'Oi less of the auntie. We can make it another night Jim if Tony wants you do something'.
'No it's fine he wants me to go for a curry with Reg, Des and Gary, I'm not in the mood for curry.'
June laughed and raised her eyebrow they were back at that stage where innuendoes were fun between friends, 'Really Mr Carver what are you in the mood for?' She said it in such a way she felt mischievous herself as she put her coat on.
Jim's heart leapt if only he could find the courage to tell her.
'7.30pm ok for you Jim if you want to make it later that's fine by me?'
'No 7.30 is fine see you auntie June!'
As she left the room he thought how he could tell her. He remembered the notes he used to leave her on her pillow or in the living room or by the phone she liked them, she used to say they were far more personal and meaningful than words at times. Could it work again? He would never know if he didn't try. He picked up the pen and paper he smiled and thought to hell with it as he wrote 'I love you. Please tell me that you love me too. These three words they could change our lives forever and I promise you that we will always be together till the end of time love forever Jim'.
He put it in the envelope and walked out of CSU.
As he approached June's door he took the letter out of his jacket, he knew what he was going to do. Hand it to her but tell her not to open it till later when she knew the time would be right.
June opened the door she was wearing a blue dress with shoelace straps that hugged her figure in the right places and Jim noticed she'd done something different to her hair. June noticed him staring she felt conscious as she brushed her hair behind her ears. That was it, that��s what was different.
'Do you like it thought it made a change?'
'Don't take this the wrong way' June wondered what he was going to say but she smiled and pulled him in when he said' Makes you look younger June.'
Jim stepped inside and took June by the hand 'Listen June I want to give you something but I don't want you to open it till you feel the time is right'. June took the letter and said' ok what's with all the secrecy?'
Jim took off his coat and said 'you'll see later'.
They wondered into the kitchen as June told Jim to make himself at home. She hoped he looked forward to Wednesdays as much as she did. They'd been doing this more or less since he divorced Marie in December last year. They ironed out their differences and decided 20 years of friendship was worth far more to them than petty squabbles. It was Jim who started it he invited her round for a meal, she then repaid him and it went on from there. Now Wednesdays were firmly fixed dates. June liked Wednesdays because it was her time with Jim alone and it helped keep the memories of the two of them alive for her. She can't deny she often thought 'If only', but she wasn't sure if Jim thought that and it took them so long to get to where they are now.
'Smells lovely'. Jim was standing right behind her.
'Pleasures Estee Lauder' June kept her back to him laughing.'Not your perfume the food' Jim playfully hit her on the back.
'Go sit down while I bring it in Salmon in white wine sauce with all the trimmings and boiled potatoes just for you. I must be mad because I also made a Tiramisu for you.'
'Blimey to what do I owe the pleasure?' He smiled as June placed the food on the table.
The meal was lovely they eat, drank chatted about work but all the time Jim felt he had to say something more. June even mentioned the fact that they had worked together nearly 20 years.
'Can you believe it in less than a week on August the 16th it will be 20 years since we met.'
Jim smiled 'and what a 20 years it's been!'
After the meal they went to sit in the living room Jim noticed straight away what June did that was different to all the other times he had been for a meal. When he gave him the coffee she sat next to him on the couch she normally went to her chair.
He could not deny it she looked radiant, her skin was clear and silky as was her legs and the dress highlighted just how well toned he remembered her body to be. He thought of the letter, as he gave it to June she placed it by the phone. When would she know to open it, she wouldn't unless he didn't say what he wanted to say and say it now. As he was thinking he saw her kick off her shoes and heard her say,
'Of course if I turned up naked to work'...
'What did you just say?'
'Oh so you are still here then, you've not heard a word I have just said'.
Now Jim had to do it now he had to tell her.
'I must be crazy now maybe I dream to much but when I think of you I long to feel your touch. To whisper in your ears words only you would hear if only you were mine. I wish I could go back to the very first day I saw you should have made my move when you looked into my eyes because by now I'd know you feel the way I do and I'd whisper these words as you lay here by my side.'
June was stunned where was this coming from, she didn't care where it came from, the fact he said it amazed her as she turned to him on the couch and said 'What words would you whisper to me Jim?'
Jim looked shyly at her and said,
'I love you. Please tell me you love me too. These three words they could change our lives forever and I promise you that we will always be together till the end of time.'
Jim got up walked to the window and stared out as he continued to say 'So today I finally find the courage deep inside just to walk right up to your door, but my body can't move when I finally get to it just like a thousand times before. When I reached the door without a word I handed you that letter and it said..............'
By now June had gone to the phone where the letter was she brought it in to the lounge and looked at Jim, she knew now what he meant the time was right to open up the letter. She tore it open as Jim watched her face as she read it out loud to him,
'I love you. Please tell me you love me too. These three words they could change our lives forever and I promise you that we will be together till the end of time. 'With tears in her eyes she wondered over to where Jim was. He also had tears in his eyes he had to say it all make her see he held out his hand,
'Maybe I need a little love. Maybe I need a little care. Maybe you, well maybe you need someone close to hold you. If you do, if you really do just reach out and I'll be there for you.'
June reached out as Jim took her hand and pulled her into him as she came he said the words again,
' I love you. Please tell me you love me too. These three words could change our lives forever....'
June stopped him she placed a finger on his lips and kissed him and whispered 'I know it's all coming back to me now'.
June wanted to take her finger away from Jim��s mouth and kiss him. If she did that they would be doing it again crossing the friendship line they crossed before, and she couldn't bear to waste all that time arguing again. They had something special, could they get that back? Was it the 20-year thing? Were they both relying on the old and familiar to make them happy? Not her! Here she was in his arms, listening to the words he has just said to her, reading the note, realising he was telling her all she had wanted to tell him. She could hear his heart pounding, he was looking down at her, those blue eyes with so much love for her, so much love to give, and he was waiting for a response.
