Sarah was greeted by the members of the aftercare team with cheers and gentle hugs; she was pleased to see that Daryl was there, although he looked somewhat shamefaced, especially when she turned to him and he could see the dressing.  She walked over to him and took his hand.

“I’m glad to see you’re still here.”

“Sarah, I feel so bad about what happened with Natasha.”

“Don’t.  Natasha is a product of her parents; she was very persuasive as a friend, and when that didn’t work, she bullied and made threats to you.  You aren’t responsible for this.  She is.  Okay?”

Daryl nodded, and looked slightly less upset. “Did it hurt much.  When she cut you?” he asked.

“Not at the time; I was too busy trying to remember the self-defence techniques I was taught, then I was making sure that Al knew I was about to do something. He has extremely quick reactions.  By the way, I may as well tell you before the whole building knows.  Al and I have been seeing each other for a while now, and he asked me to marry him last night.”

She showed them her engagement ring proudly, and received another cheer.

“I was hoping for a cheer or two but this is more than I expected.” said Millie as she walked in through the door.

“Millie!  You’re home!”  Sarah threw her arms around her friend, almost forgetting about the cut on her face.  Millie returned the hug just as exuberantly and then held Sarah at arms-length.

“Al told me that you’d been in an accident but he wouldn’t give me any more information.  He said that you’d explain.  In fact, he was extremely mysterious, and now he’s grinning.  What’s gone on while I’ve been away?”

“More to the point, what have you been up to while you’ve been away?  You said you had a surprise.”

Millie went back out through the door and returned holding the hand of a young girl dressed in a sari. She looked around and smiled at everyone, but appeared rather shy.

“Allow me to introduce Jiara; Tom’s half-sister,” said Millie proudly.   “I’m afraid her parents died some years ago.  Her older sisters are married with children, and Jiara has always wanted to come to England.  So, she has come to stay with me.”

“You are very welcome, and Tom will be so pleased to find that he has a sister.” said Sarah.  “This seems like a good time to tell you that I shall be moving out of the flat.  Al and I are engaged.”

Sarah held out her hand for Millie to examine the ring and was rewarded with another hug.

“No wonder Al was grinning!  I shall be sad to lose you as a flatmate Sarah, but I can’t think of two people better suited to each other.”

The room went quiet as Oliver stood in the doorway, hands on his hips and not looking too happy. Millie walked over to him and gave him a gentle hug, whispering in his ear, “Stop looking so miserable Oz.  We have a great deal to celebrate, and I still don’t know why my friend is walking around with a dressing on her face.”

“You may think that you have a lot to celebrate Millie, but in a week’s time we may all be looking for another job if the show gets shut down – or haven’t you been brought up to date by your best friend yet?”

“Oliver, I have just flown home from India.  I am tired, and I could have gone home and stayed there till next Monday when my holiday ends. Now that I’ve told everyone that I’m back I think that I WILL go home – if that’s okay with you?”

Oliver shrugged and stomped off down the corridor. Sarah felt like rushing after him and giving him a good kick up the bum.  Al raised his eyebrows in warning, and Millie touched her arm.

“Leave him. He’ll calm down and feel very sorry eventually.  Here’s Jenny!  I’m back but I’m going home to unpack.  Can I introduce you to Jiara, Tom’s half-sister?  She’s coming to stay with us.  Is there any chance I can steal Sarah away?  We have a lot of catching up to do.”

“Of course.  It’s good to have you back Millie,” said Jenny.  “Sarah can explain why Oliver is in such a foul mood as well. I meant to say, well done Sarah, so far, the press call has had some positive results online.  Even that young whippersnapper from the Mail had something nice to say about you.”

They said their goodbyes, and went back downstairs to the entrance; Al arranged for a black cab to take them back to the flat and promised to come round when he finished work.  His boss was also very happy with all the positive publicity for the security firm. The journey home was filled with Sarah explaining the attack, and the possible repercussions from the inquest on the guest who committed suicide.  Millie was rather stunned at Natasha’s level of involvement in all the things that had gone wrong while she was away.  Jiara was quiet, but Sarah could see that she was fascinated by the conversation and taking it all in.

Getting Millie and Jiara’s luggage up to the flat took some time, and once inside Millie and Sarah collapsed on the sofa.  Jiara looked around, unsure about what to do.  Buster strolled out of Sarah’s bedroom, and jumped up on the sofa, making a beeline for Millie. Then he spotted Jiara, and in a rare moment of sociability, jumped down again and began to rub himself around her ankles, emitting a loud and unusual purr when she stroked his head.

“This is Buster, Jiara.  He is usually cross and will only pay attention to people if they are giving him food. He seems to have taken a liking to you though.  Did you want to have a bit of a lie down and snuggle with him?”

Jiara nodded vigorously.

“My room’s a bit of a mess at the moment but I changed the sheets in your room and Tom’s.” said Sarah.

“Tom’s room will be fine.  I’ll show you the way.”

Millie took Jiara down the hallway and showed her where the bathroom was on the way.  Sarah could see that there was already a bond between the two of them by the way that Jiara responded to Millie’s hug.  She took advantage of their temporary absence to put the coffee maker on.  Millie reappeared and sat down at the dining table with a small sigh.

“I had to bring her home with me Sarah.  She’ll be twenty-one in a few months, and her sisters were making noises about marrying her off.  She is so bright and wants to continue her studies; where better than here?”

“What happened to Ram?  Did he ever find out about Tom?”

“Not for some time; his mother intercepted my letters but didn’t destroy them luckily.  He found them after she died, but that was only a few years ago. He wanted to come looking for us, but his wife was poorly, and Ram wasn’t in the best of health either.  He died about a year ago and that’s why the trail had dried up when you went searching for him. When I arrived in India and started making enquiries, I was pointed in the direction of Ram’s daughters, and the family solicitor. According to his will, Ram had left a substantial amount to Tom, and to any of his children who were still single at the time of his death. Ram felt that his two older daughters should be the responsibility of their husbands; they were not happy about this and tried to get the will overturned, but failed.  When she heard about Tom, and her own legacy, Jiara begged me to take her back to England with me.  How could I refuse Sarah?  She is the spitting image of Ram, and by taking her under my wing, I feel that I’m doing what he would have wanted for her.”

Sarah nodded.  “It’s a shame that you two didn’t get to meet up, but at least you know that Ram was aware of Tom, and that he wanted to do the best for him.  I was worrying about moving to Al’s but now that you have Jiara here, you and Buster will have plenty of company.  I bet you’re really looking forward to taking Jiara for some retail therapy!”

“I am, but is the situation with the show really that serious?”

“You and I are both in the clear because you were down in Cambridge with Tom, and I hadn’t started working on the show at the time.  Blame for the mishandling falls squarely at Natasha’s door, but it’s Oliver that will be criticised the most heavily.  There is evidence of the nasty way he spoke to the poor chap; as he and Jenny co-signed Natasha’s contract they are responsible for employing her in the first place.  I don’t mind telling you Millie, I was more scared of Natasha than Marta; the evil things she was saying just spurred Marta on.  I was lucky that Al stepped in when he did, much more and I think it would have been Natasha who was doing the stabbing.”

“So, tell me more about you and Al? Is this the real thing this time?”

Sarah blushed and looked down at the ring on her hand.

“We went out for a drink and a meal after you flew out.  We had a wonderful evening and I think we both felt it was the start of something.  I knew for definite the first time I visited his home.  That was after Marta tried to hold me captive here.  I’ve loved living here Millie, but Al’s cottage shows a side of him that most people don’t see.  I got totally lost in his library of amazing books; some of my favourites but quite a few that I’ve always wanted to read.  He took me round to meet his sister Maggie, and his nieces and nephew.  They were so welcoming and obviously adore Al.  It was Maggie that gave Al the ring to give me; it used to belong to their Mother.   You’ve known him a lot longer than me, you know what a special man he is, don’t you?”

Millie laughed. “I knew that Al had his eye on you right from the start.  He’s not known for showing his feelings, but I could see by the way he watched you – and watched out for you – that there was the beginning of something good. Stay at Al’s at night but don’t be in too much of a rush to move out; Jiara will be happy enough in Tom’s room for now, she was a bit like Cinderella with her two ugly sisters. Having privacy and opportunities to do what she wants are just what she needs now.  She misses Ram terribly.”

“Were they really that bad?”

“I never met Ram’s wife, but looking at the family pictures when I visited, the sisters definitely don’t take after Ram in their looks, intelligence or manners.”

“How do you and Jiara get on?”

“I think we took a shine to each other from the start, that was before all the legal stuff began. The woman who was helping me find out information on Ram and his family introduced us, and help to track down the solicitor. He wasn’t quite so pleased to see me at first; I was the wicked English woman who bore a son to Ram out of wedlock after all. Jiara is such a quick learner, and is fascinated by everything around her.  I think the sisters were hoping to make some money out of marrying her off. I also think that’s why the solicitor helped us in the end.”

Millie yawned.  The day’s travel was taking its toll.

“Go and lie down.  Al won’t be here for another couple of hours yet, and I’ll get some of my stuff packed.  He went shopping yesterday so there are plenty of goodies in the fridge.  I’ll go home with him tonight though; I think you and Jiara need to settle in here together.  Buster has already made his feelings known!”

“In the words of the song – wake me up before you go-go.”

Millie hugged Sarah, managing quite skillfully to avoid the dressing on her face.

Buster had decided that he did not want to share a bed with Sarah and Al that night; Sarah had closed all the other doors, so he had to settle on the sofa.  When they emerged the next morning, he made a mad dash for Sarah’s bed and sat on the pillows bristling and growling ominously.  Feeling that even Buster’s tantrums could do little to spoil her mood, Sarah left him where he was, and after putting his food down and cleaning out the litter tray, she got on with finding something to them both to eat that wouldn’t be affected by pre-press call nerves.  Al was very reassuring on the drive to work, but reminded her that she couldn’t refer to any details regarding Marta, Natasha or the pending Coroner’s verdict.

“Just stick to the fact that your attackers are unwell, and that you are extremely grateful for the self-defence lessons, and that fact the night security guard was so on the ball.”

“And you.  You were on the ball too.”

“Just be prepared for the tabloid journos to make nasty comments about us.”

“Will they? Really?”

“The trashy ones probably will.  I’ve stood in at too many of these press calls; they start off well enough but if you don’t give them what you want, they start digging at you.  Bit like Oliver really.”

“Oh, well.  If I can handle Oliver …”

“Just don’t let them wind you up, and if in doubt blink at me.”

“No sucker punches this time though.”

“Okay.  Here we go.  We’ll probably have to run a bit of a gauntlet just to get in the studio.  Just keep walking and smile – a bit.”

There was a crowd of people outside the door; fluffy microphone booms, cameras, and handheld microphones.  Al managed to shield Sarah from them and get her in through the side doors.  The camera flashes were blinding and disorientating, causing her to regret making the decision to come into work today.  Jenny was waiting by the security desk, and gave her a hug, carefully avoiding the dressing side of Sarah’s face.  The press call was scheduled for nine-thirty in one of the recording studios.  Al signed them both in, gave Sarah her lanyard, and then, as defiant gesture, he took the hand that was wearing the engagement ring and kissed it, before whispering in her ear.

“Be strong.  This will all blow over quickly. I’ll see you at the press call.”

Jenny and Sarah went upstairs in the lift, for a meeting with Oliver and some of the legal team about what should and shouldn’t be said.

“How bad is it under the dressing?” asked Oliver.

Jenny showed him the picture she’d been sent yesterday.

“Ouch.  You came off worse then?”

