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Charlie's POV

I was sitting at my desk looking over some paperwork before filing it away I had an hour to kill before I went home to get ready for the singles night with the girls… I really didn't wanna go. I was only going because Angelo is a good friend I have no interest in finding a man tonight. I was pulled from my thoughts and looked up when my door opened.

"Sorry to disturb you Serge but we've had a call from Coleen at the diner she said a group of guys are hassling people," Watson said.

I frowned that was unusual "are they kids?" I asked knowing Coleen tended to overreact sometimes.

"No, grown men acting like hooligans were her exact words she said she's never seen them around here before."

"Right we better get down there and see what's going on… so much for me getting out on time today," I groaned as I stood up and grabbed my keys.

When we arrived sure enough there were a group of guys we'd never seen before hanging around, climbing out of my cruiser I sat on the hood and watched as a few of them whistled at girls going by then started mucking around with each other- no harm in that I thought " if Colleen called us down here because guys are whistling at girls I'll kill her," I said as we walked inside the diner.

"Oh Sergeant Buckton thank heavens you're here we've all been scared out of our minds, those hooligans have caused our customers nothing but hassle," Colleen said quickly.

"Calm down Colleen," I said "what exactly did they do, have they hurt anyone?"

"Well one of them called me an old bat and told me to mind my own business another called Irene an old nosy cow when she asked them to move on, Leah went out and they whistled called her baby and said other sexual things it's disgusting if you ask me- young Indi got manhandled by one on her way in," Colleen said hysterically.

I raised an eyebrow "manhandled how?"

"Oh Colleen stop I told you not to call the police," Irene said hurrying over "sorry Charlie they didn't manhandle her one of them pulled her back to ask her out she laughed him off and he let her go no big deal, but if you can could you move them along the tattoo's and loudness of them are making people uneasy."

"I'll see what I can do Irene," I called as we both walked outside.

"Wow check out the hottie pigs!" one of them yelled causing all of them to look our way.

"Boys I'll need you to move along now please," I said trying to hold an eye roll idiots is what they are.

"Why, were not doing anything wrong," the guy with the check shirt said and stepped forward.

I stepped forward too he was good looking I'd give him that but he seemed like a dick "we've had a disturbance call I'm asking you to move along," I said more seriously and sternly.

"Well we ain't moving because we ain't doin' nothing!" another yelled.

"Tell that to everyone you lot have been hassling now you were asked to move on," Watson said loudly before I could reply.

"Make us," another one said causing them all to laugh.

I was pissed now can't they just do as they were asked and let me go home? "You have five seconds to move along or the cuffs are coming out and you lot spend the night in a cell," I barked.

"Ooh feisty one ay Brax," one laughed and nudged the guy that had spoken first.

I sighed and pulled her radio to my mouth they obviously wanted to go for a ride to lock up "this is S-"

"We're going," the guy Brax said and walked over to me before I could talk "but we weren't doing anything wrong- Boys!" He yelled still keeping eye contact with me.

"Hassling and calling the people names is wrong!" I hissed.

"I wouldn't mind a roll around the cell with her."

"Yeah she was hot."

"Oi morons she's a pig, chick or not we don't go there anyway she seems uptight wouldn't be worth the hassle."

"Maybe she isn't getting any that's why she's a bitch."

I rolled my eyes at the conversation as they walked away until I heard the last comment what business is it of theirs whether I'm 'getting any' or not? "Oi you!" I snapped and stormed towards them again.

"What's the problem now officer?" Brax said turning to face me.

"I don't appreciate you lot making your comments I'm doing my job I'm sorry if that makes me seem uptight!" I said glaring at the guy who said it- not that I really cared what they thought of me.

"A little sensitive are we?" Brax smirked.

I narrowed my eyes and took a step closer to him "trust me you don't want to make an enemy out of me!" I hissed through gritted teeth "I just hate morons that think they can do what they like and piss everyone else off."

"It's you that doesn't want to make an enemy out of me Officer and I don't think I can do what I like, I know," Brax said in a low tone so only I could here.

"Is that a threat?" I said reaching for my cuffs I needed to let him know I wasn't afraid of him- which I wasn't.

"You tell me, does it need to be?" Brax said taking a step so I had to look up- he was trying to intimidate me- that sure as hell won't work I laughed to myself. "You knwo you're incredibly sexy when you're angry," he siad smirking at me.

"Sergeant!" Watson called from the car before I could reply.

"Sergeant? Really? You're in charge, what you didn't make it into make-up school?" Brax laughed.

I was beyond pissed now this moron was really getting to me "you better get out of here right now and I don't want to see any of you around here again."

"Sergeant we gotta go we have another call out!" Watson called again.

