Tom Chandler's speech slimed to a halt, and June winced, glancing at Jim, who was sitting next to her. He looked down. "Sounds like he swallowed a book of quotations." He hissed.
"He's saying what people want to... need to hear." June whispered. "I still don't know if I can do this."
"I *know* you can." Jim placed a hand lightly on hers. "Just take a deep breath and... if you need to, just look at me, OK. Don't worry about anyone else, just keep looking at me."
"And now..." Chandler's voice filtered through again. "I'd like to invite one of Sun Hill's longest serving officers, Sergeant June Ackland, to say a few words."
June stepped forward, stood behind the microphone placed at the front of the large room, glanced around at the people - 200 or so watching. She opened her mouth to speak, froze, then looked, panicked at Jim, who nodded his reassurance.
"There is no-one, no-one I have ever known, who has taken the decision to join the police force lightly. In making that choice, we are, whether we choose to dwell on it or not, signing up to the risk of making an ultimate sacrifice for the sake of the greater good. None of us ever believe it will ever come to that, but still, we go on." She swallowed. "It's not an easy job. It's difficult to handle the inherent social dichotomy of trying to provide a service that everyone wants, everyone needs, while also facing the constant resentment and hate. It takes strength, strength of spirit and strength of character. No individual officer believes that strength lies within him, no one officer believes he can take this all on on his own. It is, as Sergeant Cryer once told me, the blue that binds us together, we give each other strength to go on, and to fight, the whole being far greater than the sum of its parts." She looked down at the paper she clutched in her hands, noticing her hands were quivering.
"While we go on from day to day, fighting a war that we are never entirely sure can be won, we put all the risks and the fear and the possible harm to the back of our minds. It is not until something like this that we all realise just what a position we hold in our community, what power we can yield, and also what evil can still prevail. Yet from evil, comes strength. If anything has come from the tragedy which we have suffered, it is that we have remembered why we joined up, we have remembered the determination we all once had, and deep down still have, and we remember, ultimately, the sacrifice that these officers have made for that greater good. And, through their passing, we have found greater strength, pulling closer together to continue the fight that I know - we know, they would not wish us to give up." Her voice quivered, cracked a little.
"I'm here to urge all the officers present to keep fighting, in their memory. The past few weeks, I have been privileged to work with you all, to witness your strength. There are too many of you to name, but I would like to single out, as many of you have requested, Sergeant Craig Gilmore, and also, Acting Sergeant Jim Carver� who has been my� our rock." She glanced up at him, met his eyes. "I am so proud to..." She stopped, swallowed several times. "And I know that Chief Inspector Derek Conway, and... Inspector... Andrew..." She ground to a halt, tears choking her.
"I'm sorry... Inspector... Andrew Monroe would have... been... so proud of..." She stopped again, overcome with tears once more, her body shaking as she tried to carry on. "I'm so sorry..." She muttered, looking helplessly at Jim as the piece of paper in her hand dropped to the floor.
Jim rose from his seat and approached June who was sobbing at the front of the room, frozen in her grief. He ducked to the floor to snatch up the piece of paper and stood next to June, sliding an arm around her shoulder and pulling her into him as she buried her face against his body. "It's OK..." He murmured as she sobbed against him, holding her closely, providing what comfort her could. He took a deep breath and looked around the room, clearing his throat as he scanned the piece of paper in his other hand.
"Chief Inspector Derek Conway and Inspector Andrew Monroe would have been so proud of you all. They were devoted to Sun Hill, loyal..." Jim dropped the paper to his side. "...as is this extraordinary woman who stands beside me right now. We should be humbled to have known those who have made this sacrifice, who have given their lives in the name of peace, and justice - and those who continue to make such a sacrifice. In their names, in the memory of Inspector Monroe, Chief Inspector Conway, Paul Riley, Sam Harker, Kate Spears, Di Worrell and Ben Heyward, we pledge to go on."
Jim glanced over at Chandler and nodded, indicating that he was finished speaking. He paused to wipe a stray tear from his eye before heading back to his seat. June was still clinging to him, her face buried away from the many friends, relatives and colleagues in the room. Jim held her tightly, protectively against him, his other hand gripping hers as they sat back down.
As some music struck up, Jim turned to look down at her. "You OK?"
She tilted her head up to look at him, her face stained with tears. "Not really."
"It's OK, it's over now." He soothed, wiping a tear away with his thumb. "It's over." He dug in his pocket for a handkerchief. "You were brilliant... so strong. I'm proud of you." He brushed her blonde hair back from her face then kissed her gently on the forehead.
June bit her lip and tried to smile. "Thanks... for doing that... I don't know what came over me... I just froze... l knew it was coming but I couldn't stop it."