“Not really, Al knocked Marta out with a punch, and Natasha broke her ankle again when she fell over. The pair of them were hell bent on stabbing me.  The knife came from Natasha’s Mummy’s kitchen apparently.”

“That woman has a lot to answer for.  Am I right in thinking that Natasha has left a trail of disaster in her wake?”

The woman from the Legal team produced a printed list from her folder and handed it to Oliver.

“Jesus Christ!” he said, “Who employed this nasty little female in the first place?”

“Erm. You did,” she said, “Sorry Oliver, but your signature is on her contract, and yours is too, Jenny.  We are well aware that there was pressure from the Chief Executive’s department due to Natasha’s mother being employed there.  There is also a question of the girl’s references; they were never followed up, again possibly due to her mother’s position in the Chief Execs office.  Looking more closely at them, the information is largely identical, and can be traced back to members of the maternal family who should never have given references in the first place.  We’ve checked out her CV as well now; her actual exam grades were very poor; she didn’t attend a university or get a degree. Under normal circumstances she wouldn’t have even got through to an interview stage.”

Oliver and Jenny were looking very uncomfortable; the woman turned to Sarah with another piece of paper.

“This is a list of subjects that we don’t want you to discuss at the press call, Sarah.  You were not employed by the company at the time when the gentleman took his life, and I believe that your colleague Millie was on leave.  As a consequence, you are not to be drawn into answering any questions regarding the inquest. As far as we can see, the situation regarding your attacker was dealt with efficiently, and the only fly in the ointment appears to have been Natasha acting on her own agenda. By the same token, the security staff acted in a timely and effective manner, but we understand that you are in a relationship with one of the staff, and this may draw some unwanted questions.  You must be careful not to name any names as both females involved in the attack are under investigation.  Is that clear?”

Sarah nodded and put the piece of paper down on the desk.

“I was hoping to focus on the importance of getting help for people who behave in a way where they may harm themselves or anyone else.  I was also hoping to say something about the importance of self-defence techniques for women and girls.  If I hadn’t had those lessons as a part of my job, I might possible have been very badly injured or even dead. Touching on the actions of the security staff; Al asked me to marry him yesterday, and my answer was yes.  This is not being done out of gratitude, we’ve actually been seeing each for some months now, but we were quite discreet about it, weren’t we Jenny?”

Jenny nodded, feeling at last that this was something that she had actually done right.

“If you ask Al, he will quite categorically tell you that he didn’t save my life; the communication between us was so good that he was able to understand that I was about to do something to alter the situation, and I needed him to be ready to react. He is a brave and very intelligent man, and I don’t like the way you dismiss him as ‘just a security guard’. Mike, the guy who was on night duty, also played a very important part in the whole incident too.  If anyone deserves some gratitude and praise, he does too. I appreciate the importance of not saying any more than I need to say, and not allowing myself to be goaded by any over-eager reporters.  I’m doing this press call because I hope it will give the whole team some much-needed positive publicity.  I sustained a minor injury, the people responsible were arrested, and those who provided support and medical treatment did an excellent job.  Will that do?”

There was a bit of a stunned silence, and then a round of applause, particularly from Jenny.  Feeling that she had said enough, Sarah went into the wardrobe and makeup room, and allowed herself to be subjected to some very gentle hair-brushing, a dab or two of powder and reapplication of lipstick. Jenny led her down to the sound stage, where Al was already waiting, together with Oliver and two of the legal team.  The usually crowded audience area held half a dozen reporters with microphones and cameras.  Sarah recognised some of them from outside the building; there was one young man in particular who had been particularly pushy as they were trying to get in through the doors.

It wasn’t easy, and Sarah felt the strain of media manipulation as every comment she made was subjected to being twisted and misinterpreted, especially by the unpleasant young man. She decided that smiling at him was the best technique, as the pain it caused helped her to focus and not be tricked into saying anything unnecessary. The other members of the media were more obliging, and eventually they were telling the young man to shut up, and let someone else ask questions.

Then it was over. Equipment was switched off and the room emptied.  Al took Sarah’s hand, and gave her an indiscreet kiss on the pain-free cheek.

“You were awesome; especially with that scrawny little idiot from the Mail.”

“The Mail!  I could have guessed.  Let’s hope the more responsible reporters will print the truth rather some sensationalist rubbish.  Luckily no one I know reads that paper anyway.  I guess we’d better get out of here so they can set up for filming this afternoon?”

“Sorry Sarah.” said Jenny.  “We’ve cancelled today’s recording.  We lost most of yesterday being tied up with the investigations into the inquest, so there wasn’t enough time to prepare for today.  We’ve got some cases lined up for Friday but nothing even vaguely controversial.”

“That’s right!  Friday’s show will be a sanitised version.” said Oliver coldly.

“I take it that the guests still have problems to work through though?  Perhaps this is a time when we need to be more pastoral and less confrontational.”

“Saint Sarah! I hope that I know rather more about what the viewing public wants than you do.”

“I’m sure that you do Oliver.  Strangely enough, even after all that’s happened, I can still see the good in people, and I hope that never changes. I’m due for painkillers now, so if you’ll excuse me?”

Al ushered a very angry Sarah out of the sound stage and into the nearest pod.  He checked to make sure that the camera was switched off, and held her very close. He could sense that she was on the verge of tears, but determined not to cry in front of Oliver.  He passed her his handkerchief.

“Ungrateful little git!” she muttered.

“Yes, he is.  I’ve no doubt that he’ll get it in the neck from his wife when he gets home.  Do you want to hear some good news?”

“Yes please?”

“Millie’s home and she’s on the way over with her surprise.  She said that she couldn’t wait until you got home.  I take it that your phone has been switched off?”

“Hasn’t been switched on since we got here this morning.  When did she text you?”

“Just before the press call.  I had a feeling you might need something to cheer you up afterwards.”

“I do love you, Al.”

“It’s mutual.  I need to get back downstairs to the front desk so that I can greet Millie and bring her upstairs.  Will you be okay now?”

“I’ll go back to the office, and see what the team think of my Phantom disguise.”

It was while Sarah was luxuriating in a bubble bath and having her hair very gently washed by Al, that she suddenly realised that she didn’t feel at all self-conscious in his presence.  In all the years with Andy, she had avoided any wandering around barely clothed, and averted her eyes at the sight of his pale, spindly body.  Any sex that had taken place in their early years was carried out in the dark and with a minimum of affection. Clutching a towel to her face in order to avoid getting the dressing wet, she smiled and closed her eyes as Al massaged her head, and the warm water washed the shampoo and conditioner away.

“How come you have so many nice things like bubble bath in your house Al?”

“Maggie’s fault.  She has always been keen on me finding someone new, and as a consequence makes sure that there are some girly things around in the house.  I have been known to have a bubble bath myself, although I am a shower man really. I’ll get a quick one while you’re getting dressed.”

He wrapped her hair up in a towel and checked that the dressing was still intact and dry, then held out a large bath sheet to wrap the rest of Sarah up in. She looked up at him, and felt a surge of happiness as he helped her out of the bath, and hugged her. It was another of those moments where time became irrelevant as he kissed her, and all thought of getting dressed was abandoned.

“We’ll have to ration this sort of thing if we’re going to get anything done.” she said, feeling very glad that Al’s bathroom floor was mostly covered with a large fluffy rug, and a slightly damp bath sheet.

“Ration?” Al pulled a disappointed face but kissed her nevertheless.

“You know exactly what I mean Al.  At the moment, I would be perfectly happy tucked up on the sofa with you, or in bed, or on the bathroom floor, or anywhere as long as it’s just you and me.  We have to get dressed and feed Buster though. I also think that we need to go back to work tomorrow before the media blows this story out of all proportion.”

“I must admit that the thought of shutting us both away from the world for a couple of weeks sounds wonderful, I’d been thinking that maybe time off should wait under the circumstances.  I’ve worked with Oliver’s mob for long enough to know how quickly situations escalate once the gossips start.”

“Are you worried about them gossiping about us?” she asked, feeling a little disappointed.  “Oliver knows, which means that it’s common knowledge now.”

“Not about us my love, about the incident; how it was handled by security, how much of it relates to Oliver’s show.  Don’t be surprised if they ask you to do an interview for radio or TV. Your reaction last night made me wonder if you needed to stay away a bit longer?”

“I was a bit freaky, wasn’t I?” Sarah grimaced at the memory. “Things have changed though Al; I can’t pretend that it didn’t happen, or that I haven’t got a cut on my face.  If we are talking media, I need to work with the company as to what I can and can’t say, so going back into work tomorrow is the best thing to do.  How about you though?  There are bound to be nudges and winks all over the place.”

“If you can cope with it, then so can I.  You said last night that we make a good team?”

“If you hadn’t understood me so well, you wouldn’t have realised what I was trying to communicate to you when I was opening and closing my eyes. You trusted me to know what I was doing, and you gave me the courage to do it.  All Andy ever did was undermine me, and treat me like a naughty child.  Anyway, I’m going to get dressed and contact Jenny and Oliver. I’ll leave you to your shower.”

Sarah gave him a swift kiss and hurried off to the bedroom.  Al stood in the bathroom, slightly stunned but revelling in that same rush of happiness.

Not surprisingly, Jenny and Oliver were very happy about Sarah and Al returning to work so soon.  Al’s boss was even more relieved at not having to juggle an already overstretched workforce at a difficult time.   Buster was almost pleased to see them when they walked into Millie’s flat.  There was still no sign of Millie though. 

‘If we’re both going in to work tomorrow, should we use two cars or one?  Should we go from the cottage, or do you want to stay here?  Not in Tom’s little room of course. I’m not trying to make life more complicated, but I have to know what clothes I’ll need, and what you need if …”

“Sarah,” he said very calmly.  “Come here and take a few deep breaths.”

She sat down on the sofa and leaned against him, feeling the moments of panic ebb away as he put his arms around her.

“We can stay here if you prefer.  I’ll need to nip home and get my uniform and stuff; you can have a playfight with Buster, and update Jude.  We can go to work in my car and leave a parking space for someone else. At the end of tomorrow, we can make a decision about which home to spend the night in.  Variety is the spice of life and I haven’t even looked in your bedroom here yet.”

“Do you have time to have a look now or shall we leave that to later?”

“All the time in the world for you. Not Buster though.  He keeps giving me funny looks.”

After eventually waving Al off from the balcony, Sarah sent a text to Jude asking if she was free for a chat.  The answer came back very swiftly.

Yes, yes, and double yes!

It was a relief to be able to tell Jude about what had happened, and that included the progression of Sarah and Al’s relationship, which Jude found extremely romantic, and just what Sarah deserved after all those years of living with Andy’s commandments.

“Are you happy Sarah?  Apart from being wounded in the line of duty?”

Sarah laughed.  “That’s what Al called it.  Did I tell you that he’s an ex-policeman?”

“A couple of times, but that doesn’t seem to be his major attribute as far as you are concerned. What happens now?”

“We are both going into work tomorrow.  Ever eager to milk some positive publicity, Oliver has asked Jenny to set up a press call for the morning. In a way it’s good, because it gives us a chance to tell our side of the story – within reason because of the pending charges against Marta and Natasha – rather than have the trashy tabloids get the wrong end of the stick.  I’ve no doubt that they’ll make a big thing about me and Al, and how I’ve fell for my ‘rescuer’ on that fateful night. The fact that Al and I have been out on dates already, and according to Al, I rescued myself, he just helped. Thank goodness we did that self-defence course years ago.  In the short term, we have to wait for Millie to return from India; I may need to find alternative accommodation…”

“…Al’s cottage maybe?”

