Here it is!! My turn to beg folks: PLEASE REVIEW!! Last chance to do it!

Hundreds of you read, favourite and alert this, but only a few of you bother to review. So don't hold back.

The biggest of thanks goes out to my fantastic Beta Ashgurl2897, she's been my rock throughout. I couldn't have done this without her - Happy Birthday!

Epilogue

It was nine fifteen when Alex finally awoke. Upon opening her eyes, she was confronted with three white walls, and a curtain surrounding her bed in a five by seven cubicle. Now that could mean one of two things. Either she had somehow managed to get back to 2008, or that she was in a hospital ward in 1981. She hoped for the latter. In 2008, Alex had nothing left to live for; her daughter was gone, her godfather was a traitor, and she had been sacked from her job without any friends to turn to. But in 1981, she had a family made up of her friends, a great man in her life - who she loved and who loved her back, and she had her job. She had a reason for getting up in the morning, something to live for.

Trying not to dwell on the loss of her daughter, she took in her surroundings. To the side of her bed were three small visitor chairs. Draped over one, was a great, black overcoat and a blanket. There was also a steaming cup of coffee on the side table. Looking at the other two chairs, she was faced with packets of crisps, several filthy magazines, and pink crumbs she was willing to bet belonged to pink wafers. It was obvious to her who these things belong to. Her colleagues must have stayed with her through the night, how thoughtful. There was no sign of Shaz' presence though, but the boys probably had her on tea duty. That girl never got a rest. Alex couldn't help but wonder where they were though, but she didn't have to think for too long because Shaz had arrived.

"Hi ma'am! Glad you're awake. The doctors only wanted to keep you in overnight, run some tests and stuff. They still can't get their heads 'round the fact that you're alive. But you're back now, so, you should be back at work soon. We were dead worried when we found out Layton had you, ma'am. The Guv didn't know what to do." Shaz said, noticing the concern in her voice. She made to sit down in Chris' seat, shaking her head at the sight of all the crumbs and rubbish strewn all over.

"Ah, yes. Well, I was worried myself. And where are the three musketeers?" Alex asked, confused at the thought of them not being there.

"Oh, well Chris and Ray are taking it in turns to kick the food and drinks machine's. And the Guv is, well I don't know where he is. Probably buying you flowers."

"Flowers?! Are you kidding me? He's probably just gone for a cigarette, Shaz." Alex replied, astounded at the thought of Gene buying flowers. He wouldn't know were to begin.

"Oh, no. You're wrong there, ma'am. You made quite an impression on the Guv. I'm not saying he's soft or anything. He just cares about you, that's all."

"Thanks Shaz, but I can't believe for one second that G - "

"Morning beautiful," Gene said, popping his head through the curtain. "I got you these, I figured most women liked flowers," he said, before noticing Shaz was sat in Chris' seat. He fought back the urge to shout at her through his embarrassment and just sat beside her.

"I'll just be out here, ma'am, if you need me. I've brought you some spare clothes too, because your other ones were kinda ruined." Shaz said, making to leave, while picking up Alex's blood stained clothes. Giving a smile to both Gene and Alex, she left.

"Finally," Gene said, glad that he was alone at last. He had obviously been there all night with not a moment's peace. His hair was ruffled, his top two buttons of his shirt undone while his tie hung loosely around his neck and the signs of stubble emerging. Completely and utterly shaggable. Resisting the urge, she just smiled.

"Morning gorgeous," Alex replied, reaching for the purple lilies he had been kind enough to bring her. Shaz was right; she really had made an impression. "Thanks," she said, before pulling him down and kissing him once more.

"I could get used to this," Gene said, smiling into her face.

"What? Getting kidnapped, shot and waking up to find me in hospital? No thanks," she joked, glad of the blooming relationship between them.

"Nope, lying here, watching you sleep and being here to kiss you when you wake up. Now that, I could get used to. I want to be the last face you see when you close your eyes, and the first to see when they open."

"Good, because I want to kiss you when I wake up. And you should know by now, that I always get my way."

"Your way also leads to being shot, Bolly. Would it kill you to listen to me once in a while?"

"Suppose not, but it kills me, not listening to you. I could live with that. But only once in a while." She said, smirking as she did so. "I'm sorry, Gene. I should have listened to you."