She pushed him away her mind was racing, she stopped thinking about them all she could think of was the time he told her he had met Marie. He hurt her badly; there she was thinking he was going to propose, when he was telling her he was marrying another woman. He��d told her time and time again he loved her, that they would share many special nights together forever, Here he was saying it again to her. She knew in the short time he was married he wasn't happy; she wasn't going to be his victim though. She wasn't making herself available for him just because he was divorced now. She couldn't think straight, yes, yes deep inside she still loved him and if the truth be known she would always be available for Jim because for her there was and would never be no other but Jim. Does he love her? Does he need her? He was right she did need someone to hold her and she wanted Jim. But it was all coming back to her everything or so she thought....
'June what is it? Whatever you're thinking good or bad tell me. If we are going to this again and this time we will do it forever you...we have to be honest with each other.'
June turned to him he was standing at the window pleading in his eyes; he wanted to hear that she loved him. With her arms folded across her chest she turned away and said,
'There were nights when the wind was so cold and my body froze in bed if I just listened to it right outside the window. There were days when the sun was so cool all the tears turned to dust and I just knew my eyes where drying out forever. I finished crying the instant that you left and I can't remember when or where or how, and I banished every memory you and I had ever made.'
June turned to look at Jim; he was expecting that and as turned to him a single tear rolled down his cheek. I��ve lost her he thought.
June walked slowly over to Jim mixed emotions running through her head, mixed thoughts and mixed memories. As reached Jim she waited...he thought whether or not I need to do this he reached out his hand hoping she would accept. June looked deep into his eyes; yes it was all coming back to her. She walked into his arms.
'When you touch me like this and you hold me like that it's all coming back to me.�� She reached his cheek with her hand and stroked his face as he closed his eyes,' When I touch you like this when I hold you like that it's so hard to believe but it's all coming back to me.�� As June stroked his cheek Jim ran his hand down her back and stopped at the base of her spine. She placed both hands either side of his face she wanted to kiss him. In her mind there were moments of gold and flashes of light, she remembered she hoped he knew there were things they'd done but never do again but at the time they'd seemed so right. She could feel her heart race next to his she was aware that her own breathing was becoming faster her head felt light. She could see the nights of endless pleasure it was more than any love had allowed. The sharp in take of breath made her do it she pulled Jim close and kissed him softly on the lips as he whispered 'Oh June.'
'When I kiss you like this and if you whisper like that it was not long ago but it's all coming back to me. If you want me like this, if you need me like that, it was that long ago but it's all coming back to me, it��s so hard to resist but it's all coming back to me. I can barely recall but it's all coming back to me.'
Jim held her he wanted her like that; he needed her like this he loved her as June. She let go and looked up at him,
'There were those empty threats and hollow lies whenever you tried to hurt me I just hurt you even worse and so much deeper. There hours that just went on for days when alone at last we count up all the chances that were lost to us forever. I made you history with the slamming of the door and I made myself so strong again somehow. I never wasted any of my time on you since then...till now'.
Jim held he hands by her sides he could feel she was hurting, cold but not cold towards him. He knew she had to make him see how much he had hurt her.
She squeezed his hand he kissed her hand and she shivered.' You see if I touch you like this and if you kiss me like that'-Jim was kissing her neck to her that was one of the most erotic places Jim would please her. She knew it he knew it and it still worked for them.
'If I touch you like this and if I kiss you like that'-June was gently drawing her nails down the back of his shirt and kissing his neck just under his ear lobe two of the thing that June always did that would make Jim always want more.
'It's all coming back to me when you touch me like this when you hold me like that.�� Jim had wrapped his arms around her waist and drawn her closer to him so that her head was resting under his chin and he was kissing the top her head and stroking her hair, brushing it behind her ears. June looked up at Jim,' When you see me like this and when I see you like that then we see what we want to see all coming back to us, The flesh and the fantasies all coming back to me I can barely recall but it's all coming back to me.'
Jim held her hand and led her through the lounge and up the stairs in silence the walked up not taking their eyes of each other. She wanted to, he wanted to, cross that line again but this time she felt it, It was going to be different, it had to be different. As they reached the top of the stairs June stopped Jim,
'If you forgive me all this, if I forgive you all that we forgive and forget and it's all coming back to me.'
Jim pulled June into the room it was dark except for the street lamp shining through the window. He walked over and drew the curtains. It was all coming back to him the nights, the days the afternoons even they had spent making love in that room. He wanted to recall just as she did the flesh and the fantasies they shared. Jim walked over to June and slowly eased the straps of her dress down her shoulders as June stared at Jim doing this she began to unbutton his shirt as he leaned into her neck to kiss it he whispered in her ears,
'When you see me like this, when I see you like that we see just what we want to see all coming back to us. I can barely recall but it's all coming back to me...and if you kiss me like this...' Jim waited as June kissed him softly but with her tongue forcing him to part his lips and he hungrily searched for it with his the kiss was warm and soft.'And if I touch you like this'.... June waited as Jim began to unzip her dress slowly letting it fall to the floor as he had finished she stepped out of it and kicked it to one side. June unbuttoned his shirt and eased it off his back and traced her finger up in a line from his waist to the centre of his chest up his neck and stopping on his lips she traced her fingers around them as he gently licked her finger and was about to suck it in when June smiled and whispered softly. ��Jim if you do it like this. It��s all coming back to me and if we..................?????'
............And if we..............Jim leaned forward and kissed June passionately on the lips as she began to step back Jim eased her down on the bed. June had her back on the duvet and Jim was staring down at her brushing her hair to the side of her face. June had her eyes closed he knew this was right; this is what their love meant to each other. Being together, holding each other, making love, but most of all complete honesty between them. This is what gave them amongst other things the power their love needed. Jim caressed his arm down June��s side as she shivered slightly and arched her back as she moaned she softly said 'That's nice'.
