'Morning June' Tony smiled
'Morning'
'How are you?' he asked
'Fine why shouldn't I be' replied June
'June, What happened?' Tony said pointing to he face
June placed her hand on her cheek 'Nothing, I...'
'Don't lie June, I know you to well'
'I�� oh Tony' June cried
Tony placed his arm protectively around her and led her into an interview room 'It's alright June, you can tell me'
'I was attacked'
'What? When!' exclaimed Tony
'Last night, I left the party and couldn't get a taxi, I was so wound up and upset that I just decided to walk home'
'You should have come back to the party, I would have walked you home'
'I couldn't Tone I couldn't stay there. Marie was making me feel so small, constantly getting at me knowing full well that I still��' she sobbed
'That you still love Jim' continued Tony
'Yes, I know it's stupid after everything he has done to me but I can't help it'
'So what happened?' Tony asked
'I was walking through the park and I heard some footsteps, I turned around and there was nothing there but then someone attached me from behind' she cried
Tony hugged her 'June you have to report it'
'No I can't, I don't want everyone knowing, please Tony don't say anything'
'But you are obviously still shaken by it' he said looking concerned
'I will be fine now I have told you honestly'
'June you don't believe that any more than I do. Look let me speak to DCI Meadows'
'No please'
'June please let me tell him and you should be checked over by the FME'
'I went to hospital last night, a man saved me, phoned an ambulance and then disappeared'
'Why didn't you ring me?' Tony asked
'I phoned Jim, I know I shouldn't have but I just wanted him to hold me'
'So Jim knew about this' he said angrily
'No, his mobile was switched off'
'Oh June. Look I am going to speak to Jack off the record'
'Ok'
'Everything will be alright'
'Thanks Tony, after everything I have done to you, I am surprised you still care'
'Of course I do'
Tony kissed her hair and then left the room. June wiped her eyes and went up to CSU.
After the briefing Tony went up to see DCI Meadows.
'Come in' called Jack 'Oh hi Tony what can I do for you'
'It's a bit delicate sir'
'Oh'
'It's Sgt Ackland'
'What about her?' Jack asked looking concerned
'This must stay between us sir, it has taken a lot to get her to agree to me telling you'
'Ok'
'June was attacked last night, she hasn't reported it and she doesn't want to'
'Is she alright?' Jack asked
'She was taken to hospital last night and they have discharged her, she has a bruise on her face but she has done a good job of hiding it. I don't know if she has any other bruises, she wasn't going to tell me about the attack at all until I insisted'
'Why hasn't she come to see me?'
'She is ashamed I think, I don't know what of but she doesn't want everyone finding out'
'Ok, thanks Tony I will deal with this from now on'
'Thank you sir' Tony said before leaving
Jack rang CSU and asked June to come to his office
'Sir you wanted to see me' June said
'Yes come in and sit down'
June did what he asked. Jack moved from behind his desk and sat in front of her 'June, I have spoken to Tony'
'Oh I thought you might have'
'Why didn't you come to see me June?'
'I wasn't going to say anything at first but then Tony spotted the bruise and I got upset'
'June you shouldn't be here'
'I am not going home sir, I just want to forget about it'
'June we have to catch this man, I know you don't want the whole station knowing so I am going to investigate it myself with Sam'
'Ok'
'June we will get him but I will need a statement'
'Ok'
Jack placed a protective arm around June. 'June I promise I will find him'
'I know' June sobbed
'Hey what's the matter?' Jack asked
'I... oh sorry I just...'
'You want Jim?' Jack butted in
'Yes, stupid isn't it, it's just that when I was with him I felt safe and now, now I feel empty, alone and vulnerable'
'June you have many people who care for you, myself included, you are special June and nothing is going to hurt you'
'Thanks'
'Right lets take that statement and I'll contact Sam'
Jack phoned Sam and explained the situation and then he took a statement off June. 'Right I think that's it, now June are you sure you want to get back to work'
'Yes I am all right really; I just want to get busy. If I am busy I haven't got time to think about the attack and Jim'
'Ok but if it gets too much you know where I am'
'Thanks sir'
June left just as Sam entered Jacks office 'Is she alright?' Sam asked
'June's tough, I think this whole Jim thing has got to her more than the attack. I'll keep an eye on her.'
'Ok so what have we got to go on?' Sam said
'Not much I am afraid' Jack replied
Jack went through June's statement and Sam decided to do some searching of her own.
At the end of the shift June drove home and as she parked her car in her driveway tears filled her eyes. The front of the house was covered in graffiti reading 'You Bitch, Scum' June reached for her bag, her hands were shaking now, she found her mobile and dialled Jack's number 'Hello DCI Meadows'
'Sir' June cried
'June is that you?'
'Sir sorry to disturb you but I have just arrived home and my house is covered in graffiti'
'Oh no, I will be there right away'
Ten minutes later Jack arrived at June's; June was still sitting in her car shaking. Jack opened her car door 'June are you alright?' he asked
'Who would want to do this to me?' she sobbed
'I don't know'
'Do you think it's connected to the attack?'