“I feel so comfortable there Jude; you and Dan will love it.  It’s far more your kind of place than Andy’s house or even Millie’s flat.  I can’t go into it at the moment but there’s trouble brewing regarding the show, and I might be looking for a job again.  Al’s okay because he works for the main security company rather than just the show.  The press call tomorrow will do his company the world of good too.  There are things I need to ask you though Jude; you are the only really happily married woman that I know.”

“Would this be anything to do with the fact that you and Al can’t keep your hands off each other by chance?”

“How did you know?”

“I know you, sweetheart! You skimmed over what actually happened when Al took you back home after the hospital, but I had a feeling that you two became – how can we put it politely? Intimate?”

“Very intimate, and not just the once either.”

“Enough!  Dan and I still have our moments, even with three demanding daughters.  I am very glad that you’ve finally found what you’ve been missing out on all this time.  I was afraid to tell you in case it made you even more miserable with Andy.”

“I guess Al and I are both making up for lost time then?  Tell me though, when Dan’s out of the house, do you worry in case he’s involved in a car accident?”

“Even after all this time together – yes!  I still get butterflies when I hear his key in the door.  Sound familiar? I take it that Andy never had that effect on you?”

“I don’t remember ever feeling this way before.  When Andy took me under his wing, I felt protected from everything that was falling down around me. In retrospect I should have escaped once I realised what was going on, but at the time it seemed easier to just immerse myself in work, and let him sort everything out.  With Al, I feel that I can make my own decisions; he makes me feel strong Jude.  That’s good, isn’t it?”

“If he makes you feel that way, as well as giving you butterflies when you’re with him, I would say that the future looks pretty rosy.  Good luck for tomorrow.  I shall watch the news with interest.”

Deciding that keeping busy was the best thing that she could do while waiting for Al to return, Sarah stripped and changed Millie and Tom’s beds.  Buster wasn’t that pleased, and had to be reassured with some treats.  He disappeared and Sarah found him curled up on her bed.  She smiled at his contentment, but her face reminded her that it was time for more painkillers, and food.  The cupboards and fridge looked a little bare, and Sarah wondered if she could cope with a supermarket trip if wearing a huge scarf around her face.  She was just beginning to get seriously worried about Al, when the door buzzed, and the butterflies started up again as she heard his voice on the intercom.

She rushed to open the door, and was about to fling her arms around him when she realised, that not only did he have a bag of work clothes and equipment, he also had several bags of shopping. He put them down gently in the hallway.

“I missed you!” she said.  “I was convinced that you’d been in a fatal car accident.  Jude said that was a perfectly normal thing, and that she feels the same every time Dan is a bit late home.  It gets a bit easier apparently.”

He picked her up in a huge bear hug once his arms were free.

“I thought we could do with some supplies, and I didn’t think that you’d feel like a shopping trip today.  Yes, I missed you too, but at the same time knowing that I was shopping for both of us made up for it.  Baguettes, cheeses and ham for lunch.  Is that okay?”

“Wonderful. I’ve just been looking through the fridge and cupboards for something to put together for us.  A bit Mother Hubbard I’m afraid.”

“I called Maggie.  I told her.  About us and you moving in.  Was that okay?”

“Of course!  What did she say?”

“She asked me to call in on the way back.  I have some things to give you.  Tonight’s dinner which is a couple of portions of one of Maggie’s casseroles, and potatoes to bulk them out a bit, and…”

“…and?”

“Our Maggie’s a bit old-fashioned, and when I told her about us moving in together, she pulled a face.”

“What kind of a face?”

“An ‘I don’t really believe in people living together without being married’ face.”

“Oh. Does she know that Andy and I weren’t married?”

“It didn’t seem relevant so I didn’t mention it.  That’s all in the past.  Anyway, she said I was to give you this.  It used to belong to my Mother.”

Al pulled a small red leather box out of his pocket and handed it to Sarah.  She sat down on the sofa and opened it very carefully.  Inside was a ring; a garnet, set in gold and surrounded with marcasites. She felt the tears welling up, as she looked from the box to Al, and back again.

“You aren’t upset, are you?” he said.  “I didn’t know if you’d feel pressured or angry.  I didn’t know…”

“If this ring means what I hope it means, I will only be angry if you don’t go down on one knee and propose properly”

It was all that Al needed, and what made the moment even more perfect, as he put it on Sarah’s finger, the ring actually fitted.

“Sarah, in the short time we’ve known each other you have made my world a happier place, and I knew from the moment I met you that I wanted to share that world with you forever.  Will you marry me, please?”

“Yes!  Oh yes, Al! Are you sure that Maggie doesn’t mind giving up this ring? Especially as it was something of your Mother’s?”

“She says it was always far too small for her, and by the time any of her girls would be old enough to wear it, they’d probably turn their noses up at anything so old-fashioned.  Do you think it’s old-fashioned Sarah?”

“It’s my birthstone.  Garnets for a January girl – well, woman – and I love marcasite and the way that it catches the light and dances.  Oh Al!  I feel so happy I could burst!  Phone Maggie please, I need to say thank you before I phone Jude.”

“Can I get up now?  My knees aren’t as flexible as they used to be.”

“I have a feeling that this is one of those moments where a kiss and several hugs is definitely in order.  Buster’s asleep on my – our bed – so we won’t get any disapproving looks.”

Sarah curled up on the sofa next to Al as he dialled his sister’s number.  She answered very quickly, and he handed the phone over to Sarah, who lost no time in thanking Maggie and telling her how very happy she was.  Jude was next, and the news was greeted with great whoops of joy.  Life would be perfect if only Millie would come home.

Watching breakfast TV, eating chocolate Shreddies with a decent mug of coffee, then feeling snug and safe curled up on the sofa with Al under a fleecy blanket.  Life didn’t get much more perfect for Sarah – apart from the sinister white dressing on her face. She’d set her laptop up and checked, but there was still no word from Millie.  There were several emails from Jenny and other team mates checking that she was okay, so after brushing her hair and putting on a bit of lipstick, Sarah took a selfie of the dressing side of her face, and sent it off with an advisory note that the rest of the team should get some Phantom masks so that she wouldn’t stick out too much.

“Sarah!  You’re on the news!”  Al rewound the digital TV channel so that Sarah could come back to the sofa and watch the news clip.  No pictures fortunately, just information, but according to the announcer a woman had been attacked by two other females in the underground car park, and was saved by the diligence of the security staff.  Sarah’s mobile rang almost immediately.

“Hi Jude.  Yes, it was me. Yes, it was the mad Dutchwoman and Nasty Natasha.  Al was one of my diligent security guards, and henceforth I shall be known as ‘Sarah Scarface’! No, darling Jude, don’t get upset.  She cut my face but otherwise I am unscathed.  I’m at Al’s, and don’t ask me any personal questions because they will only make me smile, and it hurts to do that right now.”

A relieved Jude continued firing off questions, some of which were very personal. and answered with a non-committal ‘Hmmm’.  After assuring Jude that she was taking time off and that Al was looking after her, Sarah promised to visit soon but that she wanted the wound to heal a bit, in case it frightened Dan and the girls.  Sarah could hear Dan snorting in the background when Jude repeated this to him.  He demanded photographs, and Sarah promised to send them once Al had changed the dressing.

Having put the mobile down, and curled up next to Al again, Sarah wondered about the dressing.  A part of her wanted to see the damage but she was worried about looking in case it was too dreadful. Al led her into the kitchen, sat her down, and solved the dilemma by very gently easing off the dressing and dabbing off the worst of the dried blood.  He stood back and admired his handiwork.

“It’s quite sexy as scars go, but I could be biased.  Do you want me to take a picture with your mobile before I put the new dressing on?”

“Are you sure it isn’t that bad Al? You aren’t just saying that?”

“No.  I promise never to lie to you – about anything really important.  If you turn your face away from me, I can focus on the cut.  They’ve done a neat job and the stitches are very small.  Did they tell you whether they will dissolve or whether you need to have them taken out?”

“I can remember hearing something about stitches; that’s why I have to go back next Monday to make sure that everything is healing up.  Do your worst Al!  Take the photo. I can’t keep pretending that it doesn’t exist.  It’s a part of me now, and I have to accept it.”

Al took several photographs so that Sarah could choose which one to send. The process was lengthened by the fact that both of their mobiles were buzzing with texts from other people who had also seen the news clip. Al sent some photos to his friend in the Force so that the case notes could be updated.  He looked through the selection of dressings that the hospital had provided and found one that looked smaller and less obvious.  Happy that the wound was clean, dry and didn’t have any sign of abnormal redness or swelling, Al gently applied the dressing, held Sarah very tightly afterwards, and kissed her on the other cheek.  Sarah’s mobile rang again; this time it was Oliver.  She grimaced as she picked up the call.

“Sarah! Are you okay?  How the hell did this happen?  Al was supposed to be looking after you!”

“I’m fine Oliver.  Al was doing a very good job of looking after me, but our little friend Natasha set up a diversion. It was only a few seconds, but enough time for Marta to grab me. I have a cut on my face, but Al knocked Marta out with a very effective punch, and I think Natasha may have to have her broken ankle reset.  The CCTV was invaluable, and the night security guard Mike was quick to alert the police and ambulance, as he was coming to help us.  I’m afraid that we have to lay the blame on Natasha; without her, Marta would never have got the idea of coming back and stalking me. Judging from the way she was egging Marta on to deliver a fatal stab wound; I would say that she is even more dangerous than Marta. She was better at masking her psychotic tendencies, and no one could have predicted that her delusions could have led her to such extremes.”

“Where are you Sarah? You aren’t coming in today, are you?”

“I am at Al’s, Oliver.  We are both taking the day off – together – and I don’t care who knows that Al and I are most definitely an item now.  I have already assured Jenny that we will be most discreet when we come back.  The cut has been stitched but I need to keep a dressing on it for a while, so I’ll stay out of camera shot for now if that’s okay?”

“Shame.  We could have got some mileage out of it…”

“No! Discretion, or my resignation is on your desk in the morning!”

“You win.  I should have remembered that you social workers have too much integrity for your own good.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment then. See you Oliver!”

Having kept the conversation as light as she could, Al could tell from the half of Sarah’s face that he could see, that she was very angry.  He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her again.

“Oliver is a dick,” he said.

“Aptly put, and I will not miss him if the show is pulled.  I know that his success has been built on self-promotion, and humiliating people, but none of that is in my contract.  Millie warned me that he was difficult, and that she tended to let most of it roll over her.  I’m not quite so tolerant. I know that Oliver was worried about his mother, and that’s why he was so horrible to some of the guests on Friday, but his mother’s illness wasn’t their fault and they deserved better. So did the man who killed himself. Can we really get away with sitting here and snogging all day Al?”

“Sounds absolutely wonderful to me, but what about Buster?”

“Poor old moggie.  I’d forgotten all about him.  We’ll have to get dressed and pay him a visit.  I could do with more clothes if…”

“…if?”

 “If you want me to stay here?”

“There is nothing I would love more.  I also have a washing machine and a tumble drier you can use for your clothes, and a fire pit in the garden if you are serious about burning that blouse.”

“Very serious.  It was never one of my favourites anyway.  It dates back to sensible Andy days, but wasn’t right for Jude’s girls’ dressing up box.  I suppose I shouldn’t have a shower in case my face gets wet. I could have a bath though?”

“You could.  I have both, and if you would allow me too, I could very gently wash your hair.”

“Oh Al! You have so many hidden talents. No one has helped me wash my hair since Millie and I left Uni.  Andy wanted me to cut it short; he said it would make me look more adult and reliable.”