As Jim��s hand went down to her thighs then her legs he gathered her les up so that now she was lying on the bed. Jim went to the bottom of the bed and massaged her feet, 'Close your eyes and let the memories flood back to you.'
He massaged one at a time gently sucking each toe and her right foot as she lifted her left foot and rubbed his shoulder with it. Jim worked his hands up her legs using his fingertips slowly he moved further up her legs. June laughed as the Goosebumps made her shiver. ��Can I open my eyes yet?'
'No keep them shut and after tell me what you could see.'
As he reached her thighs he gently eased them apart he could hear Junes sharp in take of breath he remembered how much this used to and still does please her immensely. He touched her and as he did June ran her hands through his hair tugging slightly, ��Jim Jim you're still the one, you��re still the one I need the one I love.'
By now Jim had traced a line up her stomach with his tongue June wasn't sure how much teasing she could take she could feel him now on top of her and hard against her thighs. She manoeuvred her legs so that he entered her quickly as he moved up she opened her eyes and could see his face above hers, ��Yes you're still the one.'
'Sshh Sshh you're still the one I want for life.'
As Jims pace quickened June wrapped her legs around his tightly she wasn't letting go he moved quicker as she did to and together their breathing was fast he called out June she called out Jim as their pleasure of each other made them both orgasm Junes back arched as she raised her hips to Jim she wanted more and Jim knew it.
As Jim eased himself out June kissed him on the shoulder' looks like we've made it, look how far we've come and you're still the one I dream of.'
Jim smiled 'we've come on! 20 years its taken for us to get this far.'
June rolled him over,'Better not waste the next 20 and now I intend to make up to you the past 20 we missed out on.'
Jim lay there if anyone had of said to him tonight after your meal with June you're going to make love he would have thought they were mad. Yet if he thought about it he hoped in the past 8 months that is exactly what might happen after each time they had had dinner together. As he lay there he could feel June scratching the sides of his stomach he shivered and jerked every now and again, which just made June do it more. She rolled him over on to his back and began massaging his shoulders, 'mmmmm oh yes it's definitely all coming back to me now.'
June laughed, 'it came back to me before when you were on top of me.'
'Complaining are we Ms Ackland.'
June stopped massaging him and kissed his ears and whispered, ��me complain never.'
Jim could feel her breath on his face as she nuzzled his neck his ears and then kissed his cheek. She rolled him back over and she could feel his hands on her back moving slowly up and down she bent forward and kissed him their tongues circled each others and the kiss went on for what seemed like an eternity as June moaned in between the kiss, 'Mmmm more please.'
June looked at the alarm clock 4.45 am she rolled on her back and reached out across the bed but the space next to her was empty. She bolted upright and could she Jims shadow standing by the window, 'Jim, Jim you ok. You'll catch your death your naked.'
Jim said nothing he turned and smiled at her then turned to stare out of the window again. June got out of bed and went over to him as she reached him she stood on tiptoe to kiss his bare shoulders.
'What's up?'
'When I came here tonight I guess, well I suppose lost was how I was feeling but now lying in your arms, when the world outside is too much to take, that all ends when I am with you. I know sometimes it may seem I'm far away but I promise I will always be here for you right by your side.'
June turned him round and looked into those blue eyes, those eyes she could never refuse,' hey what's this we have just had the most perfect night. I heard what you had to say, you heard me and then when we made love that for me was the seal we needed to say yes, yes this is us, this is going to work. And do you know why Jim Carver it's going to work because we both want it more than we have ever wanted anything in our lives and we've wanted it for more than 20 years. I want you to know whenever you reach for me I'll do all that I can.'
Jim kissed her, ��June when we make love I hold on to your body I feel each move you make, your voice is warm and tender it's a love that I could not forsake. The sound of your heart beating now next to mine makes it clear that feeling that I used to have when we were apart that I could not go on without you, well that's now light years away because you love me.'
June took him by the hand and led him back to bed the faced each other holding each other Jims hand was touching her back as June hand was moving slowly up and down his chest.
'When I had my eyes closed you said I could tell you later what I was seeing when you were teasing me. I saw us. I saw you and me not back when we first started this not before you married Marie...'
Jim closed his eyes the sound of that woman's name hurt him so much. All that time wasted when he could have been with the woman he was laying next to now. It hurt because he couldn't believe how stupid he had been or how much he hurt June. ��June don't mention her please.'
'Darling no I am not having a go I am trying to make you see I said it was all coming back to me. Yes it did, how special you make me feel, how beautiful you make me feel.'
He kissed her softly on the lips causing her to stop mid sentence, ��You are beautiful.'
'Listen to me will you, you make me feel beautiful, it came back to me how I feel when you make love to me, how you surprise me every time we make love.'Jim raised an eyebrow and smirked.
'It came back to me how I didn't feel beautiful when you weren't around, I had no one to share thoughts, feelings with anyone to hold me. It came back to me all the things I had missed, all the things you give me, all the things we can have and most of all I saw our future together. This is us!'
Jim smiled put his finger to a Junes lips and touched them as she kissed his finger,' have you finished Sgt Ackland may I say something now.'
'You can say it but hold me when you do.'
'Ok I will hold you but I need to see your eyes, those beautiful brown eyes.'
Jim pulled June in close as she snuggled in she could feel the heat from his body.
'For all those times you stood by me. For all the truth that you made me see. For all the joy that you brought to my life. For all the wrong that you made right. For every dream that you made come true. For all the love I found in you. You��re the one who held me up never let me fall. You were my strength when I was weak. You saw the best there was in me. I am everything I am because you love me.'
Jim could see half way through what he was saying the tears begging to well up in June��s eyes and when he finished two rolled down her cheeks. He brushed them away with his fingers then kissed the others away.