--

Listening in on their conversation was Shaz. She was neatly piling Alex's clothes up, rummaging through the pockets to make sure they didn't end up in the wash, when a piece of paper fell out her pocket. Opening it up, Shaz looked upon the familiar contents. Before she had a chance to put it away, Chris and Ray sat down beside her, accompanied by hot chocolate for Chris and beefy crisps for Ray. His reason being, that anything other than beefy crisps would turn him into a bird.

"What's that then, Shaz?" Chris said, blowing the steam from the top of his drink.

"Hey, isn't that the Guv's doodle? I thought he took it back?" Ray asked.

"I didn't know that DI Drake knew about it?" Chris said, confused at it being in Alex's possession.

"She doesn't, Chris. That's the point." Shaz said, still beaming.

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Ray said, slowly picking up on the small differences between the two pieces of paper.

"I am saying, Ray, that the Guv didn't draw this. The Guv's was all screwed up and the corners were torn where he ripped it from the wall. This is folded neatly. I am saying that DI Drake drew this." She said, unable to contain her excitement.

"Bloody 'ell. They're exactly the same." Chris said, raising his voice.

"Well, great minds think alike, Chris." Shaz said mischievously.

"Should we tell the Guv?" Ray asked, amused at the new discovery.

"Tell the Guv what?" Gene asked, annoyed at the disturbance they had caused.

"Nothing, Guv." They all announced, much to Gene's amusement.

"Are you drinking hot chocolate Christopher?"

"Oh, no Guv. It's Shaz'. Only poof's drink hot chocolate," Chris said, hoping not to sound like a ponce. But Gene didn't care, he had caught a glimpse of the piece of paper in Shaz' lap.

"What's that then, Granger?" he asked.

"What this? Oh noth-" she began, but it was too late, he had snatched it back.

Gene slowly unfolded the drawing, where he caught sight at what they were all talking about. His eyes grew wider as he took in the detail. What he didn't understand, was how it came into their possession. As far as Gene knew, it was in the breast pocket of his jacket. He certainly couldn't remember drawing another one identical. He had drawn plenty similar looking, but no more like that.

"Where did you find this, Granger?" he asked, still confused.

"It was err, in the err, in-" Shaz said, sheepishly.

"Shaz found it in DI Drake's jeans, Guv" Ray said, saving Shaz from embarrassment.

"Did she really?" Gene asked, smiling to himself.

"Yup. Great minds think alike. Right Guv?" Chris said, nudging Gene, while taking credit from Shaz.

"Ah, so it was you lot all along then? It was you lot that went rummaging through my bin?" he questioned, but wasn't interested in an answer. He couldn't be embarrassed or angry, because he was thinking the same as the woman in the picture. They both had the mind of a sewer. "I shall hold onto this ladies. Don't you say another word about this. Especially to Bollinger Knickers. Understood?" Gene wanted to confront Alex himself, not letting them step in and ruin everything, he needed to have a bit of fun with it first. Watching them all nod like schoolchildren being told off, he vanished behind the curtain as Chris, Ray and Shaz sat in giggles just outside.

--

"So, what were they talking about Gene?" she asked, trying to block out the giggling from behind the curtain.

"What? Oh, nothing. Just a little joke between them," he said, sitting down on her bed.

"So, you didn't find it funny then?"

"Oh, I find it hilarious." He said, his face still beaming. "So, when do you get out?" Gene said, trying to steer clear of the current conversation.

"Five o'clock," Alex said, sighing. "If I have to stay in this stupid smock any longer, I think I'm going to scream."

"Well, I could always help you out of it, Drake?" he said playfully, reaching his hands around her waist, trying to lift her smock.

"Gene! Enough!" she said, giggling like a little girl as he caressed the newly exposed skin. "There's a time and a place, and it's not in a hospital bed with three police officers acting like teenagers, three metres away."

"You know what, Bolly? I think you're right," Gene said, before sticking his head through the curtain.

Upon doing so, he found three police officers with their noses practically in Gene's face. "Oi! Clear off and get me some fags, Raymondo. Chris, go and find a vase for flowers, and a cup of tea would be nice, Shaz," he bellowed before turning back around to Alex.

"There, that should give us a few minutes," Gene said, clearly not listening to what Alex had said.

"That's not what I meant, Gene. In case you didn't notice, I was shot last night."