'I am not sure but this looks like a hate campaign to me, June have you upset anyone lately'
'No'
'Ok look I want you to come and stay with me, just until I know what we are dealing with'
'No sir thanks but I am not being pushed out of my own home, it's probably just kids, I'll be fine'
'June please'
'No I need to stay here'
'If you insist'
'I will get someone to clean this up' Jack said
'Thanks'
Jack accompanied June into her house and then went home. June sat alone in her sitting room, jumping every time she heard a noise. She had never felt like this before, she had lived on her own for years and had been through worse than this but she always felt strong and able to cope but now she was scared and vulnerable, what had Jim done to her.
The following morning June had a shower and then went downstairs, she collected the post and placed it on the table. She made herself a cup of tea and started opening the mail, bills, more bills and more bills she thought and then she came across a blue envelope, she opened it up. Inside was a piece of paper with cut out letters from a newspaper, it read 'I'll get you, you bitch. You have been warned'June froze for a few seconds and then she placed the letter into her bag and left in a hurry for work. She arrived at the station 15 minutes later and went straight to Jack's office, she showed him the letter '
Oh June, this is getting worse'
'I know'
'Look June I am going to phone Frank Burnside and Liz Rawton to take over this case. That way we can keep it from the rest of the station'
'Ok'
'Leave it with me June' Jack said
June left and went back to CSU, while Jack phoned Frank. He explained the situation and Frank was only too happy to help, as June was a good friend, someone he respected. Liz too was happy to help and the two of them started work on the case. Jack had asked them both to stay away from the station to minimise the gossip but to keep him informed at all times.
Over the next 2 weeks Frank and Liz continued to work on the case but they had no leads as of yet. Meanwhile the hate mail got worse and the graffiti continued. June was finding it extremely hard to deal with and she also thought she was being followed so she took some time off and Liz decided to stay with her. June was glad of the company it made her feel safer. 'I have decided to go back to work tomorrow' June said
'Do you think that's wise I mean we still have no leads June'
'I know but that's it isn't it, it could take weeks before you get a lead, I can't hide away for all that time'
'Your not hiding away' Liz replied
'Well what would you call it then' June snapped 'Oh I am sorry Liz, it's just getting to me'
'It's alright, if you want to go back to work then I won't stop you but if it gets to much then you know where I am'
'Thanks Liz'
'I suppose I had better leave you in peace then, I will move out tomorrow'
'Thanks'
'Stop saying that'
June smiled
The next day June returned to work, it was Jim's first day back too after his honeymoon. 'Morning Sarge' Jim smiled
'Jim hi' June replied
'Oh Sarge your back' Polly smiled
'Yes'
'Where have you been?' Jim asked
'I haven't been very well, nothing serious'
'Are you feeling better now?' Polly asked
'Yes thanks, right what have we got' June said trying to change the subject
'Well there's this case' Polly replied handing June a file 'It's a racial attack'
June froze for a minute 'Sarge, are you alright?' Polly asked
'Yes, yes of course, right Polly do you want to come with me on this?'
'I would but I have this list of witnesses to interview, sorry'
'I'm free' Jim said
'Right ok you can come with me then'
Jim and June set off, the journey to the estate was awkward, neither spoke. They reached the estate and knocked on the door. From a distance someone was taking photos of their movements.
There was no answer at the flat
'Look June' Jim started
'So how was the honeymoon' June said quickly
'Um... ok'
'Ok I thought honeymoons were supposed to be better than ok' June laughed
'June I...'
'Please don't' June interrupted 'You have made your choice now lets keep our relationship professional'
'But...'
'Jim please' June begged
June got back into the car and drove back to the station. When she arrived Robbie gave her a blue envelope, which was left at the front desk for her. June opens the envelope and finds another letter and some photos, which freaks June out
'June?' Jim said 'Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost'
'Oh I just feel a bit sick, excuse me' June said as she ran off towards Jacks office. She gave Jack the latest letter 'Oh Sir, they are starting to send the letters here, this is going to start interfering with my work'
'When could these photo's have been taken' Jack asked
'This morning, I went on a job with Jim'
'Ok I'll let Frank know'
'Sir I want to take some leave, if I don't everyone will find out about this. Jim came close to finding out just now and he is the last person I want to find out'
'I thought you would have wanted him to know'
'I do and I don't there is no point in him knowing anyway, Jim has made his choice and I have to deal with it'
'Ok take some leave starting immediately, I will tell everyone your ill'
'Thanks'
June drove home and when she opened the door there was more hate mail waiting for her, with more pictures. June locked all the doors and windows and then sat down and watched television and eventually fell asleep. Later that evening June was woken by a noise outside; she hurried to the window and saw a man dressed in black run to her letter- box. She heard a thump and rushed to the doorway. When she reached the doorway she couldn't believe what she saw, it was a lit firework.
