Jim was upset at how things had turned out as underneath he still loved her and he was regretting marrying Marie as their relationship wasn't as good as it looked on the surface. June still loved Jim too but she was hurt and she tried to forget about him, she did this by taking it out on everyone else.
In work Jim talked about his married life like it was the best thing to ever have happened to him but when he went home he was faced with reality, what June had told him before he married Marie was true, she was violent. Jim had turned into a punch bag, she never hit him where anyone could see, it was always his ribs. His back and front were covered in bruises, in less than 2 months Jim had turned into a victim of domestic violence. He tried talking to June about it but she didn't want to speak to him, he understood why but right now he need her more than ever.
Jim turned his computer off, collected his coat and went home. When he arrived Marie was arguing with Ben about going to the cinema with a girl.
'What's going on?' Jim asked
'I want to go to the cinema with Louise and mum said I can't'
'Why can't he go?'
'Why because I sad so' Marie snapped
'She said no because there s no one to pick me up'
'Well I'll pick you up' Jim smiled 'So problem solved'
'Thanks Jim' Ben said as he rushed up the stairs to get changed
'I can't believe you just did that' Marie snapped 'You undermined me'
'Oh come on Marie, the boy only wants to go to the pictures, it's not like he wants to be out all night or take drugs or something'
'He is my child not yours' she shouted
'As you keep reminding me'
'So if I say no then I mean no'
'Oh Marie I give up with you' he said as he turned his back to her
'Don't you turn your back on me' she screamed as she kicked him in the back
Jim fell to the fall and Marie punched him in the ribs. 'You deserved that' she said
'Why did I deserve it because I told Ben he could go'
'Yes, it will teach you not to do it again'
'You can't teach people by kicking and punching them Marie' he shouted as he got up holding his stomach
Ben ran down the stairs 'Bye mum'
'Ben wait' Marie shouted 'You are not going anywhere' she continued as she walked up to him
'Yes I am Jim said...'
'I don't care what Jim said you are not going' she screamed
'I am' Ben snapped as he walked towards the door. Marie saw red and grabbed Ben from behind, Jim rushed out and stood in front of him and took the blows from Marie. One punch in the stomach and another in the face, it was the first time she had ever hit his face his nose was bleeding.
'I... I am sorry Jim I... don't know what came over me' she sobbed
'Ben, son back an overnight bag I am taking you to your Auntie's' Jim said
Ben run upstairs and packed a bag
'You are not taking him anywhere' Marie snapped
'I am not leaving him here with you, you are mad and I have had enough of it, I can't take it anymore'
'Jim you no I am sorry, sometimes I just get wound up, please we can get through this' Marie sobbed
'No, tonight you have gone to far, if I hadn't stepped in then you would have hit Ben and I can't stand by and watch you do that. Hitting me is one thing but hitting a kid, no way'
'I would never hit a kid Jim'
'Oh yeah well what about the day of the wedding Marie'
'That was different'
'No it wasn't you hit a kid'
'Jim I won't let you do this'
'So what are you going to do, phone the police and tell them you beat me up, well go ahead'
'Jim don't leave me please'
Ben came back downstairs looking frightened
'Are you ready Ben?' Jim asked as he tried to stop his nose bleeding
'Yes'
'Ben don't leave me' Marie cried
'Come on Ben, your mother needs help and until she gets some it's best you stay with your auntie'
Ben followed Jim to the car and they drove off leaving Marie sobbing in the house. Jim dropped Ben off at his auntie's and explained the situation, his auntie wasn't surprised at all. Jim then drove to a quite spot by a canal and slept in the car.
The following morning he phoned in sick to work as he had a black eye and his ribs and face were all bruised, he couldn't go in looking like that, he wanted to see June but he was scared of her rejecting him again.
June received the message that Jim was ill off Gina and thought it was unlike him but she continued to get on with her work, she didn't understand Jim anymore so there was no point in worrying about him taking a day off.
Later that afternoon Marie came into the station 'Hi Robbie' she smiled
'Marie, how are you?'
'Fine thanks, I was wondering if it would be possible to speak to Jim please'
'I'll just find out'
'Thanks'
Robbie phoned CSU and spoke to Polly, Polly explained that Jim was ill. Robbie replaced the handset looking confused 'Polly said he phoned in sick' Robbie said
'Oh, oh yes sorry I forgot' Marie replied 'Sorry to bother you' she said before rushing out of the station.
'But Marie...' Robbie shouted but it was too late she had gone. Robbie looked really confused and went to find June
'Sgt Ackland' Robbie said 'Have you got a minute?'
'As long as your quick'
'It's about Jim'
'Robbie is this about work if it's not then...''Look I know you don't want to talk about him but I am worried'
'Why?'