"Notice? Are you shitting me? I thought you were dead, Bolly. Do you have any idea how I felt? I thought I lost you, Bolls. So, excuse me for wanting to make the most of your body while you're still here," he said, still not letting go of her smock.

"Well, I will still be alive tonight, Gene. And the day after, and the day after that. You got plenty of time, because I'm going nowhere." She said, glad that her words were true, trying to lower his hands.

"True, Bolly. All very true. But I am not a patient man, Bolls. I have needs," he said, almost pleading. He had waited long enough and wasn't willing to give up just yet.

"And I promise you, Gene. Those needs will be well and truly met. Just as soon as I get out of here." Taking his hands away, he raised them up, defeated. There was no way she was going to give in. Stubborn as a bloody mule.

"So, any news on Arthur Layton and Tommy Clark?" Alex asked, hoping they were in jail.

"Nah. Sorry, Bolls. Apparently, Bonny and Clyde set those fireworks off, and Twiddle Dumb and Twiddle Dee scarpered instead of arresting the bastards. Bloody useless those two." He said, disappointed at Chris and Ray's efforts. "Still, if they arrested them, I doubt they would have made it out there alive." He added, trying not to think about losing his men.

"Well, when I get out at five, we'll go to the station and see what we can find." Alex said, determined to catch them.

"You really don't give up, do yer Bolly? There is no point in me trying to stop you either, is there?" Gene said, knowing perfectly well she was going to do it anyway.

"Right again, Gene. No point at all, unless you want a slap for getting in my way."

"No, I think I'll pass. Thanks for the lovely offer though." He said sarcastically.

"My pleasure."

--

"Sorry, Guv. We got these," Chris said, upon returning with Shaz and Ray with the vase, cigarettes and tea.

"Thanks, Shaz." Alex said, taking the polystyrene cup from her as Gene snatched the cigarettes from Ray.

All three of them were still just stood there, looking from Alex to Gene, and back again, still smirking.

"Something funny, Ray?" she asked, suspicious of the looks they were all giving.

"What? Oh no ma'am. Nothing at all." He said, before the others burst into laughter, while trying to cover it with violent coughs.

"Oh yeah?" she said, raising an eyebrow. "You know. You should get that cough checked out, Chris. Sounds nasty."

"Yeah, you're right, ma'am. I should get a physical. Isn't that right Guv?" Chris asked, winking at Gene.

"Indeed, Christopher. I might even do it myself," Gene threatened through gritted teeth, hoping to frighten his detective constable.

"But don't bend him over the desk, Guv, it's probably just his throat. You might have to examine his chest too." Ray added, resulting in more fits of laughter. Alex was getting extremely suspicious now, much to Gene's distaste. It seemed Gene's efforts to conceal the matter, were getting him nowhere. He was going to kill them once he got the chance, but his team couldn't resist.

"Ah, Signorina Drake, welcome back." Luigi said, dropping his bags on the table.

"What are you doing here Luigi?" Gene asked, disturbed by all the company. It's starting to look like a scene from Life of Brian in here. On the plus side, Luigi had just saved the lives of his team.

"Well, I heard Ms. Drake was in hospital. You can't expect her to eat that dreadful food Signor," he said, opening the carrier bags to find steaming cartons of food. "I brought Paella and Spaghetti Bolognese. I know how much you like it, Signorina." He said, that playful look in his eye.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Luigi," Alex said, pleased at all the company and attention.

"Gene, give Luigi your seat, and you can eat with us all, Luigi."

"Gratzi, Mz Drake, but I'm afraid I can't stay. I have left my wife in charge, and she has to look after Antonio. Teenagers are very difficult. Addio everyone," he said, leaving many faces confused before leaving.

"Addy what?" Gene said, but Luigi had already left.

"It means goodbye, Guv," Shaz added, much to Gene and the team's surprise.

"You speak Italian, Shaz?" Gene asked, surprised at the little fact.

"Her ex-boyfriend, Pedro probably told her Guv." Ray added.

"Pedro is Spanish, Ray," she added, leaving Ray slightly flushed.

"Oh, so you've got a Spanish boyfriend too, Shaz?" Chris asked, uncomfortable at the thought of Shaz with another man. Shaz just looked at Alex, knowing that they would never understand. They were men after all.

"Shall we get these open then?" Alex asked, hoping to take the attention away from Shaz.