June held on tight as he hugged her, 'Thank you Jim for loving me back.'
Jim looked into her eyes, ��Forever darling for as long as we are together there will always be love between us. I told you those three words would change our lives forever.'
Deeeerrrrrrrrr!! June reached out and hit the alarm clock and groaned, 'no no tell me it's not morning'.
Jim reached his arm over her and squeezed her into him,' afraid so darling and I have the morning off.'
June playfully hit him and rolled over to face him. She smiled closed her eyes counted to 10 and opened them looked at him smiled and sighed,' Thank god I wasn't dreaming last night really did happen.'
Jim laughed moved in and kissed her softly on the lips, 'mmmm it sure did and guess what it's going to happen again tonight and tomorrow night and the day after that and forever.'
June kissed him 'I love you Jim Carver and today I want the whole world to know we are back together.'
'June are you sure? Do you want to give it some time to sink in for the two of us?'
'Do you Jim?'
'God no I know what I want and she is here in my arms loving me as much as I love her. So yes I want the world to know.
June got up and showered Jim rolled over and went back to sleep.
In the shower June laughed wait till Gina finds out! I'm in for a bit of stick from Polly and Cathy will be disappointed no more squabbles to watch over. She dried herself wrapped the towel around her and wondered back into the room. As she did so Jim stirred and sat up looking at June with a glint in his eyes. June stood in the middle of the room, smiling at him,��what! What you smiling at.'
'Me nothing just wondering what's under the towel.'
June stood there and walked slowly over to the bed letting the towel fall to the ground she put her hand to her mouth, 'ooops how did that happen?'Jim sat up and pulled her down on to him, 'Don't care how, but glad it did!' He pulled her down kissed her as she began to giggle he rolled on top of her and nibbled her neck.
'Jim Carver I have to get to work don't you dare make me late.' She couldn't resist she responded to his kisses.
'Aaaah June go on take a sickie stay with me go in at 2pm with me and make a miraculous recovery. I'll make it worth your while!'
'I don't doubt you will but I need to be at the briefing about Gabriel Kent something fishy is going on and Gina said it will all become clear today. Let me go and I promise you that after 10pm when we both finish you'll be glad you've had the next few hours sleep.'
He held her at arms length and smirked at her she raised and eyebrow and kissed him as she got up to change. Jim watched her dress he couldn't take his eyes of her. He knew that saying 'I love you' would change everything but never in his wildest dreams did he think it would have happened the way it did last night. June put on her suit jacket walked over to him and kissed him before she pulled away she whispered 'I love you.'
June pulled up at Sun Hill just as Gina did.
'Morning June we are in for one hell of a day.'
'Ma'am what is going on with Gabriel?'
'All in good time June all in good time. Anyway I thought you'd agreed to call me Gina.'
June smiled, 'Gina ok then, can I let you be the first to know.' She took in a deep breath,' Jim and I, well we, we are back together as of last night.'
Gina gave June a hug which surprised June, 'About bloody time girl everyone was wondering which one of you was going to make the first move. My money was on Jim, well was it him?'
June laughed 'I can't believe you lot have we been so blind yet you all thought we would get back together? Yes, yes it was Jim who made the first move.'
'Brilliant, wait till I see Dessie he owes me money. June you two are made for each other, everyone could see it, but we all knew you two had to see if for yourselves first.'
June walked with Gina to Mr Okaro��s office waiting was Jack, Sam, Sheelagh and Smithy. June sat down she'd already asked Sheelagh and Smithy if they knew what was going on with Gabriel. Yet all they had been told is that he had been suspended pending an inquiry.
Jack indicated for June to sit next to him, he leant across, I hear you and Jim are back as an item, stick at it June he loves you and equally he's a very lucky man.' June looked at Jack as he winked at her, Thanks Jack.'
Adam informed them of why Gabriel had been suspended and all where shocked. He'd been involved in blackmailing, Ruby, Gina, Cathy and now was in the process of being investigated for the rape of Jack��s wife Laura.
As they left the room Jack followed June and Gina into her office. June was shocked and couldn't believe it.
'I am in shock how the hell has all this happened?'
'June I told Jack what you told me about the night you were attacked and how you thought Gabriel came to your rescue hope you don't mind but he needed to know.'
Jack filled June in on what had happened. He explained how Gabriel had set Ruby up on the stolen goods case then blackmailed her to lie in court. He explained how Ruby told Gina and that's why she left the force. He then told her how he found out about Gina being charged with dink driving.
'Gina why didn't you say any thing?'
Gina shrugged her shoulders,' shame of it ooohhh I don't know and any way before I knew it Smithy and Gary had already taken the test to falsify my results.
'So Gabriel found out and used it to blackmail you in to keeping quiet about the stolen goods case.'
'Yes June'. said Jack.
'But how does Cathy and Laura fit into al this.
Gina sat down and lit up a fag and looked at June and Jack, 'don't dare tell Adam, I've got a bet with him that I can quit.'
'It seems are Cathy has been up to a few things herself and she has a few mental problems. Robbie tried to tell me but I ignored her. She told everyone that she had been beaten up and that Robbie ignored her pleas. Well it turns out she wasn't beaten up she did it herself. Gabriel saw her, when he found out she had got Robbie the sack. He used it to blackmail her.'
'Yes but how does Laura fit into this?'
Jack walked over to the window 'I'll kill him if it turns out to be him that�� that well if he laid a finger on her so help me God.'
Gina spoke 'Laura says the man who raped her blind folded her and tried to disguise his voice. He kept saying through the ordeal tell anyone at Sun Hill about this and I will tell Jack about your Internet dating.'
June looked at Jack, 'Jack I'm sorry she didn't want you to know about that. That's why I never said anything.'
Jack held up his hand, 'June it's ok unbeknown to Laura Sam had informed me and the only other person who knew was....'