I looked back to Brax "you've been warned if I run into you again you'll be sorry!" I hissed and stormed away before I did something I'd regret tomorrow... although I'm sure it would have been fun to punch him in the face.

"I'll look forward to it Serge! "Brax called after me he laughed and turned back to the boys "party on the beach anyone?" I heard him say I had to physically restrain myself from walking back to them, sighing deeply I climbed into my car and took off.

Brax's POV

"Better idea mate," Heath said and walked over to me.

"What ya got Heath?" I asked.

"Singles night in Angelo's," he said pulling a flyer out of his pocket "booze and easy chicks what more could we want?" he chuckled.

I laughed I was up for some fun "righto singles night it is but before that I say we head home and load up, we might get a few customers here tonight," I said as we walked along the beach towards our cars.

Charlie's POV

I had dealt with the next call out- which was a stupid couple fighting over who got the damn cat because they broke up, come on now really? Don't they think we have bigger things to deal with than a stupid cat? We finally headed back to the station. That Brax guy had got under my skin and I was still in a bad mood, I sighed when my phone rang "hey sweetie," I said when my daughter Ruby's name flashed up on the screen.

"Hey Charlie um quick question for ya… a new guy started in school today Miles paired us up for a project do you mind if he comes to ours to work on it?"

"No not at all I'm just leaving the station now but I have to pick Jodie up so I'll be home soon do you want me to pick you guys up anything?"

"Nah thanks we've eaten- we've just left the diner we were working there after school but it got crowded and too noisy, I'll see you at home," Ruby said and hung up.

I took one last look around my office before grabbing my purse and keys "I'm off guys see you tomorrow if anything comes up I'm on my mobile!" I called to the officers behind the desk as I left. When I arrived at the sitters I saw my five year old sister Jodie bouncing up and down at the window. I smiled and climbed out, walking inside I was attacked "hey monkey," I giggled and picked her up "were you good for Nat?" I asked- Nat was a good friend of mine and would take her if me or my brothers were working.

"Yes I was she lets me paint Char," Jodie giggled.

"Wow another one for the fridge," Nat!" I called to the kitchen.

"Hey I was gathering up her stuff," Nat said and handed me Jodie's bag.

"Thanks Nat, I'll see you later for singles night," I said and walked out to my car- I would normally stay and have a coffee but since I was going out tonight I had to get Jodie to bed before we went.

Walking into the kitchen with a sleeping Jodie in my arms I saw Ruby at the dining room table with a guy "hey," I called from the kitchen after I put Jodie into her bed.

"Hey Charlie," Ruby called back "come here a sec."

I walked into the dining room "what's up?" I asked leaning on the doorframe.

"Charlie this is Casey- Casey this is my mum Charlie," Ruby said nodding to each of us.

"Hi Charlie thanks for letting me come over," Casey said and stood up "Ruby's talked about you all day it's nice to meet you," he said and stuck out his hand.

I smiled he was really sweet "nice to meet you too Casey and it's no problem," I said and shook his hand "are you staying for supper?"

"No thanks, my brother will be here for me soon I have to go before he goes out or I've no way home."

I nodded "okay I'll leave you guys to it I'll be in the kitchen and keep it down Jodie's asleep," I said and walked back to the kitchen.

Sitting at the table going over some files I couldn't concentrate he really had gotten to me I was still pissed sighing I flung down my pen down rubbed my face, when I looked up I nearly fell off my chair "what the hell are you doing at my house!" I yelled alarmed and jumped up.

"I'm here for my brother but I think I'm at the wrong house- I hope I am anyway," Brax said flatly from the backdoor.

"Please tell me you're not Casey's brother," I groaned- I couldn't deal with him again, not now- not ever.

"I am at the right house so… is he still here?"

"Casey!" I yelled.

Casey soon appeared "something wrong Char- oh hey Brax you're early," he said.

"Yeah I have to go out earlier sorry I called ya and got no answer," Brax replied.

"Sorry phone's on silent me and Ruby have a lot to do, oh this is Charlie Ruby's mum- Charlie this is my eldest brother Brax."

"Casey are you going now?" Ruby asked following him into the kitchen.

"And Brax this is Ruby-Yeah sorry Ruby I know we had a lot to do but we can catch up tomorrow?"

"Charlie, do you mind if Casey's brother waits about fifteen minutes we really need to get this done tonight or we'll be behind."

I didn't want that guy in my house but I didn't want Ruby falling behind either besides it wasn't Casey's fault his brother is a tool "okay but go finish up."

"Thanks Charlie come in Brax we won't be long!" Ruby yelled as she dragged Casey back into the dining room.

After they disappeared I sat back down and went on like Brax wasn't standing there- he still stood by the door looking around. I sighed and put my pen down "you coming in or what?" I snapped.

"Didn't think I was welcome," he replied.

"You're not but you doing my head in standing there," I said.