"Good idea, I'm starving," Chris said, eyeing up the food, licking his lips. Just as Alex passed him a plate, Gene took it away.

"You told me you just ate, Christopher?" The use of his full name meant he was in trouble.

"I only had a packet of crisps Gu-" but he saw the warning look in Gene's eyes and understood perfectly. "But it filled me up real nice. I don't like Paella anyway," he added for good measure.

"What about you Raymond? You hungry?" Gene asked, giving the same threatening stare.

"Full as a gun, Guv." He said, patting his stomach.

"I'm not hungry either," Shaz said, understanding what was going on.

"Well if you're all sure. I mean, there's plenty to go around." Gene added, making sure Alex didn't pick up on anything.

"No, we're sure. Come on, I'm sure there are plenty of nurses you could be chatting up Ray," Shaz said, hoping that they took the hint to leave, which they understood perfectly and left without a second glance.

--

"Gene? You know yesterday?" She began.

"Yes Bolls, I believe I do. The day before Monday, and the day after Saturday. I know it quite well. What about it?"

"Well, did you say you loved me? Or was I unconscious." She asked, slightly uncomfortable. She heard it perfectly well, but Gene didn't know that.

"You heard it alright. Don't know how you heard it, but you did," he said, proud that he was finally able to speak up.

"Well, I just wanted to say that-"

"I know," he said, interrupting her once more. Why does he always have to do that? That's twice he's done it now; once in the vault, and now. He had no idea what I was thinking that day. Choosing not to start another argument, she just smiled dreamily at him.

"Gene? Do you mind if I get some sleep? We can eat this later. I'm just tired that's all," she asked, overwhelmed at all the company and the thoughts, which had taken most of her energy.

"Yeah, go ahead. I need a bit of a talk with Chris, Ray and Shaz anyway. I could do with a shower and a shave too. So, I'll see you later then." He said, before kissing her on the forehead and leaving her to get some rest.

--

Just as he passed the vending machines, he caught sight of his targets.

"RIGHT, YOU LOT", he bellowed, making them jump out of their skin, resulting in Chris dropping his tenth packet of crisps as they turned around to face him. "A word, now!" Never, in all their lives, had his team been so terrified as their governor stormed towards them, face of fury. They were just sitting ducks. Every ounce of colour had drained from Shaz' face, and Chris and Ray just looked on at him; like two extremely small rabbits caught in the enormous headlights that was Gene Hunt. Each of his targets just looked at one another, completely and utterly petrified. Once he had reached them, all three of them gulped, loud enough for Gene to hear. Instead of putting the fear of God up them, the corners of his mouth began to curl. He was actually smiling. "Fancy a pint, Chris?" he said, putting his arm around Chris, who was shaking so badly. Gene almost laughed. No words that he could possibly say would frighten them anymore than they already were, and by him acting nicely, he was making them even more anxious and more willing to apologise. Gene Hunt was using reverse psychology. None of them even bothered to question Gene. They were too shaken to even talk, let alone question the man responsible.

--

As Alex lay there, she was finding it impossible to sleep. The past twenty-four hours was just too confusing. Okay, Layton was dead, something that she was extremely pleased with. He was no longer a threat. Sure, he was dead in 2008, but he was still alive in 1981, but not for long. She had also been reunited with Gene, but had also lost her daughter- the balance of the universe restored. And on top of all that, her father had come to her. His words made her brain ache, 'All is well in Narnia?' What did he mean by that? Was 1981 like Narnia? That they were in some kind of parallel universe? Both worlds co-existed? Alex was baffled, but she didn't care anymore. She was going to stop questioning and comparing the two worlds, and live her life the way she wanted, with Gene. As long as they were together, it didn't matter where they were.

An hour went by, and Alex had given up on getting some rest. She was kidding herself. Instead, she decided to check out early. She summoned the doctor over and got her tests over and done with so she didn't have to wait around and could meet up with her team. What the doctors couldn't understand, was where her medical records where; there was no record of Alex Drake anywhere. She quickly made up an excuse and left without looking back.

--

"Ah, Luigi my man. Three pints and a…" he said, calling over to Luigi. "What do you want, Shaz?" Gene asked, aware of the new company.

"Just an orange juice thanks," she said, causing strange looks from both Ray and Gene.

"An orange juice it is then. You get that, Signor Luigi?" Gene shouted as Ray, Chris and Shaz went to sit down.

