Somewhat definitely NC17 – minors go away, the junior sandbox is second door on the left.
***
Jim ambled merrily down the windowless corridor glancing into the darkened CAD room as he passed, smiling with indulgent nostalgia as he remembered his own time there and knocking smartly on the door of the Sergeant’s office he listened to the disembodied voice of Bob Cryer call out to allow entry.
“Jim.” He said with clear surprise as the door opened, “We don’t often see you down here anymore, how are you doing?”
His heart warmed to the obvious affection in Bob’s voice and he smiled involuntarily, “Good, thanks. I was just wondering how June’s doing.”
Bob sat down on his desk, pen and paperwork still in hand and nodded his head sagely, “She’s okay, as well as can be expected all circumstances considered, it’s just a good thing DS Morgan was able to warn the cars.” He stood up and walked to the filing cabinets to the back of the room, adding the papers in his hand to the already full drawers, “But you can ask her yourself, I’m expecting her in a few minutes.”
“She came into work?”
Bob nodded, “We didn’t really expect her, but you know what she’s like.”
Jim smiled, “Stubborn to the last.”
June entered the room as he spoke and nodded to him in greeting, “Sarge, are you ready to go?”
“In a minute June, I need to check with Inspector Monroe about the custody provisions for the market arrests. I’ll see you in the car in a few minutes.” He exited the room, leaving Jim and June, both slightly uncomfortable.
“I just came down to ask Sergeant Cryer how you were, I…er...didn’t think you’d be in.”
“Yeah well, “ she began abrasively, still smarting over her duty assignment, “The Inspector’s making sure I don’t over do it, We’ve just had a tough case of shop vandalism by a seven year old we had to crack. Perhaps you should have been there, even with the Sergeant on hand it was tough.”
Jim shifted uncomfortably not quite meeting her eyes, “Well so long as you’re okay.” He said woodenly making a move to leave.
Slouching against the wall June let out a deep sigh, “I’m sorry Jim, I’m just fed up of people asking that, it’s as though I can’t cope somehow. We got a result and it could have been a lot worse. I’m fine.”
He smiled in sympathy, “It’s tough.” She made no response and a slightly uncomfortable silence crept through the small office. “I was wondering…” He began, and she lifted her head, meeting his eyes briefly, watching as he raised his right hand to tug at his ear as his speech faltered, “…it doesn’t matter.”
She glanced at him curiously but let the matter drop and laid a hand on his arm squeezing briefly in unspoken gratitude as she left the room. Jim made his way back upstairs enjoying the warmth of his skin where she’d touched him and cursing himself silently, for both even thinking of asking her out, and then doubly for not having the nerve to even finish doing so.
***
The ward was darkened as June entered, quiet and still, with only the incessant beeping and whirring of monitors to break the oppressive hush. Making her way carefully to the last bed on the left she pulled back the curtains cautiously, revealing the semi-prone figure of Jo Morgan, her eyes partially closed, focus fuzzy.
“June!” She croaked groggily and made a half-hearted attempt to sit up. Slipping noiselessly into the cubicle June held up a hand and was gratified as Jo lay still once again.
“You need to rest.” She half whispered, the atmosphere instilling a certain sense of awe in her.
“Oh I’m alright. The bullet missed all major arteries, just some muscle damage. You know me, invincible as ever.” She smiled weakly at the PC who didn’t return the gesture.
“I’m sorry Jo, I feel…guilty…it should have been me, I…”
“No, it’s my fault for going off at half cock, running around without my vest on.”
“But it was me he was after, and you’d done so much for me, in the end all I’ve got is a few bruised ribs and it’s two other officers end up in surgery.”
“I’m going to be fine.”
“Hmm, no thanks to me.” She muttered pointedly.
Jo reached out and rested her hand on June’s, the bruising where the drip tube entered her veins clear and proud. “It wasn’t your fault June, there’s nothing more any of us could have done, the people to blame are Mickey Seager and Mrs Mitchell. So stop wallowing in self pity and go and get some sleep.”
June glanced at her sharply, but there was no sting in her tone or her face. “I suppose I deserved that, Sergeant Cryer told me as much this afternoon.”
Jo smiled, “I’ll bet he did!”
