wow, this room's DEAD at the moment! oh well, here we go:



TITLE: Part 1: Living in Ecstasy
DISCLAIMER: I don't own these characters etc. Not that channel nine 
seem to want them these days anyway…but yeah. Song lyrics aren't 
mine either (obviously!).
RATING: M (Thought I should stick one on cos there are some pretty 
strong adult themes in this one…plus the usual language)
NOTE: This is my first Pete/Angie fic…please be nice!



*   *   *

"Well, I can think of about 10 better ways to spend my Thursday 
night," Brian claimed to Angie in the Com-V. Angie fiddled with her 
earpiece, mumbling vaguely in response.

"Mmm?"

"Yeah, Thursday night's the new Saturday night these days."

"Is that so?" Angie sighed, not bothering to even feign interest.

"Well, so I've heard." Brian shrugged noncommittally. "Anyway, those 
10 ways don't involve him in any way, let me assure you." He 
snickered, speaking loudly enough for Reg Masters to hear. But the 
Ferret was hunched over, listening intently over Pete's wire and 
Angie doubted he would have heard a thing. 

Angie turned the volume on her earpiece up, hoping to drown out any 
future conversation from Brian Gray. Not that what could be heard 
over Pete's wire provided the basis for any more interest. They were 
covering a small drug bust at a popular nightclub – Chris was inside 
and Pete was on the door as security. The drug squad's aim was to 
snare Greg Harper, a petty ecstasy dealer, and use him to nail the 
rest of the drug ring he was part of. Chris was to approach him 
after Pete had given the signal that he'd entered the club. Angie 
yawned as she glanced at her watch. 2:28am. They'd had no word from 
Pete yet, and the club didn't let anyone else in after 2:30 and then 
closed at 3.00. No wonder Reg was sweating – his bust was about to 
go belly-up.

*He still hasn't shown. Only pass outs are allowed back in now. No 
new people. Tell the Ferret his intelligence was crap.* Pete's voice 
sounded loud and clear. Reg frowned.

"What did he just say?"

Angie bit her lip in an attempt to stop smiling.

"Let's just pack up for the night, hey?" She suggested.

*   *   *

"Now, what happened last night-"

"Or didn't happen." Leo mumbled in Chris' ear, interrupting Reg but 
he didn't notice. She stifled a laugh.

"-was unfortunate, but we haven't lost them yet. Our intelligence 
has indicated that Harper will be at the club on Saturday night. 
Church, Dichiera – resume your positions. We'll be in touch." Reg 
concluded as they all stood around the briefing area. He exited 
confidently as the others all shook their heads.

"Let's just hope their `intelligence' lives up to their name this 
time." Chris stated curtly. Pete raised his eyebrows at her.

"What are you complaining about, bloodnut? Partying hard - you got 
the good end of the deal."

"What, you're not enjoying life as a doorbitch, Peter?" Angie 
smirked at him, folding her arms across her chest and holding in her 
grin. Pete's eyes smiled as he shrugged

"It has its perks." He stated.

"Oh yeah, like what?" Angie asked, unfolding her arms and leaning 
back against Pete's desk. He took a large step forward, leaning in 
close.

"Like not being stuck in the Com-V all night with Gray and the 
Ferret." 

The corners of Angie's mouth turned up slightly and she soon found 
herself breaking out into a huge grin, as did Pete. She cast a 
glance over her shoulder, finally noticing Brian seated at his desk, 
watching them eagerly. She and Pete both straightened and Angie 
headed for her own desk, approaching Brian on the way.

"Sounds like Saturday night's still Saturday night for most people, 
Brian." She uttered as she passed him, patting his back 
patronisingly. He shrugged, mumbling in response.

"Yeah, well…" Brian trailed off, turning and looking at Pete. He 
raised an eyebrow, smiling giddily as Pete frowned.

"What?" Pete exclaimed.

"I didn't say anything." Brian continued to grin through his 
defensiveness. Pete lifted his chin slightly as he made his way 
towards the elevator.

"Yeah, good."

*   *   *

"Where the hell's Dichiera?" Reg asked impatiently, glaring at his 
watch for moments.