She quickly moved back into the lounge and closed the door and about 20 seconds later there was a loud bang. June opened the door and the hall was on fire, she was trapped. She ran to the window, shouting for help. An old man noticed what had happened and telephoned the police and fire brigade. June was terrified she thought that there was no way she would get out. She found her phone in her bag but the battery had gone
'Damn' she cried as she threw the mobile. She prayed that someone would help her but no one seemed to be coming. She wanted Jim now more than ever but she knew she had to stop wanting him because he was a married man now. She heard a siren and ran to the window, it was Tony and Des
'Tony' she cried 'Help'
'Des, June's inside'
'Oh hell' Des shouted as he ran to the door. Tony ran to the window and tried to reassure June. 'There's no way I can get in that way, we will have to break the window' Des said
'Sierra Oscar, we are at the fire and it is Sgt Ackland's house, Sgt Ackland is trapped inside, Des is about to break a window'
Jack heard the end of the message
'Did he just say it was Sgt Ackland's house'
'Yes sir'
'Sam' Jack shouted 'Quick June's house is on fire'
Sam and Jack rushed out of the station and arrived at the scene within ten minutes followed by Honey, Gary, Reg and Kerry.
Des found a brick around the side of the house
'Des you will never get her out that way' Jack shouted as he ran to the door 'Where's the fire brigade?'
'On its way sir' Tony replied 'We haven't got time to wait'
'Ok I am going in' Jack said
'Sir be careful' Sam ordered
Jack and Des knocked the door down and flames came flying out
'Wow' Des said
Jack and Des ran into the house and into the lounge, they got June and ran out. Once out Tony ran over to June
'June are you alright?' he said as he hugged her
'Yes thanks to Des and Jack'
The fire brigade eventually arrived and got the fire under control.
One fireman came out and showed Jack a large firework
'This is the cause' the fireman said as he gave Jack the firework
'I don't believe it' Des exclaimed 'the fire was started deliberately
'No' Honey replied
'It was a firework'
'Oh poor June' Reg added
All the units left followed by the fire brigade 'June' Jack said 'Come and stay at mine tonight'
'Thank you'
'I will inform Frank and Liz' Sam said before leaving the scene.
Jack drove June to his house, June had a shower and changed into some clean clothes she had picked up from her house. She then went downstairs and joined Jack in the sitting room.
'June this is spiralling out of control, these people who ever they are want to kill you'
'I know' June cried 'who would want to do such a thing' she sobbed
Jack got up and moved to sit beside her, he placed his arm around her and she rested her head on his chest. 'June I think this may have something to do with your relationship with Jim'
'What?'
'Well of late all the letters and photos have mentioned Jim'
'But I am not with Jim anymore'
'I know that, I don't know what it is I just get this feeling. Tony was worried about you tonight' Jack said
'Yes he's a good friend'
'Everyone will know by tomorrow you know, including Jim'
'I know. Sir please don't tell him where I am'
'June why are you so adamant that Jim shouldn't know about this' Jack asked
'Because I have enough to deal with without having to control my feelings for him to'
'Ok I won't say anything' Jack smiled
'Jack, I have never been so scared in my life' she sobbed
'Oh June, you are safe here'
'What if they find me?' she asked
'They won't you are safe, do you trust me' Jack said as he placed his hands on her face. They both looked deep into each other's eyes and Jack moved closer to her and kissed her lightly on the lips. June took comfort from the kiss and started to respond.
After a few seconds they broke apart 'sorry June I shouldn't have'
'No it's alright, thank you'
'For what?'
'Everything'
'Look about the kiss' Jack began
'Lets just forget it happened'
'Yes thanks June'
She kissed him on the cheek 'Goodnight Jack'
'Night and don't worry you are safe'
June briefly smiled before walking upstairs. She felt at ease now, she didn't love Jack of course she didn't she had only ever loved one man but she felt close to Jack. Jack sat alone downstairs thinking about that brief moment when he kissed her, He knew she still loved Jim but somehow he couldn't control himself, he had some sort of feelings for her, he wasn't sure what type of feelings but he did know that there was no chance of anything happening between them.
The following day Jack arrived for work, everyone was talking about what happened at June's the night before. Jack ignored the gossip and walked straight into his office. Jim arrived not long after him; he was oblivious to what had happened to June, as he wasn't working nights.
As he walked down the corridor he saw Frank Burnside outside Jacks office 'Frank' called Jim
'Hello kid' Frank replied
'What you doing here?' Jim asked
'Long story cant talk now, speak to you later' Frank replied before entering Jacks office. Jim looked puzzled; he couldn't understand why Frank would be back at Sun Hill. He walked into the canteen and sat by Tony and Des
'Guess who I just saw' Jim laughed
'Who?' Des asked
'Frank Burnside'
'Who?'
