Hi, this has been a long time coming and it probably isn't worth 
waiting for, but what the heck...here it is:
(I do hope you enjoy it despite my lack of enthusiasm!!!)

If only…
Author: Louise
Email: lj_brown2@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: The usual – I don't own stingers, therefore this has 
nothing to do with those involved!!
Note: I have no idea what the names of Mac's parent's are, so bare 
with me! The last bit might seem a bit rushed so sorry for that, I 
just wanted to get it out of the way before uni starts back.
Warning: Mild language involved, but I don't think it's too bad!

"Mac, do you ever wonder what your life would be like if certain 
events hadn't occurred?" Pete asked as they were doing surveillance 
in Pete's car.
"No, because what's happened has happened and nothing can change 
that," she replied shaking her head.
"But if they hadn't have happened do you think your life would be any 
different?"
"I don't know, I haven't really thought about it. I guess it'd be 
different…why are you so hung up on this?"
Pete shrugged, "just something that I've been thinking about lately."
"Right. I didn't pick you as being a reflective type…there's the 
target," Mac said changing her tone to more business like. 
"He looks like he's in a hurry," said Pete turning on the ignition.

The factory~
"Ange, can you download these pictures and send them off to H.Q?" Mac 
asked handing the digital camera over.
"Did you catch him dealing?"
"No, but he's connected to some very interesting characters who I 
wouldn't mind running a check on. I'll be in my office if you need 
me."

Mac sat at her desk trying to concentrate on the files in front of 
her but Pete's voice kept playing over and over in her head:
"If certain events hadn't occurred…do you think your life would be 
any different?"
Mac shook her head as though ridding herself of any more thoughts, 
pulling out the bottom drawer of her desk looking for something she 
needed. She came across a picture of her and Pete, taken when they 
were together, although it was a very innocent photograph. Mac smiled 
to herself as she remembered how warm his touch was and how her body 
melted every time.
"What if Bernie never found out?" She whispered to herself.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mac was working at her desk when Pete walked in.
"Johnston's a bit reluctant to talk names unless we set him up with 
protection, a house and a `fair' amount of money!"
"How much does he consider as being `fair'?"
"Ten thousand," Pete replied with raised eyebrows.
Mac scratched her head as she thought, "I'll talk to the commission, 
see what they say."
Pete nodded, happy with that. "Do you think Eve would be able to look 
after the kids tonight?"
"Not after having them all day," Mac replied matter-of-factly.
"Come on, it's been ages since we last went out," Pete pleaded.
Mac scoffed, "we went out last night."
"That was a case. I'm talking about you and I, without the wires and 
without watching a target!"
"Pete we can't always expect Eve to drop everything to look after the 
children when we want to go out."
"So just because you'd rather work than stay at home with the kids, 
our marriage has to be put on hold!"
"What?" Mac asked angrily.
Pete immediately realised what he had said and before he could 
apologise and reiterate what he really wanted to say instead, Mac 
spoke.
"I have a lot of work to do, so if you could close the door behind 
you. And can you ask Angie to come in?"
Pete nodded and walked silently out.

"Pete said you wanted to see me?" Angie asked.
"Yeah, um, Johnston wants protection in order for his services in 
helping us, so would you be able to protect him?"
"No worries."
"Pete, Stone and Danni will be on surveillance just in case Johnston 
lets something slip."
"That's fine. Have we got a house set up?"
"Yeah I'm just about to send Oscar there to put a few bugs and 
cameras in."
Angie nodded and smiled but still remained in there.
"Are you and Pete all right?"
Mac nodded, "yeah nothing for you to worry about."
"It's just that we could hear what he said to you and I thought he 
was an arse for saying that."
Mac smiled, "thanks Ange, but I'm sure he probably doesn't see it 
that way."
"I think he regrets what he said, but still, he shouldn't have said 
it!"
"Maybe I should have admitted our relationship to Bernie when he 
confronted me about it."
"Bernie asked you and you lied?"
Mac nodded, "all it meant was being more careful around one another 
at work."
"Mac, don't let one incident make you analyse your decision to marry 
Pete."
"But the way he said it Ange…"
"I know, but don't let this spoil it for you and your children!"
Mac gave a half smile as Angie walked out to let Mac think things 
through, "thanks Ange."