They were interrupted as the curtain was drawn back for a second time and the face of Jim Carver appeared around it, blushing slightly as he saw June and he smiled shyly at her. Standing up June answered with a tentative quirk of her own and from the bed Jo watched with deep interest.
“Well aren’t I the popular one?” She asked, amused as they both jumped slightly.
“Erm, the DI asked me to pop in and see you on my way home. He’d’ve come himself but he’s got paperwork and meetings with the Commissioner to sort out.” Jim offered by way of explanation.
“I’m okay” She assured him, “Bit groggy with the anaesthetic but once that wears off they assure me they’ll pump me so full of pain killers I wont know what day it is. But I should be up and about in a week or so.”
He nodded, “Well, I’ll be getting off then.”
“I’ll leave you to get some sleep as well.” June added.
“Thanks for coming, both of you,” she said, “Oh and June, next time you come bring me some flowers or something, this place needs cheering up.”
Grinning at her weak attempt at humour June nodded and studiously ignored Jo’s raised eyebrows and questioning nod at the departing frame of Jim.
Walking smartly through the ward she passed through the door Jim held open for her and out into the light, busy, central corridor leading to the Emergency Department. They walked in silence watching the activity of the area and June’s eyes lighted on the sight of a trolley, its dead occupant wrapped in a blue blanket. It could have so easily been Jo, could easily been any of them really. But it wasn’t, she smartly reminded herself. It wasn’t.
“So what was it you were going to ask me earlier?” She asked him, by way of distraction.
“It was nothing really…I was just going to say that if you perhaps wanted to talk, we could…go out for a drink sometime. Daft idea I know.”
He laughed slightly, almost as though he could barely believe his own words and embarrassed stared at his feet waiting for the inevitable rejection. There had been a time, years back in the past when he’d thought they’d had a chance, that maybe she harboured some affection for him, but working so closely together had never been the way to start a relationship. And then with the move to CID, without her being there with him every day, somehow those feelings hadn’t been as prominent. But recently, seeing her in the office for those few days, hardened with sheer force of will and a layer of battle armour they had returned. Her slender frame, hardly highlighted by the Met’s uniform, but noticeable to him anyway. So vulnerable.
They paused as the reached an intersection and an elderly woman with a mobile drip shuffled past. “It’s not a daft idea,” She said and he turned his expectant face to her, “I think I’d like that.” His eyes lit up.
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“So when?” he asked as they began walking again.
She considered his question, the words of Bob Cryer returning to her, ‘there are two ways you deal with stress, the first is you go down the pub, have a few drinks with your mates…’, “Do you have any plans for tonight.”
“I do now!” He said grinning happily at her.
***
The pub was relatively busy as they stepped through the door, a steady buzz of chatter and inane noise twisting with the tendrils of smoke and June couldn’t help but compare it favourably to the sickly disinfectant air of the hospital they had left. It was just round the corner, but somehow the smell and heat of this place cast all such thoughts out of her head.
“What do you want?” Jim asked as they approached the bar.
“Double vodka and orange, if you wouldn’t mind?” She asked. He shook his head and raised his eyebrows at her order. She laughed carelessly, feeling suddenly unfettered and free. “Merely starting as I mean to go on.” She said flashing a quick smile at him, her lips turned up in cheeky humour. “I’ll go and see if I can find a table.” She turned and waltzed to the back of the establishment a slightly unnecessary swing to her step as she heard Jim place the orders at the bar.
Jim watched her leave, noting where she chose to sat and enjoying the slight display she was putting on. If he didn’t know better he would say she was flirting with him. Placing his pint on the bar the barmaid completed the transaction handing him a few coins in change and he made his way carefully over to her.
“Thanks.” She said as he slipped into his own seat and placed her drink in front of her. “You found me then?”
“Good detective skills.” He said with a quick wink and she laughed.
“So that’s what you learn in CID then?”
He grinned and sipped at his drink. “Have you ever thought about it?”
“CID?”
“Promotion.”
She leant back against the cushion of the booth, “Nah, not for me, I like the groundwork stuff.”
“You should think about it, you’re a good officer June, you could go further.”
She shook her head, “I like being on a relief. Being the first point of contact, dealing with the public, ‘The Frontline’, detection’s hardly my style. I like it, well most days.” She ended darkly.