'Frank Burnside used to be in CID years ago' Tony replied
'Do you have any idea why he's here?' Jim asked
'Probably to do with....' Des began before Tony kicked him under the table 'Argh.. To do with that arson case'
'Oh right' Jim smiled 'Nice to see him back anyway' he said before leaving the canteen
'What did you do that for?' Des asked
'June doesn't want Jim to know'
'Well he is bound to find out she is talk of the station' Des said
'Yeah well he won't find out off us right'
'Ok, ok'
Later that afternoon Frank entered CSU to talk to Polly but she wasn't available. As he was leaving he bumped into Jim again 'Hey we must stop meeting like this' Jim laughed
'Yes we must' Frank grinned
'So tell me what brings you back here'
'Well I am heading the case involving June aren't I, I have done from the beginning but it's only know that the situation has got worse that everyone has found out'
'What are you talking about?' Jim asked looking confused
'You must know about t, everyone is talking about it'
'No I don't tell me'
'Well Jack phoned me about 3 or 4 weeks ago now to help him find June's attacker'
'June was attacked, when?'
'After your wedding apparently, congratulations by the way, sorry I couldn't make it'
'Why didn't she tell me?' Jim asked
'She didn't tell anyone, Tony had to prise it out of her'
'Have you found the attacker then?'
'Well no, it has got more complicated you see, June is the victim of a hate campaign'
'What, no'
'I am afraid so, it started off with graffiti on the house, then she received hate mail to the house, then at work and last night someone tried to kill her by posting lit fireworks through her letter box'
'Oh my god is she alright?' Jim said eagerly
'Well, she's as well as can be expected'
'I thought she was ill, that's what everyone told me'
'Yeah well she wanted to keep it quiet but she can't do that anymore after last night'
'No I suppose not, oh poor June, who would want to do that to her'
'I wish I knew'
'Where's June now?' Jim asked
'I am afraid I don't know, you'll have to ask the DCI, anyway kid it's been nice talking to you but I have to get back, Liz will be waiting for me, we are going to go to June's see if we can find any evidence'
'Alright, let me know yeah'
'Ok will do' Frank smiled before he left Jim alone in CSU.
Jim couldn't believe what he had just heard, he felt angry because he wasn't told and he felt upset that he couldn't have been around to help her through this. His feelings for June hadn't disappeared if anything since he married Marie his feelings for June had grown. He knew they shouldn't have but after his honeymoon he could now see that June was right he didn't know Marie at all and that he had made the biggest mistake of his life. He was so angry he picked up a mug and hurled it across the room; he then marched out of CSU to find Jack
'Sir' called Jim
'Yes Jim'
'Frank has told me the whole story, why didn't someone tell me before'
'Because June didn't want you to know'
'What?'
'Look I have things to do, did you want something?' Jack asked
'Yes Frank said you knew where June was'
'I do but I am not telling you'
'Please sir' Jim begged 'I need to see her, to make sure she is alright'
'June is fine honestly, she is being taken care of'
'I need to see it for myself'
'No I am sorry, she doesn't want anyone to know' Jack said before walking off
'Damn' Jim shouted as he punched the wall
Jack entered the canteen and saw Frank talking to Liz; he walked over to join them. Jack explained the situation between Jim and June and why Jim didn't know about what had happened
'I see' Frank smiled 'Our kid copping off with June, oh how sweet, she puppy walked him you know'
'Yeah well he has let her down and hurt her badly so don't say anything to her about him'
'Ok, actually now you've told me it all makes sense'
'What do you mean?' Liz asked
'Well when I spoke to Jim earlier he seemed really wound up and concerned about June, now I know why'
'But he's married'
'So doesn't stop you looking' Frank winked
'I think Jim still has feelings for June' Jack said
'Really?'
'Yeah' agreed Frank
'Right well I just thought I had better fill you in, I had better get back now, good luck at the house'
'Thanks' Liz smiled
Jack left the canteen and Frank and Liz finished their teas.
A few hours later Jack arrived home and found June in the sitting room 'Hello' Jack smiled 'How are you today?'
'Better thanks'
'Good'
'How's the investigation going?' she asked
'Well Frank and Liz are going to the house today to see if they can find anything'
'I bet the whole station is talking about me' June sighed
'Everyone's concerned June'
'All laughing behind my back you mean'
'No' Jack said as he sat next to her and looked into her eyes 'June there are loads of people who care for you, you know' he said as he once again kissed her 'Oh June I am sorry I have done it again'
'It's alright really' June smiled'I just can't seem to control myself, these last few days we seem to have grown closer'
'I know'
'I have always liked you, you know'
June laughed 'No I have really, I just didn't act on it'
'Jack .....'
'June I know it can't turn into anything because I know how you feel about Jim so don't worry'
'I am not worried, I am flattered and Jack, Jim has made his feelings clear, so I may never get over him properly but I must move on'
'So does that mean'
'It means I don't want anything serious, I am not ready for another full on relationship'
'I understand' Jack replied
'But it's nice to know you care so much and I don't regret any of the kisses'
'Thank you'
June smiled and hugged him.
Meanwhile at June's house Frank has found a lighter and a box of fireworks 'we may get finger prints off them Frank' Liz smiled 'This could be a lead'
'I hope so for June's sake, lets get these to the lab pronto'
Frank and Liz sent the Fireworks and Lighter to the lab.
A few hours later the results come back from the lab, two sets of fingerprints were found, Marie Graham and Max Graham.