“I hope I never get to meet Andy.  I don’t think I’d actually punch him but …”

“…No need. Rest assured that I gave as good as I got, but if I’d had more gumption, I’d have ended the relationship as soon as I saw the house that he was living in, and met his horrible sister.  I’ll just check my emails again.”

“I’ll start running the bath; it takes a while to fill up.” said Al.

There were several emails, but none from Millie yet.  Jenny wanted to know if Sarah would be in for the show on Wednesday, so did Oliver, and several people from her old social work team were asking if she knew anything about the attack.  She replied to her friends fairly minimally, ensuring them that although she was the one who got attacked, she was fine.  She decided to leave Jenny and Oliver till after her bath.

Waking up in Al’s arms, in his bed, and discovering that Andy’s idea of sex was a world away from the reality of actually making love with the right person, made Sarah feel very happy.  Even the ache in her face when she smiled didn’t dampen her spirits.  She burrowed into Al’s neck in the hope that he might wake up, and confirm that something very special had happened between them during the night. 

It worked.

“Are we okay Sarah?” he whispered as he pulled her close against his chest.

“We are more than okay; in fact, apart from a bit of a cut on my face, I am happier now than I have been for years,” she said, between kisses.   “My face doesn’t even hurt as much as it did yesterday.  You must have healing powers.  I’m not going to shout too loudly about that though, in case someone tries to steal you away from me.”

“Having seen you overpower the dreaded Marta last night; my money is on you every time,” said Al. “Just tell me?  Is this the real thing for you, because it is for me, and I need to know?”

 “I have fallen for you Al, well and truly,” she said revelling in the warmth of his skin against hers.  “It’s a totally new sensation for me so I’m sorry if I’ve taken time to catch up with you. I love Jude and her family; they’re my past and my present, and what kept me going through all the years of stagnation with Andy. Millie was a huge part of my past before I ever met Andy, so finding her again is wonderful.  More than anything though, I can actually see a future with you, if that’s what you want too.  Of course, if the Coroner blames Oliver for this poor man’s death, we’ll all be made redundant when they close the show down.”

“Not me,” he said with a grin.  “I’m actually employed by the company who runs security for the Quays.  You get placed with a certain production company, and stay there unless they lose the contract, or you want to go elsewhere. I don’t make much money, but I could keep you in chocolate Shreddies and pizza. If that was what you wanted?”

“That is the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.”

“I didn’t mean to presume or anything…”

“You didn’t presume.  I have to think about what might happen in the future as well.  Millie is due back at the end of the week, and I have a sneaky feeling that she may have Tom’s father with her.  That could mean one of two things; he might want to relocate to this country, in which case she won’t want me playing gooseberry in the flat.  The other possibility is that she will have fallen in love with India all over again, and want to go back there permanently.  Either way I could end up being homeless again. Do you want a lodger?”

“No, if you come to live here, it would be as my partner.  There’s another thing that’s worrying me though.  I had the snip after my second son was born. You said Andy had the snip because he thought you were too irresponsible to remember to take the Pill?  Did you never want children of your own?”

“I wasn’t actually being irresponsible.  I pretended. It was his choice, but I never wanted children with Andy.  He had too many obsessions, and the social worker in me felt that it would be unkind to bring a child into that kind of environment.  His sister Abigail was a total nightmare, and she was adopted. All those years of social work, and I’d dealt with some heart-breaking cases of child neglect and abuse. I love Jude and Dan’s children, and the time I spent at with Maggie and her family was great, but I’m too old for babies now.  I’ve accepted that fact.”

“My ex-wife decided that having our two boys was enough, and she didn’t want to go through any operations.”

“That solves the problem then.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Al, it’s you I want.  Not a baby making machine, although we could always pretend, I suppose.  Scrub that.  When we make love, it ought to be because we want to be close to each.  Just a personal thing; something between the two of us.”

The irritating buzz of Al’s mobile spoilt what could have been another particularly significant moment, and Al had to break away in order to pick the phone. He listened rather than spoke, apart from the odd ‘Okay’, and ‘Bye’.

“What time is it?” Sarah asked as he put the phone down.

“Just after eight.  Are you hungry?”

“I ought to take some more painkillers and that has to be done with food.  Who was that on your phone?”

“My own boss confirming that he’s spoken with Jenny, and I can take some time off under the circumstances. I had some holiday owing anyway. Chocolate Shreddies, Madam?”

“And coffee.  Am I allowed to drink coffee?”

“I don’t see why not.  Do you want to have breakfast up here or downstairs?”

“Downstairs please.  Do you know where my nightshirt went?”

“I’ll find it, once I’ve found my boxers. They may well have ended up in the same place.”

“Can we risk another hug before you get up?”

“I think that might be an excellent idea – provided you don’t mind waiting a bit longer for your breakfast?”

“I can wait,” she said, smiling at the very thought.

It wasn’t a long journey home but the painkillers were effective enough to send Sarah into a fitful sleep.   Reluctant to wake her, Al opened up the house and came back to the car so that he had a clear pathway to carry her through to the living room.  She woke up to find herself on the sofa, lying under a blanket, and with a cushion thoughtfully placed under her head.  She sat up a little too quickly, and cried out as the world started spinning around. Al was only a few steps away in the kitchen and rushed back in.  He knelt down in front of her and took her hands in his.

“Hey, it’s okay Sarah.  You fell asleep on the way home, and I put you on the sofa while I got the rest of the shopping and luggage in. Do you want a drink?  No alcohol though – I’ve just been reading through the list of do’s and don’ts that the nurse gave you.”

Sarah blinked as normality returned, and leaned her forehead against Al’s shoulder. It felt good; solid and reassuring.

“Go on then, what CAN I do?”

“Rest, take your medication, more rest and give yourself time to recover.  On that subject, Jenny is aware of the situation and does not expect either of us in work tomorrow.”

“Oh damn!” muttered Sarah.  “I was so looking forward to strolling in wearing my Phantom of the Opera mask first thing.  I’m not sure I have anything in my wardrobe to match so I might have to pinch some of your basic black after all.”

“Sarah, you are in shock.  It’s okay to feel angry, to cry, or to do anything that makes you feel better. You can give me a punch or two if you want – but avoid the face – we don’t want both of us turning up with visible injuries.  People will talk!”

Unsure for a moment whether to laugh or cry, Sarah chose the former but very gently.

“Al, you are the best possible medicine, and the last person on earth who needs a good punching.”

“I’ve had a bit of an update from my friend on the force.  They called him in eventually.  Natasha had fits of hysterics and Marta started banging her head against the cell wall, and insisting that she was mad but not bad. Natasha’s father was there by then – not Mummy – and gave his daughter an extremely impressive talking to which seemed to shock her into quiet crying.  After witnessing her behaviour last night, I would say that she is definitely a bit unhinged.  A personality disorder maybe, but I’m not an expert.”

“And Marta?”

“They’re arranging for a psychiatric assessment in the morning, but whatever happens, she won’t be bailed.  They are considering a charge of attempted murder; the whole thing was planned, and captured on CCTV as well as me being a witness, and hearing Marta stating that she wanted to kill you.  Natasha’s words are even more damning. Don’t look like that Sarah! Marta has a long history of anti-social behaviour, and Natasha is a product of her arrogant and overbearing mother. You are not responsible for either of those situations, and you did more than most people to help both of them.”

“You should be a social worker Al,” she sighed. “You’d be much better at it than me. Another thing I need to do tomorrow is talk to Jude.  Talking to Millie too would be helpful right now.”

Al stood up and moved away from the sofa; Sarah realised that her words had hit a sore point, and she struggled to her feet, putting her arms around his waist. It took a few moments, but eventually he returned the embrace, and kissed her very gently on the top of her head.

“It’s you I want more than anyone Al; Jude and Millie will talk sense into me, and tell me what an idiot I am, but there’s only one place I want to be, and only one person I want to be with.  I’m sorry that drugs and injury have put a dampener on what could have been a very romantic and wonderful evening, but at least we have some time now to get to know each other better away from all the prying eyes.  Do you still want to get to know me better?”

“Yes,” he said, very quietly.  “It might help me to understand what it is that you see in me.”

“Ditto.  Forget the professional roles, we are just two people who started out enjoying each other’s company, discovered that we were attracted to each other as well, and as an added bonus, you have saved my life – twice now. I can enjoy being myself with you.  I never could with Andy.  He was always trying to mould me into his perfect partner.  Perfect is something that I’ll never be, and I don’t want it, nor expect from those I care about.”

Al kissed the top of her head again and sighed.

“I could very happily stand here with you all night, but that list of instructions says you need some sleep, and I haven’t made up the bed in the spare room yet.”

Sarah moved closer.

“That list Al, I know that I can’t drive, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol, take unprescribed medication and undertake vigorous exercise but …”

“But?”

“I don’t want to sleep on my own. Is your bed big enough for both of us?  I’d feel safe if I was with you.”

Al took a very deep breath.

“Perhaps I should have a cold shower first?”

“No!  You are so nice and warm.  Can we just go to bed Al? Please?  We don’t have to go to work tomorrow. We can stay in bed all day.  You said that I needed to rest after all.”

“I think we may have different concepts of staying in bed.”

“Only one way to find out,” she giggled.  “Baggsy the right-hand side because I can’t sleep on my poorly cheek.  You don’t want to be making beds at this time of night. It makes so much more sense, doesn’t it?”

“Sarah, I can’t guarantee that I’ll …”

“Sssh.  I don’t want any guarantees about anything, Al.  I just want to be tucked up in bed with you, and if anything happens, it’s because it’s meant to be.”

“I’ll take your bag upstairs then, and show you where everything is; while you’re getting sorted, I’ll lock up down here.  Are you absolutely sure about this Sarah?”

Sarah would have smiled, but it really did hurt too much.

“I’ll tell you when I’ve seen your bedroom.”

Al led the way up the narrow stairs, checking behind to make sure that Sarah was okay.  His bedroom was as Sarah had expected it to be; uncluttered but with soft blue-green curtains and a duvet cover that matched, and closed wardrobe doors.  Although the neatness was vaguely reminiscent of Andy’s order, it was a comfortable room, and one that Sarah felt she could relax in.

“Lacks a woman’s touch.” said Al gruffly.

“Are you giving me permission to leave my clothes on the floor, and clutter up your desk with perfumes and make up?  Did you bring anything like that back from the flat?”

Placing the overnight bag on the bed, Al unzipped it and opened it for Sarah’s perusal.

“The bathroom is just across the hall.  I’ll go and lock up.”

Rummaging through the bag brought tears to Sarah’s eyes. Al had packed her favourite nightshirt and dressing gown; an assortment of perfumes and make-up from her dressing table, her jeans, plaid shirt and some underwear tucked discreetly into a clean bag-for-life that had been folded up in one of the kitchen drawers.  It wasn’t just a thoughtful collection of her belongings, but considering that Al had been in a hurry to get back to her at the hospital and make sure that she was alright, it was miraculous.  Picking up her nightshirt and toothbrush, she went to the bathroom, and found that it too, was to her liking. A soothing shade of pale blue, with an over-bath power shower, and only the one mirror, which she avoided looking into for the time being.  She got changed into her nightshirt, brushed her teeth very gently and gathered up her clothes, trying not to look too closely at the bloodstained blouse.

Al was still downstairs carrying out his security checks, so she emptied out the bag-for-life, and put her dirty washing in it.  She had joked about messing up Al’s bedroom, but unlike her constant desire to disorder Andy’s order, she felt a greater need to respect Al’s space.  That said, she lost no time in climbing into bed and settling herself under the duvet, realising that the dip in the mattress was where Al usually slept.  She moved over in order to give him more room to get in, but within moments of laying her head on the pillows, she was asleep.