'Gabriel!' June sighed.
'Jack you have to tell her the rest', Gina said.
June looked away from Gina to Jack puzzled.
'June Laura told me something she didn't tell you about the rape.'
'What Jack?'
'Laura said while he was raping her the man cried I'm sorry this should have happened to that bitch Ackland!!'
June looked shocked in disbelief she couldn't get her head around this, 'me, me he wanted to that to me, but, but why?'
'I don't know June but that's when I remembered what you said about your attack on the night of Jims wedding.'
'Oh my god you think it was Gabriel who attacked me and wanted to rape me!!'
'I know it doesn't make sense June I we can't even find a motive for all he is doing apart from the fact it seems to be women sergeants he is aiming for except for Laura and Gina.'
Gina coughed, 'Maybe its women in authority in general he has a problem with.'
'Ok so what's the plan?'
Jack sighed 'well that's the problem although we suspended him for the blackmailing; he doesn't know we're on to him about the attacks but he's gone missing. Nowhere to be found. I want him brought in for questioning when we do catch up with him.''So for now June you don't go anywhere without one of us.'
June nodded and went out of the room she wanted to call Jim to tell him all this. It still hadn't sunk in what had just been said. Jack followed her out of the room, 'June, June you ok?'
'Yes sir I think, just can't for the life of me think why Gabriel would want to do this to me. I don't know him. I'm going to call Jim if that's ok?'
Jack touched her on the arm he had the greatest amount of respect for June and was so pleased that Jim and her had finally got things sorted, ��Course it's ok.'
'What the hell, I'm coming into work you should be at home not there where he could walk in to work.��
'Jim I'm fine if he does come in great as Jack wants him for questioning. Don't come in early see you at 2pm.I will take my lunch about 1.30pm come in so we can eat together.'
'June have you told anyone about us?'
'You wont believe this but Des has only been running a book on us getting back together and who would make the first move.'
'So no one was surprised.'
'No but they were all pleased.'
'June I love you.'
'Jim guess what?'
'What Sergeant Ackland!'
'I love you to.'
Jim put the phone down he couldn't get it out of his mind what June had just said. If anyone touched June he would kill them.
Gina was in the interview room with a client and Polly and Cathy were out on a case. Jack had called June for the tenth time to let her know where he was going and Sam was with Laura interviewing her. It was a rare moment to be in CSU on her own even though Gina was in the interviewing room.
June went into the toilet and was just washing her hands when she heard the lock on the second door and out walked Gabriel. June could see him in the mirror and she gasped, 'Gabriel what you doing in here?'
He walked over to the sink and looked at June through the mirror, 'Oh I think we both know what I want Sergeant Ackland!'
June looked down and she could see he was holding a gun, she turned to see the door but her feet wouldn't let her move. Before she knew it he had her arm up her back and one hand over her mouth. She cringed as he spoke into her hair, 'Move or make a sound and I can promise you I will use this on you got it. 'June nodded, 'What do you want from me Gabriel? What have I done to you?'
'All in good time Sergeant all in good time it will all come back to you.'
He opened the door to make sure there was no-one coming he moved towards June. 'We see any one and you act normal because if you don't it wont only be you I go after but Jim too.'
He moved alongside her keeping very close. June couldn't believe it there was no-one in sight. As they approached CSU he closed the door and locked it turned to June and smirked, 'Just you and me June, just you and me. 'He jumped when he heard Gina voice, 'and me Gabriel and me.'
'Ma'am he's got a gun!'
Gina looked down then looked at June, 'You ok has he hurt you?'
June shook her head. Gabriel waved the gun towards Gina and laughed, Women in power well the pair of you are powerless now aren't you. Sit down now'.
June and Gina sat down before he did Gina distracted Gabriel's attention to make him look behind when he did so she turned her radio on. She knew that Jack and all in CAD would now hear what was going on.
Gabriel sat Gina and June with their backs to each other and tied their hands together.
'Very original PC Kent which cowboy film did you see this in then?'
Gabriel pulled Gina's head back and she flinched, 'I said shut it and your smart comments wont help Sergeant Ackland. It's her I want you, well sorry Ma'am but you just got in the way.'
Kerry was in CAD listening to all this, 'Oh my God what's going on? Sarge listen to this Gabriel has got Inspector Gold and Sergeant Ackland hostages in CSU.'
Smithy ran over to listen just as Sam, Adam and Sheelagh ran in. Jack had called Sam and Sheelagh to inform then what was happening.
Smithy looked over at them at all, 'What's going on do you lot know about this.'
Adam nodded 'give me the controls now.'
'Gabriel I don't understand how do you know me?'
Gabriel was walking round in circles laughing and glaring at the pair of them. 'Oh I don't know you Sergeant but you knew my best mate. You could say you fitted him up. You could say because of you he killed himself and you could say because of you my mum is in prison. You could say you, you bitch have ruined my family's life. 'He bent forward and spat at June. She moved her head away as Gina shouted, 'oi oi oi pack it in don't you dare do that.'
Gabriel pointed the gun at Gins cheek, I'm sorry ma'am just who is it that is holding the gun?'
Gina talked louder and June understood why. So that they could hear cleared in CAD.
'Ok PC Kent take the gun away from my face I get the message.'
Sam looked at Adam 'Sir we need SO19 and we should evacuate this immediate area.'
'Look Gabriel what is it you want, you don't actually believe that you are going to get out of this and run free do you?'
Gabriel pulled up a chair and stroked June�s face with the gun as she whimpered.
'Oh Inspector who said any thing about getting out of here?'
Jack had arrived in CAD by now and could here all that was going on. 'I still don't see the connection he has with June.'
Gabriel walked over to the window and could see no signs of movement outside. 'You see you two haven't even been missed!'
June squeezed Gina's hand as Gin said, 'don't worry June it's going to be ok.'