'Does that name ring any bells?' Frank asked
'Nope' Liz replied
'Right let's keep this between the two of us for now, we've got the photo's so let's set up a private obbo outside the station'
'Why?'
'Because a letter for June arrives at the same time everyday, now that we know who we are looking for we can see if they deliver the envelopes in person'
'But can't we just arrest them'
'No we need more proof'
'Ok' Liz said
Frank and Liz sit in Liz's car in front of the station and wait.
'So what do you think about June and Jim then?' Frank asked
'There is no Jim and June is there'
'Yeah but there was'
'I think they make a lovely couple a shame it didn't work out really but then copping off with someone at work is a bad idea'
'Do you think so?' Frank asked
'Definitely'
'Oh look ' Frank said pointing to a black car 'Take the registration number'
Frank and Liz watched a woman drop a male off, the male looked like Max. He delivered the envelope and then got back into the car and they drove off.
'Well come on' Frank shouted 'after them''Shit I have picked up your bloody keys'
'Oh great' Frank snaps
Jack dropped June off at her house, as she wanted to inspect the damage and then returned to the station. Frank stomped into reception and took the envelope off Robbie and then went to Jack's office to fill him in. He explained that they had found some evidence and had just seen the two suspects deliver the envelope. He then carried on to explain why they lost them.
'Well who are they?' Jack asked
'Mr and Mrs Graham'
'Graham?'
'Yes Max and Marie'
'Marie Graham are you sure?' Jack asked
'Yes why?'
'Marie Graham is Jim's new wife, it all make's sense now'
'What does?'
'This hate campaign against June is because Marie is worried about June and Jim's relationship, she has a record doesn't she for violence'
'That's right, oh I can't believe this'
'Jim will be devastated' Jack said
Frank opened the envelope to see what was written 'Bitch, if you want to live be at your house now'
'Oh no' Jack shouted
'What?'
'I have just dropped June off at her house and that's where they are heading'
'Shit' Frank replied as he ran out of the office
'To all units' Jack said through the radio 'Urgent assistance required at 4, Edwards Street, Sgt Ackland may be in danger'
Frank, Jack and Liz sped off in Jack's car followed closely by Tony, Des, Kerry and Gina. Jim heard the call on his radio and also attended with Polly. Jack, Frank and Liz were first to the scene. Frank ran into the house and found June lying at the bottom of the stairs.
Frank looked into the kitchen and could see Marie and Max escaping. Frank ran out the back and chased them. Liz phoned for an ambulance and Jack sat by June
'I don't believe this' Jack said
Tony, Des, Gina and Kerry were the next to arrive
'Oh no' Gina gasped
'June' Tony shouted 'No please'
'Kerry, Tony, Des help Frank out the back he is chasing the suspects'
'I am going to kill them' Tony snapped as he ran out
Jim and Polly were the last to arrive. Jim ran in and froze when he saw June lying motionless at the bottom of the stairs. After the initial shock he then runs to her side
'Oh June' he cried 'What the hell happened?'
'It looks like she was pushed' Liz said.
The ambulance arrived and June was carried into it. Jim was devastated when Jack had told him he was going to the hospital with June, as June may not want Jim with her. Jack had told him to come up later. The ambulance drove off and Jim had tears in his eyes all he wanted was to be with her, to tell her he loved her, to protect her.
'Are you alright?' Polly asked
'How could someone hurt her Polly?' Jim cried
'I don't know, Jim you still love her don't you'
Jim nodded
'Oh Jim' Polly replied as she hugged him.
A few minutes later Des, Tony, Kerry and Frank returned with Max Graham
'Is he the one that did this to June?' Jim shouted 'I'll kill him' he screamed as Polly held him back
'Calm down Jim' Frank said 'He is one of the suspects but the main one got away'
'We'll take him back to the nick' Gina said before leaving the scene with Kerry, Tony and Des.
'So who is he?' Jim asked
'Jim you are not going to like this'
'What tell me?'
'We found fingerprints and we set up an obbo'
'Frank get to the point' Jim ordered
'What Frank is trying to say is your wife pushed June down the stairs' Liz butted in
'What no you must be mistaken' Jim laughed
'I'm sorry Jim it's true, the fingerprints were Marie and Max Graham's'
'Max that's Marie's ex-husband' Jim said
'Well he was in on it' Liz added
'Was that Max?'
'Yes.'
'This is hard to take in I can't believe this' Jim said
'I take it you had no idea'
'Of course I didn't, if I had I would have shopped her, do you think I would let her do something like this to someone especially June. I love June Frank, I want to kill whoever has hurt her' Jim cried, he was angry now 'I should have known, how can you live with someone and not know they are doing something like this'
'Jim did you notice anything strange about Marie over the last 4 weeks, while you were on honeymoon'
'Now you mention it, she did make two phone calls everyday, she wouldn't tell me who too and to be honest I just assumed it was to Ben her son, who I bet stayed with bloody Max not her mother while we were away, the cow'
'Ok look Jim do you have any idea where Marie may be'
'No sorry'
'Ok, we will have to start a search for her'
'I am going to the hospital I have to see June' Jim said
'Ok let me know how she is' Frank smiled
Jim and Polly left the scene to go to the hospital and Frank and Liz returned to the station.