Coming back up the stairs, Al looked in through the door and smiled at the sight of Sarah asleep in his bed, her dark hair spread out across the pillows.  He was torn.  She had made it quite clear that she didn’t want to be left alone tonight. He didn’t feel that he could ignore that request, but at the same time, was wrong to share the bed with her in case anything happened between them?  Would it ruin their relationship if Sarah woke up in the morning feeling regretful, feeling that he had taken advantage of her vulnerable state? All this was rolling around in his mind as he brushed his teeth, and got changed into his old tee-shirt and boxer shorts that he usually wore in bed. 

Sarah was still asleep as he climbed very carefully in beside her, and turned out the bedside lamp.  She hadn’t quite left him enough room, and he felt himself teetering on the edge of the mattress as he tried to get comfortable. She solved the problem by waking up slightly, and requesting a hug.  Al took her in his arms and moved over so that they were in the middle of the bed; Sarah curled up on his chest with her arms around him.  It all felt so right, and perfectly respectable, so Al closed his eyes and fell asleep too.

It had been too many years since Al had been woken in the night by someone kissing him and stroking his face.  Slowly he opened one eye and then the other, focussing on Sarah’s slightly twisted smile as she kissed him.  Not just a good morning kiss either, but one that held the promise of so much more. 

“I am totally in possession of all my senses Al.” she said quietly.  “I also have a feeling that you know the difference between vigorous exercise and making love.  The very thought of which gives me butterflies, and I don’t think I have ever felt like this until you kissed me in the meeting room yesterday morning.  I’m sure that if it hadn’t been for my would-be assassins, we would have made love by now. I need you Al.  Can we take things further? If the answer’s ‘No’, it might be me that has to take a cold shower.”

“The answer is yes,” he said, pulling her towards him, kissing her and showing her just how much he needed and wanted her too. “A million times, yes!”

There was no further sign of Daryl by the end of the day; Sarah felt responsible for taking him into the meeting, but at the same time, was aware that trying to cover up Daryl’s involvement would cause even more trouble.  Not happy to leave things as they were, Sarah went looking for Jenny, and eventually tracked her down in one of the pods at the side of the stage.  She looked as if she had been crying.  Sarah sat down next to her and took her hand.

“What’s happened now, Jenny?”

“Oliver.  He’s finding it difficult to accept that he might have been wrong about the guy who died.  We’ve explained that he was given duff information in the first place.  We all know that Natasha is behind this; and we know the lengths that she will go to in order to get her own way. Daryl’s been given the rest of the day off. He hasn’t been sacked – yet, but it was touch and go.  You and I both know that he is a good lad, and means well but if we let him go, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll get another job in media.  He asked if I could pass his mobile number on to you.  He said that you and Millie had been very kind to him after the accident.”

“Would that be alright with you Jenny? He lives alone and I’m not sure that he’s fully recovered from that blow to the head.”

Jenny handed over a piece of paper with Daryl’s details on it; Sarah knew that she had the number on her phone already, but took it anyway. She looked at her watch; almost time to meet up with Al, and her stomach was beginning to do somersaults at the prospect.  All the way down in the lift, she did her best not to grin too broadly in case any of the other occupants thought that she was demented. Al was sat behind the security desk, checking people out, and didn’t see her at first.  He looked up from the screen, and Sarah saw a smile on his face that echoed her own.  She stood to one side of the desk; waiting until the last of the stragglers had checked out and said goodnight.

“You okay?” Al asked.

“I am now.  It’s been a bit hairy upstairs. Natasha and her mother are very rude words, and poor Daryl has got dragged into the mess now.  If the Coroner’s verdict implicates Oliver, we might all be out of a job.”

“How would you feel about that?” Al asked, as he closed down the computer and locked everything away.

“Could you teach me how to paint and renovate a house?”

“I would love to.  What are we doing about dinner tonight, and breakfast?”

“I need to feed Buster and get an overnight bag.”

“Of course.  There’s a big supermarket en route to mine.  We can cook, or get a takeaway.  I’ll have to pick up some chocolate Shreddies though.”

“The way to my heart!”

“I’ll make a note of that.”

Mike, the night security guard arrived, and Al did a brief but efficient handover.  Ever wary, he checked the CCTV of the car park before offering his arm to Sarah.  She took it, and tried not to squeeze too tightly as they walked across the concourse to the car park.

“So, who have you told, and what have you told them?” he asked.

“Well, just Jenny really.  I had to tell her where I was staying tonight.  She raised her eyebrows and wanted more information but I didn’t volunteer anything unnecessary.”

“Somehow Oliver has got hold of the information.  He nudged me with his elbow on the way out, and told me that I was a man of mystery and a lucky dog.”

“That’s a compliment, coming from Oliver.  I expect he’ll have the thumbscrews and the rack ready for tomorrow morning.”

Al stopped at the entrance to the underground car park and took Sarah’s hands in his.

“I don’t want to disappoint you, Sarah.  It’s been years since my wife and I split up, and there hasn’t been anyone important since.  I was never that good at romance anyway, and well, I don’t have much to offer in terms of boyfriend material.”

Sarah felt that flutter of butterflies as she looked up into his eyes, which were most definitely a deep blue.

“I don’t want to compare you with my ex, Al, but this time I have to.  Andy took over my life and I allowed him to, because I was too scared to cope with life when my Dad died.  Gradually, I began to rebel against Andy and his weird obsessions; by eating chocolate Shreddies, takeaway pizza and watching TV in the bedroom.  Andy going off to find himself in Thailand was the best thing that ever happened to me at the time. Since then, I found Millie, a home, a job, and best of all, I found you.  Let’s get Buster fed and watered, pick up some shopping and go home. To your home.”

Ignoring the CCTV cameras, Al took her in his arms and kissed her.  They were so engrossed with each at that moment, that neither noticed the presence of one large person, and one significantly smaller person standing behind the concrete partition.  The reverie was split by the sound of a car alarm going off; shortly after that, they heard a scream.

“Stay here near the car Sarah.  I won’t be long.”

Al ran up the slope, and looked around for the source of the noise.  It stopped, and was replaced by the sound of Sarah, calling his name in a rather restrained but panicky voice.  He turned around and ran back, only to find that Marta had her arm around Sarah’s neck, and was holding a knife to her throat.  A slightly hysterical, but apparently gleeful Natasha was standing next to them, emptying the contents of Sarah’s handbag onto the floor, and moving the contents around with her still plaster-casted foot.

“What you look for Tasha?  I don’t want her money now.  I just want to get my own back, and so do you.  Don’t move any closer security man or I will slit your girlfriend’s throat with my very sharp knife.  She made promises to me and she didn’t keep them.  Same as Peter, same as my ex-husband. I will get them all in the end”

Al ventured forward a step, but stopped as Marta drew the knife blade down the left side of Sarah’s face, leaving a long and bloody cut. 

Natasha laughed.

“More, Marta! More blood! I was looking for her rape alarm but it isn’t there.  We were all given rape alarms to keep us safe, but it seems that Sarah the social worker thinks she is above all that.  Let’s see you get out of this then Sarah!  Your boyfriend will just have to stand there and watch you die while Marta cuts you open!”

Despite feeling absolutely terrified, Sarah’s mind was trying desperately to recall the self-defence techniques she had been taught on the forensic social work placement she’d done with Jude years ago.  Marta’s grip was very tight, and Sarah knew that there was no reasoning with her, nor with Natasha, so buoyed up were they with adrenalin, and a sense of their own importance.  Catching Al’s eye, Sarah slowly closed and opened both of hers twice, then began to slump as if Marta was cutting off her airway.  The dead weight of Sarah’s body took Marta by surprise, and she loosened her hold.  It wasn’t much, but it was enough for Sarah to get hold of the knife arm and shove it away from her as hard as she could.  At the same time, she pushed her legs and bottom backwards into Marta’s stomach, knocking her off balance.

Al moved very fast once he saw the opportunity; he knocked the knife out of Marta’s hand, punched her in the jaw, and kicked Natasha’s plaster cast so that she fell over. Marta was out cold, and Natasha sat on the floor grizzling from the pain, and calling for her mother.  Mike had seen it all on the CCTV, and pressed the alarm for the police and ambulance, before racing over to assist with detaining Natasha and Marta, who was beginning to come round from Al’s sucker punch. Sarah was holding Al’s handkerchief to her face, and beginning to feel a bit dizzy from the shock and blood loss.  Al opened his car door and sat her down on the passenger seat, before making sure that Marta wasn’t going anywhere.

The police arrived, and took Marta and Natasha away to their car in handcuffs. Al put his arm around Sarah’s shoulders and held her tight, relieved that she had escaped the attack, angry that Marta had hurt her, but incredibly proud of her quick thinking. A paramedic took the handkerchief away from Sarah’s face very gently and examined the cut.

“It’s deep.  Too deep for glue or steri-strips.  What kind of knife was it?”

“The police have it.” said Al.  “Looked like a standard, but expensive kitchen knife, probably supplied by dear little Natasha. Do we need to take Sarah to hospital?”

“We’ll take her in the ambulance. I expect the police will want to speak to you further.  Are you a friend of Sarah’s?”

Al nodded, and Sarah, trying not to smile because her face hurt, grabbed Al’s hand.

“Rather more than a friend actually.  Al is my partner. Will I have to stay in hospital?”

“Not down to me.  It’s always best to get checked out first though. Are you ready to go now?”

Al gave Sarah another of his gentlest bear hugs; and whispered in her ear, “I’ll get to the hospital as soon as can.  Will you wait for me?”

“Always.  Is the supermarket an all-night one?”

“I won’t forget the chocolate Shreddies.” Al said as he kissed her hand, then watched as she walked slowly over to the ambulance, supported by the paramedic.

The police had plenty of questions, and unfortunately, as Al’s detective friend was off duty, there was a lot of explaining to be done about Marta’s stalking, and Natasha’s collusion in what was being considered attempted murder.  Al had to cram in a great deal of necessities on the way but got to the hospital as quickly as he could, and ran along the corridor checking in each of the cubicles until he found Sarah.  Of course, she was in the very last cubicle; sitting up on the hospital trolley with a large but neat dressing on her face.  Before leaving the Quays car park, Al had gathered up the contents of Sarah’s handbag, and her laptop bag, which had been dropped when Marta grabbed her. To say that Sarah was overjoyed at having her belongings back, would be an understatement. Her reaction to seeing Al was even more intense, in that she clung to him like a lifebelt, and pressed her unscathed cheek to his chest.

“They said that there will be a scar Al, it’s quite a long cut, and – and – if she’d pressed the knife in a little harder, and longer – well – I might not be here.”

“But you are here, and Marta is locked up.  So is her little friend, who far from wanting to apologise for her actions, is still spitting and swearing at anyone who will listen.  Do you have to stay in overnight?”

“No.  They just said I’d have to wait for you.  The nurse is bringing me some painkillers, an appointment to come back in a week to check the wound, several clean dressings, and a huge list of instructions.”

“Where do you want to go now?  I’ve been in and fed Buster, but now that Marta’s in custody, you can go back to the flat if you want?”

“What I really want is to go back to yours – if that’s okay.  It’s not just a question of feeling safe anymore.  Can you put up with the company of this drugged-up scar-face?”

“Silly question.  I put some things into a bag for you.  I was kind of hoping that you might want to stay.”

Sarah managed a feeble laugh but refrained from smiling because it hurt too much now that the local anaesthetic was wearing off.

“Any excuse to rummage through my knicker drawer.”

The nurse came in with the list and the painkillers.  She insisted on Sarah going out to the car in the wheelchair, and watching while Al helped Sarah into the passenger seat and secured the seat belt. They waved goodbye, and drove out of the hospital car park, only to reposition at the nearby retail centre that had every kind of takeaway food available.