'Uuugh do you think so Inspector? And what gives you that idea?'
'PC Kent don't be so bloody stupid you wont get away with this.'
June looked at Gabriel,' well are you going to enlighten me who the hell are you?'
Gabriel bent down and whispered into June�s ears,
'Does the name Carl Mitchell mean any thing to you Sergeant Ackland?'
Sam looked at Jack as did Adam Jack banged his hand down on the table, 'Carl Mitchell I don't believe this not again. When will that family leave it be.'
'June do you know the name?'
June sighed, 'Yes Ma'am he's a toe rag I got sent down for dealing 17 he was he couldn't hack it so he topped himself. Few years ago his mum hired a hit man to track me down. We foiled the plot but he killed my best mate Jo Morgan.'
Gabriel hit June hard across the face, 'yes and Carl was not only my brother but my best mate.'
Adam looked at Jack in CAD 'is this true Jack?'
'Yes sir that family have had it in for June ever since. 'Sam looked at Jack,' but Gabriel's surname is Kent not Mitchell. We could never have made the connection.'
'Look Gabriel I will tell you what I told your mum Carl was a dealer he was dealing to kids as young as 12.We had to bring him in and yes I am glad he was convicted.'
Gabriel walked away from June, 'my brother would never deal in that crap he hated anyone or anything to do with drugs.'
'Uggh obviously not the money,' said Gina. Gabriel ran over to Gina and hit her hard across the face.
'You'll be very sorry you said that.'
'Listen sonny not half as sorry as you will be when we get out of here.'
Jim had just pulled into the car park and could see Des, Tony, Kerry and Cameron looking up at the windows of CSU. He could also see the tape going around the area cordoning the area. Tony saw Jim get out and he walked over to Jim. He touched him on the shoulder. 'Jim!'
'Tone what's going on what's happening?'
Kerry came over,'Jim he's got Gina and June in there!'
Jim looked up at CSU and then at Tony 'What's going on Tony?'
'It's Gabriel mate he's lost it big time he's got Gina and June up in CSU.'
'Oh my god Tony Gabriel is after June for some reason she told me today. It all been hush hush.'
'Jim there's more...'
'What Kerry tell me.'
'Jim he's got a gun up there.'
Jim pushed passed all of them as they tried to call him back. He ran in to the building and straight up to CAD as he got in Jack looked at him.
'Jim you shouldn't be here.'
'Jack where else do you want me to be you have to get her out Jack please.'
Adam went over to Jim, 'Jim we are doing every thing possible so please go back out side if we feel we need you we will come and get you.'
Jack looked at Adam, 'Sir he has a right to know Jim is June�s partner, and there are no secrets between them.'
'Jim we have just found out that Gabriel is the brother of Carl Mitchell the kid..........'
'The kid who hung himself in prison and the mother blamed June.'
'That's right Jim it all makes sense to us now.'
Jim walked out of the door where Tony was waiting come on mate lets get back outside we may be able to figure something out.
Jim explained to the others who Gabriel was and why he had it in for June.
Polly tried to comfort Jim by saying 'I knew there was something fishy about him and he was to blame for Cathy going under.'
Everyone looked at her they all felt the same about Cathy but Polly still couldn't see it. Now wasn't the time to discuss it though.
Des slapped Jim on the back 'hey mate is it true you and the Sarge are back together?'
Jim looked Tony, 'Yeah it's true and this time it's for keeps.'Tony went over to Jim, 'Listen mate all what's happened with us water under the bridge, I know how much she loves you and I can sure tell how much you love her, so go for it.'
Jim had tears in his eyes as he looked up at Tony, 'I couldn't cope if I lost her now Tony I just wouldn't want to go on.'
Kerry gave him a hug 'are you kidding June is the strongest person I know she will get out of this and lets face Gina can talk her way out of any hostage situation. 'There was a moment of laughter till Des spotted Gabriel by the window and shouted,' there he is the muppet!'
Jim looked up and their eyes locked.
Gabriel laughed, 'Aaaahh how sweet guess who has come to see June? He looks a bit worried though!'
June thought as she said in a low whisper, 'JIM!'
'Listen Gabriel can you untie us I need the ladies. 'Gina squeezed June�s hand which she knew was sign she was up to something.
Gabriel walked over to the pair of them, 'you think I'm that stupid woman.'
June looked at him' she's hardly going to do any thing daft with you pointing that thing at her.'
Sam was still CAD she looked at Jack,' Their up to something I hope to god they know what they are doing.'
'So do I Sam so do I.'
Gabriel untied them but grabbed both hands as he said, 'try anything I swear I will use this if I have to.
June pointed to the door by the interview room for Gina to go to the toilet. Gabriel grabbed June and dragged her to the window. As she got to the window he opened it and she heard the cry of Jim... 'JUNE JUNE If he hurts you?'
Gabriel leaned out of the window, 'you'll what Jim 'and he showed him the gun.
June looked at Jim she could see how worried he was she wanted to hold him she wanted him to reassure her it was all going to be ok. Gabriel began to close the blinds slowly. Jim was crying the tears streaming down his face. He couldn't believe he was so close to her yet to far away to do anything to help her. Gina was in the toilet trying to see if she could find a way out but there was nothing, nothing that would help them.
Jack had organised SO19 outside CSU in position and Jim, Tony, Des looked up at the windows as Kerry pointed to the roof, 'look guys but don't make it obvious. 'Up on the roof where SO19 getting ready to absail down the windows. Gabriel had given the ideal opportunity now as he was closing the blinds.
Gina was just coming out of the toilet and she saw the chair by her side. Gabriel still had June�s arm up her back and he hadn't turned round to see her approaching. Jim was looking at June he could see tears running down her face. Then he saw her mouth something, she said it three times 'I love you.'
Just as before Gabriel closed the final blind he shouted loudly and with so much emotion 'June I love you.'
