��Sgt Ackland, there�s a young man in reception wanting to see you.��
��Marilyn, can�t you get some one else to deal with it, I am very busy at the moment?��
��Sarge he insisted on seeing you, he said that it was important.��
��Ok, I�ll come straight down, what did he say his name was?��
��Gabriel something. I�m sorry I didn��t quite catch his surname, he seemed kind of nervous.��
��Ok thanks.�� June put the phone down. Could it be her son, she thought to herself? After all Gabriel is not the most common of names? With that thought she felt her stomach churn, and her head began to spin. Surely not? David had made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with her, after his desire to find her had led to his adoptive parent��s fatal car crash. Besides, he was meant to be in America, wasn�t he? June couldn�t bare the suspense any longer, she leapt off her seat, and quickly made her way towards the reception area; practically knocking down Gary in the process.
June reached the entrance to the reception area, and then stopped to compose herself. She peered through the glass window, and spotted a dark haired man sitting down, staring at the floor. She knew it was him instantly, and her heart started to race. She took a deep breath, and pressed the buzzer that opened the door, her hand shaking as she did so. As the door opened, Gabriel��s head shot up towards it. His dark brown eyes met June��s. For a second, neither of them knew what to say. Then June casually asked, ��Mr Kent? What can I do for you?��
��Erm, I think you know what this is about. Please can I have a private chat with you?��
��Yes, of course,�� June replied, her eyes shifted away from him, as fear shot through her veins. ��Marilyn, is the front interview room free?��
��Yes Sarge�� Marilyn replied, her face unable to hide her intrigue.
��I�ll get straight to the point. That day when you came to see the house, why did you come? I mean it wasn�t to buy a house was it?�� Gabriel asked, the fear in his voice evident.
��No, I er��.��
��You�re my Mother, aren�t you?�� Gabriel interrupted, unable to hold it in any longer.
��Yes!�� June replied, unable to look at him.
��So why didn�t you tell me?��
��I didn�t want to upset you, I just needed to know that you were ok.��
��Do you know how many years I have wondered about you? Wanted to know what you��re like, and whether or not you ever thought about me?��
��Gabriel please believe me that not a single day has past since you were born, that I have not thought about you. When I gave you away, I lost a part of me, something that I have never been able to replace. Look we need to talk about this properly, I think I owe you that much. How long are you in the country for?��
��Just till tomorrow I�m afraid. I am running a training course at our London office. To be honest I jumped at the chance when it came up. My wife wasn�t too pleased at first, but she understands that this was something that I have to do. Ever since David confirmed my suspicion that it was you that day, I have been so desperate to meet you.��
��Did he tell you how I met him?��
��No to be honest he was a bit cagey about it, but then he�s always been like that.��
��Look I�m meant to be working, what are you doing tonight?�� Gabriel didn�t answer. ��That�s if you want to of course. I mean you probably want nothing more to do with me, I wouldn�t blame you.��
��Of course I do! I want to get to know you, to know where I come from. Look I am staying up the West End, at The Grosvenor House Hotel. We could meet there for dinner if you would like? What time do you finish here?��
��Oh that would be wonderful, I finish at six. Is eight o�clock ok for you?��
��Yes, that would be great. I�ll see you later, bye.�� Gabriel walked towards the door to leave.
��Gabriel thanks for coming. You have no idea how much this means to me.�� They both exchanged a smile before he left.
June was sat at her desk working in the sergeant�s office, trying to keep her mind off her dinner with Gabriel that night. There was a knock on her door, and Jim entered.
��Hi Jim! What can I do for you?��
��Well I was just wondering if you fancied going out for a meal tonight. You�ve been so down lately, I thought that I could perhaps cheer you up a bit.��
��Oh Jim that�s a lovely thought, but I�m afraid I�m busy tonight. I am having dinner with someone.�� The smile on Jim�s face fell.
��Oh, I see. Oh well, I hope that it goes well. I was just kind of hoping that perhaps, maybe you and me still had a chance. I know that I screwed things up badly, and that I don�t deserve you, but����
��Oh Jim, it�s not a date! To be honest I have thought about the possibility of you and me getting back together, but I have been through a lot lately. Just give me time, yeah?��
��I�ll wait as long as you wish.�� Jim smiled. ��So are you going anywhere nice?��
��I�m meeting my son, we�re having dinner up The West End.��
��So you�ve made up with Gabriel then, I am pleased!��
��Well yes and no. Look Jim, if I tell you something, do you promise not to tell a sole?��
��Of course.��
��Well the ��Gabriel�� you know, is not who he says he is.��
��What do you mean?�� Jim looked puzzled.