"Relax, Reg. I'm sure she will be here soon." Harris replied 
condescendingly. 

They were about to begin another briefing about the sting going down 
that night and Chris was almost 15 minutes late. Suddenly, she came 
bustling in, wrapped in a thick coat, scarf and beanie, despite it 
being a 25 degree day.

"Sorry…" She mumbled croakily, leaning up against the first thing 
she could see.

"Chris, are you alright?" Harris asked, frowning in concern. Chris 
nodded with conviction.

"Yeah Boss, I'm fine." She replied, but it sounded more like `I'b 
fide' through her congestion.

"Do you know what time it is, Dichiera?" Reg asked in frustration. 
Chris nodded sheepishly, folding her arms across her chest. 

"Are you sure you're okay, Chrissy? You don't look good." Leo 
offered. Angie leaned over, resting the back of her palm against 
Chris' forehead.

"You've got a temperature." She stated as Chris pulled her coat 
tighter. 

"How do you do that?" Pete enquired, impressed by her `human 
thermometer' quality. 

"It's a mother thing." Angie replied, smiling gently. Reg wasn't so 
impressed.

"These are Police Headquarters, not a bloody mothers club! Now, are 
we going to get started on this briefing or what?"

"Chris, are you feeling up to it?" Harris asked her. Chris began 
nodding but changed her mind halfway through, shaking her head 
instead. "Right, you should go home and get some rest. Sophie can 
take you."

"Thanks" Chris mumbled as Sophie ushered her away.

"Nice one Harris! Now we've just lost our key operative!" Reg 
exclaimed, his face red in anger.

"She's unwell Reg. It couldn't be helped."

"Who's going in tonight then?"

"Leo can go in. It'll be fine."

"No, it won't be fine! Greg Harper only deals to young women. 
Dichiera was our best bet!" Brian chose this moment to break up the 
Harris-Reg interchange.

"Keep your pants on, Reg. We can always get Leo to dress in drag-" 
His suggestion, made purely to enrage Reg, was cut off by Leo.

"Or, we can get an actual woman in there."

"I can go in." Angie volunteered.

"Oh, I don't know if that will work…" Harris trailed off.

"What, because I'm too old to go to a nightclub? Is that what this 
is about?"

"No it's not that-" Harris stuttered, a little taken aback.

"Well you haven't got any other options, Luke. Unless, of course, 
you want Leo in drag-" Luke cast his gaze downwards as he shook his 
head.

"No, that won't be necessary."

"Right, so Piper's in," Reg stated flatly. "You know the routine?" 
Angie nodded in response.

"Actually Ange, it has been modified." Harris said, to which Angie 
frowned.

"How so?"

"Chris' wire proved to be quite useless amongst the music and 
chatter on Thursday. We weren't planning on using a wire tonight." 
He informed her before turning to Pete. "Peter, you are to stay on 
the door until Harper arrives. You will then move in as security at 
one of the side exits. You will still be wired, as we need you to 
give us the signal at the door and your post inside is as far from 
the speakers as possible. Angie, you are to check in with Peter 
every 20 minutes. Not too obviously, even just make eye contact. 
It's for your safety."

"Hang on, if I'm not wired, how will you know when the exchange is 
made?" Angie asked. Harris handed her a small black device.

"When you press this button, it will alert those in the Com-V. 
That's the signal."

"Alright, that's about it. I'll see you all tonight." Reg said as he 
packed up to leave.

Pete approached Angie, resting a hand to the small of her back.

"You sure you're up for this?" He asked.

"Course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

"I dunno. Just never saw you as the clubbing type."

"Well, like you said," She paused, glancing over at the others. "It 
beats being stuck on surveillance with Gray and Ferret." Pete 
laughed.

"Tell you what. After we've busted this guy, let me buy you a drink."

"You're on."


*   *   *

Pete raised his eyebrows lightly as he caught sight of Angie in the 
queue. She was wearing a very short black skirt with silver pointy 
flats and a pale green, loose, strappy and low-cut top that left 
little to the imagination. Her blonde hair was straight in the 
lengths but tousled at the ends. All in all, Pete thought she looked 
gorgeous. And not a day over 25. She walked in confidently, smiling 
at Pete and winking at the other bouncer beside him.