"Shhh... nobody will blame you, no-one will remember, they'll just remember your words, which came right from your heart, and not some public relations manual." He flicked a glance across at Chandler.
"I just looked up and saw all those faces... all that pain and suffering. And then when I mentioned... Derek... and Andrew." She swallowed. "It was... it was like opening those wounds again. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't rescued me."
"That's what I'm here for." Jim smiled.
"You're my knight in shining armour... you didn't have to say... what you said... about me."
"I did... I really did. And I meant it. You are absolutely extraordinary."
"I'm not..." June shook her head. "But you are... you're so strong."
"Shhh... let's talk more later, OK?" He touched her face softly.
June nodded. "We should go to the reception."
"We will. Together. If that's OK with you..."
"I'm not letting go of you." June smiled through her tears.
***
June hovered by the buffet table as she waited for Jim to escape after being trapped in a corner by Tom Chandler. As he returned, June noted he had a wry smile on his face.
"Jim... what is it?"
"Mr Chandler." Jim picked up some crisps and munched them. "He's full of surprises."
"What's he said?"
"He told me to take a week off sick."
"And are you going to? You're looking a bit better now."
"Looking, yes..." He wrinkled up his face.
"I've got some asprin in my bag if you need them... you didn't answer my question."
"Well, he insisted. And I can't deny I am exhausted." Jim shrugged.
"Come to my place... I'll look after you."
"I may never leave."
"I may not let you." June smiled, running a hand down his arm.
"Now there's a thought. But there was something else, too, he told me to come and see him when I get back to 'discuss my options'."
"Meaning what?"
"He wants me to go up for Sergeant." Jim hiked his eyebrow.
"At Sun Hill?"
"Yes... he suggested there might soon be a vacancy..."
"Are you interested?"
"No." Jim smiled. "What I am interested in is joining the new CSU. He just let the cat out of the bag."
"I don't understand." June frowned.
"The rumours are true - there's going to be a Community Safety Unit based at Sun Hill - hence the Sergeant vacancy." He smiled enigmatically.
"You've lost me." June shook her head. "Surely they'll be bringing in new blood for that department."
"Quite the opposite." Jim smiled. "In fact... don't be surprised if Mr Chandler wants to discuss your options in the very near future."
"You mean..."
"I've been sworn to secrecy." Jim laughed. "But he's looking for a Sergeant with over 20 years policing experience, who knows the area, who has a good track record with hate crimes..."
"You can't keep a secret at all can you? Hadn't you better go and tell Matt."
"Matt? Why?"
"That he's going to be leaving us."
"June, what are you going on about?"
"The Sergeant's post in CSU."
"June..." Jim snorted out a mouthful of orange juice, "Can you really see Matt Boyden running a Community Safety Unit? Dealing with victims of domestic violence and rape?!"
"So who then?" June frowned.
"You!"
"Me...? What? You mean..." Her hand flew to her mouth.
"Just don't tell anyone I told you." Jim looked around anxiously.
"As if I would? I don't know what to say."
"Say yes. Then let me in to the CSU with you."
"Anyone would think you had an ulterior motive... but I will say yes if I'm asked... I've wanted to be a part of it since I heard the rumours. Are you sure you don't want promotion? You'd be great."
"No... I'm happy where I am." He smiled down at her. "Honest. Can you see me stuck behind a desk?"
"Now that you mention it... no I can't."
"I told you, everything's going to be OK." He put his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it tightly. Then he jumped as a voice behind him piped up: "So, is it true?"
"Bob." Jim grinned. "Is what true?"
"What everyone has been saying about you two."
"What do you mean?" June frowned, glancing up at Jim.
"That it's *finally* happened."
"What's finally happened?"
"Do I need to spell it out? That you two have finally realised what the rest of us have known all along, what I realised nearly 20 years ago..."
"I think you do have to spell it out..." Jim scratched his head.
"That you're made for each other." Bob smiled up at them.
"Are we?" Jim glanced at June.
"Don't try and fool me, we have eyes. Everyone here is talking about you. We can see the body language, feel the chemistry between you."
"What do you think June, is he talking rubbish?"
June looked up at Bob, a slow smile creeping across her face. "I could never hide anything from you, could I, Sarge?" She flushed becomingly.
"So it is true then?"
"Yes... it's true." June ducked her eyes away, suddenly feeling awkward and shy, like a teenager presenting her first boyfriend to an over-protective father.
"About time." Bob smiled, kissing June on the cheek then shaking Jim's hand. "We knew it had to happen one day... we all said so."
"Then why didn't you tell us?" Jim chuckled.
"And taken the fun out of it... you had to realise that one for yourselves."
"And we have." Jim looked down at June. "Don't worry, Sarge, I'll look after her."
"I should hope so... or there'll be trouble. She's one very special lady."