��Well it�s a bit complicated. He was pretending to be my son, but he is really his adoptive brother, David.��
��You what! How long have you known? Why have you never said anything, or grassed him up to the Super?�� Jim questioned.
�� Because he was the only link I had to my son, I had to find him. I need to have all those questions I have in my head answered.��
��And now that you have found your son, surely you are going to get him out of your life for good?��
��Yes perhaps, although I dread to think what he would do if I did. He thinks that I ruined his life, because his parents adopted Robert, er I mean Gabriel. I don��t think that he�s right in the head.��
��I think that�s an understatement. Look June, I don�t mean to press you, but if you don�t sort him out, then I will!��
��Jim tonight is my first proper meeting with my Son. I promise that once that is out of the way, I�ll get it sorted.��
��OK. So how are you feeling about tonight?��
��I�m as nervous as hell! I don��t know how I�ll manage to eat any thing! I just have so many questions I have to ask. I want to know all about him, and his family. Do you know that he has three kids?��
��Really! That would make you a Granny then! And to think, I asked a Grandmother out on a date!��
��Oi! Less of your cheek Constable! Haven�t you got any work to be getting on with?��
��I was just going! Good luck for tonight, I hope that everything works out for you!��
��Thanks Jim, your support means a lot to me.��
��No problem, do you fancy having lunch together tomorrow? You can tell me how it went.��
��Yes that would be nice.��
��So do you enjoy being a police officer?�� Gabriel asked.
��Yes I do. Well not always, it has its ups and downs. Some days it�s awful, when you get abuse from the public, or when you have to deal with a distressed victim. But it�s rewarding when you help put away a nasty criminal, so that they cannot inflict suffering on any one else.��
��Did you join up because of what happened to you?�� June�s face fell. ��Oh sorry, I didn�t mean to bring it up.��
��How did you know? Did David tell you?��
��Yes he did, in fact he enjoyed telling me. He has always resented me.��
��Oh Gabriel, that is the one thing I never wanted you to know. I�d much rather you think that I was some kind of tart, then knowing that.��
��Well it wasn�t a nice thing to find out, but to be honest my first thoughts were for you. You had been through all that when you were still only a child, yet you still came to find me. It made me realise how special you are, I just knew that I had to find you. David wouldn�t tell me where you were, but he mentioned that he worked with you, so I followed him.��
��Gabriel do you know that he is pretending to be you?��
��Well I did wonder how he got into the Police Force, with such a poor record in the Navy. Why haven�t you turned him in?��
��Because I needed to know how you and your family were getting on in America.�� Gabriel smiled. Just then a waitress approached their table. ��Are you ready to order yet?��
��Oh can you give us a minute, we haven�t quite decided yet,�� Gabriel replied. The waitress nodded, and left. ��I�d forgotten about dinner, we were so deep in conversation. I guess we have so much to catch up on.��
��I�d like that Gabriel. Still this is a restaurant, I guess we had better order something.��
June and Gabriel were outside the hotel, waiting for June�s cab. ��I wish you didn�t have to go back to America tomorrow.��
��So do I, but its Abigail�s birthday next Tuesday. I don�t think that she would forgive me if I missed that.��
��Of course.��
��But I promise you that I will come back to visit soon, and next time I will bring the kids. Sarah is desperate to see her mum again anyway��
��I would like that. Will you ring me to let me know that you got back safely?��
��Of course I will. Will you promise me that you will think about giving Jim another chance? He sounds like a lovely man, and you so deserve a bit of happiness.��
��I will. Oh look my taxi�s here. Thanks for a lovely evening, I just wish that it never had to end.��
��So do I. Look, I promise that there will be plenty more evenings like this. You take care of yourself Mum.��
As Gabriel said that to her, her eyes filled up with tears. She had waited so long for someone to call her that. He leaned over to hug her, and they held each other for a few seconds. June then reluctantly pulled herself away, and opened the taxi door.
��Goodbye Gabriel, I hope to see you soon.�� Gabriel closed the door, and waved her off, as the taxi pulled off into the night.