When Jim and Polly arrived at the hospital they stopped outside June's room and looked in through a window. June was lying down but she was awake and Jack was sitting be side her holding her hand
'They look quite close' Polly commented
'Yes they do' Jim replied looking jealous, was there something going on between them he thought. 'Go on Jim' Polly said
'What if she doesn't want me here?'
'She will go on'
Jim opened the door and entered 'Can I come in?' Jim asked
'Jack looked at June and June nodded. June was pleased no delighted to see him; Jack had already filled her in about Marie 'Ok I will leave you two to it' Jack smiled 'I'll come back later'
'Thanks Jack' June whispered
Jack left the room and went and sat with Polly outside.
Jim walked slowly towards the bed but then stopped when he reached the end of the bed
'June I am so sorry' Jim cried 'I don't know what to say, this is all my fault'
'No' June whispered 'Don't blame yourself'
'But I do, I have married a mad woman and you warned me but I ignored you' Jim sobbed 'I should have bloody listened
'You weren't to know she'd do this'
'I must be really stupid not to see she was involved I live with the woman for god sake, but I didn't June I didn't know, if I had I would have stopped her, I wouldn't have let her hurt you, I wouldn't'
'I know' June smiled as she held out her hand she was still weak. Jim placed his hand against hers and she squeezed gently. His touch made her shiver, she loved him so much but she had to be careful because he had hurt her before.
'June I don't expect you to ever forgive me for what I have done but I do love you and when I saw you lying there motionless, I realised what a big fool I had been'
'Jim please you are just upset, don't say things you will regret later'
'No June it's the truth I do love you more than anything in the world, even when I was saying my vows I was thinking of you, I can't get you out of my head.'
'But you still married her'
'I felt trapped, I wish I had kissed you in the cellar, maybe things would be different now'
'Maybe but you must love her'
'I thought I did, I loved the woman I met but that was all false, I don't know why I thought I needed anyone else when I had you. I have wanted you for years but I was always to scared to say anything but when we kissed for the first time, I knew immediately that it was right'
'Jim I do love you but I think you need time to think about what you want' June said
'I want you'
'No Jim go away, calm down and really think properly about what you want and when you have decided let me know'
'But June I...'
'Jim please' pleaded June
'Ok' Jim said looking disappointed
'Jim I do love you, I have never stopped loving you even when you married Marie, you were the person I phoned from the hospital after I was attacked, I still needed and wanted you then'
'I didn't get a phone call'
'Your mobile was switched off'
'Oh June'
'Jim I am tired now, why don't you go away and think about what I have said'
'Ok but I will come back later'
'Only if you want too'
Jim moved closer to June and went to kiss her lips but June moved so that he kissed her cheek 'See you later' Jim smiled
Jim left the room and went to talk to Jack and Polly. June placed her hand up to her cheek where he had kissed her and smiled. She wanted to let him kiss her on the lips but she was scared that later on he would change his mind; she needed to be sure that she was what he wanted. She couldn't let him hurt her again. June turned over slightly and fell asleep.
Later that evening Jim went back to the hospital, he stopped outside June's room and watched June and Jack talking. Tears filled his eyes as he watched them laugh and joke they looked so comfortable in each other's company. Maybe June had told him to go away and think because she needed to think about whether it was him or Jack she wanted he thought. He wiped away a tear and looked into the room again. Jack had got up now and was leaving, he watched Jack lean over and kiss June on the cheek first and then lightly on the lips. It was all too much for Jim he ran off down the corridor. He had lost her he thought and it was his own fault.
The following day Jim arrived for work 'Jim' Jack shouted
'Um hello sir'
'Where did you stay last night, I assume you didn't go home'
'I was at the hospital all night'
'With June?'
'No'
'I don't understand'
'I went to see June but when I got there I saw you with her. You're a lucky man Jack, don't make the same mistake as me, don't let her go'
'Jim what are you talking about?' Jack asked
'I saw the two of you together last night, you kissed her, I thought...'
'Well you thought wrong. I won't lie to you Jim, I do have feelings for June but June loves you not me'
'But I...'
'Jim there is nothing going on between me and June alright' Jack smiled
'Ok'
Frank walked out of the interview room towards Jack 'So how did the interview go'
'He's not saying anything' Frank replied 'We have charged him'
'I am going to see June' Jim said 'Let me know if there is any news'
'I'll take you' Frank replied
Ten minutes later Frank and Jim arrived at the hospital 'You go on Jim, I'll give you two some time alone'
'Thanks'
Jim walked down the corridor and was stunned by what he saw, Marie was with June and she was trying to smother her with a pillow. Jim burst into the room 'What the hell, get off her' he screamed
Jim pulled Marie off June, June was gasping for air
'Oh Jim' Marie said 'Why did you stop me?' she continued as she took his face into her hands and kissed him hard.
'Get off' Jim shouted as he pulled away 'Marie Graham you are under arrest...'