"He meant sister right?" Brax said after he sat on one of the chairs across from me "Casey he meant sister right there's no way you're her mum."

"And why couldn't I be her mum?"

"Because you're too young and good looking to have a sixteen year old kid unless you were like thirteen."

"What's your point?" I said.

"Wow okay you just seemed so uptight earlier wouldn't have classed you as someone who takes it to the next level so young."

"What the hell does that even mean?" I yelled I was two seconds away from punching him.

"Put the claws away Charlz," I heard a guy chuckle from the doorway.

"Jacky!" I shrieked and was off my chair "I can't believe you're back!" I yelled and hugged him "you're not due for another week."

"Yeah I know I hate to say it but I missed you," he chucked "who's this?" he said nodding to Brax.

"Ah no one," I said and turned back to him "so was it fun? How's Lucas? I can't believe you're here!" I squealed and hugged him again.

"Yeah he's good," Jack shook his head "alright mate," he said and sat where I was "you seem to have caught her on a bad day normally she introduces- I'm Jack."

"Brax," he replied and shook his hand.

"What brings ya here?"

"I'm waiting on my brother to finish up with Ruby."

"She's here?" Jack said looking back at me. "Where's Jo?"

"In the dining room, Jo's asleep." Jack smirked and stood up, slipping into the dining room he winked at me and shut the door, I burst out laughing when Ruby started squealing.

"What's that all about?" Brax asked when she finally stopped.

"Never you mind," I replied and gathered up my paperwork "I'm sure they'll be out in sec I need to go get ready," I said and walked out of the room.

"Heading out are we?" Brax asked and walked to the doorway leading into the lounge.

"Might be not that it's any of your business," I said as she held up two dresses.

"I like the black one," Brax smirked and walked back into the kitchen.

I rolled my eyes and went into the bathroom… with the black dress… that he had no sway in I chose it all by myself. After my shower I went to my room and dried my hair- I put the dress on and did my make-up. Looking at the clock I still had a half an hour left before I'd to meet the girls, going into the kitchen I saw Jack sitting at the table with a beer… and Brax "they still not finished?" I huffed.

"No and where are you going?" Jack asked looking me up and down.

"Oh out with the girls I'm sorry I know you just got home but this is planned all week we'll catch up tomorrow," I said as I pulled a beer from the fridge and sat beside him.

"It's fine but I'm staying here tonight alright haven't the energy to move," he groaned.

I nodded "yeah that's fine you know where the room is you can watch Jo now instead of Ruby- Ruby!" I yelled "Brax has to go finish up!"

"Two minutes!" She yelled back.

"Geez is it me or have you gotten louder," Jack chuckled.

"Haha," I said sarcastically "I had a bad day I'm still a little pissed."

"What happened?" Jack asked.

"Ah just some jackass acting all tough in front of his friends he pissed me off and I can't shake the mood," I replied forgetting he was there.

"Ooh someone finally broke Charlie's badass no one can touch me act- this guy I gotta meet," Jack chuckled.

"No he didn't he's just a moron that has nothing better to do than hassle people and drink all day," I hissed and stood up.

"Where you going anyway?"

"Angelo roped us in to going to his first singles night he's afraid no one will show."

Jack laughed "you're going to a singles night-you, who are you goin with?"

"Me, Hayls, B, Nat and Leah and I'm doing it for Angelo."

"Now correct me if I'm wrong Brax but do you normally do favours for your boyfriend if he's not your boyfriend anymore?" Jack said knowing that would piss me off even more.

"Jack!" I hissed.

Brax chuckled "nah mate unless you still like the guy," he said smirking at me.

"Well I don't me and Angelo finished a while now we're just friends and you know that!" I hissed at Jack "I'm off make sure Ruby does her insulin- Ruby I'm going Jack's staying over!" I yelled as she walked out the door.

Hayley's POV

"Wow this guy has really gotten to you," I said after Charlie filled us in as we walked to Angelo's.

"Yeah he has I just wanted to slap him, he's so arrogant asked me did I not get into make-up school who does he think he is," she groaned.

"Is he hot?" Bianca asked.

"Trust you to ask that," Leah giggled "so Charlie…is he?"

"Yeah if you're into the tall dark absolutely gorgeous, hot type- that's the problem he knows he's good looking," Charlie replied.

"No way! I know why he's under your skin… you like him!" I shrieked.

"What no I don't- now way in hell he's an asshole I wouldn't be seen dead with him he's a moron!" Charlie shrieked back at me.

"Girls?" I smirked I've been Charlie's best friend since we could walk I could read her like a book.

"She so likes him," Bianca laughed.

"Yeah she's into him alright," Nat giggled.

"Yeah Charlie you haven't shut up about him since you got to Hayley's," Leah laughed as we took the stairs up.