Three weeks later, Jim and June decided to have dinner at an Italian Restaurant on Canley High Street. They had grown close again, and had had several meals out together as friends. June was nervous as she entered the Restaurant; she had decided that she was ready to start seeing Jim again properly. And although she knew that it was what he wanted, she couldn�t help but feel anxious as she spotted him sitting at a table in the corner of the room. She walked over to where he was. ��I�m so sorry that I�m late.��
��That��s alright. Can I just say that you look absolutely gorgeous tonight? That blue dress has always suited you, it shows off your marvellous figure.�� June blushed.
��And you know that I could never resist you when you�re wearing a suit!��
��You�ll have to keep yourself restrained for now. Perhaps I should have brought my handcuffs!�� They both laughed, as June sat down opposite Jim.
��So what do you fancy?�� Jim asked as he passed a menu to June.
��You!�� June replied, and then looked away, surprised by her outburst.
She had planned on sounding out the possibility of them getting back together, but now she had started, she realised that she had to continue.
��I mean we have seen a lot of each other these past few weeks, and I don��t know if it�s just me but I have felt us getting closer again. Jim I have never stopped loving you, I need you, please tell me that you fell the same?�� June held her breath, and for a moment there was an awkward silence. But just as June was about to lose hope, Jim replied.
��Oh June I have been so stupid! I though that I was doing you a favour by setting you free, but I can see now that I was wrong. Both of us have so been miserable since we split. When you were crying in your office that day over your son, all I wanted to do was sweep you into my arms, and hold you until the pain subsided. I love you more than life itself, but as I had let you down so badly, I knew that any chance we had must come from you.��
Jim then grabbed June��s hand, and looked lovingly into her eyes. He continued,
��June if you�ll have me, then I promise that I will never let you down again. Please tell be that you�ll have me, warts and all?�� A huge grin spread across June�s face.
��Yes of course I will, and this time I promise to be a lot more honest with you about my feelings. If this is going to work, then we need to be honest, and open with each other.��
��Agreed! Now let��s order, I�m starving!��
��I�m glad to see nothing has changed there then!��
That night June invited Jim back to hers for coffee. Although he had been back here a couple of times since he moved out, he felt slightly strange sitting on her sofa. Like a nervous teenager, not quite knowing what to say or do. June entered the room, carrying a tray containing two coffees and a plate of plain biscuits.
��Sorry, if I had known that you were coming I would have stocked up on some chocolate ones.��
��I�m actually on a diet; well I�m trying anyway! It�s your fault, you keep dragging me to all these fancy restaurants!��
��Yes but you didn�t need to have two helpings of ice-cream!��
��I know! Come here, I think that we need to work off some of those calories we�ve consumed tonight!��
They both laughed, and Jim grabbed hold of June, kissing her gently on the lips. She responded, and as they refamiliarised themselves with each other, the kiss grew in intensity. Jim then reached out and placed his hand under June�s dress, pulling at her silky bra. This made June jump, and she pulled away in panic.
��Oh Jim I�m so sorry, but I can�t do this now, I�m not ready.��
Jim backed off, and replied, ��it�s ok, I�m sorry I shouldn�t have pushed things.��
��No I�m sorry, I just well, look Jim there is something I need to tell you. I had a relationship with David, before I knew who he was. That�s why I freaked out when you told me that he was my son. It seems that this was all part of his sick plan to get his revenge. When I confronted him he confirmed that he was my son. It made me feel like I had been raped again. I�m afraid that it brought back some very painful memories, and I don�t think that I could, you know, at the moment.�� Jim�s eyes filled with rage.
��I�m going to kill him, why on earth are you still lying for him?��
��Because I am scared of what he might do, to both of us. He is unstable, and he keeps telling me that he loves me!��
��Then that is all the more reason to get him out of your life for good. Look if you want I will come and see the Super with you tomorrow. No one else needs to know what happened. Otherwise I might do something that I�ll regret.��
��Ok you�re right; I need to move on with my life. Although he is still Gabriel�s brother, so he will always be there in the background.��
��Does Gabriel know about this?��
��Only about David pretending to be him. I couldn�t tell him the rest. But he already knows what a nasty piece of work his brother is.��
��Don�t worry about the other stuff; I�ll wait until you are ready. Now come on drink up, your coffee�s going cold.��
��June, how did it go with the Super? You did tell him about David didn�t you?�� Jim asked.