Later that night, Pete quietly crept into the bedroom after working 
on surveillance. But he hadn't gone home straight away. He decided to 
go to the pub for a few beers with Oscar to give Mac a little more 
time to calm down.
"Are you awake?" He whispered quietly. Mac didn't reply, but he knew 
Mac wouldn't be asleep yet because when he came home, the light in 
the baby's room had just been turned off. Pete leant over and kissed 
Mac softly on the neck and she pulled away.
He continued to lean over her as he decided it was time to 
apologise. "Mac, I'm so sorry for what I said earlier today. I didn't 
mean it like that. It's just really frustrating that we hardly see 
one another outside of work. I know I'm the one who pushed to start a 
family but I miss you. I miss my wife."
Mac turned around to face Pete, "I miss you too Pete. But Eve is the 
only family we have in town to baby sit and we can't always rely on 
her to be available."
"I know. Maybe sometimes we can ask Oscar, Angie or Danni if they 
wouldn't mind doing it for a couple of hours occasionally."
Mac smiled, "Angie has already been hassling me numerous times, I 
guess it is time to ask people other than Eve…Pete, I need to know, 
do you really think I should be a stay at home mum?"
"No, I just said that in hope of making you see that we need time for 
each other. You're great at what you do and I'd never want to take it 
away from you."
"I guess there's no better time like the present to start spending 
quality time with one another!" Mac stated with raised eyebrows.
"I guess not," Pete replied taking his wife in his arms and making 
love to her.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"If only Bernie didn't find out!" Mac whispered oblivious to the 
presence in her office.
"What was that?" Pete asked confused.
"Ah Pete, sorry I didn't see you there."
"I figured that. You looked like you were miles away," he smiled at 
the fazed look on Mac's face.
"Angie's ready to work her magic on Johnston."
"Good, okay…is the van ready?"
Pete nodded as Mac stood from her chair. "Are you alright?"
"Fine…let's go," she replied rushing out.

Com-v~
"You look like you're a man full of stress," came Angie's voice over 
the wire.
"Yeah, a bloody cop has been hassling me for the big names in the 
drug trade." Replied Johnston.
"You didn't tell me you were in the drug trade! I'd like to meet 
these friends of yours."
Johnston laughed, "what would you like?"
"Anything your mates can supply me with!"
"I think I can manage that!"

"Are you visiting Bill's grave tomorrow?" Pete asked Mac as she tried 
to listen further into the conversation.
"I'm not sure yet. Hasn't really crossed my mind." Mac replied 
suddenly realising it would be a year tomorrow since Bill's death.
"I thought that's what must have been on your mind earlier when I 
came into your office."
Mac shook her head as she began remembering about her relationship 
with Bill.
`Where would our relationship have gone if Bill hadn't have been 
killed?' She asked herself.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Hi, how's the case going?" Bill asked Mac as she walked into his 
office.
"Great. I've just been in a meeting with Reg to give him an update." 
Mac replied before Bill kissed her softly on the lips.
"Mm, I'm glad you're having a better day than me!" Bill said as he 
pulled away.
Mac looked at him confused, "why what's happened?"
"A couple of my detectives are under investigation for planting 
evidence against the suspect for the Dockland murders. Not to mention 
Bligh wants my head for trying to cover it up!"
"That's typical of him though," Mac said scoffing. "Do you think they 
planted the evidence?
Bill nodded, "I know they did."
"You have to tell Bligh then. Otherwise you'll most definitely be 
demoted and, knowing Bligh, you could lose your job!"
"You think I don't know that?"
"Obviously you don't."
"If I tell Bligh the truth my career will still be over and that 
scumbag of a murderer will be released back onto the streets and kill 
more innocent people. Something that is preventable now!"
"This isn't the right way to bring him to justice. If this goes to 
court, the defence will shoot down any evidence that you have because 
it isn't credible and you know it," Mac argued quietly, ensuring 
nobody could hear them discussing the case. 
"We have no other evidence. I have the parents of all the girls 
killed on my back demanding justice."
"What is going to hurt them more is knowing that their murderer has 
been let off because of a stuffed up investigation! Bill, the only 
way to resolve this is to drop the charges you currently have on him 
and start a new investigation."
Bill rolled his eyes, "then Bligh's definitely going to know we 
planted evidence. Not to mention the suspect already knows we're onto 
him."
"Then you take a different approach…I can get Danni to work on this, 
she hasn't got anything on at the moment."
"Alright, but you better pray that nobody else falls victim to this 
guy."