Charlie's POV

"Oh thank god females," Angelo said and hurried to us "ladies thank you so much for coming I owe you."

"An hour Angelo then we're off," I said as I walked to the bar with him while the others took seats. "Not going so well?" I asked looking around cringing at all the guys eyeing me up like a piece of meat.

"Nah not now but it's early could liven up- here ya go," he smiled and handed me a tray with drinks.

"Thanks," I called and made my way back to the girls "poor Angelo I wish I knew a load of girls to call over."

"Ah he'll be fine he knew this town is tiny he should have advertised out further like Yabbie Creek and Mangrove River," Leah said.

Charlie scoffed "can you imagine the lot from Mangrove River turning up here I'd rather be single," I giggled.

An hour later I smiled as I looked around he had pulled it off, the place had slowly begun to fill up and things were going well, standing up I walked up to him behind the bar "proud of yourself?" I asked.

Angelo laughed and pulled me closer to him "yeah-look at all the couples it's working," he said nodding to various spots filled with couples talking.

"Yeah if any of them end up together and stay together they have you to thank but if they break up you better start running," I giggled.

"Aww are you not looking for the man of your dreams Charlie," he laughed.

"Nope I'm fine just as I am thank you anyway I just came over to say I was heading off the girls are staying so keep an eye on them- and remember if anything happens I'm just a call away- night Angelo," I said and hugged him. As I turned to walk away I saw Brax watch me from the door with his boys behind him "on second thoughts I think I might hang around do you mind if I stay behind the bar?" I asked.

"Nope, don't mind them they're just the river boys," Angelo said as he dragged a stool behind the bar for me.

"From Mangrove River I take it?" I said and hopped up onto it "thanks I'll just keep watch from here."

"I better go clear some tables," Angelo's said and hurried away.

Brax's POV

"Security now too?" I asked as I reached the bar- I had watched her from the door man was she hot she looked so much hotter out of her uniform.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Eight beers and eight chasers," I said putting a load of money on the counter.

I saw her take note of how much was there and stand up seeing everyone was busy she served me herself. Pulling down eight tumblers she filled them and lined them up, as she did she watched my boys spread out.

"Seventy two dollars," she said and shoved them all to me.

"What? How is it that much?" I asked looking back at her really just looking for an excuse to keep talking to her.

"Four for the chasers and five for the beers so seventy-two dollars," she said and held out her hand giving me a sweet sarcastic smile- it was cute… did I just say cute?

I picked up two fifty's and handed them to her "keep the change because you're hot," I winked and turned my back to call the boys for their drinks.

I saw her out of the corner of my eye roll her eyes and put the money in the till she took out my change and placed it beside the drinks she leaned over the bar so she could talk in my ear "I don't work here and even if I did I wouldn't want a tip from you, keep your money and don't ever call me hot again!" She hissed.

"Whoa you really need to get laid," I laughed and turned back to her "or can't you find anyone that will you know?"

She snapped and lashed out smacking me hard in the face "I can still arrest you you know! You're nothing but a scumbag and I'll take pleasure in putting you behind bars!" she yelled.

"Everything alright Charlie," a barman asked hurrying to her- must be the ex that guy Jack was talking about.

"Yeah I'm fine," Charlie replied calmly.

"Brax got bitchslapped!" Heath laughed walking by me.

"Told you you like him," I heard a blonde girl say into her ear.

Charlie snapped her head to face her she didn't look impressed "I do not I wouldn't lower myself!" she hissed and barged pass Blondie. She must have talked about me I said to myself as a grin spread across my face.

"What the hell did you say to her?" Blondie yelled at me.

"Hey she slapped me all I said was she needs to get laid… actually do you know a Jack?" I asked curiously having no idea why I asked at all it just blurted out.

"Why?" Blondie asked narrowing her eyes.

"No reason I picked my brother up from hers and he walked in she went crazy and threw herself at him squealing."

Blondie smiled she obviously knows him too "yeah he's her brother and you're a dick," she spat and walked off.

"So they're not together?" I called after her, I saw her smirk shake her head and continue to walk.

Charlie's POV

A few minutes later I came out of the bathroom after taking my frustration out on the hand dryer I felt a bit calmer-a bit so I grabbed a beer and decided to go down to the beach for a few minutes. I stood there leaning over the fence playing with my beer when a guy stumbled up beside me.

"Wanna dance?" he slurred.

"We're outside moron," I laughed I wasn't alarmed because he seemed harmless.

"So we can still hear the music," the guy said pulling at my hands.

"No thanks I'm fine," I said and pulled away from him.

"Aww come on one dance all my mates have deserted me," he whined.

"Well I'm sorry but I said no, why don't you go back inside I'm sure there's plenty of girls that'll dance with you," I said turning away from him.