��Yes I did, I promised you didn�t I?��
��So what happened? Has he fired David yet?��
��Well it took me all morning to pluck up the courage, but thankfully Adam was really nice about it. I think he realised how difficult this is for me. He called David into his office, and gave him a right lecture on the importance of honesty and trust in the police force. I was surprised that he didn��t put up more of a fight to be honest; he just looked sad, like a beaten man. I expected him to rant and rave, but instead he simply walked out of the station, without saying a word to anyone.��
��Well let�s hope that this is the last we see of him.��
��I hope so, but he doesn�t seem the type to just simply walk away.��
��Well if he does show up again, then we will face him together. Don�t worry about it love. Anyway I had better be getting back to CSU, I was only supposed to be collecting some files from custody.�� Jim rose from his chair, in order to leave her office.
��Jim before you go, I have something to ask you. After you left last night, Gabriel called. He has invited me to go over to the States for his birthday next month. Would you come with me?��
��Oh June I would love to, but wouldn�t I be getting in the way? I know how much this means to you.��
��Yes it does, and I cannot wait to meet my Grandchildren properly for the first time. But to be honest having you there, the man I love, would make this trip perfect.��
��Well I will have to check with Ramani of course, but it shouldn�t be a problem as most people��s holidays are booked for the summer. Oh I can�t wait; I wonder whether Gabriel will approve of me? Somehow this seems even scarier than meeting the parents!�� June laughed.
��I�m sure he will love you.
��Gabriel! Oh it��s so good to see you!�� June embraced her son, before noticing a little blond girl stood by his side. ��And you must be Abigail, I have been so looking forward to meeting you.
��Well say hello Abi.��
Abi smiled shyly at June, reluctant to leave her Dad��s side.
��Oh I�m sorry, she is a little shy, but she insisted on coming to meet you. Sarah is at home with Jake and Louise, perhaps you could come over later, once you have settled into your hotel. And this must be the famous Jim, I have heard so much about you!��
Jim stepped forward and shook Gabriel�s outstretched hand.
��Oh dear, what has she been saying about me?��
��Oh only good things. I thought that I had better see for myself, you seem too good to be true! Now the car is that way, do you need a hand with those bags Jim? You seem to have a fair amount of stuff!��
��That would be great, you know what women are like!��
��Oi, most of that is presents for the kids actually. You don�t mind do you Gabriel?��
��Of course not!��
��You have something for me?�� Abi�s eyes shot up to look at her Grandmother.
��Don�t be so cheeky Abigail!�� Gabriel scolded.
��There might be, you��ll have to wait till later.�� June replied. The group then made it�s way towards Gabriel�s car. Jim chatted away with Gabriel and Abi, while June walked behind them, lost in thought. Suddenly Jim dropped back to join June, and asked
��what�s wrong love, you seem quiet?��
��Absolutely nothing. I was just savouring the moment that�s all. I have dreamt for years of this, just simple normality. Spending time with the man I love, and my son is a dream come true. And although it makes me feel old, Grandchildren too is an added bonus!��
��Well you are the sexiest Grandmother I have ever met! But wait till the lads at work hear that I am dating a Grandmother, my street-cred will be severely shot!��
��Oi any more talk like that young man, and you�ll be sleeping on the floor tonight!�� June playfully hit Jim on the arm, before running off to catch up with Gabriel and Abi. Jim followed behind, struggling with the suitcases.
June was sat on a leather coach in Gabriel�s house, holding Louise on her knee. Abi and Gabriel were sat with her, while Gabriel�s wife Sarah was sat in a chair opposite. Jim was playing with Jake, June��s Grandson on the floor, with his new train set. ��I think Jake��s found a new playmate there.�� Gabriel laughed.
��Yeah he��s always been a big kid!�� June laughed; Jim simply smiled before getting back to work on laying the track. ��So Abi, how do you like your new school?�� June asked.
��It��s quite cool actually, they take us swimming every Thursday, I love swimming. But I miss my old friends. I don��t understand why we had to leave London. I miss my Gran terribly, and I know that Mum does too. And you live there don��t you erm�� Oh what can I call you? I suppose that you are my Gran too, but that would be far too confusing!��
��Well I don��t know.��
��I know, you can be my Grandma, is that OK with you? Mum, Dad?��
��What do you think Mum, I think that that it kind of suits you?�� Gabriel smiled.