Marie kneed Jim 'I don't think so love' she smirked before running off.
Jim ran straight out after her
'Jim' June shouted as she got out of bed and followed
'Stop her' Jim called
Frank came around the corner and could see what was happening and followed June. Marie led them up onto the roof; she grabbed Jim and pulled a knife out. She walked with him to the edge of the roof.
'Marie please, don't do this' Jim tried to reason with her
'I love you Jim Carver but I know you don't love me because you love that cow'
'Marie I married you'
Before Marie could reply June appeared 'No Jim' June shouted
'It's alright June, stay back'
'Marie listen to me' June started as she moved closer. Her heart was beating fast now, she was terrified but she had to do something she couldn't sit back and watch Marie hurt the one man she loved.
'June please stay back' Jim pleaded
June ignored him and continued to walk towards Marie
'Marie I know you are angry with me but don't take it out on Jim, lets sort this out between the two of us, give me the knife'
'Why do you think I'd listen to you Sgt Ackland' Marie said as she turned the knife onto June. June was shaking now and stood protectively in front of Jim
'I want to kill you June' Marie spat 'You just couldn't leave us to be happy could you'
'I don't know what you mean'
'You love Jim'
'Yes I do but Jim married you if anyone should be jealous it should be me not you. He choose you over me, you are the lucky one'
'Do you think I haven't noticed the way you are together, he still loves you, he has never stopped loving you. I married him because I thought it would make you go away but it didn't you were still there. You spent hours in the cellar together before the wedding'
'Nothing happened Marie' June protested
'But you wanted it too'
'Of course I did, I love him but Jim loves you not me'
Jim looked to the floor, that wasn't true he thought but he kept quite.
'Look give me the knife and we can go downstairs and talk about this'
'No'
'Please Marie'
Before Marie could answer Frank arrived with Jack and Tony, they scared Marie, she panicked and stabbed June. June turned white and placed her hand to the wound, Marie was shaking.
June fell backwards 'Bye June' Marie smiled
'No' Jack screamed as he saw June's body falling towards the edge of the roof.
Jim rushed to June and grabbed her before she fell off the roof
'June stay with me' Jim begged
'Leave her' Marie shouted pointing the knife at him
'Marie don't be stupid' Jim replied as he walked towards Frank carrying June. He wasn't scared anymore; all he wanted to do was make sure June lived.
Jim rushed past Jack and handed June to the doctors 'Don't let her die' Jim cried
Meanwhile on the roof Frank ran over to Marie and knocked the knife out of her hand 'Marie Graham I am arresting you for attempted murder, you do not have to say anything but anything you do say maybe given in evidence'
'He knew you know' Marie spat 'He's not all innocent'
'Shut up' Tony ordered as he took her away
Jim waited in the relative's room for news of June, she had been in surgery for 3 hours now. Jim paced the floor and then a doctor arrived 'Mr Carver'
'Yes'
'Miss Ackland has come through the surgery, we are hopeful for a full recovery'
'Can I see her?'
'Yes but please don't be too alarmed by all the machinery'
Jim followed the doctor to June's room. His eyes filled with tears as he so June lying motionless. She looked so pale, with tubes everywhere. He walked up to the bed and kissed her forehead, he then took hold of her hand and started talking to her.
The following day June still hadn't come round, Jim still sat by her side praying that she would open her eyes. Jack entered the room 'Jim how is she?' he asked
'No change, have you charged Marie?'
'Not yet yesterday the FME said she wasn't fit to be interviewed so Frank is going to do it today'
'I hope they throw away the key'
'Jim look' Jack smiled as he pointed to June, she was coming round
'June' Jim whispered
'Um' she stirred
'June your in St Hughes'
'What happened?'
'Marie stabbed you remember' Jim said
'Yes'
'I'll leave you to it' Jack smiled 'Nice to see you back with us June, the station will be relieved'
'Thanks' June said
Jack left and Jim squeezed her hand 'Are you alright?' June asked looking concerned
'Not a scratch on me thanks to you, June you shouldn't have done that for me, I nearly lost you because of your heroics'
'And if I hadn't I may have lost you and I couldn't bare that, it was hard enough seeing you marry someone else but at least you were still around, if she had hurt you I don't know what I would have done'
'June I am so sorry'
'What for?'
'For putting you through this, I was the one who got you involved in all this, if I hadn't introduced you to her and if I...'
'Jim you can think about what ifs all day long but it doesn't change the here and now' she smiled 'you didn't come back to see me that night'
'I did, it's just that you didn't see me. I came to your room and I saw you with Jack, I thought...'
'Oh you silly sod'
'June I love you so much and I know you told me to think about it but I didn't need to, I love you and nothing will change that' he cried
'Jim' June said as she squeezed his hand 'I love you too'
'June can we just go back to how we were before everything went wrong'
'What before I asked you to marry me, no Jim I don't think we can, I do love you but it will do neither of us any good going back'
'So what are you saying?' he asked looking worried 'Are you saying we can never get back together'
'No of course not, we just can't go back, we need to start again, learn to trust each other. You have hurt me badly Jim and however much I love you I can't just forget that.'