“Eat in the car or warm things up when we get home?” asked Al as he paid for the food.  His question was answered by Sarah nibbling frantically on the chicken nuggets as soon as he offered them to her.  She had an idea that a burger would entail opening up her mouth too wide for the stitches but nuggets were just the right size.  The strawberry milkshake tasted like ambrosia from the gods, but it was once she had finished eating that Sarah found herself crying.  Silently at first, but as the every-thoughtful Al started mopping her up with the wodge of napkins he’d grabbed, the fear and shock that had been building up since the attack finally found an outlet. Al held her tight in his arms until the sobbing subsided, and both he and the napkins were drenched.

“Sorry, Al.  I’ve made your shirt all wet.”

“It will wash.  I’m not sure that your blouse will recover though, I found a couple of blouses in the wardrobe that I’ve seen you in, and put them in the bag.  If necessary, I have an extensive range of large shirts and black tee-shirts at home that you can use.”

“I think I’d rather burn this blouse than try to get the blood out of it.  Every time I look at it, I’ll be reminded of Marta.  Mind you, with this scar, I’ll have a permanent reminder anyway.”

“It will fade in time, Sarah. At the moment it’s a reminder of what a brave and resourceful woman you are.  You should see it as a mark of honour.  That’s the way policeman see scars.”

Sarah emerged from the sea of damp napkins.

“Al, you are a strange, but totally wonderful person, and I bless the day that I met you.”

“Me too.” said Al as he gathered up the takeaway detritus and took it off to the nearest bin.

Sarah was still smiling when she left the lift and headed towards the aftercare office. Jenny and Mel were in conversation with some other members of the team, but were obviously waiting for Sarah to return.  She made a concerted effort to look serious.

“Hi, sorry I’m late. I had to talk to the police about Marta.  She’s still on the loose I’m afraid.”

Jenny looked down at her notes and frowned.

“Just confirm for me Sarah, we saw Marta through to the airside staff at the airport, didn’t we?”

“Yes, and she returned to Holland as arranged.  After speaking to someone from here, she obtained my address, and came back because she is convinced that I can help her get the money and recognition that she feels she is owed.”

“Do we know where that information came from?” asked Mel, knowing that everyone knew the answer.

Sarah looked over at Daryl. He took a deep breath.

“It was Natasha.  She was the only one in the office, and she admitted that she’d given Marta the information in order to get her own back on Sarah.  I don’t think that Natasha realised how much trouble it was going to cause for everyone.  She’s told me that she’s sorry, and that she wants to apologise to Sarah.”

“Tough!” said Jenny.  “She has blown any chance of getting back into the building or any of the other offices.  Oliver spoke to the legal department this morning, and basically Natasha has broken nearly every clause in her contract.  She will never get a job in media again. Neither will Natasha’s Mummy. We just have to make sure that you are safe, Sarah.  Any ideas?”

“I’ll be staying with a friend for the time being.  Although Millie’s flat is fairly secure, we know that Marta is adept at conning her way into places.  Security here is first class so I’m safe whilst I’m on site. I have no doubt that I will be safe at my friend’s house too.”

“We don’t want to put anyone else at risk, especially if there are children involved.” said Jenny.

“It’s not my friend Jude.  I’ll give you the address shortly, but the police have said that I need to keep the location secret for now – I trust you all, but Marta is very good at getting information out of people, and I don’t want anyone else on the team put at risk.”

“Thank you, Sarah.  There is one other thing that I need to warn you all about – especially in terms of reporters ringing up, or asking you questions away from the office.  There’s been a suicide; a person who was on the show and apparently failed the lie detector test.  We all know that the test is not fool proof, but usually the truth comes out eventually.  The inquest is being held next week; it may reflect badly on all of us but particularly on Oliver.  The aftercare team could have done more to support this man, but Millie was away, Sarah hadn’t started with us, and it looks as if the hand of Natasha was responsible for cancelling the counselling sessions that he was offered.  Off you all go now but, please, keep this to yourselves, and not a word to Natasha!”

The rest of the team filed out and headed for the canteen and some much-needed caffeine.  Jenny picked up her pen to write down Sarah’s temporary address.

“No need.” said Sarah. “I’m staying at Al’s tonight. In the spare bedroom.”

Jenny did her best not to react to the news.

“With Al? Okay, is there anything else you want to tell me – off the record?”

“Off the record.  Al has been a great friend to me from the very first moment I arrived here.  Our friendship has progressed, but I don’t want Al to feel awkward if the young runners start making coarse comments.  I trust that I can rely on your discretion Jenny, and that I’m not breaking any company rules?”

“No.  Of course not.  Al is a great bloke, and we all respect him…”

“As do I.  In the short time that we have known each other, I’ve discovered that there is so much more to Al than most of you see.  I spent ten years trapped with a man who did his utmost to control me, and disapproved on principle of everything that I liked.  Al makes me laugh; we enjoy the same things, and I knew for certain that I wanted to get to know him better from the instant I stepped into his living room and saw most of my favourite books on his shelves.  You can rely on us both being discreet at work of course.  The most important thing is finding Marta, and keeping her from harming anyone.”

“Of course, Sarah.  Is it okay if we brief the other security staff about Marta and the possible risk – and that Al is taking personal responsibility for your safety?”

Sarah winked.

“I rather like the sound of that, Jenny.”

Not known for her sense of humour, on this occasion, Jenny smiled and winked back as she left the room.  Sarah took out her mobile and sent Al a text advising that Jenny knew about her staying at his house, and that she had ensured that discretion would be maintained. As an afterthought Sarah added “So no more snogging in the lift. S xxxx”

Al’s reply was short but very sweet; a smiley face followed by four kisses.  Sarah felt like she was twenty-one again and going off to the Graduation Ball. Then she remembered what happened to poor Amy Loomis, and sent up a silent prayer of thanks that she was older and wiser – to some extent anyway.

Mondays and Tuesdays, when there was no filming taking place, were often slow and taken up with the follow-ups from previous shows, and preparing for the next group of people to put in an appearance on Wednesday. Jenny asked Sarah to have a look through the file on the man who had killed himself, hoping that she might spot something that had been missed.

She did.

It was another of those cases where Oliver had taken a dislike to the man, and quite openly goaded him so that the audience, fickle as ever, made the whole situation worse by booing and jeering.  The aftercare that should have been set up was cancelled – by Natasha who felt that Oliver had seen through the man’s lies, and that he didn’t ‘deserve’ having more resources wasted on him.  Sarah had no doubt that such a decision should never have been left to an immature and inexperienced runner.  She looked for signs that Millie had been aware of the situation, but it was clear that other people who were less experienced in aftercare had rushed through the process while she was off for a few rare days with Tom.  Other members of the team were aware of Oliver’s dislike of the man and probably kept quiet in the hope that there would be no repercussions.  To be fair, that would usually be the case, but on this occasion the combination of Oliver’s annoyance, Natasha’s arrogance, and the blind eye turned by other team members could all have contributed to what was a very sad situation.  Ultimately, Oliver would have to take the blame.  The outrageous behaviour that made him a cult hero to many might also be his downfall.

Sarah typed up her notes and emailed them to Jenny. She went looking for Daryl, who she had a feeling might be able to shed light on what had gone on.  He was in the canteen, locked into his mobile, and didn’t hear her approach.

“I need to ask you some questions Daryl; it would be better if you told me the truth right from the start.”

“What? What have I done?”

“There are going to be questions asked about this poor man who has committed suicide.  According to the records, you, as a trained polygraph operator, supervised Natasha when she carried out the lie test on him.  Did you?”

Daryl looked down at the table top and muttered, “No.”

“Why not?  You know the rules.  Natasha hadn’t even done the training.  She should never have carried out the test, even with supervision.”

“We were busy.  I told her she would have to wait until I could supervise her, but she said that her mother had told her she needed the experience. I was called away, and by the time I came back she had done the test, and was dancing around the office waving the result.  She said that it didn’t matter because Oliver didn’t like the bloke anyway.”

“Did you tell Millie?”

“No, by the time she came back from Cambridge the programme had been recorded.  Natasha knew that Millie would be cross, so she swore us all to secrecy.  She said that if we told on her, she’d tell her mother and we’d lose our jobs.”

“We are going to have to talk to Jenny about this.”

“Will I lose my job?”

“Depends on what happens.  If the Coroner considers Oliver to be an interested person, this might be the end of the show, of all our jobs, and of Oliver’s career.  Based on Natasha’s flawed polygraph test, this man was branded a serial liar and took his own life.  Come on. Time to get this sorted out.”

Sarah followed Daryl up to Jenny’s office.  She was waiting, together with Oliver, Mel and a serious-looking woman from the legal department.  Jenny had printed off Sarah’s notes and circulated them. Sarah and Daryl took their seats at the end of the conference table. Oliver did not look happy.

“In addition to the notes I sent you, Daryl has some further information.  It doesn’t reflect well on anyone, but some of the blame has to lie with Natasha, and particularly with her mother’s threats of getting people sacked if they refused to help her daughter.”

Oliver exploded! “That bloody woman and her imbecile of a daughter!  Whatever happens Jenny, we are never employing anyone based on family or friend’s recommendations!”

“That’s me out then!” said Sarah

Oliver glared at her, and then realised what he had said.  Jenny put a hand on Sarah’s arm.

“Millie may have brought you to us Sarah, but believe me, you were employed on your own merit, experience and qualifications. You have also proved your worth to us on several occasions, including this one.  In addition, working on this show has put you into personal danger from one of the guests, also down to Natasha.  Please rest assured that whatever happens, neither you, nor Millie can be held responsible. We’re also very grateful that Al is in a position to keep you safe.”

“Al?” said Oliver. “Our Al?  Our security guard?  What has he got to do with this?”

Sarah smiled. “He’s saved my life from Marta once already. There is far more to Al than just being a security guard.   Do you need me for anything else Jenny?  I’ve got some profiles to look through for Wednesday.”

“Thank you, Sarah.  I’ll just see you out.”

Jenny walked Sarah out into the corridor.

“Go easy on Daryl, Jenny? Natasha obviously took advantage of Millie’s absence to get her own way.  We’ve all seen how domineering and arrogant she and her mother can be.”

“We’ll see.  You do realise that referring to Al in there will have set off Oliver’s nose for a secret?”

Sarah shrugged.

“I am not in any way embarrassed by my relationship with Al.  Don’t tell Oliver, but Al is the best kisser I’ve met since I went to Uni.  Definitely better looking, and infinitely better company than my ex-partner. Catch you later!”

It took Jenny a few minutes to stop laughing, and compose herself before she could return to the conference room and Daryl’s fate.

The police promised that they would be keeping an eye on the flat all night but if it wasn’t for Al, sleeping in Tom’s tiny room at the end of the corridor, Sarah’s dreams would have turned into nightmares. Al had checked the laptop over for her, and agreed with the police theory that Marta had dumped the laptop because she couldn’t get into it. Nothing seemed to have been tampered with and it worked perfectly when she set it up on the table. There was a long email from Millie. She said that she was fine, and that she would be home by the end of the week – and that she was bringing a surprise, but more than that she could not say at the moment – just that Sarah was to stop worrying, and to tell Oliver not to be such an arse. Al roared with laughter when Sarah read out the email.

There were more flat details from Roseanne, but Sarah found that she wasn’t really interested in looking at them now. Once she was satisfied that the laptop was fine, she made some coffee, dug out her random-buy biscuits of the day before, and sat down to watch some TV with Al. He was happier watching programmes on the comedy channel that she loved, rather than insisting on anything more essentially macho, or the exceptionally right-on nature programmes that Andy had been obsessed with. In fact, she thought, as she got into bed that night, she was enjoying Al’s company at least as much as she enjoyed the company of Millie or Jude, and maybe even a little bit more? She fell asleep smiling for the second night on the trot.