Mac was in the lounge feeding the baby when Bill came home later that 
night.
"How did the meeting go with Bligh?"
"He's annoyed that because we've dropped the charges, he has to drop 
the investigation," Bill replied managing half a smile at knowing 
they had outdone Bligh this time.
"Danni's starting on the case tonight. Pete said he'd call when she 
had made contact with McGuinness."
Bill looked down at the baby feeding, "how's Jack been?"
"Okay up until now…he's really unsettled. I'm starting to think maybe 
I went back to work too soon."
"He just needs to get into a routine with not having you around all 
the time. It won't take long before he gets used to being minded by 
other people."
"Finally, he's asleep," Mac said wrapping Jack back up in his blanket 
and heading upstairs. 
Just as she got back, the phone rang. It was Pete.
"Has she spoken to him yet? When are they next meeting? Okay, will 
you and Oscar be right to do that as well? Thanks, bye." She hung up 
and turned back to Bill. "McGuinness took the bait. He's asked Danni 
out on a date tomorrow night," Mac recalled what Pete had told her.
"I hope he's got a big mouth," Bill said pulling Mac down to where he 
was on the sofa. "How long do we have before Jack wakes for his next 
feed?"
"Well, he's still managing to sleep through the night, so hopefully 
he doesn't decide to stop tonight."
"Here's hoping," Bill said kissing Mac deeply.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Sorry, I didn't think that I'd upset you that way by mentioning 
Bill," Pete apologised as soon as he noticed Mac's tear stained faced.
"I can't believe I forgot about the anniversary of his death," Mac 
replied shaking her head in disbelief.
"That's understandable. You've been snowed under with work and 
considering you were just lovers and nothing more, it probably only 
seems like you broke up."
"You have absolutely no idea how I'm feeling. I loved Bill and he 
meant a lot to me. And because of what you said to me earlier this 
morning, all that I have been able to think about is how stuffed up 
my life is and how I could have been so much happier if things hadn't 
have happened!"
Pete's face was saddened to see Mac so upset, "I'm sorry. I guess I 
was just disappointed with how my own life has turned out, I was 
hoping someone else felt the same about their life."
Mac began wiping away the tears as the side door to the com-v opened 
and Angie appeared.
"So is everything alright for me to meet up with Johnston in a couple 
of hours to be introduced to his drug dealing mates?"
"Yeah, I'll let the Ferret know…where are you meeting again?"
"The Commercial," Angie replied. She went to walk away but noticed 
Mac's make-up had been running. "What's happened?" She asked 
concerned.
Mac shook her head, "nothing for you to worry about. Besides, we have 
a case to do!"
"Alright, but promise me we'll talk after okay?"
Mac managed a small smile out of appreciation, "I promise."

Two hours later – The com-v~
Mac and Pete were in the van again, but this time, they were joined 
by Oscar. He had been asked by Mac to be in there, firstly, so things 
weren't so awkward, and secondly she couldn't afford to be distracted 
for this job.
The sound came clearly through their headsets.

"This is Mitch Tomkins, Casey Lowe, Tom Inkerman and Danny Becker."

Mac looked at Oscar, "they've already been inside for possession of a 
trafficable quantity." 
"The Ferret's on the phone – wants to know if our operative has made 
any progress yet!"
Mac rolled her eyes. "Talk about being impatient," she grumbled as 
she grabbed the phone off Pete. "Yes Reg…yes we have some names…
that's not going to be enough, besides, my operative hasn't given the 
signal…I will let you know…"
"How he was ever short listed for the head of homicide job is beyond 
me," Pete scoffed.
"Most things are," Oscar said jokingly.
"Ha ha, very funny. Think of that one yourself?"
"No, I can speak from the evidence in front of me and…well, I don't 
think I need to go on!"

"What would you like?" One of the dealers asked.
"What have you boys got for me?"
" Between the four of us we can provide you with heroin, coke, eccies 
and speed. And we only provide the best, or your full money back, 
guaranteed!"
Angie raised her eyebrows. "Wow, it's like being in a lolly shop and 
having to choose…I don't suppose you sell the $1 mixed bag of 
goodies?" 
"No, but for $10,000 we can supply you with 100 grams of each."
"Sounds irresistible!"
"If you can't stand the wait any longer, our stuff awaits you in our 
limo."
"Lead me away," Angie said playfully.

"You did put the tracking device in her bag, didn't you?" Mac asked 
Oscar.
"Yeah," he replied, turning the computer screen on. "Looks like 
they've stopped in Park St."
Mac got onto her phone, "Reg, we think the deal might me going down 
in Park St, so stand by for the signal."

"I take it that bag contains the funds by which you are purchasing 
these goods at?"
"It sure does," Angie replied handing it over. "Let's see what you've 
got for me?"

"That's the signal…code three, move in, code three."