��Well ok, as long as it doesn��t get round the nick. Jim I��m warning you!��
��Oh I wouldn��t dare Sarge!�� Jim laughed.
��Jim can I ask you something?�� Abigail asked.
��Of course you can my love.��
��Why are you not married to my Grandma? I thought that when two people liked each other, they would get married. Like Mum and Dad.�� Jim didn��t know what to say. He was still cross with himself for not marrying her, when she had asked him last year.
��Abigail! You don��t ask people things like that! It��s none of your business! I��m so sorry!�� Sarah apologised in embarrassment. ��I think that it��s time you took your brother upstairs to wash your hands, ready for dinner.�� Abi got up, and led her brother out of the room. ��I��m so sorry Jim, June.�� Sarah apologised again.
��It��s quite alright Sarah. It��s something I have asked myself many times lately.�� Jim replied, but then realising how uncomfortable June looked, he changed the subject. ��Would you like a hand with dinner Sarah? I��m quite handy in the kitchen, unlike June it has to be said!��
��Mmm just like Gabriel. It seems that we have a right pair on our hands Jim!�� Sarah laughed, as Gabriel threw a cushion at his wife. The room erupted in laughter. June felt so happy; she wished that this day would never end.
��You will thank Sarah for me won��t you Gabriel? It is so good of her welcoming June and myself into your home like this.��
��Well she loves playing hostess, and besides she knows how much this means to me. I have spent years imagining what my real mother is like. Don��t get me wrong, I loved my adoptive mother so much, I would have loved to have had them both in my life.��
��Yes I am so sorry about what happened to your parents. You must have been devastated.��
��I was, and that is why I gave up looking for her. I felt so guilty about the row we had before the crash.��
��But Gabriel accidents happen. You can��t blame yourself.��
��I know that now Jim. That is why I am so glad that she found me, even though I am not too pleased with my brother��s role in it all. She is such a lovely woman, so special. She has been through so much, yet she still wanted to know how I was doing.��
��Yes, we are both so lucky. She��s always thinking about others, that is what makes her such a good copper. I must have had rocks in my head to let her go, and I will not make that same mistake again.��
��Look about what Abi said earlier. She can be a right cheeky madam sometimes, but do you think that one day you might marry her?��
��Well actually I have been thinking about it a lot recently. I know that we have only just got back together, but I have known her for over twenty years. We are hardly teenagers anymore, and I don��t want to waste another moment. I was actually thinking of asking her tomorrow, on your birthday. She has dreamed of sharing your birthday with you for years. I thought that I could make the day even more special for her. Well that��s if she��ll have me!��
��Really? That��s brilliant! I��m sure she��ll say yes, I can see how much she loves you.��
��So I have your approval then?��
��Of course you do, but if you ever hurt her, I know where you are! Have you got a ring yet?��
��No, I was going to make my excuses tomorrow afternoon, and pop out to get one. I think that as Sarah is working, June would really love to spend sometime with just you and your kids. Have you any idea where might me the best place to get one?��
��Well it depends on your budget, but I think Sarah might me the best person to ask about that.��
��Oh June only deserves the best. And besides, I think that a diet of lentils and beans might do me good!�� Jim laughed, patting his rather large stomach.
��Well that was delicious! I don��t think that I could eat another bite.�� Jim said, wiping his hands with his napkin. ��You must me sickening for something then Jim!�� June remarked. Jim smiled, although not fully as his nerves were starting to get the better of him.
��Well Mum thanks very much for the watch, it��s perfect.��
��My pleasure,�� June smiled.
��And thanks for a lovely day, but we��re going to have to relieve the babysitter now. You and Jim stay though, and enjoy the rest of the evening.�� Gabriel smiled at Jim. He then got up and went round to Jim to shake his hand; whispering a message of good luck into his ears. Jim then gave Sarah a goodbye peck on the cheek, as Gabriel and June shared a warm embrace.