"I know." Jim nodded. "I know." Bob smiled and nodded, wandering away. Then Jim turned back to June, guiding her into a nearby chair and sitting next to her. "Thank you, June." He said softly.
"What for?" She placed her hand gently on his thigh. "I haven't done anything."
"I thought you might... want to hide this, us... after what happened with Gordon Wray..." He shrugged, looking slightly worried, as if his words might spark off a reaction he did not want.
"Why would I want to hide you from anyone? You're not married, there's nothing to stop me being with you... I learned from my past mistakes." She smiled up at him.
"So have I... I hope." Jim smiled. "Look, Polly's over there, beckoning you. Go talk to her."
"Will you be OK on your own?"
"Yeah..." He looked up at her, and she suddenly noticed how pale he was looking, how dark his eyes were with emotion and fatigue.
"I won't be long... then we can go home and I'll... I'll look after you... tuck you up in bed." She squeezed his thigh and stood up.
"Is that a promise, Sergeant Ackland?"
"Of course it is... do you doubt me PC Carver?"
"Never." He watched her as she crossed the still packed room, then leant his head up against the wall next to him and before he knew it, he was sound asleep.
"June!" Polly beckoned her frantically. "You two are back together then?"
"Yeah I guess we are..." She turned to look at Jim. "Aww, look at him, doesn't he look sweet? He's not well but he insisted on coming here today."
"That's Jim for ya. He might be at bit hard to take a times, but... you've got a good one there. Keep hold of him."
"Believe me, I'm not letting go of him... ever." June laughed.
"So you reckon he's the one?"
"I *know* he's the one... last night just reinforced that..." June blushed. "He's special Pol."
"Last night eh...." Polly's eyes ducked, and when they rose again to meet June's they held a distinct sadness. "I don't want to...." She sighed. "But I thought Dave was the one too. Don't let him hurt ya."
"You'll get over Dave Pol. You'll find the one... Jim won't hurt me - that's what the separation was about... he was right, we were both struggling to cope with what had gone on without trying to get a relationship off the ground. I went round to see him last night, I was worried about him being ill... and I just didn't want to be on my own. I've been dreading today, the speech and everything. Jim's been a rock."
"Well, then I hope you have a long and happy future together." Polly smiled. "What about this lot, you want it kept quiet or can I spread some gossip?"
"Well Bob knows... he guessed apparently... unless you said anything. We're not hiding it... I want to shout it from the rooftops... but I might wake Sleeping Beauty up." June gestured at Jim and laughed.
"Sounds good to me." The familiar, yet long lost glint in Polly's eye was beginning to return. "Everyone's gonna be chuffed for ya. Well, possibly not Tony... but..."
"Tony? Why wouldn't he be pleased?"
"He..." Polly placed her hand on June's arm and moved in closer, lowering her voice. "He's had a crush on you since the 70's."
"What?!" June giggled. "Tell me you're joking?"
"God's honest truth. He told Dave, Dave told me."
"Eww, could you imagine me and Tony together... doesn't bear thinking about. It's good to see you smile again Polly by the way."
"It's good to smile. You're right, June, Dave Quinnan isn't worth throwing away the rest of my life over. And... Tony also said that he realised he'd never get you the day Jim started at the station. He felt it, everyone felt it. Everyone, it seems apart from you two!" Polly laughed and swatted June's arm lightly.
"Then why didn't someone tell us?" June rolled her eyes. "Still... it was worth waiting for. You know... I always thought Tony had a thing for you..."
"Oh, June, please you'll put me off my drink!" Polly laughed. Then she looked over to Jim, gesturing with the hand in which she held her vodka and orange. "I reckon you'd better get him home."
"He's not dribbling down the wall is he? Listen to me, I sound like his mother."
"Well, he is a toy boy. Nah, he looks terrible. Get him home. Wherever that might be..."
"My place of course... can't send him home to his flat like that can I?" She smiled, a twinkle in her eye.
"You're moving him in?!" Polly's eyes widened.
"Just to look after him... to start with..."
"He'll never leave." Polly chuckled. "You two go, I'll make your excuses for you. I'm looking forward to tomorrow - the new Inspector..."
"Who said I wanted him to leave... ah the new Inspector. I'd forgotten about her. She sounds quite... menacing. Got one hell of a reputation."
"I've heard she swigs whisky and smokes cigars. In her office."
"Oh dear..." June rolled her eyes. "Guess we'll have to wait and see."
"Yeah. I'll see ya, June." Polly touched June's arm lightly then moved off into the crowd, to spread her news. June returned to Jim, who was still in the land of nod, his glass of orange juice tipping dangerously from where it was grasped in this hand.
She sat down beside him and rescued the glass in the nick of time. "Jim... Jim are you with us?" She shook his shoulder gently and stroked his face.
"Hmmnnn." He grunted.