'Well Marie just came in and asked to speak to Jim'
'But Jim's ill' June replied
'Exactly, something's happened between them because when I told Marie she said of course I forgot, how could you forget that your husband is ill'
'They've probably had an argument' June said
'Well don't you think we should check it out'
'No Jim's a big boy now he can look after himself' June said
Robbie sighed and then returned to her desk.
June walked up to CSU, she was acting like she didn't care but underneath she was worried about him, she couldn't help herself
'I have tried Jim's mobile Sarge but I couldn't get no answer' Polly said
'What did you do that for?' June asked sharply
'Well haven't you heard he disappeared'
'Disappeared, I don't think so Polly, his wife came in looking for him but that don't mean he's disappeared, Jim is big enough to look after herself so just leave it'
'Yes Sarge' Polly said as she got on with her work.
For the rest of the day everyone carried on as normal, June was concerned and came close to phoning Jim to make sure he was alright but something stopped her.
That night June settled down with a glass of wine in front of the television, she was just getting comfortable when there was a knock on the door. June went and answered it and was shocked by who she saw standing in front of her 'Jim' June gasped
'What happened?' June asked
'I am sorry to come to you but I needed to see you' he cried
'Come in' June said. After seeing the state he was in all the hurt disappeared and her love for him took over 'Jim what happened?'
'You were right June'
June led him into the sitting room and got the first aid box 'Did Marie do this?'
Jim nodded
'Oh Jim' June said as she hugged him
'I should have listened to you' Jim sobbed
'Jim what happened?'
'We had an argument about Ben and she went to hit him but I stood in the way'
'Jim is this the first time?'
'No but this is the first time she has hit my face, my ribs normally get it'
June placed her hands on his t-shirt and slowly lifted it, tears came to her eyes when she saw the bruises 'Oh Jim' she cried 'why did you let her do this to you?'
'I couldn't stop her'
'Why didn't you tell me sooner?''I tried but...'
'But I wouldn't listen... I am sorry I was...'
'It doesn't matter you are listening now' Jim said as he held her tightly and sobbed
'Jim you have to report this'
'I can't'
'Oh Jim you have too, please'
'No June I can't, I...'
'Please don't ell me you still love her and that you are going to go back to her, please' June begged
'No I am ashamed'
June placed her hands on Jim's face and tears run down her face
'You shouldn't be ashamed Jim, this happens to men all the time it doesn't mean your weak, she's a bully and she has mental health problems'
'June I don't think I can do it alone'
'You won't be alone, I am here and I will help you through this, I love you and I am not going to stand by and watch anyone do this to you. If I had known earlier I would have stopped this'
'Thank you' he sobbed 'But I shouldn't have come to you after everything I have done to you'
'I am glad you did'
'I should go'
'No don't please stay' she insisted
'I have hurt you too much already, you don't need all this now'
'Isn't that for me to decide'
'Thank you June'
'Come on let's get you sorted, you go and have a shower and I will sort the spare room out'
'Thank you'
'Stop thanking me'
June lead the way upstairs and put clean towels out for Jim, then while he went in the shower she made up the spare bed.
About half hour later Jim came down stairs in his towel to collect his bag 'Jim, oh sorry I thought you were dressed'
'No I am sorry I forgot, I just... oh sorry' he blushed
'No it's alright, its not like it's anything I haven't seen before'
'No' he smiled
'That's better' June said
'What?'
'You smiling, you have a lovely smile Jim Carver'
'Jim laughed and walked back upstairs, June followed as she wanted to change ready for bed.
'Have you got everything you need Jim' June asked once she had changed into her nightwear.
'I think so'
'Ok well I will leave you get some sleep' June smiled as she kissed his cheek 'And don't worry Jim, you will get through this'
June turned to walk away but Jim grabbed her hand 'June don't leave me please''Jim I am not going anywhere I am just in here'
'No June I, please I don't want to be on my own'
'Jim I...'
'Nothing funny I just want to know I am not alone'
'Ok'
June followed Jim into the spare room, he lay on the bed and gave out a cry of pain, June sat on the chair next to the bed.
'Jim do you want some pain killers?'
'No thanks' he replied as he held her hand.
About 5 minutes later Jim had fallen asleep, June tucked him in, kissed his forehead and returned to her own bed. She so nearly got into bed with him, she wanted to but something stopped her, she wasn't sure whether Jim still wanted her.
The next morning Jim woke up and searched the room for June but there was no sign, then he heard a knock on the door and June came in with a cooked breakfast and a glass of orange juice 'Sir breakfast is served' June smiled 'Did you sleep alright?'
'I had the best night sleep I have had in months, thank you June'
'It's ok. Right I am off to work' June said
'What?'