"I said I wanna dance with you," he hissed and grabbed my wrists.

"Look I said back off!" I yelled and tried to pull away from him "I mean it let go of me!" I yelled- now I was alarmed.

"You heard her," a voice came from behind me- thank God I looked back to see Brax standing there- okay not thank God I'd rather stay with the drunk guy "beat it," he said and took a few steps.

"Sorry man didn't know she was taken," he slurred and let me go and stumbled away.

I sighed and rubbed my wrists "I was fine," I muttered and went back to leaning over the fence.

"Didn't look like it," Brax said leaning on the fence beside me.

"What do you want?" I sighed I came out her for a bit of peace.

Brax took my wrists and rubbed the spot that was all red "that'll bruise," he said and let go of me again "look we got off on the wrong foot we're not all that bad once you get to know us."

"I don't wanna get to know you," I said turning to face him.

"Casey talked about Ruby the whole way home I think he's got himself a little crush," he chuckled.

"Yeah I got that impression from her too," I smiled… thinking about my daughter- not him.

"So we might be seeing a bit of each other," he said.

"So?" I said looking up at him.

"So how about we start off again?"

I rolled my eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time since I met him today "we've already met you can't change first impressions.

"So what's your first impression of me?" he asked.

"You really wanna know?" I asked raising an eyebrow I had a lot to say and it wasn't nice, Brax nodded "alright I think you're cocky- arrogant- you think you can intimidate anyone- that comment didn't get to me by the way, you swan around all high and mighty and have those idiots following you like you're some type of God which trust me you're not. You think you can do what you like which I'll make sure I'll put a stop to soon enough trust me I'm not to be messed with."

Brax chuckled "right now you wanna hear what mine is?"

"Nope not really couldn't care less what you think of me," I said and pushed away from the fence.

"Well I'm gonna tell you anyway," he said walking after me "I think you're beautiful you speak your mind you don't back down you stand your ground you sure don't hold back," he chuckled. "You've a big heart you look out for those you care about I saw you up there constantly checking your mates were alright, you catch every detail."

"Like the drugs your lot are carrying up there?" I asked turning fully to face him.

"How do you know that have you proof?" he asked annoyed.

I laughed "I don't need proof I've been a cop long enough to know the signs."

"That doesn't mean anything," he scoffed.

I laughed again and walked backwards towards Angelo's "well the drug squad will be here in about two minutes we'll see who's right then," I said and turned to walk properly.

I was swung back around and Brax was pissed "you're playing a dangerous game Sergeant," he hissed.

I smiled "rattled you have I? I'm not afraid of you or your threats," I hissed and pulled away from him "I told you I wasn't to be messed with I take this all very seriously Mr Braxton I won't allow my town to be gate crashed by drug dealers so feel free to threaten me all you want I won't back down," I smiled again and walked away.

Brax's POV

I gave a hallow laugh this woman was driving me crazy and I've only been here a day. I followed her inside to round up all my boys and get them out of there.

When I got back up the stairs I scanned the place looking for the boys "oi Heath," I said and grabbed him as he walked by "did you get rid of the stuff you brought?"

"Yeah Brax all gone I think Pee-wee might have some left if you need it," Heath replied.

I looked up to see Charlie watching us from the bar "nah mate wait a few minutes then go tell him to get rid of it Serge is onto us and she's called it in."

"Shit I'll round up the boys I don't know if they have any left," Heath said and hurried away.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and looked up to see Charlie walking towards me smiling smugly "see Mr Braxton you look worried and two of your boys going straight to the bathrooms two minutes after I tell you I called it in have answered my question," she stepped closer to me "that is my proof… I didn't even call it in," she said into my ear and walked by.

I groaned she had played me, I took her by the waist and pulled her back against me "paybacks a bitch Sergeant remember that," I murmured in her ear as I walked her to the stairs still holding onto her. Once outside I spun her to face me, I didn't say anything just studied her she was hot but she pissed me off- big time. We were interrupted by flashing lights behind us "thought you said you didn't call it in," I said and stepped away from her.

"It's my ride home," she laughed "hey- why the lights?" she greeted the guy in a suit that walked towards her.

"You know if you had brains you'd drive to these things so you'd have a ride home and I hit the button by accident when I pulled up- who's this?" he asked.

"Oh Brax he's new in town we'll be seeing a lot him Brax this is Peter he's a Detective."

"Oh yeah what's your speciality?" I asked.

Peter shrugged "drugs or homicide I don't really have one so am I giving you a ride too?"

"Nah mate I was just making sure she got off okay… you her boyfriend?" I asked I was happy for some reason that Jack wasn't with her now this guy comes along.

Peter and Charlie chuckled "I'm her brother anyway thanks for waiting with her," he said and led Charlie away.