'But it will be different this time June, I will never hurt you again'
'I never thought you would hurt me the first time but you did, what happens if I say lets go back to how we were and then someone else comes alone like Marie, will you dump me again'
'No'
'You can't say that for sure, no one can'
'I won't June'
'Look Jim lets just take it slow and see what happens, I want this to work I really do, I want you more than anything but part of me is scared, scared of being hurt again'
'Ok we'll take it slowly, I am going to prove how much I love you June I promise'
'You don't need to' she smiled 'I know you love me'
Jim kissed her cheek 'Can't you do better than that?' June smiled
'I thought...'
'Well stop thinking and come here' she said as she put her hands on his face and kissed him slowly and passionately
'Oh I have missed you' Jim said
'Me too'
Meanwhile back at the station Frank and Liz had interviewed Marie. She had admitted to everything even being behind the attack on June. Frank charged her and she was taken to a cell.
'Well?' Jack asked
'I've charged her, she's admitted everything'
'Oh good'
'Well not really' Liz said
'What do you mean?'
'Well it's good that she's admitted everything but she has made a serious allegation of her own'
'What?'
Liz filled Jack in on the allegation and Jack couldn't believe it. Frank and Liz went to the hospital to see Jim and June.
'Frank hi' Jim smiled'Jim'
'Me and June have got back together, isn't it great' Jim beamed
'That's wonderful news'
'Frank what's wrong?' June asked knowing from the tone of his voice something wasn't right
'I am sorry Jim but I have to ask you to accompany us to the station'
'What?' Jim asked looking shocked
'What's going on?' June added as she took hold of Jim's hand protectively
'Marie has made an allegation' Liz started 'She claims that Jim knew about the hate campaign and that he helped her'
'No' Jim cried
'Oh come on Frank, you know that's not true' June said
'I am sorry but we have to follow it up, you know that its procedure'
'I don't believe this' June replied
'I didn't know June I promise I didn't' Jim sobbed
'I know'
'Jim please, we have to go now' Frank said
'Frank please this is madness' June protested
Jim got up slowly and let June's hand go
'Jim' June cried
'June just remember what ever happens, I love you and I didn't do anything' he sobbed as he walked towards the door
'Jim' June called 'Jim don't leave like this, please come here'
'I can't' he cried
'Jim don't be stupid' she sobbed
'Jim what are you doing?' Frank asked
'How can I look at her when I am being accused of hurting her'
'Jim we all know you haven't done anything'
'But you are still arresting me'
'We haven't arrested you Jim' Liz pointed out
'Jim please' June sobbed 'I need you'
'Come on kid, you love her don't you'
'Of course I do but...'
'But nothing'
Jim slowly turned around to face June, his eyes were red and June could see the pain in his eyes, she offered him her hand. He slowly walked towards her and squeezed her hand before giving in to his feelings and hugging her. He sobbed on her shoulder repeating the words I love you to her.
'Jim listen to me we will sort this out' June whispered 'and remember I love you'
'Right come on Jim the sooner we do this the sooner you can come back' Frank said
June kissed Jim passionately the love between them was evident. 'Don't worry we'll sort it' June said before kissing him again
'I love you' Jim said before leaving with Frank and Liz.
'Liz' June shouted after her
Liz came back into the room 'Liz what is the allegation?''June I can't tell you'
'Please, that is the man I love and you know as well as I do that Jim would never have known'
'Ok but you didn't here this from me, she claims that he was the one who placed the firework through your letter box and that he knew about the attack'
'That's not true, I saw the man who set the house on fire'
'Did you?'
'Well it was dark and they were wearing a balaclava '
'So you didn't see them?' Liz said
'No but I know it wasn't Jim'
'so do I but we have to find proof and as he wasn't working that night it probably means that Marie would be his alibi'
'Oh'
'Look I have to go'
'Liz could you do me a favour could you ask Polly to come and see me'
'Ok, June I will do my best to clear him'
'I know'
Liz left June to mull things over. If Jim wasn't working that night then he must have been at home with Marie and Ben she thought, that is it Ben, he could be his alibi. But would he do it, the like hood is he wouldn't and where would she find him, was Jim looking after him or was he in care what had happened to him. She cursed herself for not being able to move out of the bed and help clear Jim.
Later that afternoon Polly arrived at the hospital 'Hi June' she smiled as she kissed her cheek 'How are you?'
'I'm fine, how's Jim?'
'Well he has been interviewed but they are unable to find an alibi, it's not looking good June'
'What has Jim said?'
'Well he said he spent the night with Marie and Ben at home but obviously Marie won't give him an alibi and Ben won't say anything'
'Oh this is terrible, where's Jim now?'
'Still at the station'
'They are not still questioning him?'
'No he is being held in...'
'Oh no Pol please tell me he is not in a cell please' June cried
'I am sorry, they had no choice, June if they don't find an alibi soon they have enough to charge him'
'But it's his word against hers'
'Jim's finger prints were found on the firework box at Marie's'