As Gabriel and Sarah left, Jim felt the knot in his stomach tighten. It was times like this when he wished that he could have a quick drink to settle his nerves. ��Are you alright Jim, you��ve been very quiet this evening? I am sorry if you feel that I was ignoring you.��
��No don��t be silly; you and Gabriel have a lot to catch up on. I hope that we will have the rest of our lives to be together.��
��I hope so too!��
��June there is something that I want to ask you, and if your not sure, then please take all the time you need to answer.��
��Oh go on, that sounds interesting.��
��June I was such a fool to turn you down, when you asked me to marry you last year. I have regretted it so much, as with out you my life is empty. June I love you so much, will you do me the greatest honour of agreeing to be my wife?�� June��s face broke out into a huge grin. She knew that she didn��t even need to think about it, it was what she had wanted for a long time. ��Well if you don��t mind marrying an old Granny, then yes, of course I will!��
��Really! Oh June you have made me so happy! Thank you!�� Jim got up off his seat, and ran round to where June was sitting. They kissed passionately, not noticing that the whole restaurant was watching them. Then applause broke out around the room, as they held on to each other, savouring the moment.
��Well you take care of her Jim! And congratulations once again, I am absolutely delighted for the both of you!�� Gabriel said, as he shook his hand.
��Don��t worry I will! I hope that we see you again soon!��
��You can count on it!�� Gabriel then turned to June. ��Thanks for coming Mum, it has meant so much to me that you have come all this way to visit me.��
��And thanks for having me, this week has been the best of my life! The both of you have made sure of that. You will come to the wedding, won��t you?��
��You try stopping me!�� They hugged for what seemed like ages, before June reluctantly pulled away. ��Goodbye Gabriel, take care of yourself, and that lovely family of yours. A tear then rolled down June��s cheek, as she turned away from her son. Jim put a protective arm around her shoulder, as they went walked through the door that led to passport control.
It��s early August, and Gabriel and Abi are sitting in June��s living room playing with her cat. ��Abi leave that cat alone, you��ll only get hairs all over that pretty dress of yours. We��ll be ready to go in a moment. I can hear your Grandma coming down the stairs now.�� Just then Polly entered the room, with June following behind her. She was dressed in a white suit, with a pink carnation on the left hand side of her jacket. ��Doesn��t she look lovely!�� Polly exclaimed.
��Yes wow! You look stunning Mum!��
��And you scrub up so well Gabriel. June then turned to Abi. Oh Abi, you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress!�� Abi smiled, and twirled around to show off her pink dress.
��Thanks for letting her be a bridesmaid, I know that you only wanted a small affair.����No problem, I know that it is a dream of hers.��
��The taxi��s here, and we don��t want to keep Jim waiting do we Mum?��
��Come on Abi, have you got your flowers?�� Polly enquired. ��Let��s get into the taxi.�� Polly took Abi by the hand, and they left. ��How are you feeling?��
��Oh a little nervous. I have dreamt of this day all of my life. But when I hit 50, I started to believe that this day would never come. I am so excited though, and having you by my side, well that just makes everything perfect.��
��It does seem a little strange giving your own mother away, but I am pleased for you. You deserve so much happiness. Come on, Jim will be starting to think that you aren��t coming.��
��Well we wouldn��t want that!��
��Do you remember when I first met you; you said that your name was Mrs Carver? Well it��s time for that to become a reality!��
��Yes, and I cannot wait!��
��That was a lovely speech Jim, thank you!��
Well everything I said was true Mrs Carver!�� Jim leant over to kiss his new wife. Just then Tony approached the couple. ��Congratulations! I am pleased for the both of you. It couldn��t have happened to a nicer couple. Though I must say you��re a dark horse aren��t you June? How come you never told us that you had a son? He seems like a really nice young man.��
��Yes he is, I��m lucky. I��m sorry that I never told you Tony, but I have only recently got to know him again.��
��That��s ok, any way I must go, I promised your mother a dance Jim!��
��I suppose that I am going to have to get used to that reaction, now that people know about my son. I think that Gina and Smithy look a bit confused though, I think that I had better explain the full story to them.��
��June, Jim have you seen Abi and Jake? I��m a bit worried, I think that they have wandered off somewhere,�� Sarah said breathlessly as she approached them.
��No I��m sorry, have they been gone long?�� June asked.
��Well it has only been about ten minutes, but they are good kids, they know not to wander off.�� Then Gabriel approached them. ��Any news?�� Sarah asked.
��Well I have been asking around, and one of your colleagues saw them talking to David.��
��But he wasn��t even invited?�� June said quietly.
��You don��t think that he would do anything to them do you?�� Sarah cried.