"Later Serge!" I called after her. She turned back to me and winked before she climbed into the car. "Brother? How many brothers has she got that's two today," I grumbled.

Charlie's POV

A week had passed since the singles night and it was trouble after trouble with the River Boys they had chosen to hang around and bug the life out of me and my officers five minutes didn't go by without a call concerning one of them. I was so close to actually shooting one of them immature morons the lot of them… although they're not so bad when Brax is around- guess he's the leader. I walked towards the diner where I was to meet Hayley I was already in a mood as Jodie didn't want to go with Nat today she wanted to go with Hayley and had spent an hour crying for me after I left Nat had to call me to come back. As I walked off the beach with her I saw Brax go into the water with a board he made my blood boil he hadn't stopped hitting on me. Hayley waved at me as soon as I came in I ordered coffees and a milkshake.

"Hey thanks for doing this Hayls she just wouldn't settle for Nat at all," I said as soon as I sat down.

"No probs I'm on the late anyway- so you wanted to spend the day with your favourite Auntie," she said nudging Jodie.

"Yeah," she grumbled "Char can I play outside?"

"Yes but where me or Leah can see you okay?" I said, she nodded and ran out the door yelling at Leah to watch her.

"So what was the deal with you and that guy last weekend?" Hayley asked pulling my attention back to her.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Oh come on Charlz don't give me that, he was watching you all night you were watching him and he followed you outside- twice," she said with a smirk.

"No no I was watching them all I know they had drugs on them."

"No you were watching him because you like him," she laughed.

"Hayley," I giggled "I do not like him," I said and looked to where Jodie was… where she should have been "where's Jo?" I asked jumping up.

"I'm sure she hasn't gone far," Hayley said and jumped up with me.

"Leah!" I yelled frantically "Jo where's Jo?" I yelled.

"She's right there Charlie," Leah said nodding to where Jo should have been "shit!" She yelled and we all ran outside "Jo!" I yelled looking around.

"Jodie!" Hayley yelled and ran off while Leah took off the other way calling her.

I was getting hysterical now pulling my phone I called my brother "Jack!" I yelled "I can't find Jo!"

"Calm down Charlz where are you?"

"At the diner she was there I took my eyes off her for two seconds and she's gone Jack please help me look," I screamed down the phone.

"I'm at the surf club I'll be there in a sec," he said and hung up.

A few minutes later Jack his friend Kym, Nat, Bianca, Ruby and Peter had turned up "where was she last?" Peter asked he looked as worried as I was.

"There right there I told her to stay where I could see her!" I yelled and started to cry.

"We'll find her Charlie relax," Jack said pulling me into hug.

I pulled away from him when I saw Hayley walk back "did you find her?"

"No Charlz I can't see her anywhere," she said shakily.

"Did anyone look along the beach?" Kym said.

I looked to the beach and took off why had no one thought of that.

Brax's POV

I had a great surf and cleared my head as I walked out to the sand I spotted a kid sitting crying not too far away, looking around I knew she was alone and walked over to her "hey sweetie are you okay?" I asked kneeling down beside her.

"I falled!" she cried and showed me her bloody knee.

"Where's your mummy and daddy?" I asked looking around again to see if anyone was looking for her.

"My sister I want Char!" She cried.

"Where were you last honey?" I asked.

"Diner, Char and auntie Hayley were there she told me not to move! I saw a lalybird and followed her now I can't find my way back Char I want Char!" she screamed again.

"Okay we're going how about I carry you to the dinner and we'll find Char how does that sound?" I asked I didn't want to pick her up in case she started screaming or something.

The kid nodded "Char always told me about stranger danger but you seem nice," she smiled and held her arms out to me.

"Well Char's a very smart sister you should never go with anyone you don't know," I said lifting her into my arms.

As I got closer to the walkway I saw a female figure run hysterical along the beach and another up on the grass calling a Jodie "is your name Jodie sweetie?" I asked.

"Yep," she nodded and smiled "what's your name?"

"Brax," I replied "would that be Char there," I said and pointed to the frantic woman further down.

"Yes! Char! Char!" She screamed jumping in my arms.

At the mention of her name the woman snapped around oh shit I thought as I saw it was Charlie, she raced towards us.

"Where have you been I've been looking everywhere for you! I told you to stay where I could see you!" she yelled and all but ripped her from my arms.

"I'm sowy I saw a lalybird and you know how much I like them."

I saw Charlie sigh and place her on the ground and get down to her level "how many times have I told you not to go where you can't be seen what would have happened if someone had taken you?"

"I'm sowy," the kid said and her bottom lip trembled and her eyes filled with tears "I just wanted to see the lalybird," she mumbled.

Charlie sighed again and looked up at me she had to look twice "you found her?" she asked and stood up.