"Nice…" He mumbled smugly to Pete, who nodded in agreement.

An hour or so later, Greg Harper strolled up, surrounded by his mob 
of guys and girls. Pete patted him down, feeling no weapon but what 
could possibly be pills.

"You're right." Pete stated to him gruffly, cocking his head 
sideways towards the entrance. He glanced at his watch, slapping the 
other bouncer on the back as he headed inside himself, whispering 
the signal over the wire as he walked.

*   *   *

Inside, Pete stood backed up against the emergency exit with his 
arms folded across his chest. His dark clothes allowed him to almost 
fade into the dark wall itself as he remained still, just watching. 
He spotted Angie almost immediately, who then took on board that 
Harper must be in the building. Now, if she could only find him…

Angie decided she had no chance of finding him on the dance floor – 
it was too big and all over the place. Her best bet would be to wait 
at the bar, where he'd turn up sooner or later. She glanced over at 
Pete, who made eye contact with her instantly and gave a slight nod 
to indicate he'd seen her, before making her way over to the bar.

She bought herself a drink, leaning up against the bar and keeping 
her eyes peeled for Harper. A guy sidled up to her left and smiled 
at her as he ordered himself a beer. Angie blushed slightly, and 
then blushed some more for blushing in the first place. This guy 
would have been in his early twenties and was very good looking, 
with slight growth on his face and genuine yet intense green eyes. 
Very, very good looking.

"You here alone tonight?" He asked, yelling over the music, but 
still appearing to be casual and collected. 

"No, I'm meeting someone a bit later." She replied. Not exactly the 
truth, but not far from it either. He nodded, smiling a gorgeous 
crooked smile.

"Your boyfriend?" He asked coyly.

"Ah, not exactly." Angie replied just as coyly. What are you doing?? 
She thought to herself. Keep your mind on the target! She placed her 
drink on the bar for a moment, keeping her hand beside it and 
glancing at the bar queue. No sign of Harper. Meanwhile, this guy 
seemed to take the hint from her body language.

"I'll see you around, then." He said as he placed his empty glass 
beside her half full one on the bar and moved to the dance floor. 

If Angie had been looking closely enough, she'd have noticed the 
small white pill slip from between his fingers and dissolve in her 
drink. 

But she didn't.

*   *   *

Angie placed a hand to her forehead, feeling the room spin around 
her. She sipped from her drink again and squeezed her eyes shut, 
trying to focus. God she was feeling it…and after only one drink? 
God, she couldn't be that out of practice! She breathed in deeply, 
trying her best to keep her heaving eyelids from falling shut. The 
music seemed to be getting louder and louder; the lyrics drilling 
themselves into her mind:

*Hey it's true…the things you do to me…that make me love you….now 
I'm living in ecstasy…*

Angie glanced at her watch. 11.05. She knew there was something she 
was supposed to have done at 11.00, but she couldn't for the life of 
her remember what it was. 

"Hey again! You wanna come dance?" Angie lifted her head groggily. 
It was the gorgeous guy with the crooked smile from before. She 
smiled weakly, picking herself off the bar stool, but stumbling as 
soon as she tried to move. He quickly caught her, his strong arms 
holding her as she recovered her balance. 

They moved to the busy dance floor and Angie felt a sudden burst of 
energy. Not energy exactly, but she felt loose, free, uninhibited…
like there was nothing else around her except this guy holding her 
close to his body. Her eyelids were now closed, this temporary 
blindness only adding to her state of ecstasy. Hmm, ecstasy, she 
thought. Why did that sound familiar? Why was that so important? 
Angie shook her head, dismissing the confusing thought as her knees 
began to buckle beneath her. The guy caught her, supporting her 
weight after she made no effort to stand again.

"You don't look well. Let's get some fresh air." He stated calmly in 
her ear. Angie nodded, mumbling something incoherently as he led her 
to the back exit.