“Well take your sergeant’s exams, you’d pass easily, and still be out there.”
Silence greeted his comments and wisely he dropped the issue.
“So how are you really?”
“Yeah, I’m okay.” She answered, her tone cautious, not fully assured. And it was his silence this time which prompted her to continue. “Well I will be. Once I can get things sorted out with the insurance company and get into someplace a little more permanent, too many nights in a third star hotel are going to get to me.”
“Don’t you have anyone to stay with?” He asked, tone laced with genuine concern.
“Not really. My father was the only family I had around here, aunts and uncles are all back in Devon. Jo’s the only person I’m particularly close to as work and it’s not as though I’ve got any amiable ex’s that I could stay with.”
Jim nodded and suddenly found his drink a fascinating subject.
“What?” She queried. He shook his head. And then with a flash of insight she ? “You’re the one that told Jo about Gordon.”
Jim was still finding his pint fascinating and raising it to his lips gulped several mouthfuls hastily.
“I thought it might be relevant.”
“Hardly likely.” She snapped, her voice rising slightly with her temper, “You had no right.”
“Sorry.” He muttered apologetically, his eyes downcast and manner obsequious.
“I really though people had forgotten about that. Should have known that mud sticks, the DI even hinted at it. One mistake and I’m branded as a mistress, someone takes a shot at me, must be a jealous wife.”
Jim remained silent and downed the last of his pint. “It wasn’t meant like that.” He stated after a few seconds.
“Oh, it’s okay, I’m just being difficult again.” She stood up and took his empty glass, “Just let’s forget it. Same again?”
***
A couple of hours later Jim was leant somewhat unsteadily against the bar, quite happy to let it prop him up as his head buzzed, happily fuzzy, and the call for last orders echoed around the pub.
“Two whiskeys.” He said placing his order deliberately carefully. The landlord glanced at him momentarily and then turned, glass in hand to dispense the spirits with practised ease. Jim placed a fiver on the bar and took the two glasses throwing a “Keep the change.” Over his shoulder, sure that change and two glasses of whiskey would be entirely too much to cope with. His progress across the carpet was determined if a little meandering and he approached the table unsteadily. June wasn’t sat at the table and for a confused for a moment he glanced around the raised area they were supposedly seated in. He smiled as he saw her heading out of the ladies and slouched into the nearest seat.
“You’re sat in my seat.” She told him as she approached the table.
“Sorry.” He said, making an effort to move but she waved him down.
“Shuffle up.” He did so mutely, surprised when the slipped onto the seat next to him, her thigh pressing against his own. “That feels better. I didn’t realise how much I’d drunk until I tried to stand up.”
He laughed, “Yeah, I know what you mean, don’t think the landlord was too sure whether or not to serve me.”
“Oh well, you’ve got the drinks anyway,” she said, raising her glass in salute. He clinked his to hers and raised it to his lips, tossing it back in one swift motion.
“Oof.” He managed as the spirit hit him and June laughed, following his lead. He raised an eyebrow in surprise as she knocked the shot down effortlessly. “Remind me never to get in a drinking competition with you.”
“Too late I think!” They both laughed and she dropped her glass to the table, her hand brushing his as she brought it down. Sneaking a glance at him she found he was staring intently at her and suddenly caught in his gaze she watched his eyes darken with desire, surprised to find an answering surge in her own body.
Pulling away she reached across his body for her coat and slipped it on awkwardly, seeing Jim have just as much trouble finding the sleeves of his jacket. Watching him fumble for a few moments she took pity on him and helped, lifting his jacket so he could easily slip his arm into the hole. Smiling at him she touched his face briefly. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
***
The night air was cold after the drowsy heat of the pub and June shivered slightly at the temperature difference, surprised as Jim slipped an arm around her shoulders.
He was surprised at his own actions, it had been almost instinctive and his alcohol dulled senses hadn’t stopped him quick enough, but she wasn’t resisting, in fact she moved a fraction closer to him, shifting into the warmth of his body.
“My car’s still in the hospital car park.” June said.
“Well you’re hardly in a fit state to drive it. My place isn’t too far, you could ring for a taxi from there.”