"Uh yeah I came out of the water and she was sitting there crying she said she'd lost her way back she has a cut knee too," I said.

Charlie nodded "right well thanks I better get her back everyone is out looking for her," she said and took the kids hand.

"Hey Brax can you come see me again?" she asked pulling away from Charlie.

I smiled and looked at Charlie who rolled her eyes screw her I thought "I'll sort it out with Char okay now why don't you go see everyone that's looking for you and I'll see you real soon okay?"

I was surprised when she hugged me "thanks for finding Char Brax and not letting any bold men take me."

I was shocked I didn't know what to do I just smiled down at her "no problem cutie I'm sure Char is glad to have you back you better go."

"Bye," she yelled and ran over to Charlie she smiled weakly at me and picked the kid up and walked away.

'Wow hat was eventful' I said to myself and walked back to my car.

Charlie's POV

I was so relieved that I'd found her… well that Brax had found her, my heart was beginning to beat as normal as we walked back to the diner I had called Hayley to let her know I'd found her and to call everyone back, as I approached I saw them all waiting outside.

"Where was she?" Peter asked running over to me and taking her from me.

"She was further down the beach she followed a ladybird," I replied.

"Jo how many times have we told you not to go off alone?" He said to her.

"I just wanted to see the lalybrid fly Pete I'm sowy," she whimpered.

He sighed and pulled her into a hug "don't you ever do that again," he said and held her tight.

I looked beyond them to see Brax leaning against his car watching us I smiled at him and turned to Hayley "Brax found her can you imagine him being nice to a kid?"

"Ah Charlie come one give the guy a break he did good he could have walked by her and did nothing," Hayley said to me.

"I know," I sighed "I'll buy him a drink next time I see him out," I said half-heartedly I knew the chances of seeing him in Angelo's again were slim.

"Oh yeah because that'll happen every night- Charlie he doesn't even live around here, go talk to him- say thank you," Hayley said pushing me forward.

"I can't leave her now," I said looking over at Jo who was now being squeezed to death by Bianca and Nat "… and I did say thank you."

"She'll be fine I'm taking her once everyone is done trying to smother her and you are going to work," she replied pushing me again.

I sighed "alright quit with the pushing," I said and looked up to find him gone "well look at that he's gone," I smiled thinking I'd gotten away with it.

Hayley rolled her eyes at me "well you better think of another way to thank him," she said and walked over to Jo.

After my shift I went back to the station and into my office, I sat at my desk and opened up my computer to search for him, as the search box came up I sat looking at the screen "crap what the hell is his name? It can't be Brax," I said- I got a brainwave and typed in Braxton to see would anyone come up, I got about a hundred Braxton's. sighing I went through them all until I came to a Casey and Heath- in the middle was a Daryl "has to be him," I said and looked at the address thank God I said when the address matched the other two.

Grabbing my keys I headed out the door to my cruiser with no idea what I was going to say when I arrived at his door. "Well at least it' dark out now so he won't see me blush while I make an idiot out of myself," I said as I drove down his street. A sat in my car for a few minutes trying to decide what sounded best- should I say it out straight or pretend to want to question him about something? Groaning I climbed out of the car and walked up to the door. Knocking I stepped back and waited, through the glass I saw an older woman walking towards it.

"What do you lot want!" She hissed.

"Mrs Braxton I'll assume, is Brax here?" I asked.

"DARYL!" She screamed "get your good for nothing ass out here now!"

"Mum chill what's with all the yell- what are you doing here?" Brax asked stopping beside his mum.

"I need you to come down to the station with me," I said seriously I hope I wasn't blushing my cheeks felt like they were on fire.

"Why- what did I do this time?" He asked gruffly.

"I just need you to come down for questioning no one said you did anything, so please," I said and took a step back.

"Won't be long mum," he said and followed me. He walked up behind me and I pulled the door open he looked at me as he climbed in I smiled weakly and shut the door 'now what?' I said to myself. Groaning again I climbed back into the driver seat.

"So what questions did you want to ask?" He asked me a few minutes later.

"Just wait until we get there," I said- still no idea where I was taking him, seeing a turn for the National park I took it.

"Uh this is not the way to the station," Brax said looking around.

I didn't answer and just kept driving are "you planning on killing me?" he asked as I drove deeper into the wooded area.

"If I wanted to kill you Daryl I would have shot you the second you appeared at the door," I said and stopped. Climbing out I walked to the back door and opened it "out you get," I said and stood back.

"No way this is a set up I'm not getting out I'm not that stupid," he said scooting to the other door.

"Alright," I sighed "had to make this harder," I muttered and climbed in beside him slamming the door closed. "Right I'm no good at this so sit there shut up and don't interrupt," I said playing with my hands.

He raised his eyebrows at me and opened his mouth to say something "I said don't interrupt!" I yelled.

