Lucky

Sam stared at the case file Angie had given him earlier. The fact his friend and colleague was in hospital made his blood boil. He knew Matt was lucky to be alive. Reading the file and finally finding out how Ronnie had put his own life on the line to put Valentine behind bars.

"Utter scum." Sam muttered as Angie placed a mug of tea in front of him.

"Yeah. He was."

"Ronnie could have been killed. Anna was bullied into keeping quiet." Sam shook his head.

"I know it's wrong to speak ill of the dead but she knew exactly what she was doing. She knew who Mason was and she knew what she was doing was wrong." Angie sipped her tea as Sam leaned back in the chair.

"It's all black and white to you."

"Yes. Because I don't care what happened I would not do what she did." Angie stated firmly. "Never."

"I know." Sam smiled slightly as his friend held his gaze. "You're a good copper Ang."

"So was Anna. Until she was partnered with him." Angie sighed as Joe walked back into the MIU office. "Ok?" Angie turned to him.

"June is a bit shaken up. Said she was just chatting with the Guv. Nothing out of the ordinary." Joe sat down. "Did you know she's been a copper longer than Ronnie? Three years off retirement. Was at Sun Hill before being moved to us."

"Did she see anything?" Sam asked. Joe twirled his biro between his fingers. Frowning he nodded once.

"We went through the CCTV. Matt can be seen parking the car. Then this navy blue Subaru races into the car park like its arse is on fire. Two adult males visible. June identified the gunman as Luke Partridge. Reckons she nicked him about two years ago. Petty theft." Joe paused. "Can't really see the driver's face."

"Luke Partridge. Very festive." Angie booted the computer up. "NPS check - here we go."

"Go on." Joe listened intently.

"Aged 29. Son of Diane and Ian . Dad serving life for murder and Mum currently in a psychiatric hospital." Angie frowned. "Arrested aged 19 for assault, possession of firearms. Then again at 22. ABH and Drugs. Do you want to know who the arresting officer was?" Angie paused.

"Let me guess? DS Valentine."

"The one and only." She turned the computer towards the boys. Sam narrowed his eyes as Joe swore.

Xxxxxx

"Mrs Devlin?" The Nurse asked as Natalie nudged the young woman forward. Alesha nodded. Ronnie sat staring at the women, terrified of what the nurse was going to say. He wished Hannah was on duty but knew he had to listen to this stranger.

"Matt has been moved to recovery." The nurse smiled at the relief on their faces. "The doctor can explain everything but I am allowed to say all went well. He's waking up gently and is settled."

"He's alive?" Ronnie didn't believe it. The nurse nodded.

"Yes." She smiled. "He's a lucky boy."

"Ain't e just!" Ronnie smiled. Natalie sat back in the chair; glad that she still had her team. The nurse left them in the relatives room as Ronnie thanked her again. Sighing heavily he looked down at his shirt - still covered in his friend's blood. Alesha stepped out of the room, keen to find the doctor that would explain everything. It was then Ronnie realised he was shaking. Natalie blinked back a tear before pulling him into her arms.

Xxxxxx

A/N about 2 or 3 more chapters left. How's my writing? Please let me know.