��I hope not, but we have to face the fact that he is very angry with Mum and myself,�� Gabriel said angrily. ��I know that it��s easy for me to say, but try not to worry. He��s probably just doing this to scare us.�� Jim said softly. ��Where is Louise?��
��She��s with her Gran.�� Sarah replied.
��Then you and Gabriel go back to her, and I��ll get a search party started. Have you got a recent photo of them?�� Gabriel nodded. ��You go back to your hotel suit, I will be along in a moment.�� Gabriel left holding his wife��s hand. Jim then turned to June. ��Are you ok my love? Do you want to go back with them?��
��No I want to help with the search. It��s the least I can do, after all this is all my fault!����How can you say that?��
��I shouldn��t have let David manipulate me the way he did, and I should have left Gabriel alone. He was doing fine before I turned up. Anyway let��s just find them. What if he has done something dreadful to them? I didn��t want to worry Gabriel and Sarah, but I��ve seen what a real nasty piece of work he can be.�� Jim embraced his wife in a hug, and he tensed as he saw how much she was shaking. He then pulled away, in order to get the search underway.
��Thanks Jack, I really appreciate you leading the search for me.��
��No problem June, and try not to worry. It��s very unlikely that he would do anything to them.��
��It��s hard not to. Have you any leads?��
��Not at the moment, but I promise that as soon as I do I will let you know.�� Just then Sam Nixon walked in the room, and tried to usher the DCI to one side. June however realised what she was doing, and asked ��Sam what is it?��
��Erm well, we have managed to track them down.��
��But?�� June sensed the unease in her voice.
��I��m afraid that he is holding them at gunpoint.��
��What! Oh my God!�� June cried in shock. Jim overhead, and rushed over to his wife.
��What��s wrong? What��s happened?��
��David��s holding them hostage at gun point,�� June cried.
��Have you got S019 on the scene yet?�� Jim asked.
��Yes, but I��m afraid that he says that he will only let the children go, in return for you June.��
��Then what are we waiting for?�� June asked.
��No June, I won��t let you!�� Jim cried.
��June, are you sure?�� Jack asked. June nodded her head. ��Sam, let��s give them a minute.��
��I��m sorry Jim but I have to do this. Those are frightened little children in there. I am an experienced police officer, I can talk him round.��
��But June he��s unstable, not right in the head. He could do anything to you, please let me go instead.��
��But he wants me not you. Look I��m sorry, but you are not going to change my mind. I would never forgive myself if something happened to them. Look try not to worry, I have faced up to worse than David Kent in my time.��
��Then let me come with you?��
��No, if he sees you he might get angry. You stay with Gabriel, and let him know that his kids will be back with him soon.��
��Ok but please be careful, and make sure that you wear a vest. I love you June with all my heart, I don��t know what I would do if something happened to you.��
��Don��t worry I��ll be fine. Before you know it I��ll be back, and we will be able to jet off on honeymoon. Come here.�� They both held each other in a warm embrace. Neither of them could believe what was happening to them on their wedding day. ��I��d better get going Jim, I��ll be back before you know it.�� June then walked away in order to get prepared, fighting back her emotions so that Jim could not see how scared she was.
��Yes thanks Sir, I understand. I��ll let them know. Please phone as soon as you have any more news.�� Jim then put his phone back in his pocket.
��Well?�� Gabriel asked nervously.
��Well he��s released the kids, like he said he would. An officer is bringing them here now, they don��t appear to be have be hurt.��
��Oh thank god!�� Sarah cried, as she hugged her husband in relief.
��That��s great news, but what about Mum?��
��I��m afraid that he is still holding her. Try not to worry though, she knows what she��s doing.�� Jim smiled, trying to stay in police officer mode. ��I will never be able to thank her enough for this; I just hope that I will get the chance to tell her in person. My mother sure is one special lady. How are you feeling Jim?�� Suddenly Jim��s brave face cracked, and he started to sob.
��Oh Gabriel I��m sorry, I��m supposed to be comforting you! But I don��t think that I have ever been so scared in all my life. If he lays on finger on her, I swear that I will kill him. I��m sorry, I know that he��s your brother and all that.��
��He��s no brother of mine! I��ll never forgive him for this.��
��Why are you doing this David?�� June asked, trying to stay calm, as she lay on a cold warehouse floor. Her hands and feet were bound together. ��Well it��s the only way I knew that I could get your attention. You wouldn��t answer my calls.��
��Your surprised?�� June snapped.