*   *   *

Pete checked his watch again. 11.11, it read. Angie was supposed to 
check in with him at 11.00. Last time he'd seen her, she was at the 
bar – a clever place to wait for Harper. Only thing was, Harper was 
at the bar now, but Angie wasn't. He stood there for moments, 
fiddling nervously with his fingers. It wasn't like Angie not to 
follow procedure. Maybe she'd gone to the bathroom and gotten stuck 
in a queue? He thought. But knowing Angie, she would have let him 
know she was going first. That's it, he thought to himself.

"Angie should've checked in with me over ten minutes ago." Pete 
spoke loudly, seemingly to himself. Only he knew the guys in the Com-
V could hear him. His mobile rang almost immediately.

"Pete."

"Leo!"

"Can you see her?" Pete's brow furrowed, pressing the phone closer 
to his ear and plugging his other ear with his finger to drown out 
the music.

"What?!"

"Can. You. See. Her?" 

"Nah mate, I can't!" Pete yelled, sticking his head up and glancing 
around the room yet again. Still no Angie.

"She's not with Harper?"

"Nup, I can see him now! Angie hasn't spoken to him all night!"

"Well, she hasn't come out the front entrance. We would've seen her."

"Shit!"

"Pete, go looking."

"Yeah, I'll let you know!"

Pete moved around the club swiftly, checking the bathrooms and any 
other place Angie could conceivably be. He knew nobody had left via 
the entrance he was guarding…was there another emergency exit? He 
wondered. Tracing the walls of the club, he found a barred door at 
the back. Pete shoved it violently, opening it on the first go. It 
revealed a darkened alley, complete with dumpsters and all. 

"Ange?" He hissed, using the light his phone provided as a makeshift 
torch. 

He heard something move a few feet past a dumpster. Pete moved 
silently towards the noise, his eyes widening at what he saw. Angie 
was propped up against the brick wall, seemingly passed out over 
some guy's shoulder. Her skirt was being pushed up around her waist 
and the guy struggled to hold her up while attempting to undo his 
pants.

"Hey!" Pete yelled, running as fast as he could to reach them. The 
guy's eyes flashed in shock and he dropped Angie, taking off 
instantly. Pete knew he should go after this guy, but his first 
instinct was to catch Angie before she hit the concrete, which he 
did. He laid her in the lateral position and stood to go after him, 
but by then it was too late. He was long gone. Pete crouched beside 
Angie, reaching for his mobile.

"Leo...Yeah, I found her. Get an ambulance to the lane at the back 
of the club, will ya?"

He hung up, pulling Angie's skirt back into place and stroking her 
hair as he spoke to her gently. He had no idea what the hell this 
guy had given her. Her breathing was steady though; he just needed 
her to wake up. 

"Come on, Ange, wake up for me…" Pete urged, cupping her face with 
his hands. He felt her stir and watched as her eyelids slowly 
fluttered open.

"Mmm…Pete?"

"Yeah Ange, it's me." He smiled in relief, noticing the slight 
disorientated look in her eyes.

"Pete…" Angie sighed, smiling also. "Pete…" She repeated drowsily as 
her eyelids closed again. But they snapped open again as soon as she 
stated firmly, "I'm going to be sick." 

And she was. 

Again and again. 

*   *   *

Angie lay on her side as she was wheeled through the hospital 
corridor, still retching. Harris followed closely, with Pete hot on 
his heels. They sat in the waiting area while Angie was being tended 
to, an awkward silence filling the air above them.

"What happened, Peter?" Harris asked, slowly, calmly and accusingly. 
Pete shook his head.

"We've been though this already."

"I want to hear it again." Harris stated flatly. Pete sighed 
heavily, leaning back in his chair.

"I don't know what happened. She didn't check in, so I went looking. 
I found her in the alley with some guy." There was a long pause.

"He didn't-"

"No." Pete stated firmly, knowing exactly what Harris was about to 
ask. Harris nodded and silence lulled once again.

A few hours later, a doctor appeared to talk to them. She smiled 
grimly as Harris stood to meet her, Pete following.

"There were traces of GHB in her blood."