"Right today I was totally freaked and panicked Jo is my baby sister and I'm responsible for her if anything happened to her I'd…," I trailed off "actually I have no idea what I'd do. I was short with you today and I'm sorry I am grateful you found her and I didn't thank you properly so thank you so much for finding her I can never repay you…you can go see Jo if you want," I glancing up at him I was blushing furiously I could kill Hayley this was a bad idea.

"You dragged me outta my house for this?" he chuckled.

"I said what I had to say let's leave at that and I'll drop you home," I said and went for the handle of the door "oh shit!" I yelled how could I have been so stupid?

"What?" he asked.

"This door can't be opened from the inside- shit!" I yelled and pulled at the handle like any second it would fly open.

Brax chuckled "give me your belt," he laughed and scooted closer to me.

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"Because I can get us out," he replied.

I slipped off my duty belt and took off the belt around my trousers and handed it to him "what are you gonna do with that?" I asked.

"You'll see," he said and pulled the pin from it.

He turned to his door and felt around until he got a grip on the panel pulling it off I gasped "Brax I'll have to pay for that and explain what happened!" I yelled.

He laughed again and looked back at me "you really don't know much about cars do you?" he said and turned back to the door.

"Oh I'm sorry! I don't spend most of my time breaking out of cruisers!" I yelled.

"Bingo," he said after fiddling around for a few minutes and the door flew open. Climbing out over him I stood up "you better fix that."

Brax's POV

I had to laugh at her she was so clueless I popped the panel back in and climbed out "done," I said just as my phone rang, she shoved me out of the way to inspect it. "Hello," I answered "… what, when?" I yelled listening I hung up "I need a ride to the station."

"Why?" She asked.

"Heath's been arrested by your mates I have to get there."

"What for?" She asked.

"Look it doesn't matter can you just get in the car," I said already in the front seat, she shook her head and got in beside me- pulling away.

An hour later Heath was interviewed and charged he was sent to lock up to be transferred to court for his bail hearing in the morning I sat in the corner taking it all in he was caught with drugs I told him a thousand times before never to walk around with more than one bag idiot obviously didn't listen. I looked up when I heard Charlie she said something to the guy on the desk and walked out to her car. Anger washed over me and I blamed her if she hadn't taken me away he wouldn't have left with all that I got up and stormed after her. I looked around until I spotted her beside her car with some guy that was pretty close to her she almost look scared of him, he was older than her anyway, I walked a little closer to listen.

"W-what are you doing here!" I heard her stutter.

"I want to see my daughter I have rights!" The man hissed.

Charlie laughed bitterly "you're kidding right? You took her in the middle of the night and left her on my doorstep two weeks later! You have no rights! You're not seeing her!" she yelled.

"Charlie please I was grieving I wasn't myself I don't know what I was doing."

"You weren't grieving you made her life hell you didn't give a damn She was MY mum she died I was grieving! You stay the hell away from us!"

He got aggressive and gripped her wrist tightly good enough for her I thought and turned to walk away- something pulled me back and I sighed I wasn't leaving her "I am warning you now Charlie I want to see her and it is gonna happen you know accidents can happen!" what does he mean accidents can happen?

I was about to walk over but stopped when Charlie flipped she grabbed him and shoved him into her car pulling his arm behind him and twisting it "only for I don't want my colleges knowing my business you'd be in a cell right now, you don't scare me neither do your threats you're a waste of space nothing but a dog!" She snapped and stood back.

Her dad laughed and turned to face her "I see you still have the tough act going."

"Who says it's an act? A lot of things have changed since you were around Thomas now get off my car and get lost." Her dad chuckle again and walked off.

I saw her eyes fill with tears and she braced herself on the car she was breathing deeply, she was so angry that she curled her hand into a fist and put it through her car window- she screamed out of frustration and started to kick her car over and over as the tear fell like a waterfall.

She didn't see me come up behind her and pull her away "stop," I said softly and grabbed her hands.

After a minute she stepped away "I'm fine," she muttered.

"Are you sure? You went crazy there, you need to get that hand looked at," I said looking at her hand.

I'm fine… I gotta go," she said and shoved me away from her door.

"Hey I really think you should get that looked at," I said pulling door back she didn't answer just stared at me. "Let me take you to the hospital."

"And why would you do that you're just as bad as him when will you lean threating me won't work it goes over my head!"

"Whoa hold on I'd never grab a girl like that," I said seriously.

"Whatever," she said and started up her car "move," she snapped and slammed her door.

I stood back as she screeched out of her spot she could act as tough as she wanted but I knew that guy had rattled her. she could handle herself I'll give her that, I now had a new found respect for her- I watched her car go before sighing and walking back into the station thinking I'd see her tomorrow.