“Lead on.” Releasing his hold on her, noting the involuntary shudder of her body as he did so Jim obeyed the order. The night itself was mild, despite the initial shock and they wandered slowly down the road, cars and other pub goers passing them by at intervals.
“How many of them do you reckon are over the limit?” Jim asked.
She laughed, “I left my breathalyser in my other coat.” Joining in her mirth Jim placed his hand tentatively on the small of her back as they continued on their way, and encouraged as she didn’t resist slipped it around her waist. June felt her body flush as he did so and she smiled and leaned into his affection, the position was slightly uncomfortable but she wasn’t going to move for the world. She briefly wondered where this was going but found that her thought processes were somewhat disjointed, keeping hold of abstract concepts was suddenly proving a challenge. The pressure on her slim waist increased suddenly and belatedly June realised that Jim had turned down a side street and was tugging her with him. Turning sharply to her left June felt herself stumble and Jim reach out to right her, the momentum carrying her into the wall of the first house. The bump was a light one and she righted herself to find Jim’s hands on her hips, pressing her back against the stone, and his concerned gaze resting on her face. As she glanced up at him she watched his expression change and her breathing deepened as she took in his feral look, meeting his lips halfway as he kissed her clumsily. Opening her mouth she deepened the searching kiss and groaned lightly as he responded, his body pushing hers against the wall, full and tight on her. Their kiss hungry, she responded in kind, squirming slightly against him, her nipples chaffing against the light jumper she wore, moving against his chest, causing his own arousal to stir and he pushed her jacket aside, kneading the globes roughly through the material. She let out a low moan and pressed harder against him, kissing him fiercely. Gasping for breath she pulled away and Jim stilled, his hands heavy against her breasts as her chest heaved with her laboured breathing, wondering if he’d pushed his luck too far, but she simply smirked at him and flicked her tongue across her dry lips, grasping for his hand as she began to move again. Stumbling and giggling like two teenagers their progress was slower now, more halting as they paused under streetlamps and in back alleys, their passion simmering steadily. Eventually Jim stopped in front of an old apartment building and reached inside his jacket for his keys. Selecting one he slipped it into the lock and opened the front door, leading her by the hand up a flight of stairs and onto a dim landing. Stopping again they paused in front of a blue door and Jim fumbled with the key ring in the partial darkness, his attention distracted as June lifted her face and traced unknown designs on his chin and neck with her tongue. One hand running across the seat of her trousers, stroking her rear provocatively the other groping for the keyhole he pushed her back against the door. “God you’re sexy.” He muttered, letting her feel the full effect she was having on him, her appreciative throaty moan vibrating against his skin and he shivered deliciously. Stumbling backwards as he fitted and turned the key in the lock they fell untidily into the hallway, Jim kicking the door shut as he once again pressed her up against a wall. Their caresses were heated, feverish and shrugging her jacket to the floor June murmured incoherently in encouragement as his hands slipped under her jumper and she dropped her head back against he cream paintwork, loving the feel of his mouth against the skin of her neck, dropping lower to the valley of her breasts, his tongue dropping beneath the fabric, tracing the line of her clothing, the rough texture delicious against her soft skin and she shifted impatiently against him, her hips pressing deeply into his, letting him know just what she wanted. Capturing her mouth once again with his own Jim dropped his hands to the waist band of her trousers and slipped the button free, dragging the short zip down revealing her cream silk knickers, the slinky fabric satisfying against his searching fingers. He paused momentarily, looking to her for permission.
“Please…” She moaned huskily into his mouth, lifting her hips, pressing herself against his hand and drawing in a sharp breath as he drew two fingers across her crotch, the fabric damp, a burning heat emanating. Gasping she held her breath, only to release it unsteadily as he slipped a finger under the elastic, caressing her damp folds tentatively. She reached for the buttons on his shirt and made short work of divesting him of the garment, his chest smooth, gleaming in the half light of the opaque door panels. Pushing clumsily at the fabric of her trousers with his free hand Jim inched both items of clothing down her slim legs, dropping to his knees as she stepped daintily out of them, knocking the materials to one side with her foot, squirming as she felt his hot breath feather across the skin of her thighs, her body tensing in anticipation. Raising his hand Jim drew a nail along the length of her sex, scratching lightly, revelling in her vocal response as she pushed for greater contact, but he pulled away and kissed the fragrant skin of her inner thigh gently. Repeating the action, this time parting her swollen lips he chuckled at her groan of frustration and knelt up, kissing her abdomen, trailing his fingers up and down her legs.