"GHB?" Pete questioned.

"Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate."

"A date-rape drug." Harris added.

"Yes. It's quite common and when mixed with alcohol…" She trailed 
off. "Constable Piper managed to rid her system of most of it 
herself. We're keeping her in overnight, but she should be right to 
go home tomorrow afternoon."

"Were there any signs of sexual assault?" Harris asked slowly, not 
really wanting to hear the answer.

"No. It sounds like you got there just in time." She said to 
Pete. "She sounded quite fond of you, even in the state that she 
was." Pete dipped his head lightly, glad to hear it. Harris, on the 
other hand, was less than impressed. 

"Thank you Doctor."

*   *   *

Angie sighed as she flicked channels on the small hospital 
television. Daytime TV was even worse than she remembered. She sat 
gingerly on the edge of the bed, dressed and more than ready to go 
home. She smiled as she heard a light knock on the door and 
straightened, standing to greet her visitor.

"Come in."

"Look who's come to see their mum…" Harris began, entering with Josh 
in his arms. His face lit up instantly upon seeing his mother, as 
did Angie's.

"Hello baby! Ohh, mummy's missed you!" She cooed taking Josh into 
her arms.

"How are you feeling?" Harris asked.

"Oh I'm fine. Just a bit hungover." She assured him, grinning 
cheekily.

"Very funny."

"Oh Luke, can we go past work on the way home?"

"Why?"

"I just left some things there yesterday that I need."

"Okay. Shall we go then?" Harris suggested. Angie smirked at him, 
before smiling at Josh.

"We shall!"

*   *   *

"Now, wait here." Harris instructed as they reached the entrance. 
Angie's brow creased.

"What? Why?"

"Because I'm going to bring the car around the front and pick you 
up."

"Oh Luke, you don't have to do that." Angie insisted.

"No, I do and I will. Wait inside please." And with that, he left.

Angie sighed, twirling Josh around and speaking jovially to him. Her 
brow furrowed as she heard vaguely familiar voices behind her, 
whispering loudly and heatedly.

"It's her, Charlie!"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure! A mother doesn't forget these things!"

Angie frowned, unable to place the voices. She turned her head 
slightly out of curiosity, only to come face to face with Shirley 
and Charlie Pierce. Oscar's parents.

"Oh Michelle, I knew it was you!" Shirley cried, moving eagerly to 
Angie's side. Charlie swiftly followed, though somewhat more subdued 
than his wife.

"Shirley. Charlie." Angie stated, finding her voice through her 
shock.

"Oh, how are you dear? It's so nice to see you!"

"I'm-I'm fine thanks, Shirley." Angie stammered, still in 
disbelief. "How are you two? What are you doing here?"

"In the hospital or in the city?" Charlie asked.

"Uh, both."

"Brad's um…well he's been quite ill." Shirley replied slowly.

"Cancer." Charlie added.

"Yes well, it seems it's a bit too advanced for our local hospital 
to take care of him, so he needs to come into the city for most of 
his treatment."

"Oh, I'm really sorry." Angie offered. Shirley nodded.

"Yes, we all are."

"Is it, um-"

"-testicular," Shirley finished Angie's sentence off for her, adding 
gravely "Like Cam." Angie nodded, her eyes grazing the floor. 
Shirley forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "So who's this 
gorgeous little man?" She asked brightly, taking Josh's little hand 
in her own. He grinned at her, gurgling.

"Uh, this is Josh," Angie paused. "Joshua Cameron." Charlie's eyes 
softened upon hearing his name as Shirley's welled up. Harris had 
never understood the significance of Josh's middle name but Angie 
treasured its importance, as did Pete. 

"That's beautiful, Michelle." Shirley whispered, taking Angie's hand 
in her other. Angie allowed her eyes to skirt to the side, where she 
spotted Harris' car pulling up to the entrance.

"I really have to go. It was good seeing you two again."

"It was lovely to see you again too, Michelle. Hopefully we'll run 
into each other again soon." Shirley replied as Angie nodded.

"Give Brad my love."

"We will."