��Look I��m sorry June, if there was any other way. But you have to listen to me.��
��Go on then, tell me again how much you hate me. How I ruined your life. Get on with it.�� June sighed. ��I hate Gabriel, that��s why I took Jake and Abigail, to teach him a lesson. He doesn��t deserve those kids. He spends so much time working; he hasn��t got any time for them. But I don��t hate you, I love you!��
��You don��t love me! If you did then you wouldn��t have put me through this. And your wrong about Gabriel, he is a great father.��
��How would you know? You hardly qualify for mother of the year do you? You dumped your son because you couldn��t be bothered, and in doing so you ruined my life.��
��Then how can you love me then, if I ruined your life?��
��Because you were the first girlfriend I had that treated right. You made me feel like I was special.��
��But you still made me think that I had slept with my own son.��
��Because I was angry, I knew that I had lost you. Oh why did that bitch Gold have to interfere?��
��Come on, we can��t stay here forever. Hand yourself in, it��s for the best in the long run.��
��For the best? Rotting in jail for years, you must think that I am daft in the head. No all I want is you! And if I can��t leave with you, then neither of us are leaving.�� Gabriel waved his gun at her head, and pretended to shoot her. This made June lose her calm, and she started to cry. ��Oh Gabriel please, if you really love me then you will let me go! Please this is supposed to be my wedding night, Jim will be worried.��
��Why do you always have to bring him in to it? All you ever do is mention his bloody name!��
��That��s because I love him!�� June cried.
��Why, he broke your heart? Why can��t you love me?����Maybe I could have, if you had just been honest with me. But you��ve blown any chance we had of being together.��
��Then I��ll just have to kill the both of us. Then we can be together forever.��
��Please, no!�� June cried.
��But before I do, I want you for one last time.��
��Oh, do what you want, I don��t care anymore,�� June shouted, realising that this was her only chance of escape. Gabriel dropped the gun a few feet away from June, and he began to undo his trousers. June lay still, waiting for her moment to attack. He leant down and pulled her skirt down over her legs. Then as he was laying the skirt down on the floor, she kicked him hard in the groin with both her feet, using all the strength she had in her. He bent down in agony, and she quickly rolled on the floor to where the gun was. She then grabbed it; her two hands still bound together. As she did so the armed police came rushing in, and held him at gunpoint while they searched him. ��Great timing lads, just when the show was nearly over!�� June mocked in relief.
Jim and Gabriel were waiting at Sun Hill Police station for June to return. Jack Meadows had broken the good news to them, and the relief on their faces was evident. Just then June entered the interview room, where they had been waiting. She ran straight into Jim��s arms and burst into tears. ��Oh Jim, I thought that I would never see you again. I am so sorry that I put you through this.��
��It��s ok your safe now, that��s the main thing.�� They pulled apart, and Gabriel stepped towards his mother. ��Mum, I don��t know how I will ever be able to repay you! I can��t thank you enough! You��ve done something so special for me, anything you ever want Mum, you only have to ask.��
��How are the kids? Are they ok?��
��They're fine, thanks to you. They��re a tired, and a little shaken, but ok. Sarah is with them now, she sends her thanks. Anyway I will leave you two in peace, it is meant to be your wedding night! I love you Mum. Jim you take care of her, I hope that you have a wonderful honeymoon!��
��Thanks Gabriel, and I hope that you��ll come and visit us soon.��
��I promise, in fact we are actually thinking of moving back here.��
��Really, that��s brilliant news!�� June beamed.
��Well Sarah misses her mother, and I want to get to know you both properly. We��ve missed out on so much already, and the kids adore you! I will give you a ring when you get back. You have a great time, but don��t do anything that I wouldn��t do.�� Gabriel laughed, before kissing June on the cheek. ��Thanks for coming, and give my love to Sarah and the kids.��
��I will, see you soon!�� Gabriel then left the pair, and finally alone, they collapsed into each other��s arms. ��This has been both the best, and the worst day of my life! I don��t know what I would have done if I had lost you.��
��But you didn��t.��
��I know, I love you so much June Carver!��
��And I love you with all my heart!��
��Come on let��s get back to the hotel, we have to make up for lost time!��
��Ok lead on James!�� June laughed, as Jim tried unsuccessfully to pick her up. ��I think that I had better walk, your not much use to me if you do your back in!��