"Very funny, Mister Hunt. When does Mz Drake get out of the hospital?"

"Don't worry Luigi, she will be back at five," he said, picking up the drinks and returning to the table.

--

"There you go, lads." He said, settling their drinks down, "It's been quite a day. Drink up," he said, practically drinking all of his in one go, and finishing with a big grin.

"Don't mean to pry or anything, Guv, but I don't think I have ever seen you so happy," Shaz said, matching his grin.

"That's because I haven't been this happy before, Granger." He said, still grinning. "Why you drinking orange juice anyway? We're supposed to be celebrating,"

"It's too early Guv, and I don't feel too well. I'll celebrate when DI Drake comes back."

"Well, don't expect me to be buyin'. You 'ad your chance." Gene said, not fazed.

"Why are we celebrating anyway? I mean, Arthur Layton and Tommy got away."

"DI Drake nearly died last night. Excuse me for wanting to celebrate that she's alive," he replied.

"But Chris and Ray get shot all the time, we never celebrate then," said Shaz, trying to coax out his feelings for Alex.

"Yeah, but this is DI Drake, Shaz. You know the score," Ray said.

"What's that supposed to mean, Raymondo?" Gene said, who received raised eyebrows from the rest of his team. "What?"

"Oh, c'mon, Guv. We know you wanted to get into her knickers from day one."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Ray," said a rather flustered Gene.

"Sorry, Boss. My mistake. That doodle must have drew itself." Ray said, sniggering to Chris.

"I didn't draw it. You think I would do something like that?" He said, each time his face going a deeper shade of red.

"Guv, it was in your bin." Chris said. He really couldn't get out of this one. Instead of embarrassing himself further, he went over to Luigi.

--

"Luigi, give me some of your strong stuff," he said, hoping for a cure to the ramblings of his team.

Handing him a scotch, Luigi asked, "What is wrong with the young lady Signor?" He nodded over to Shaz.

"Nothin', why?"

"She doesn't look very healthy. Is she ok?" he asked, concerned for her. Gene glanced over to her, but couldn't see anything wrong. She was just pale as far as Gene was concerned. Just as he was about to turn around, Shaz ran in the direction of the toilets.

"Probably your orange juice, Luigi. Why are you so bothered anyway?"

"Well, I have been seeing a lot of Chris and his lady recently. They seem very happy together, that's all I'm saying." But before Gene got chance to question him, he was gone.

--

"Ok, ladies. We'll finish these and its back to the station."

"What's wrong with Shaz, Chris?"

"Dunno, Guv. She's got a dickey stomach that's all. Been like that since Drake was kidnapped, must 'ave knocked the stuffing out of 'er Guv."

"You're probably right, Christopher. You know 'er better than us anyway."

It was three o'clock once Alex finally entered the station. Just as she pushed open the large wooden doors, she found a dark, empty squad room. Not even Gene was in his office. The whole place was at a standstill, deserted. Just as she sat down, she heard a giggle. Assuming it was her overactive imagination, she ignored it and opened a file.

"Oh my god!" said a voice. She defiantly wasn't imagining that. Getting up, she walked over to Ray's desk where the sound was coming from. Peering under it, she found Shaz, Ray and Chris flicking through a black leather book. Gene's notebook? A look of guilt spread heavily over their features. Just as she was about to look inside, the book snapped shut.

"What have you got there, Ray?"

"Nothin' ma'am. Good to have you back. The Guv will be over shortly." He said, before getting up and running into Gene's office. Just as she was about to run after him, Chris caught her arm.

"Do you know any good restaurant's, ma'am?" Chris asked, rapidly changing the subject while trying to distract his superior officer.

"Why? What's going on?"

"C'mon Chris, I've got something to show you," Shaz said, rescuing Chris from his DI. Each of them practically ran out of the squad room shortly followed by Ray. Curiosity had gotten the better of Alex, and so she stepped into Gene's office.

--

Stepping into his office, she pulled the two sets of blinds down, leaving one set open for lookout, and looked around, trying to find clues as to where Ray had hidden his notebook. She sat in his chair, looking out onto the kingdom Gene called his own, when she noticed the drawer of his desk was ajar. Pulling it open, she found his little black book, identical to the one they were reading. Picking it up, she contemplated opening it, not so sure that she wanted to know its contents. It wouldn't be harmful in anyway, Ray and Chris had found it funny. Did it matter that she was invading his privacy? Gene wouldn't keep any secrets from me, would he? The urge to read it was too strong, so she took a deep breath, and flipped it open.