*   *   *

Angie pushed through the elevator doors, walking hurriedly towards 
her desk. Harris walked timidly behind her, concerned at her sudden 
mood-shift. She had been so bubbly at the hospital but the minute 
she'd gotten into the car, her joviality had surely soured. She'd 
refused to speak to him and although he could tell she was upset, he 
didn't want to push it.

The room seemed to halt as Angie stormed around the floor, slamming 
around her desk and shuffling everything about violently. Chris, Leo 
and Brian eyed each other and then Harris, baffled by this 
previously unseen side of Angie. Pete hovered over his own desk, 
cringing as Harris spoke.

"Is something the matter, Angie?" He questioned tactlessly. Angie 
slammed a file down on the desk loudly.

"No, Luke. Nothing's ever the matter!" She yelled, storming into the 
locker area. Pete shook his head, approaching Harris.

"Are you thick or something? She almost got raped last night and you 
have to ask if anything's the matter?" He shoved Harris in the 
chest; lightly, but enough to send him slightly off 
balance. "Dickhead." Pete mumbled under his breath as he took off 
after Angie.

*   *   *

Pete found Angie sitting on the small bench between lockers, staring 
blankly ahead of her. She didn't even flinch as he sat beside her.

"You okay?" He asked softly. No reply. He waited several moments 
before changing tactics. "Yeah, hospital visits put me in the shits 
too. I think it's the food." Angie laughed, relaxing a little and 
leaning back against the wall. Pete grinned, glad to have broken the 
barrier.

"Mm, I never had the chance to thank you for last night. You were 
gone by the time I woke up."

"You mean came to." Angie laughed at Pete's correction.

"Whatever!" They laughed as she reached for his hand, squeezing it 
gently. "Really, though. Thanks Pete."

"You're welcome." They sat in silence for moments. "Was that mood 
about last night? Or am I right in thinking it was something else?" 
Pete asked cautiously. Angie sighed, letting go of his grasp and 
folding her hands in her lap. She kept her gaze on them, trying to 
avoid his eyes as she spoke.

"I saw Shirley and Charlie Pierce at the hospital." She blurted out. 
There, she thought, done.

"Oscar's parents?" Pete asked, knowing for sure it was but unsure of 
what else to say. Angie nodded and he exhaled deeply. "Shit."

"Yeah. Shit." 

Silence loomed upon them once again. Pete slid across closer to 
Angie, wrapping his left arm around her as his right hand clasped 
her hands in her lap. They sat like that for ages, each alone with 
their thoughts, but together in their memories.

"Do you ever think about them?" Angie asked quietly.

"About the old days? The old team?" 

"Yeah."

"Everyday. You?"

"All the time." She paused. "We never talk about it, you know."

"I know."

"I miss them." Angie whispered, leaning her head in towards Pete's.

"I know you do."

"You must miss her a lot."

"Who?"

"Mac."

"Yeah…yeah, I do." Pete admitted, more to himself than anybody. It 
was the first time he'd said it out loud. Next to him, Angie sighed 
contently.

"At least we still have each other."

"You'll always have me, Ange." He stated genuinely as their eyes 
locked.

*~*~*~*~*

I will be the answer at the end of the line
I will be there for you while you take your time
In the burning of uncertainty I will be your solid ground
I will hold the balance when you can't look down

*~*~*~*~*

"Thanks Pete."

"For what?" A smile escaped her lips and she shrugged lightly.

"Everything." Angie moved to stand and he loosened his hold, 
standing beside her. She smiled warmly as she turned to face him, 
leaning up to kiss his cheek. In a bold move, Pete turned his head 
slightly, catching Angie's lips in his. The kiss, warm and tender, 
stunned them both; though short-lived as Angie pulled away gently. 
Her eyes remained smiling into Pete's as she squeezed his hand 
lightly before silently walking out the door.

*~*~*~*~*

If it takes my whole life I won't break I won't bend
It'll all be worth it worth it in the end
`Cause I can only tell you what I know
That I need you in my life
When the stars have all gone out 
You'll still be burning so bright

*~*~*~*~*






***FEEDBACK PLEASE…I don't know whether to continue…***