Just as the final blind was shut the windows of CSU shattered and the gun shot was heard by all on the ground as Jim screamed...............'JUNE NO!'
'JUNE!JUNE!NO NO NOT JUNE!' Jim cried as he tried to run towards the building but Des and Tony held him back. Glass was still falling from CSU window onto the ground. The three of them looked up to see SO19 absailing down from the roof and heading in through the window. Jim couldn't believe it, this can't be it. Her last words were 'I love you. 'Those words where supposed to change their lives forever but for better not like this.
Meanwhile in CSU Jack, Adam and SO19 had burst through the door when they heard the gun go off.
'Armed police put down the gun, put down the gun now. On the floor, get down on the floor arms above your head.'
Jack could see June on the floor with Gabriel lying away from her. The other side of the room was Gina she was holding her shoulder as blood was pouring out. Adam saw her and ran over to her, 'Gina are you ok what happened?'
Gina smiled, 'Get me a fag and I'll tell you when I� ve smoked it.' Adam touched her on the cheek as he smiled and laughed, 'You'll live.'
Gina smirked, 'Course I'll live I'm a tough cookie as well you know. June what about June is she ok.?'
Jack was at June�s side he bent down as SO19 were cuffing Gabriel they pulled him to his feet he had a glazed look on his face he made no attempt to look at June. On his way out he glanced over to Gina and hissed 'You bitch you got in the way that was meant for her not you.'
Adam ordered SO19 to get him out of the building.
'Gina what happened? How come the bullet hit you?'
'Ouch Adam I'm loosing blood.'
'It's ok Gina we'll get you to hospital but what happened?'
'The daft sod let me go to the loo. As I came out he had June at the window taunting Jim, he had his back to me. I grabbed the chair and moved towards him. I was just about to hit him over the head when he must have seen my reflection in the window he turned round with June in front of him. I stopped June stamped her heal on his foot I went for him and the bastard pulled the trigger. Not before I hit him though. 'She looked at Adam and laughed, 'Go on say it I'm a silly sod but I had to do something. He really was going to hurt June.'
Adam helped her to her feet, 'Gina you did what we all would have done.'
The paramedics arrived and attended to Gina. Jack was hugging June, 'Sssh sshh June it's over it's all over he can't touch you now. 'June was sobbing and just glad she was being held. She looked up at Jack her eyes wet, 'Jack what about Jim? Where is he?'
Outside Jim was pacing and saying to Tony, 'Tone what are they doing in there? The paramedics have gone in but no one has come out. Tony if she's dead I want to see her now. 'Tony touched his arm, 'I don't know what their doing mate we will just have to wait. At that they turned their heads to look up at CSU window as Kerry shouted, 'Jim look! Look up there!'
They all saw what Kerry was pointing to. Jack had got June to the window so that she could see Jim was waiting for her. Jack was holding her up as she put her hand to her mouth and cried. Jim reached out his hand wishing he could touch her. He cried as the tears rolled down his face he shouted up to her,
'June I'm here. I'm here I love you.'
Kerry, Des and Tony hugged him. Tony led Jim to the ambulance, 'Told you she'd make it mate.'
They waited at the ambulance first to arrive was Gina and Adam was with her. As she came out the relief cheered, 'Good to see you Ma'am. Well done. Hurry up back Ma'am.'
Just as Gina got in the ambulance she yelled back,' Oi you lot this is not an excuses for you to take a holiday while I'm out of action.'
Des muttered under his breath, 'God not even a bullet can soften her.'
'Oi Taviner I heard that.' The relief fell about laughing. Then they saw Jack and June emerge. As they got outside Jim ran forward and grabbed hold of June and hugged her. There was silence between them and the relief clapped. Jim held June for ages all he could hear was their two hearts beating and he heard June crying. He looked at her and wiped the tears away as he said, 'Hey you it's ok I'm here now.'
June fell into his arms as she sobbed, 'Jim I was so scared.'
They both got into the ambulance as it took them all to the hospital. Jim sat with Jack in the waiting room. They saw Adam emerge from a side room. Jack stood up, 'Sir how's Gina?'
'She is going to be fine she's had an operation to remove the bullet. Her arm is in a sling and she will be out of action for a while. Other than that she can still have a fag and she's going to be fine. June is in there with her now.'
'Gina thank you.'
'Be quiet will you June you would have done the same for me I hope.' Gina smirked at June as she nodded. June sat on the bed, 'I just can't believe all this has happened!'
'I knew there was something fishy about Gabriel when he first came to Sun Hill. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would turn out to be anything like this though. Anyway enough it's over and out there is a man who is very glad that it's not you lying in here. 'Gina touched June on the arm as she spoke to her, 'I told you this morning we all think you two are made for each other. Don't screw it up again. He loves you June we can all see that and I think now you've finally admitted to yourself just how much you have always loved him. Go on go to him.'
'Thanks Gina see you soon.'
'Hey I've told Adam while I'm away you're acting Inspector don't let me down girl.'
June left the room and walked to the waiting room. Adam and Jack had left and there sitting in the chair was the man she loved. The man who was at the forefront of her mind while all this was going on. She walked into the room and saw Jim was dozing. She brushed his hair dent down and kissed him on the cheek.
'What June!' Jim looked startled as he saw June�s face close to his.
'Sssh Jim take me home please.'
They arrived at June�s house Jim opened the door and the two of them walked up the stairs and lay on the bed. Jim held June as she cried and cried. 'Do you want to talk about it?' He asked. June shook her head as she said softly, 'No not yet Jim please just hold me. 'They fell asleep in each others arms.
Friday 11th August.