She slept too soundly in the end, and it was a good job that Al had set his alarm, because Sarah never heard hers go off. The smell of toast and coffee from the kitchen catapulted her out of bed and into the bathroom. It was nice though, sitting there having breakfast with Al, her hair up in a towel, and her voluminous dressing gown wrapped around her. By the time she’d fed a purring Buster and got dressed, Al was out of the shower too, ready and waiting. Although they were going in his car, he insisted on checking Sarah’s just in case Marta was hanging around the car park. There was no sign of her at the studio and as there was no filming that morning, Al felt sure that if she did turn up, she would be spotted by security straight away.

When Sarah got to her office there was a huge bouquet of flowers propped up against her desk. ‘To Sarah, with gratitude from Oliver and Elena’ was written on the card and although she had pushed Friday’s events to the back of her mind, she felt reassured that it was one less thing to worry about. Word about Marta had spread through the building – not because Al had gossiped but due to the higher than usual level of security required. Marta’s appearance was also the main topic of the Monday morning meeting, together with a stern warning to all the staff about giving out personal details to anyone. Natasha’s friends were particularly apologetic, but also curious about what Marta had done. Oliver waited until they had finished giving Sarah the third degree, then he sat down beside her.

“Sorry.” he said. “I was a total arse on Friday. It’s a good job you were being professional. From what I heard your weekend didn’t exactly improve from then on.”

“It’s okay. Elena explained. How is your mum doing?”

“Better, much better thanks. I suppose I ought to stop lecturing everyone on the importance of good communication, shouldn’t I?”

Sarah looked at Oliver and grinned.

“I wouldn’t want to do your job for love nor money, Oliver, and I would never dream of telling you how to do it.  I see my job as providing the support and advice required after people have been on the show.  I’m not as experienced as Millie in this line of work, but I’m learning!”

“You’re doing fine Sarah.  We all miss Millie, and yes, she knows how to handle my temper tantrums almost as well as Elena does.  Any news about when she’ll be back?”

“End of the week according to her most recent email – and she’s bringing a surprise but won’t give any other details.  I have a feeling that Tom may be on the verge of meeting his father at last.  Of course, she could just be bringing a suitcase full of weird and wonderful clothes and ornaments that she’s fallen in love with.”

Oliver looked serious for a moment.

“This Marta woman.  Did we do all we could to get rid of her?”

“We did, unfortunately Natasha undid all the good work by giving out my address when Marta called the studio. I know that her actions were motivated by spite, and a desire to get her own back on me, but it does rather confirm that Natasha has neither common sense nor the ability to predict the outcomes of her own actions.  Daryl tells me that Natasha wants to apologise to me in person, but I don’t really want to go down that route until Marta is found and back in Holland. I asked the police to notify Peter and his friends about Marta; if she can’t get to me, then she is likely to start on them.  The police already had Peter and Ali’s details on file from the previous incidents, so I didn’t have to breach confidence.”

“Natasha is just a typical example of how the children of well-to-do families are endowed with the belief that they are entitled to advantages denied to other people.  She will not be coming back, and this latest incident underlines the fact that, whatever her mother thinks, Natasha does not have the knowledge or maturity to work in this kind of setting.  More ammo for the legal department anyway, and I hear from the Chief Execs department that they are glad to see the back of Mummy.  She spent more time out of the office on holidays, and weekends in the country than actually doing her job.”

“Shame.  Natasha’s Dad seemed a really nice man; with a more realistic appreciation of his daughter’s abilities than his wife.”

There was a tap on the door and Oliver got up to answer it.  Al was there, and looked a little abashed to find Oliver there as well.

“Sorry to interrupt, but the police have been on the phone, and want to have a word with Sarah.”

“Of course, and thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty to rescue Sarah this weekend, Al.  See you both later.”

Sarah waited until the door was closed and gently punched Al in the arm.

“I’m hoping that your actions this weekend had nothing to do with our professional roles, and more to do with a friendship that I am growing to value more each day.”

Al rubbed his arm in mock pain.

“We are friends, aren’t we Sarah? I understand if that’s all it can ever be, but…”

“Al.  After ten years in a safe but extremely sterile partnership, I am something of a beginner at relationships. Despite the threat of Marauding Marta hanging over us this weekend, I’ve had a wonderful time with you and your family, and I look forward to more – if that’s okay with you?”

“Do you mean what I think you mean?” he asked, blushing again.

Sarah stood up on tiptoes, put her hands on Al’s shoulders, and kissed him.  No friendly peck on the cheek this time, but a full-blown kiss that was returned with just as much enthusiasm. He pulled her close to him, and even to Sarah’s rather naïve experience of kissing and all that went with it, she could tell that Al was extremely interested in taking their relationship on to the next step.

“I’d like to continue this,” said Sarah breaking free. “But I am well aware that there will be runners and researchers needing this room at any moment.   Do the police really want to talk to me?”

Looking stunned, speechless, but rather pleased, Al nodded his head and opened the door. Sarah, feeling a strange and rather wonderful sensation in the pit of her stomach, followed him down the corridor to the empty lift. As the doors closed, Al took Sarah in his arms, and gave her another kiss that sent shivers down her spine. The recorded voice warned them that they were about to be on the ground floor, and they broke apart reluctantly, trying not to look too guilty and flushed when the lift doors opened.  There was no one to see them anyway, but Sarah still smiled broadly all the way to the security office.

Al phoned the police, and put Sarah on the phone once he’d found the detective who was dealing with the case.  Marta was still at large, but hadn’t been seen near Peter’s address nor home of his friends.

“She seems to have fixated on you, Sarah,” he said. “which means that there is a real risk that she may try again.  We are recommending that you either go to another address, or that Al continues to stay at the flat with you.  Whichever you decide, let us know where you are.  Al can give us any details.  He’s a good bloke – too good to be babysitting that Standish fool.”

“Not Oliver’s greatest fan then?” said Sarah.

“Trash TV.  Don’t get me wrong, the work that you do helps some of those people afterwards, but doing dirty laundry on live TV causes more harm than Standish realises.  Can’t say much at the moment, but there’s something brewing that might put an end to the show anyway.  That’s a need to know right now, okay?  Just stay safe and keep an eye out for large Dutch women! Good job you’ve got Al to rely on.”

Sarah put the phone down and mulled over what the detective had said.  She repeated it for Al’s benefit, and whilst he smiled at the prospect of keeping Sarah safe, his expression changed when he heard the second part of their conversation.

He nodded his head.

“Rumour has it that one of the people who was on the show last year committed suicide recently.  He failed the lie detector test about cheating on his wife.  I’ve never seen someone so adamant that the test was wrong.  Oliver gave him short shrift, and said that the guy would just have to man up, and admit that he’d been lying.  This was before you started, and I have a feeling that Millie was away with Tom for a couple of days while he went through the admission procedure at Cambridge. None of us felt that happy about it. Lie detectors aren’t fool proof, and the guy was pretty nervous throughout.”

“Let me guess.  Natasha was involved in this somewhere?”

“She shouldn’t have been, but Oliver and Jenny were under pressure from Mummy, and said that Natasha needed to get as much experience as possible.  It depends on what the Coroner says; he or she may feel that the guy had other problems that contributed to his taking his own life, on the other hand, Oliver has made enemies in many areas.  There is a possibility that they might shut down the show if there is too much adverse publicity.  In which case…”

“We could be looking for other jobs.  If that happens, can I come and help you renovate the cottage?”

Al looked stunned.

“Are you serious?”

Sarah punched him in the arm again.

“I have a great deal to learn about life outside social work and needy clients.  It’s time that I discovered what I want, and what suits me.  Talking of which, tonight?  Your place or mine?  Don’t look so shocked Al, the detective said I shouldn’t be alone in case Marta turns up.”

“Yes.  Of course.  Your choice?”

Al was blushing again, and Sarah decided that it was an endearing trait, but some straight-talking was needed.

“I worried about you in Tom’s little bed last night, so can I come and stay at yours?  You said that you had a spare bedroom that was decorated; we could pop into the flat first, feed Buster, and get me some clothes and stuff for tomorrow.  I know that I’m intruding on your space, but I felt so comfortable there yesterday.”

Al nodded vigorously.  Sarah got to her feet, had a quick look out into the corridor, and kissed him again.  He bent his knees and pulled her even closer this time, which only increased Sarah’s goosebumps.

“I’ll leave you to let the police know then,” she said reluctantly.  “I’d better get upstairs or the runners will start spreading rumours.”

“I wouldn’t want to embarrass you, Sarah.”

Sensing that this was one of the hurdles that needed to be overcome, Sarah stroked the side of Al’s face very gently.

“You could never embarrass me.  I am proud to have you as my friend, and I will be even more proud if our friendship continues to progress.  I may even generate a few rumours of my own in fact.  That way we take control of what people think and say.”

Another swift kiss, and she was gone. 

Al sat down at his desk, still feeling the warmth of her kiss and embrace.  It took a few moments before he could rally his thoughts and let the police know where he and Sarah would be spending the night.

Buying bacon and eggs when she went shopping had been an impulse. She usually found that eating a full English was way beyond her. This morning however, with a bright and slightly unshaven Al sat at the table, Sarah felt quite proud that she had something more substantial than toast or chocolate Shreddies to offer him. They had stayed up late talking. About nothing, about everything, and Sarah realised that there was so much more to Al than just a guy who did security on the show. He had already told her about his time in the police force, but sat there, sipping red wine together, he talked more about a life that he kept very private. Like many men his age, he had been married with children, two teenaged boys who lived with their mother but sporadically kept in touch. He lived in a house on the outskirts of the city that he had done up from scratch, and was very proud of. He was in the process of doing the same to his sister’s council house; she had moved there after her partner walked out on her and their children.

Sarah could see, when Al talked about his sons, and his nieces and nephew, that he was very much a family man. He was matter of fact about his ex-wife; they had split up when he was in the police force, grown apart and thrown apart by the long hours, and his admitted distraction by the job. He had gone out with other women since the divorce, but nothing serious. Some women were interested in him because of his job, and once he had refused to get them free tickets and an introduction to Oliver, they tended to lose that interest.

Touched by his honesty, Sarah filled in the gaps of her own story. She had told Al some of it when they went out to the pub for dinner, but she had kept things superficial and light, trying not to paint herself as a deserted woman and unable to look after herself.  She had to admit that she hadn’t done too well on the coping stakes the day before, and was still very angry about not checking to see who was pressing the door buzzer. She was also mourning the loss of her laptop and hoping that Marta wouldn’t damage it once she realised that it was password protected. Al’s phone rang whilst he was tucking into the bacon and eggs. Sarah listened intently, hoping that Marta had been found.

Al put his mobile back on the table.

“The good news is that the police have your laptop. Marta left it in a pizza restaurant this morning and they called the police. The bad news is that Marta is still on the loose and harder to track because she no longer has the laptop. Do you keep any spare keys to this flat lying around?”

“No, Tom has his own set, I had mine on me, and Millie’s are hidden in her knicker drawer.”

“Would you go and check please?”

She didn’t feel that happy about rummaging through Millie’s underwear, but the pleasure of finding the keys safely far outweighed any awkwardness.

“All accounted for.” said Sarah as she sat back down.

“Good. Umm, did you have any plans for today, Sarah?”

“Not really. Why?”