'I am mornings this week'
'Well wait a minute and I will come with you' Jim replied
'Oh no you won't PC Carver, you will stay here. I will be back about 12 to take a statement and I'll try and get something for those bruises'
'But what about my shift'
'I will sort it'
'Don't say anything to anyone will you?'
'Of course not'
'Look enjoy your breakfast and I'll see you later, you know where everything is just make yourself at home'
'Thanks June'
'My pleasure, see you later' she smiled as she left
June arrived at the station to find Marie screaming at Robbie 'Marie?' June asked
'Ah Sgt Ackland could you please tell me where my husband is please'
'I am sorry I have no idea as far as I know he has phoned in sick'
'Yes but where is he, he isn't at home'
'I am sorry I can't help you all I can do is let him know you are looking for him when he comes in'
'This is stupid he is here isn't he I want to see him, it was only a little petty argument and he stormed out' Marie said
'Have you tried his mobile?' Robbie asked
'Yes but he isn't answering'
'He'll be back when he's hungry' Robbie laughed
June could feel her anger towards Marie rising how dare she say it was a petty argument Jim was battered.
'Sorry Marie we can't help you' June said gritting her teeth before she go Robbie to buzz her through.
Marie leaves the station but isn't happy that June doesn't know anything, she thinks she knows more and she plans to find out what.
12 o clock
June places the files in her car and drives home, what she doesn't know is that Marie is following her. June enters her house and is greeted by Jim at the door. 'I knew it' Marie snapped
'Hi good day?' Jim asked as he took he pile of files off her
'Not too bad, Marie came to the station this morning looking for you' June replied as she closed the door and removed her shoes
'What did you say?'
'I told her I didn't know where you were'
'Thanks'
'Right come on lets get this statement done and then we can relax'
'Relax?'
'Yes I have the afternoon off'
'Great' Jim smiled he felt so happy for the first time since he left June months ago.
Jim wrote out his statement and signed it, June placed it into a file an took photo's of the bruises and placed them in the file too.
'Right do you want a cup of tea?' Jim asked
'Oh yes please'
KNOCK ON THE DOOR
'I'll get that you go and make the tea' June said
June answered the door and Marie grabbed her throat and pushed her up against the wall 'Ahh!' June screamed
Jim came running out of the kitchen 'Marie!' Jim shouted 'Get off her'
'You bitch' Marie spat
'I said get off her, this has nothing to do with June she is just helping me'
'Yeah I bet she is'
Jim pulled Marie off June, June ran to the phone and telephoned the police station. Marie hit out at Jim as they argued, she punched his eye and cut it
'Stop this' June demanded 'The police are on the way'
'I asked this bitch this morning if she knew where you were and she said no, I knew she was lying'
'Get off him' June screamed
Tony and Gary arrived 'What's going on June?'
'She attacked me' June replied
'And Jim by the looks of it' Gary added
'Marie Carver I am arresting you for assaulting a police officer, you do not have to say anything but anything you do say may be given in evidence, do you understand' Tony said
'Yes''Are you alright June?' Tony asked
'Yes thanks just take her away and give this file to Ramani for me please'
'You will have to make statements'
'Yes I will write them and bring them down later' June replied
'Ok'
June closed the door and looked at Jim he had tears in his eyes
'Oh Jim come here it's over now' she said as she took him into her arms 'Lets have a look at that eye'
'It's alright'
'No you go and sit in the sitting room and I'll get something to clean it up'
Jim did what she asked and June soon arrived with cotton wool and TCP. June dabbed the TCP on the cut 'Ah!' Jim winged
'Sorry'
As June cleaned up his wound, the closeness between them made Jim's heart beat faster
'There all done' June smiled
'Thank you' Jim said as he kissed her cheek.
As he pulled away he looked into her eyes and he kissed her lips softly. June froze at first, this was what she wanted but she still felt unsure of how he felt. Perhaps this was him feeling sorry for himself but she couldn't hold back, she responded lightly nervously, then he put his hands on her face and kissed her more passionately but she pulled back
'I am sorry' she said as she got up
'June what's wrong?'
'I can't it's not right, you are emotional because of this Marie thing, I can't take advantage. I want to Jim really do I have done since you came yesterday but I can't you don't know what you want and I can't let myself get hurt again Jim I can't I love you too much'
'June I..'
'Please Jim let's just do our statements'
'Ok'
They both do their statements in silence and then June takes them to the station.
When she arrives back she find's Jim lying on her bed 'Oh sorry June I..'
'It's ok'
'I just wanted to smell you silly isn't it'
'Look I brought you this, it's cream for your bruises should help ease the pain' June smiled
'Thanks'
'I'll leave you put it on'
June walked to the bathroom and left Jim to put the cream on. About 5 minutes later
'June' Jim called
'What is it?'