June woke to find no sign of Jim but she could smell bacon. As she put on her dressing gown and went downstairs she saw him in the kitchen. She stood in the door way watching him. This is what she wanted, him, her, here, now and forever. How could she have been so foolish not telling him sooner. So much sooner. Thoughts of Gabriel entered her head as Jim turned to her,
'Good morning you ok?' She nodded as he walked over to her and kissed her.
'Jim yesterday was one of the most frightening experiences of my life. And do you know what was going through my head all the time?'
'What?'
June held him close as she spoke 'All I could think was suppose I never see him again? What was the last thing I said to him? So when Gabriel took me to the window to see you I had to say those three words. If it was to be the last time I saw you I wanted I love you to be the last three words you heard from me.'
'June that is over now and I am so glad that I will get to hear those three words time and time again from you.'
As they arrived at work both looked up at the window of CSU they couldn't believe it that less than 24 hours ago their lives could have changed for the worse. Jim looked at her, 'You sure you want to go in?'
'Yes I have to face it. Bob always said to me after a tough incident you can either go down the pub or get on with the job. Get on with the job is what I am going to do.' He kissed her as they went in. They both went into the canteen and where greeted with a huge cheer and round of applause. June was touched to see just how many people cared for her and to have Jim standing by her side.
Tony walked over and gave her a big kiss as he looked at Jim and said 'Sorry mate just glad to see her. 'Jim smiled 'It's ok mate.'
Adam and Jack where there as Adam spoke Jack handed him an envelope and smiled at Jim and June.
'Er can I have your attention please. As you know while Gina is recovering Sergeant Ackland will be your acting Inspector.'
'Hooray about time.' cried all the lads.
Adam continued, 'However she will not be starting that role until she gets back from her mini weekend away.'
Jim looked at June and she looked at him both looked bemused.
'I'm sorry sir I don't understand.'
'Jim June for all you have been through I hope you will accept this from the Met. It's a 4 day trip to Venice to recover and forget all that's happened if you can.'
Kerry then walked forward and handed June an envelope as she said' Sarge I mean Ma'am we had a whip round for spends for you also. This is from all of us.'
June took the envelope as Jim spoke, 'I...We don't know what to say apart from cheers you lot.'
Tuesday 15th August
Jim and June had been in Venice since Saturday and had been so engrossed in each other. They had talked about all they had been through. Jim had told her how he felt even when he was married to Marie. How much he dreamed of being with her. How even when he was making love to Marie he only saw June�s face. She was his first thought in the morning and his last thought at night. June told him how she felt when he did marry Marie and how guilty she felt when she heard they were having a bad time. She felt guilty because even then she hoped in a distant part of her mind that maybe just maybe her and Jim would get back all they had had. She spoke about her ordeal with Gabriel what was going through her mind when he held the gun to her head. When he pushed her up against the window to see Jim for what could have been the last time. Jim told her what went through his mind at the time. If that was to have been the last time he saw her, he had no idea how he would have continued on with life.
The thought that they had just committed themselves to each other the night before. The thought that they had spent the night before rekindling their love for each other, making passionate love recapturing all the time they had lost. The thought that all that could so easily be taken away again scared him.
'Can't believe this is our last night.' June said as they walked through St Marks square. They had just had a beautiful meal in a very plush restaurant and taken their last gondola ride and Jim had bought June a rose and handed it to her 'From me to you with all my love.' He had said as he gave it to her.
'Can't believe the Met have paid for all this.' Laughed Jim as June squeezed his hand.
'Jim.'
'Mmmm.'
'Jim look around we are the only ones out here. It's so peaceful here. Can't believe the day after tomorrow we will be back in busy Sun Hill.'
They heard the clock strike midnight. Jim stopped and pulled June back into his arms and kissed her as he whispered against her cheek,
'You do know what date it is don't you.'
June looked up at him and smiled. Just by the twinkle in her eye he knew she knew what he was thinking.
'Let me see it's just turned midnight so it's the beginning of a new day.' she said.
'Yes a new day.' said Jim,' that makes it Wednesday 16th August 2003.1 week ago we made love for the first time in a long while.' He bent down brushed his lips against hers and kissed her as her lips touched his she opened her mouth and let her tongue search for his and kissed him passionately holding him she looked into his eyes and said 'Yes and 20 years ago when you first walked into Sun Hill I thought, mmm nice looking guy. So I suppose you could say happy anniversary even though we're not married.'
Jim took June by the hand into the centre of the square and went down on one knee and took her hand. June looked around in disbelief as she turned to him and said, 'What are you doing you fool?'
'June Ackland would you do me the honour of being my wife?'
June�s mouth fell open as Jim reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a small ring box. 'From me to you.' He opened the box and there staring at her was a sapphire engagement ring. Jim took her hand as he placed the ring on her finger he said, 'From this moment life has begun. From this moment you are the one. Right beside you is where I belong. I live only for your happiness. For your love I'd give my last breath. From this moment as long as I live I will love you I promise you this.'
Jim stood up as June took his face in her hands and said, 'You're the reason I believe in love. You're the answer to my prayers. All we need is just the two of us. My dreams came true because of you. From this moment I will love you for as long as I live.'
Jim smiled as he took her hands from his face kissed them and said 'Is that a yes then?'
June nodded and smiled 'Yes! Yes! Yes! And a thousand times yes.'
Jim picked her up and spun her round as he placed her feet back on the floor they spun round and round kissing each other. He led her back to the hotel they were staying. As they reached the door to their room June pushed Jim up against the door and whispered 'It's all coming back to me why I love you so much.'
Jim opened the door and pushed June up against the door as it closed he began to slowly undress her. He was kissing her neck as she brushed her fingers down his back easing the shirt off his back. To think this was it now she had agreed to be his wife this would continue for a long time to come nothing or no one would come between then now or ever again.
As she led him to the bed as pushed him down gently Jim looked up at her as June smiled as said, 'From this moment and .........'she bent forward and kissed him softly as Jim said, 'For always just me and you.'