'PROPERTY OF DCI GENE HUNT'.

So this must be what he's hiding. Turning the page, she was faced with:

'DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

IF I CATCH YOU, YOU ARE A DEAD MAN.

I AM EVERYWHERE. AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT!'

That was her first warning, but the sight of it just spared her on. It didn't mention anything about a woman reading it. Her excitement was too strong to stop now, and so she carried on. Instead of finding what she was looking for, she came across another warning.

LAST CHANCE.

I MEAN IT!

But this didn't bother Alex in the slightest. The thought of Gene keeping secrets was too compelling for her to just close the book. And over went the next page.

BIG MISTAKE.

But once she turned it again, she wasn't disappointed. In front of her very eyes, was a scene that she recognised. In the bottom right corner, a women that could only be described at Alex, was stood in the doorway to Gene's office. Ok, so his imagination wasn't nearly as bad as hers, but she was still on that page wearing fishnet stockings, suspenders and an extremely short dress. Curious as to what else he had drawn, she turned the page.

Upon turning over, she found a very similar doodle. The two drawing were almost indentical, only Alex seemed to be further away. Looking back at the other, she noticed she was defiantly further away. So, she turned a third page, and found herself further still. What a waste of time! She couldn't help thinking. But then she remembered Chris, Ray and Shaz looking through it. They weren't turning each page over like her, they were rapidly flicking through it. Deciding to mirror their actions, she put her thumb at the very back of the book, allowing the pages to quickly free themselves as she slowly moved her thumb forwards, while she peered in the bottom left corner. It seemed Gene Hunt had gone one step further. He hadn't just drawn doodles, he had created a flipbook. The quicker the page turned, the smoother the actions. The end result had left Alex gobsmacked. It was the exact same scene she had drawn herself, only it had came to life. Just as she was about to view his little slide show again, she caught Chris and Ray peering through the windows of his office with their noses pressed against the glass. They didn't even bother to try and hide the grins on their faces. Instead, they went back to their desks, their smiles held firmly in place. It seemed that everyone in the station knew about Gene's little black book – but Gene didn't know that.

"Okay, ladies and gentlemen. If you need me, I'll be in my office," boomed Gene's voice, which acted as her cue to hide his notebook. Just as she closed the drawer, the door to his office opened.

"Didn't hear you come in, Bolly?" he said, kicking the door closed. "I said I was going to pick you up at five. You escape?"

"I figured you needed me here," she said, getting up from her seat as she walked towards him.

"Too right Bolly!" he said, holding her close "Now, what are you doing in my office?"

"Just looking for something, but it doesn't matter now. I know where it is. I am just nipping off home to get something," she said, leaving his office.

"If you're not back in fifteen minutes, I am coming over there."

"Bet he is," muttered Ray, causing Chris and Shaz to laugh.

"Something funny, Carling?" Gene snapped.

"No, Guv. Sorry, Guv," he said, watching Alex pass his desk, winking at him in the process.

"What she up to?" Chris whispered, noticing the look Alex gave him. Ray just shrugged and got on with his work.

--

Once inside her flat, she rushed over to her wardrobe, searching the contents until she found what she was looking for. In the very back of her wardrobe, was that dress. The dress she had worn when she first arrived, the dress that was featured in Gene's little book. Tossing it onto her bed, she searched her underwear drawer, looking for her fishnets and suspenders. Alex didn't know what had come over her. He better appreciate it.

Once she had gathered all of her garments, satisfied that she hadn't forgot anything, she began to get ready. She could just picture the look on his face, knowing that it was worth the effort. After putting on her red stilettos, she stood up straight and looked in her bedroom mirror, pleased with her reflection. Grabbing her cream mack, she wrapped it around her, and set off to the station.

--

Just as Alex was about to enter the squad room, she decided to check her make-up and headed over to the toilets instead. Reaching the mirror, Alex took out her handbag and began to apply her mascara when she heard someone wretching their guts up behind her.

"Everything ok in there?" she called, but no reply came. Alex being Alex, she opened he cubicle door to find Shaz on the floor grabbing hold of the toilet bowl.