'Can you help me, I can't reach the back ones'
June reluctantly agreed, she placed the cream on her hands and placed them on Jim's back.
This felt so right she thought, Jim enjoyed her touch and turned over to face her and in doing so he knocked her onto the bed lying face up. He climbed over her
'June you are beautiful you know that'
'Jim please''June listen please I know you don't trust me and I can understand that but I do love you and I want you. I know you think I don't know what I want but if I am truthful to myself I have never stopped wanting you'
'But you married Marie'
'Another stupid Carver moment. June I love you and these past few days have just showed me how much I have missed you, your smell, your touch'
'Oh Jim'
Jim lowered his face to hers and captured his lips with hers, she pulled him towards her, kissing him urgently.
'Ah Jim are you sure about this, if we do this there is no going back'
'Good because I don't want to go back ever I want to go forward and I want to go forward with you'
June kissed him again and fumbled with his belt on his trousers
'I want you June'
'Not as much as I want you' she said as he pushed his trousers down
As Jim was about to undo her blouse there was a knock on the door
'Oh I don't believe it' Jim said
'Ignore it' June replied as she continued to kiss him
The Doorbell rang again
'June, June are you in there' Ramani shouted
'Oh shit it's Ramani, do you trousers up' she said as she climbed over him 'I am sorry Jim' she kissed him before leaving the room. Jim tidied himself up and then followed June.
June looked in the mirror and tidied her hair before answering the door 'Ramani' She smiled
'Hi June I hope I wasn't interrupting anything'
'No not at all come in'
'No it's alright, I need you too to come to the station, I need to interview Jim'
'Of course'
'Great, I'll see you down there then'
'Yep 10 minutes' June replied as she closed the door
Jim sighed and then kissed June again 'I don't think I can wait June I need you now'
'Your going to have to' she kissed him
'But we could be ages, we could just.... they won't miss us for half hour'
'Jim'
'I can't help it if you are so attractive' he smiled as he teased her with his kisses on her neck
'Jim don't we have to go'
'Oh'
'Come on the sooner we go the sooner we can get back, it will be worth the wait'
'If we must'
'Come on' June said as she walked out of the front room
10 minutes later they arrived at the station.
Ramani took Jim into the CSU interview room, June had asked him if he wanted her there with him but he said no as he didn't want to upset her further so she waited in CSU. About an hour later Jim emerged from the interview room and ran to the toilets, he was crying 'Ramani?' June said
'He's upset, he's been through a lot'
'Have you got enough to convict?'
'Well with this and the photo evidence and the attacks today yes I think so'
'Good, I had better go and see if he's alright'
'Ok, we have finished for the moment but I might need to talk to him in about half hour so go and get a coffee or something'
'Will do thanks'
June found Jim in the canteen 'Hey are you alright?'
'Yeah I am now that you're here'
June smiled and looked around, there was no one around so she kissed him
'I am so proud of you'
'I love you June Ackland' he smiled as he kissed her again more passionately
'Jim someone might see'
'I don't care, I want everyone to know'
'Jim come with me'
June smiled as she lead him into an empty interview room she placed the in use sign on the door and then turned to face him and kissed him
'June what are you doing?'
'Making love to the man I love'
'What here now, you said we had to wait'
'Yeah well I changed my mind I have waited long enough already' she smiled as she kissed him
They both removed each others clothes and made love on the interview table.
Afterwards they both got dressed
'That was worth the wait' June beamed as she kissed him 'I can't wait for a repeat performance'
'You don't have to wait long' he smiled 'I am all yours after Ramani says I can go'
'I can't wait. Jim I am not letting you go this time
'Good because I don't want you too'
They both left the interview and returned to CSU
'Nice coffee?' Ramani asked
Jim and June looked at each other and laughed
'Yes the best' Jim beamed
'Did I say something funny'
'Not at all'
' Well what ever was in that coffee has done you some good, you are looking much better'
'Yes it was just what the doctor ordered' he replied
June looked at him and smiled she was so happy she had him back. She hated the fact that Jim had to be beaten up for them to get back together but nothing mattered anymore now that they were together.
'Well I don't need you after all' Ramani smiled 'So you can go home, oh sorry Jim I don't suppose you have a home now do you'
Jim looked at June 'Yes he has' June smiled nervously
'Oh right that was quick'
'No his home is at mine with me'
'You mean you two are..'
Jim took June into his arms and kissed her passionately
'Yes we are' Jim smiled
'That's great, I am so pleased for the two of you'
'Thanks' June replied
Jim and June walked through the station hand in hand, everyone stared but they didn't care as they loved each other. They walked to the car and went home where they could but the past behind them and look forward to the future.