“Don’t tease…please.” She begged breathlessly, and caught off guard by the seductive plea he obeyed drawing his tongue across her folds, using its tip to tease at her clit. Whimpering in grateful response she arched her body, graceful and feline and Jim was captivated by her half-naked form, flushed with arousal, responsive and willing under his ministrations. Sucking lightly on her clit Jim gently rotated it, rolling it between his teeth as he pressed two fingers into her. June cried out in pleasure as she felt her abdomen tense, his touch pushing her closer, higher. Half slumped against the wall, one of Jims hands a steadying force against her hip June was whimpering louder now, incoherent noises of delight as she writhed under his mouth. Her breathing deeper, she paused suddenly, breath caching in her throat, stilling momentarily as she climaxed hard, shuddering against his fingers a jubilant cry ripped from her throat. As she stilled Jim rose to his feet and gathered her in his arms, kissing her slowly as she sagged into him, his damp fingers stroking her cheek almost reverently.
Their kisses soon deepened and loosening his hold on her removed his own trousers, leading her through into his bedroom. Stripping her jumper off June moved to sit on the bed, watching with rising desire as he stripped his boxer shorts off and joined her on the covers, straddling her hips as he removed her bra and lowered her into the soft duvet, his erection pressing into her stomach, swelling as she drew a hand down his body, circling it’s tip as her lips kissed a path to his ear.
“I want you.” She whispered breathlessly and in the next instant let out a sharp cry as he entered her, his rhythm hard and fast.
“You’re beautiful.” Jim gasped out, and smiling she kissed him briefly, pulling away as she felt herself begin to peak again, his cock rubbing firmly against her walls, and feeling her body tighten around him Jim reached to her clit, rubbing it roughly, rewarded with her answering cries.
“Harder.” She directed heatedly, hovering agonisingly on the edge, her body beginning to tingle, “Please, I’m going to come…”
Reaching out to twist a nipple between thumb and forefinger Jim swallowed her climax in his kiss, faltering as her forceful contractions pushed him over the edge. Rolling off her body he flopped to one side as she nestled into his body, head pillowed on his arm wrapped around to her shoulder and she pressed a light kiss to his damp skin floating quite happily in the peace of the moment, the remains of the alcohol still singing in her blood. After a few moments Jim moved and tugged the rumpled covers from beneath them, pulling a sheet over their still heated bodies as June inserted a leg between his own, twining them together. Settling on the pillow he kissed her forehead and muttered, “Goodnight.”
***
June crept carefully to the door of the WPC’s locker room, her head was killing her, had a small marching band taken up residence it would have been quieter, her stomach felt none too constant and to top it all she was late, one hour and twenty minutes late to be precise. Sighing with relief she placed her hand on the door handle and pushed down. The door swung open just as Sergeant Cryer and Inspector Monroe appeared through the double doors.
“Ah June, glad to see you’ve decided to join us for this shift.”
“Yes sir, sorry, I…”
“It’s okay June,” He interrupted, “Considering the circumstances. However if you are going to come to work please try and make it for the beginning of the shift. Let’s not make a habit of this kind of laxity.”
“Yes Sir.” She agreed hurriedly as he made to leave.
“Oh do we know how DS Morgan is doing?” He asked the pair.
“I went to see her last night sir, she’s come through the surgery fine, it’s just a case of waiting for the wound to heal. They say she should be up and about in a couple of week.”
“Great, it’ll be good for the troops to hear she’s recovering. And one more thing, do you think it would be possible to organise some kind of collection, flowers, chocolates that kind of thing?”
“Sir.” It was Bob who answered as the Inspector continued his journey through the station.
“Chocolates and flowers? She’s been shot not had a baby.” June muttered under her breath as she moved to enter the locker room.
“Are you alright June? You look a bit peaky.” Bob asked, concern for a college and a friend evident in his tone.
“yeah, I just didn’t get much sleep last night.” She said dismissively.