"Shaz? What are you doing? What's wrong?"

"Don't worry ma'am, nothing I can't handle. Just not been feeling well, that's all." She said, wiping her mouth. "What about you and the Guv, ma'am?"

"Don't change the subject, Shaz. C'mon, I'm taking you to hospital, you're a mess."

"No ma'am, I'm ok. Really ma'am," Shaz pleaded, trying to be free of Alex's grip as she pulled her out of the station.

"Not until we have got you sorted out, Shaz," she said, waving her hands in the air, hoping for a taxi to stop.

"Ma'am," she said, worried at the words that were about to come out of her mouth, "I'm pregnant." This took Alex by surprise. She didn't think for one second that, that was the problem.

"Oh Shaz. Congratulations!" Alex said, enveloping her in her arms. "Are you sure?" she asked, confused that she hadn't noticed. Shaz looked up at her, and nodded with a little smile and hugged her superior.

"That's great news, Shaz. Let's celebrate," she said, walking over the road to Luigi's.

"Chris doesn't know," she said, stopping Alex in her tracks. "I only found out this morning. When you were with the Guv in the hospital, me and Chris went to the maternity ward and had a look at all the babies while Ray was with the nurses. They were offering free tests ma'am, so I took one. I found out about an hour ago."

"You're not going to have an abortion, are you Shaz?" she said, conscious of the worried look on Shaz' face.

"I don't know ma'am. I'm catholic, and I don't know how Chris feels yet."

"Well, when your shift's over, go and talk to Chris, Shaz. I'm sure he'll be really pleased," she said, trying to reassure her. Alex considered an abortion when she was younger, but having Molly was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Shaz would regret it; she would be a great mother.

"I think you're right, Ma'am. Come on," she said, linking Alex as they both walked inside.

--

"That was longer than 15 minutes, Bolly." Gene warned as they entered the station.

"Yeah, sorry Guv. I'll make it up to you," she said, brushing past him, into his office. As she sauntered past him, the pleat at the back of her mack flashed open, revealing the red material it encased. Unfortunately for Alex, the team caught a glimpse of her dress and looked at one another knowingly. They were in for a treat. Gene followed her in, closed the door, and the mouths of his team opened.

"Was that what I think it was?" Chris asked, walking over to Ray's desk.

"I reckon it was, mate. What do you think Shaz?"

"That's definitely the dress Ray. I saw it earlier, the Guv's in fer a treat,"

"Too right, he is," Ray said, the smirk evident on her face, relaxing in his chair.

--

"So, what you got in mind, Bolly?" he said, as she sat in his chair.

"Bolly, you're on my throne,"

"My mistake. Want to share?"

"No," he said, picking her up and planting her on his desk.

"You know, Gene, I was thinking," she paused, only to be interrupted.

"I know you were thinking, Bolls. You're always thinking."

"You want to know?" she asked, hoping to get him fired up.

"I already know," he said, so sure of himself.

"Oh yeah?" Alex said, annoyed at his self assurance, "What is it that you know exactly, Gene?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Everything Bolly. Everything," he said, smirking as he picked up his coat.

"That's a bit vague Gene. Care to elaborate?" she said, annoyed at his response.

"I know you were shot by Arthur Layton in 2008. I also know that you're like Sam Tyler. Is that enough?" he asked, smug as ever.

"How? I mean, when?" Alex asked, stunned at her new discovery.

"Never you mind, Bolly," he added, tapping his nose as he did so.

Reaching beneath her, into the drawer of his desk, she pulled out a little black book.

"And I know," she said, pausing to flick the pages of his book, "About this," she added, watching the doodles come to life.

Gene's jaw dropped.

Pulling himself together, he reached into his coat pocket, unfolding the piece of paper that he had guarded, and waved it in Alex's face.

"SNAP!" he said, grinning.

"How the hell did that get there?" Alex asked, shocked that it was in 1981.

"More importantly, Bolly. What are you gonna do about it?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

Standing up from the desk, she unwrapped her mack, shrugging it from her shoulders and allowing it to fall onto the floor.

"I don't know Gene. What you got in mind?" she asked innocently, as she stood in his office like she had done all those months ago.

--

"Oi! You lot. Time to go home to your parents. Off you pop!" he shouted, hoping for a bit of privacy. His team knew exactly what was going on, and they weren't willing to give up that easily.