Mac's house~
Mac had not long arrived home when there was a knock on her door. She 
opened the door only to see Pete standing there.
"Pete…what are you doing here?"
"I came to apologise for everything I said today that hurt you. In 
fact, I really think I should apologise for everything I've done over 
the past twelve months."
Mac smiled, "I thought you already apologised to me earlier in the 
van?"
"I did, but I wasn't sure if you believed me or not…besides, I bought 
you a present," Pete replied holding a bottle of red wine and a box 
of chocolates.
"I've just opened a bottle, but two wouldn't go astray! Come in."
"So you accept my apology?"
"Yeah, if this is what I get every time you apologise to me for 
something."
Pete laughed, "the rate I'm going, I'll be bankrupt by the end of 
next week!"
"Yeah, and I'll be overweight from all the chocolate and red wine 
from you!"

After a couple of drinks and all the chocolates had gone, Pete 
hesitated before asking Mac something that had been bugging him all 
afternoon.
"So when you said you had been thinking about how much happier you'd 
be if there were things that didn't happen, what kind of `things'?"
"If I lied to Bernie and denied we were having a relationship we 
might have made something from our love."
"I had a similar thought to that," Pete said also in a reflective 
mood.
"Great minds think alike," Mac stated, pouring two more drinks out.
"What else?"
"Only one other thing," Mac paused. "If Bill hadn't have died I 
probably would have settled down with him."
Pete nodded knowing that she was in love with Bill and still hurt 
deep down inside. He wished to god he hadn't have hurt Mac anymore, 
but he had. Before long, Pete and Mac had fallen asleep on Mac's 
sofa. Mac's head resting on Pete's shoulder.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Mum, dad, hi." Mac said as her parents opened the door.
"You're looking more and more beautiful every time we see you," 
greeted her dad with a smile. "And who's this?" He asked referring to 
Pete.
"This is Peter, he's a friend of mine."
Her mother eyed Pete from head to toe, raising an eyebrow as if she 
didn't approve.
"Come in…where are your bags?" Mac's father asked.
"I've got them thanks," Pete replied. 
"Ellen, you're in your old room and Peter is in Michael's room. I'm 
sure you can point him in the right direction," Her mother said 
retreating to the kitchen.
Pete followed Mac into Michael's room, "can she make it anymore 
obvious she doesn't like me?"
"Now you can see why I left!" Mac replied. "She's like that. Unless 
you've been brought up being fed by a silver spoon, you pretty much 
have no chance getting along with her."
"And bloody separate rooms! Tell me that's a joke?"
"I wish. You're lucky she's not making you stay at a motel," Mac 
replied sitting on the edge of the bed.
"I'd rather that. At least we'd still be able to sleep in the same 
bed…but, you can sneak out of your room later tonight and come in 
her," Pete said with a suggestive grin.
The door suddenly opened and Mac's mum appeared, having listened to 
the last part of the conversation.
"Are the two of you here for dinner?"
"No, we're going out…sorry if you've gone to any trouble," Pete 
replied trying to suck up.
"No, actually we have plans ourselves," she said taking one more 
watchful look at Mac and Pete before walking back out. Mac followed 
her into the kitchen.
"Mum, can I have a word?"

"Great garden you've got out here," Pete said as he walked up to 
Mac's father.
"Thanks. But unfortunately I cannot take the credit for it…we have a 
gardener."
Pete took a deep breath thinking of what to say next. "Mr. Callum 
there's something I want to ask you…I love your daughter with all my 
heart and I was wondering would it be alright with you if I proposed 
to her. I know you and your wife don't know me very well, but I fell 
we're ready for this commitment."
"It would be wrong of me to stand in your way. Although, I know 
someone who would," he said looking towards the kitchen window. "I 
can see Ellen's happy with you and you're happy with Ellen. So, when 
are you going to ask the big question?"
"Tonight. I've booked a boat for dinner on the harbour – just the two 
of us, so hopefully the weather remains this mild," Pete replied 
hoping tonight would be perfect.

After dessert, Pete thought it was the perfect time to propose. He 
got the ring out of his pocket as Mac was looking away and took three 
deep breaths. Mac turned to face him when she heard the third one.
"You don't get water sick do you?" She asked concerned.
"No, I don't," he replied with a nervous laugh. "Ellen…will you marry 
me?" He asked holding her left hand in his while he grasped the ring 
in his right for Mac to see.
"Pete, it's beautiful…I don't know what to say," she said surprised.
"Ah, yes would be a good answer," he suggested nervously.
Mac smiled, "I'd love to marry you!"
Pete leant over the table and kissed her deeply as he slipped the 
ring on Mac's left ring finger.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Pete opened his eyes suddenly, seeing Mac's head resting on his 
shoulder. "I've really gone and stuffed things now," he mumbled to 
himself before drifting back off to sleep.