“Problems sleeping? You could see the FME if you wanted.”
“Hangover sarge.” She admitted.
“Oh. And how do you feel now?” He queried, the reference to their previous conversation clear.
“Better.” She nodded, “Can I erm…?” She asked indicating the locker room.
“Go on.” He agreed, “Although about that collection, I’ll be doing the relief down here, so could you look to doing upstairs for me? The presence of our latest hero collecting for our latest victim might open even Brownlow’s wallet, you never know.”
Rolling her eyes June finally entered the small room and wondered why she’d bothered getting out of bed at all this morning. ‘Because it wasn’t your bed’ she reminded herself pointedly.
***
June approached the bedside of Jo quietly, or as quietly as she could with the large bouquet of flowers in her hand, their paper rustling loudly. Jo opened her eyes as she approached.
“Sorry if I woke you.” She said, proffering the flowers to her friend.
“I was merely resting my eyes, not much else to do around here.”
“Well flowers as ordered Ma’am, sorry their a few days late. You’ve been upgraded in my absence I see.” She joked lightly as she rummaged in her handbag removing a large card in a bright envelope, “And here’s a card signed by everybody at the station, well everyone we could get hold of at such short notice. Next time you want to be injured in the line of duty you’re going to have to give us more warning if you want a decent whip round!”
Jo smiled, glancing though the short messages quickly, “Well pass on my thanks to everyone at the station. Now then, “ She said, her tone raising a notch as interest coloured her voice, “What on earth is going on.”
June blushed slightly, “Well The DI’s being roasted alive for this mess, we’re still processing those illegal market traders, there were a few case of theft at the shopping precinct, an RTA on the High Street, Tony was…”
“With you and Jim,” Jo interrupted, “As you well know I meant.”
“I’m still recovering from that.” She said cryptically.
“Oh come on June, I’m bored out of my skull in here, the only thing that’s kept me from going insane was speculating about you two, and it sounds like something I should know about.”
“I’d really rather no one knew about it. I acted very out of character a few nights ago and I’m a bit reluctant to admit to any of it.” She said, her tone quiet.
Jo said nothing for a few seconds, merely stared at her friend, “Oh come on, you’ve already told me half the story from those comments, I could just guess at the rest.”
June let out a sigh and tossed her hands in a gesture of defeat. “He asked me out for a drink.”
“Which you accepted by the sounds of things?”
June nodded, “Well one drink turned into several…and you know how it goes…”
“June Ackland!” She exclaimed and June had the grace to blush again as she recalled the events of that night. “Sounds to me like someone had some fun.”
“A little too much.”
“Hangover?”
“From hell.” She confirmed, “But we also cocked up.”
Jo looked puzzled for a minute and then gaped, “You didn’t?” June nodded sadly. “Too much fun indeed.”
“Yeah, that’s why I still look like hell now, those pills made me sick as a dog for two days. And I felt like some irresponsible teenager. I think I’m going back to being an old fashioned girl, it’s a lot simpler.”
“No damage limitation necessary.”
“Quite.” June glanced at her watch, thankful it allowed her to escape this conversation. “Listen I’ve got to go, Jim’s driving me over to the doctors they want to do a final check on my ribs. He’s waiting downstairs.”
“So you’re seeing him again?”
June nodded, “Yeah we’re going out for a meal tonight.” She said as she stood up, gathering her coat and bag.
“Have fun.” Jo instructed, “You’ll have to tell me all about it later.”
June rolled her eyes and glared at the woman in the bed as she walked past the end of the bed and out of the ward, dignifiedly ignoring the final comment thrown her way, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
Opening the car door June slipped into the passenger seat and reached for her seatbelt as Jim started the engine.
“She okay?” He queried.
“Fine. A little too much time on her hands.”
“Now there’s one thing we don’t have a problem with.” He said as he leant over to kiss her, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. She returned his kiss, her hand snaking around his neck, holding him to her.
She pulled away and patted the hand break. “Come on, we’ve got a dinner reservation to make, and if we’re not careful someone will arrest us for indecent behaviour.”
Rubbing his hand along her thigh as he ostensibly groped for the gear stick, the car pulled smoothly out of the parking spaced and he muttered “We can but try.”
The End
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