“The police don’t think you should stay here alone – in case Marta comes back. I’d stay with you, but I promised my sister that I’d finish off the front room for her today. Is there a friend you could stay with? Or…”

“…Or?”

“If you want to – and only if you want to – you could come with me to my sister’s house, and give me a hand? You’d be very welcome.”

“Al, I have never done any DIY in my life! For the past ten years I have lived in a seventies tribute house. Before that I was in the house I grew up in. My only other experience of life was a dingy rented house that Millie and I shared with two other very unworldly students. Our housekeeping skills have improved since then, and as you can see, I managed to learn how to cook a bit.”

Looking up from his bacon and eggs, Al grinned.  “No complaints here! You won’t need to do anything technical. Talk to my sister Maggie, meet the kids, be in a place where I won’t be worrying about you all day. I’ve almost finished the room, I just need to do a bit of painting, get the curtain rails and curtains up, and move the furniture back in once the paint is dry. You’ll get a Sunday roast out of it.”

Sarah grinned. “You just said the magic word. I take it that I don’t need to dress up today?”

“No, jeans and a shirt like yesterday is fine. Do you mind if we call in at mine so I can get some work clothes on? I’m still in black stealth mode from last night.”

“I’ll feed Buster and get ready, while you finish your breakfast then. Casual it is.”

Walking into Millie’s room to wake the dozing Buster, Sarah felt strangely elated.

“Come on Buster, dinner.”

Sarah spoke with authority and was amazed when Buster got up from the bed, stretched and followed her out to the kitchen. She looked at Al and nodded toward Buster, who seemed to be in the most compliant mood she had ever seen him in. Al did a quick wash and brush up in the bathroom, then phoned his friend in the police to get an update.

“Can we call by the station to drop off a set of keys? They think that they should be finished with your laptop but they need your fingerprints for elimination purposes. Did anyone else use your laptop?”

“Millie and I were both using it before she went away. Her keys would probably have her fingerprints on them. She has a square security fob like I do.”

“Good, if you pop them straight into a bag, we might be able to kill two birds with one stone then.”

Rooting around in the kitchen drawer, Sarah found some plastic bags that Millie must have used for Tom’s packed lunches. Turning the bag inside out, she went back into Millie’s bedroom again and picked up the keys, turning the bag the right way out again and sealing it.

“There you go.”

Sarah handed Al the bag with a flourish. Before they left the flat, Al went out into the corridor just to check that Marta hadn’t returned for more pizza. The coast was clear, and they took the lift down to the car park.

“What shall we do about my car?” asked Sarah as she climbed in beside him.

“We’ll check on it now, and if it’s okay we’ll pick it up again tonight when we come back from my sister’s. As far as I know Marta knows your car but not mine, so there’s less chance of us being followed. Is that alright?”

“Makes perfect sense to me, but thank you for asking me rather than telling me. I appreciate that.”

Al gave her a strange look as he started up the car.

“Can I ask you something Sarah?”

“Well, you know my age already, and probably my height and weight. I have no more secrets. Ask away.”

“Well, I know that I haven’t known you very long, but in that time, you’ve always seemed confident, you’ve stood up to Oliver, dealt with some awkward people on the show – not to mention the Natasha business – you appear to be so in control, but when you talk about the time you spent with Andy, I don’t recognise you as the same person. It’s almost as if you were totally under his control.”

She thought for a moment before answering. “Control is too strong a word really. I was lazy, too idle to get myself out of a stale relationship that wasn’t doing anything for either of us. I was more interested in my work than a home life that required no effort at all. Andy did everything. I admire Andy for having the courage to make the break, but it feels like I’ve been asleep for the past ten years.”

“Welcome to the real world, Sleeping Beauty!”

“I’m enjoying the real world and I don’t want it to stop. If Andy comes back and tells me that he made a terrible mistake, then I’ll be telling him that he hasn’t.  I like the real world.”

Al smiled as he drove into the burger outlet car park. Sarah’s car was safe and still locked up from the night before. Satisfied that all was well, they called in at the police station where Sarah was overjoyed to get her laptop back. They handed over the flat keys, warned them to be on the look-out for Buster, and confirmed that they would call before coming back to the flat later.  

Next stop was Al’s house, and Sarah had to admit to herself that she was deeply curious to see where he lived.  She wasn’t sure why, but she had a feeling that it was very important. They drove through countryside and eventually came to a small cluster of cottages.  Al turned into the driveway of the last and largest of them. It was obviously still a work in progress but looking at the man beside her, Sarah was amazed by the front garden full of unregimented flowers and shrubs, the soft white painted exterior interrupted here and there by original stonework, and the inviting blue gloss front door.

“Al, this is gorgeous! Is this all your own work?”

Al blushed. “Most of it, I’ve called in a few favours from mates in the trade and it isn’t finished yet, but it’s all mine. Let me give you the guided tour.”

He led the way round to the rear of the house where a large tarpaulin covered a pile of bricks and equipment and the rest of the garden was obscured by more shrubs and fruit trees.  The back door opened into the kitchen; a large room with a stone floor and wooden units, black granite worktops and an impressive range cooker. It lacked a few homely touches, but Sarah could see that it was well planned.  Al was smiling at her reaction, and beckoned her through to the living room. Warm red brickwork and wooden beams; a large squashy brown velour sofa and matching armchairs, and bookcases filled with books that had Sarah itching to go and explore.

She turned to him and smiled.

“What a brilliant house Al! You must have worked so hard!”

He nodded. “Three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, I’ve extended up and down, and put a toilet and shower room down here.  I’ve decorated the upstairs bathroom and two of the bedrooms, but I’ve one still to do.  Have a poke around whilst I get changed. I won’t be long.”

The books were as interesting as Sarah had hoped they would be. In addition to the crime, science fiction and DIY books that she had expected to see, there were some well-thumbed classics, poetry and several authors that were old favourites of hers too.  When Al came downstairs, he found her curled up on his sofa, thumbing through one of these and looking for all the world as if she belonged there. She peered over the top of her glasses as he came down the narrow wooden stairs, wearing old jeans and a paint spattered sweat shirt. 

“Hey Al, you are a man of many surprises!”

“Good surprises I hope?”

He was blushing again.

“Oh yes. Does your sister know that I’m coming over?”

“Yes, I phoned her earlier on. She knows all about what’s happened, and she’ll be very pleased to lay an extra place at the table. You ready to go?”

She was, but it was quite a wrench to leave the comfort of the sofa and book. Having decided that she wanted the cool, minimalist style of Millie’s flat, Sarah was now feeling far more attached to this rustic cottage that had been so lovingly restored.

It wasn’t far to Maggie’s house. She lived on the edge of an estate in Sarah’s own home town. Other houses in her street were less well kempt; had front gardens cluttered with car tyres, collapsed trampolines, and bicycle frames. Maggie’s garden was neat and tidy, the paintwork on her window frames was fresh and her front door was the same glossy blue as Al’s. As soon as he switched off the engine, a small boy, followed by three older girls, came out of the front door like bullets.

“Uncle Al, Uncle Al!” the boy shouted as he threw himself into Al’s waiting arms, the girls hung back a little, shy because of Sarah’s presence. Then Maggie came out through the front door and took hold of Sarah’s hand.

“Lovely to meet you Sarah, and thank you for joining us. I could tell that Al was torn between helping you, and helping me when he called last night. Come on in.”

“Last night?”

Sarah grinned at Al’s blush as she followed Maggie indoors. The hallway was crowded with furniture that had been moved out of the front room but the kitchen was warm, welcoming and smelled of roast lamb. Whilst Al got on with the painting, ‘helped’ by Maggie’s son, the girls went back to their drawing, and Maggie made coffee.

“Place is a bit of a mess I’m afraid.” said Maggie.

“It’s comfortable, you are obviously in the middle of decorating, and I don’t work for social services anymore, so you have nothing to fear from me.  Any fool can see how happy your kids are.”

“Thank you, it’s not how my ex – Bob – sees things. He’s constantly causing trouble for us. I’ve tried not to be angry with him in front of the kids, but he turns up when he feels like it and demands to take the kids out. He brings them back high on sugar and fizzy drinks, and then complains because they are out of control. His ultimate threat is that he’ll report me for being a bad mother and get custody of the kids.”

“How old are they?”

“The twins, Meg and Amy are eleven, Julie is nine and Alex is five. We split up due to Bob having affairs with anyone who’d have him. We had to move here when he stopped paying the mortgage on the house six months ago.  He didn’t care that the kids were uprooted from their home and school. We were lucky to get this council house; I was a bit reluctant because of the state it was in but Al said he would sort it out – and he has – almost.”

Sarah drank her coffee. It was very good.

“If your ex calls in social services, call me. Even though I don’t work for the local authority I’m still a registered social worker and my word counts for something – especially around here.  I spent twelve years working in this area with children and families.”

The quick hug Maggie gave Sarah was unexpected but very welcome. She got on with making the dinner, and they talked companionably whilst Maggie whipped up batter to make Yorkshire puddings, and Sarah peeled potatoes at the sink. It was one of the best Sunday lunches Sarah had ever eaten. The children were noisy but contained, and Maggie was wise enough to let them get down from the table once they’d had enough to eat, leaving the adults to converse, and in Al and Maggie’s case, bicker mildly with each other. Once the curtains were hung, Maggie and Sarah helped Al to put all the furniture back and make the room come alive again. After a few exhortations to keep away from the walls, the children were allowed back in and all voiced their approval of Uncle Al’s handiwork.

“I have to get Sarah back to her car now, and check up on whether they’ve found the mad woman yet,” said Al, looking at his watch.

“Won’t the police call you?” asked Maggie, obviously reluctant to see them go.

“Not necessarily. You have to chivvy them along a bit. See you later Sis.”

Maggie walked out to the car with them and gave her brother the biggest hug. Then she turned to Sarah and hugged her too.

“Is that okay?” she whispered. “Al hasn’t brought a friend back here before. You are his friend, aren’t you?”

“Oh yes.” said Sarah. “He has this habit of being nearby whenever I need him – like a guardian angel.”

“Our Al! Angelic! I won’t disillusion you. He does have a heart of the purest gold though.”

Sarah was very quiet as they drove back to Al’s cottage so that he could change into clean clothes. As they pulled up outside, she turned to him with a wicked smile.

“When did you phone your sister Al?”

“Ah. Yeah, I phoned her last night. I had a feeling that Marta would still be on the loose and I couldn’t bear the thought of her getting back in the flat when you were on your own. I hope I haven’t – you know?”

“I’ve had a much better day than I could have hoped for. If we find out that Marta has been found and is safely locked up, that will be the cherry on my cake.”

“Okay, I’ll get changed and give my mate a call.”

Curled up on the sofa, nose deep in another book, Sarah didn’t really want to go anywhere, least of all back to the flat. She brought sensible Sarah back to the fore, and acknowledged that she couldn’t go to work like this, that she needed her car for work, and that she wanted to make sure that her laptop was okay. She heard Al’s mobile go off again whilst she was reading, but didn’t think much to it.

When Al came down, dressed in stealth black again and carrying a small bag, Sarah frowned.

“Not good news Al?”

“No,” he shook his head. “They’re still looking for her. You can go back but only if I stay with you. It seems that Marta is more dangerous and calculating than we gave her credit for. She has quite a record for stalking, making threats and burglary in Holland. Can you put up with me for another night?”

“Okay, but it’s back to toast or cereals for breakfast tomorrow.”

Al held out a hand and helped her up from the sofa. She thought for one rather lovely moment that he was going to take her in his arms and kiss her, but he didn’t, and she was reluctant to force anything. This slow-burning relationship was rather wonderful and totally unlike anything she had ever experienced before.