"But its only 4 o'clock, Guv. We got a few hours to go yet?"

"Well, lucky you. I will meet you in Luigi's later," he said, desperate to be alone.

"I think I'll stay here for a bit longer, Guv. Not ready to go home just yet," Ray added, resting his hands behind his head, his legs stretched out in front of him

"Yeah, me too Guv. Got a lot of catching up to do. Isn't that right Shaz?" Chris added.

"Sure is. Don't you worry about us, Guv. We'll be fine." She said, clearly having fun at his suspense.

"Alright, fine! Here's a tenner, now piss off!" he said, growing annoyed at his team's disobedience and having to resort to bribery.

"Well, only if you're sure, Guv." Ray added, still not bothering to move.

"One hundred per fucking cent, Ray," Gene said, both frustrated and angry.

"Come on then kids, best go. We don't want to get in the way now, do we? Luigi's awaits." Ray said, getting up and shrugging on his jacket, much to Gene's relief.

"Bye ma'am. Have fun," Shaz called, laughing her way to the exit.

Once the doors closed behind his team, he went back into his office, glad to finally be alone. Little did Gene know, that Shaz had come back in because she had forgotten her bag. Upon hearing files and papers fall to the floor, she scurried back out again to report her findings.

"Shall we?" Gene said, swooping the contents of his desk onto the floor.

"My pleasure," she said, positioning herself at the end of his desk.

Just as he walked up behind Alex, there was a knock at the door.

"WHAT!" Gene bellowed, angry at all the distractions. Instead of being faced with Ray, Chris of Shaz, Viv stood at his feet.

"There's someone at the desk Guv."

"Oh yeah? What they want?" he said, still shouting at the man.

"They're asking for the Gene Genie, Guv,"

"Well he's not here at the moment," Gene said, slamming the door in his face. Seconds later, was another knock.

"Sir, I said I was going to get you," he reasoned from the other side of the door.

"Fine! Am on me way, two minutes!"

"Sorry Bolls, work to do," Gene sighed.

"Who is it, Gene?" Alex said, straightening up and putting her coat back on.

"Dunno. You wanna find out?" he said, offering his arm. "We will continue this later."

"Why of course," she said, linking him as they made their way down to Viv.

Walking down the corridor, Alex's heels echoing down the hall while Gene's coat flapped against his legs when suddenly, it all felt real. It was happening. It seemed silly that it took a near death experience to bring them together. The strange thing was, it was the first time they were actually together, acting like a real couple. They just seemed perfect together. He knew it, and she knew it. They were unbreakable. And there's nothing, nothing in the word as wonderful as the one you've longed for, dreamed of, ached over, suddenly turning all of their dazzling attention on you. Full beam.

Once the desk was insight, Gene could see a little girl's legs in little ankle socks, swinging from a chair, unable to reach the floor, but nothing else.

"Who is it, Skip?" Gene shouted. Upon hearing his voice, the legs sprung into action, landed on the floor and the little girl walked from around the desk. Looking down the long corridor, she looked on at the two bodies approaching. A huge smile stretched across her face from ear to ear as they drew closer.

"MOLLY!" Alex shouted, crouching down and opening her arms as wide as possible while her little girl ran towards her, as fast as her legs would take her. Once they reached each other, Alex picked her up, and swung her around until they both fell dizzy.

Gene stood back, and watched as Alex's world became complete.

--

Putting Molly down at last, Alex took hold of her hand.

"Do you know who this is, Molls?" Alex said, looking up at Gene.

"That's the Gene Genie, mum," she said, so confident and happy, giving Gene a little wink. Gene replied with a grin.

"That's right. Do you like him?" she asked the all-important question.

"Do you mum?"

"Yes, Molls. I do," she said, full of admiration.

"Then so do I." Molly said, her face still smiling.

Crouching down to meet her gaze, Gene asked, "Do you want to go and get some ice cream, Molly?" Looking at her mother, she gave another smile and nodded. Gene took Molly's other hand, and together, all three of them walked out onto the street, as a family.

The End!

Thanks to all of you who were kind enough to review, (Gem6 in particular who managed to review every chapter!) I am truly grateful for everything. It's been so much fun! I had no idea that this fic would amount to this. It's your nagging and pleading that kept me going! It's all down to you, so thank you.

Sequel now available, titled 'A Better Future?'