Holly who shook her head and explained
"Gail I'm going to be working about 14 hour days for a while. I was behind even before this spree and if it keeps going good lord we will be calling in a lot of favours"
"We're staying here aren't we?" Gail smirked and Holly nodded "one of the reasons you were late?"
"I had begged the boss to cut me loose early and promised to make it up. I then headed for the apartment to pack us bags. I was just leaving when I ran into everyone coming to visit and brought them here" Holly shrugged "I couldn't exactly say no"
"Well at least they brought more food" Gail quipped and Holly rolled her eyes "So Beth gets to play nursemaid"
"Only until Monday, then it's back to work for some. Hayley will be in charge" Beth advised
"I actually have classes I can't miss that day" Hayley grimaced looking apologetically at Andy who smiled reassuringly
"It's ok. We're big kids, sure we can look after ourselves for a few hours"
"Just make sure there is plenty of reheat-able left overs in the fridge and we will be set. Sure we will just be sleeping and eating still. These pain pills kinda knock you around." Gail muttered around a yawn "speaking of which" she looked at Holly "take me to bed woman". Holly winked at her, sounded good to her. She was tired.
"Start shuffling, I'll head down and get our bags" Holly stood and started to head for the door.
"I'll come with you, need to stretch my legs" Dave offered standing as well and earning a smile from his niece. They linked arms and headed out of the apartment.
"Well I better do as the boss says" Gail paused and glared at the others "if you tell her I called her that I promise they will never find your bodies" she told them much to their amusement as they watched her struggle to get up, knowing she wouldn't want help unless asked. Finally she got to her feet and using her crutches headed towards the second spare room "stop watching me, I'm not an amusement in a zoo" she growled.
Blushing at being caught they looked away and Hayley got a smirking Andy to her feet gently. Nothing could hold the real Gail down too long. Back to her snarky best. She turned to Hayley and said "I just want a shower and bed". She tried not to laugh as Hayley blushed and said goodnight to her mother. Andy paused to give Beth a gentle hug and thank her for her help before slowly making her way after Hayley who had organised some water and her pills for the night.
Once upstairs she headed straight for the bathroom and went about her toilet before tag teaming with Hayley. She managed to get her bottoms pushed down and her jumper off before Hayley came up behind her and helped her with her sling and shirt. She gritted her teeth against the pain and once done held her left arm carefully with her right while waiting for Hayley to strip and to step into the shower.
She sighed in relief when the hot water hit her and Hayley gently started to wash her down. The difference to last night was that she wasn't so high and every gentle caress sent electricity through her nerve endings and straight to her clit. Ok, this was torture because really she was just too sore to do anything. Why couldn't she have come to her senses sooner, not like everyone hadn't hinted at it. She shivered as she felt Hayley press her front against her back and long arms wrapped gently around her.
"You ok?" Hayley asked and she could only nod. A gasp escaped her when a kiss was pressed against the skin behind her ear. "You mind if we cuddle a bit?" Hayley asked next and Andy shook her head, turning slowly until she could press their fronts together. Hayley held her with her left arm gently but firmly while with her right hand she drew lazy patterns across Andy's left hip.
Andy bit her lip to prevent a groan, Hayley was trying to kill her for sure. Tilting her head back she looked up at Hayley to see her struggling with her own desire. Fuck being injured and needing to talk, after all these months Putting up with her Hayley needed some reward. Curving her good hand behind Hayley's neck she gently pulled her forward, smiling at the wide eyed realisation that crossed Hayley's face seconds before lips met.
Hayley groaned, a long agonising groan as her greatest wish finally came through. Agonising because she knew Andy was far too sore to deal with anything more at the moment. God Andy tasted better than she had dreamed, better than she could have possibly imagined. It was just a short kiss, a small peck really but it literally blew her out of the water as her body responded in ways that usually took long minutes of foreplay to create.
Andy could only stare up at Hayley as she pulled back from the most earth shattering kiss of her life, and it had only been a small peck. She could see by the shock on Hayley's face it was the same for her. She pulled Hayley forward again planting a series of quick deliberate kisses on wonderfully soft lips. She certainly liked that difference. No scratch of day old stubble either. She was so lost in the kisses, caught up in how incredible Hayley's lips tasted, looked, felt that she didn't realise she was shaking until pressure on her shoulder made her pull away with a small wince and she looked up at her...friend...girlfriend...soon to be lover. Only then did she notice the wild look on her face she was trying to hold in check and the tenseness of her muscles as she struggled for control. Oops
"Sorry love, bad timing on my part." She apologised to Hayley then grimaced again and grabbed her shoulder which was protesting being out of the sling. Concern over rode desire in Hayley to the point where she hastily turned off the taps and reached for a towel. Drying both of them as quickly as she could she then organised the sling to ease the stress on the shoulder. Not caring about night clothes she Picked Andy up and carried her to their bed, placing her under the covers and sliding in beside her.
"You forgot our pjs" Andy sighed as she felt Hayley press her naked body against her own. Hayley just smirked and pressed her lips against Andy's forehead.
""Go to sleep"
"Fine but I will blame you if your mother gets an eyeful when she checks on us" Andy grumbled and Hayley just chuckled, rolling onto her side to cuddle into Andy's good side and gently rubbing her stomach and side to calm her. Andy sighed deeply, maybe after that phenomenal kiss it should have been arousing but she just found it soothing. Soon she found her eyes getting heavy and drifting off to sleep.
Hayley watched her lovingly until her breathing evened out and she knew she was asleep. Then she leant in and kissed her forehead again, breathing in deeply and taking in the special scent that was just Andy. She loved it. Just as much as she loved Andy herself.
"I love you" she murmured and snuggling closer to the brunette closed her eyes and let herself drift into sleep.
Wanted to end on that gentle note, I promise some sex rated Golly in next chapter. When I was on holidays at the Gold Coast I went to a wonderful Italian restaurant near my hotel every other night. The owners were friendly, wonderful and weren't shy about being loud and boisterous. They made me feel a part of the family.