"I think I should be getting you home before you have an accident."
Jim cracked open one eye. "What kind of accident?"
"I just rescued your suit from the effects of a drowning in orange juice... and I didn't want the room to put up with your snoring... And talking about the room, we have about 30 seconds to get out of here before we become public knowledge."
"I take it you told Pol." Jim smiled, opening both eyes and straightening in his seat. "And by the way, I don't snore."
"Polly guessed... and Jim... you do snore."
"I've never heard it." He got slowly to his feet. "Woah..."
"Hey... careful." She caught him in her arms as he stumbled towards her.
"Why don't you bring the car in here?" He wobbled.
"I think someone might object to that... besides, the door isn't quite wide enough."
"Oh... OK." Jim shrugged. "Then can you hold me up?"
"I can try." She slipped one arm around his waist.
"If I didn't know better." Jim grinned as they headed towards the doors. "I'd think you'd slipped something in my orange juice."
June stopped and turned to face him. "Would I do something like that?" She reached up and kissed his cheek. "More likely I wore you out last night..."
"That too. Nice thought though, you taking advantage of me, taking me home and keeping me as your..." He lowered his voice. "Sex slave."
"Why do you think I wanted a toy boy..." She shot a glance sideways. "Jim... we've got an audience."
Jim looked over. There were at least 20 of their colleagues standing there, with expressions of incredulity, shock and, thankfully, some were grinning knowingly. "What?" Jim shrugged, addressing them all.
"Nothing..." A chorus of voices rang out.
Jim looked down at June and laughed. She shook her head, laughing too as she supported him towards the main doors of the building. "Fresh air." Jim smiled.
"The first day of the rest of our lives."
"I never believed my life would turn out so good." Jim leant up against the wall behind him.
"Nor mine..." She stood in front of him, looking up at him. "We've got plenty of time to make up for."
"We've got forever." Jim leant down and gently kissed her. "Now are you going to take me home and nurse me, Ms Ackland?"
"I think I can manage that..." She turned around, catching sight of the assembled throng who had followed them outside. "What are you lot looking at?"
"Nosy bunch aren't you?" Jim called out. "You want something to really talk about?" He pulled June close, tipped her head up and kissed her deeply.
June responded for a moment, then pulled away. "Jim..." She flushed.
"I love this woman." Jim shrugged, addressing them all. "And what anybody thinks doesn't matter." Nobody could find anything to say in response, and the throng slowly moved away. Then he looked back down to June. "I love you."
"I love you too... you're meant to be ill by the way, not ravishing me in front of all and sundry. Or had you forgotten?"
"Oh, I'm still ill." Jim smiled. "Think you can carry me to the car?"
"Erm no... I could go and get Tony to do that... or a sexy young nurse to nurse you back to health." June raised an eyebrow.
"I've got a sexy young nurse."
"Are you two timing me?"
"I meant you. You know what they say..." Jim smirked as he straightened and June slid her arm round his waist once more.
"What's that Jim?" June smiled.
"You're only as old as the man that you feel."
"I'll go with that. But... does that make you as old as the woman you're feeling?"
"Um... good point." Jim laughed as they reached June's car.
"Careful what you say Jim..." June laughed as she bent down to unlock the door.
"You love it really." They bundled into the car, pulling on their seatbelts. "So, Sergeant Ackland, are you really about to take your puppy, your poor innocent naive charge home and have your wicked way with him?"
"You certainly aren't innocent and naive... Yes, I'm taking you home and putting you in bed... tucked up with... a hot water bottle and some asprin."
"Very romantic." Jim rolled his eyes. "I thought you like a bit of... what was it... probationer on toast..."
"You're not a probationer any more are you?"
"I'm still learning." Jim turned his head and smiled at her. "Learning something new every day."
"You'll have to start teaching me then..."
"Oh yeah... like there's anything you don't know." Jim chuckled lightly, his eyes inexorably falling shut.
"There's a lot I don't know... Jim?"
"Mmmm?"
"You're falling asleep on me. Is this how its going to be from now on?"
"Oh... definitely." Jim nodded, his eyes still shut.
"Then I might have to trade you in for a younger... more enthusiastic model." She started the engine. "But I'm stuck with you for now so I'll get you home."
There was silence for a moment, then Jim opened one eye just a crack. "I heard that. And don't you dare."
"Then you'll just have to live up to my expectations won't you? Go on, fall asleep, I'll let you this one time. You can make it up to me later."
"You're so good to me." Jim nestled into the corner of the seat, leaning his head against the window.
"That's because I love you." June sighed happily. There was no response from Jim, and June shrugged, turning her attention back to her driving, heading for home, and for a new life, a life which she had waited twenty years to find, and one which she knew for sure, she was never going to let go.
Back to Homepage Review Back to Stories