A Year in the Life- June
By Sim and Cam
Disclaimer: "As you can see, evil will always triumph, because good is dumb". Don't know what relevance that has to the fact that I don't own anything in Water Rats, but it's a damned good "Spaceballs" quote!
Authors Note: Okay, so this has been a *long* time in coming. I'm sorry to all those that are affected by the fact that I've taken my sweet time doing this, especially Cam, who has showed the utmost patience when writers block and real life intervened. As a result, Cam and I have both written parts of this one. I hope it was worth the wait.
Recap of the first 5 months: Frank and Rachel bump uglies, twice, before deciding to ditch any hint of a romance to continue working together as a team. Between intriguing and dangerous cases, Rachel starts seeing another man, but this ends after differences in priorities. Just as her and Frank begin to resume their normal relationship, Rachel discovers she is pregnant, but loses it in the first few months. She is dealt an extra blow when she discovers that the father was in fact Frank, not her ex-boyfriend as she originally thought. After a dangerous case, in which Frank is almost killed, Rachel and Frank decide to give their romantic relationship another shot. which leads us to June.
A Year in the Life- June
She walked along the corridor of the offices briskly, like a woman on a mission. With a stack of papers in one hand, and a purposeful stride, she marched toward the office she shared with her partner. She was so focused on the matter that was grasped in her hands, she didn't notice the footsteps behind her, approaching her. Suddenly, a hand came around her mouth, stifling any potential screams, and taking the rest of her body with his other hand, she was forced into the supply closet.
"Good morning." He grinned, giving her a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Don't you *ever* do that to me again Francis Holloway!" Rachel threatened, giving him a whack with her papers.
His lips soon found hers, and he kissed her passionately. She momentarilyforgot the rule they had made about fooling around at work and gave into thekiss.
"What was that for?" she asked when they broke apart.
"Well, you left kind of early this morning."
"Yeah, sorry, but you know. Work and all." Rachel straightened up Frank's tie for him.
"You're just paranoid." Frank muttered.
Rachel stared at him for a few moments, wondering how he could be so relaxed about it all. "You don't think they'd split us up?"
"They won't find out." Frank promised.
Rachel gave an exasperated glance at the wall of the supply cupboard before looking back at Frank.
"Well, that may be the least of our worries at the moment." Rachel sighed.
"What's wrong?" Frank asked, not liking the look on her face.
"This." She held up the top sheet in her pile still clutched in her hand.
Frank took it out of her grasp. "Hawker wants to see us. What else is new?"
"The fact that he's officially memo-ing us about it isn't making you feel a little uneasy?" Rachel asked.
"Well, I guess." Frank now understood why she was so uptight.
"And all those rumours about the departmental shake up." Rachel reminded him.
"Goldie. It will be alright. We'll be alright. We're a team, remember."
Frank took her by the shoulders, reassuring her.
"Yeah. Yeah. I'm okay. We better get back to the office before someone gets suspicious."
"Okay." Frank muttered, then casually walked out.
Rachel gave him thirty seconds, then followed him into the office.
Fifteen minutes until they had to be in Jeff Hawker's office.
***
"Firstly, congratulations." Jeff Hawker announced to his two curious colleagues.
"I'd say thanks, but I don't know what I've done." Frank told him, trying to mask his wariness.
"You know that we've been assessed lately. I'm sure you've heard the rumours of the departmental shake up, especially in our head quarters here."Jeff continued.
"Yeah, we know all this, but where does this concern Frank and me?" Rachel asked.
"Well, your superiors are extremely impressed with your work. They believe you have a very strong working partnership." Jeff explained.
Frank and Rachel exchanged a look of relief.
"They are extremely impressed in your work ethic, and the way you've handled the more difficult cases thrown at you this year. Both as a team,and individually."
Again, they sighed with relief.
Then the bombshell was dropped.
"Which is why you will be split up."
Jeff had been dreading that sentence since the time he had been told, and for a moment, he wished he had of made sure they were unarmed before entering his office.
Rachel looked at him as if he were Zaphod Beeblebrox and had grown an extra head. Frank clenched his jaw and looked into the corner of the room, not daring himself to open his mouth.
Rachel was the first to speak.
"This is bullshit Jeff." She said simply.
"They said we were working well together, so why break up a winning partnership!" Frank argued.
"Because, for once, your individual merits have been recognised. It's time to spread your wings. Move ahead. Meet more people."
"I like working at this place Jeff." Rachel told him, not wanting to be transferred again.
"I know you do."
"And she's the only partner I've actually managed to keep for more than six months here." Frank continued.
"I'm settled here. I don't want to leave." Rachel sighed.
"Well you're lucky then. Because it is Frank that is being transferred."Jeff interrupted. And was greeted by silence.
"Me?" Frank said with disbelief.
"Him?" Rachel shared the confusion.
"What department would actually want me?" Frank asked skeptically.
"Drug Squad. We thought it was about time you got off the water, and back onto dry land." Jeff coaxed.
"I don't belong with other people Jeff." Frank continued.
"Your individual efforts lately have been outstanding Frank. This is your big chance to prove yourself to the big guns. Wipe the slate clean."
Frank attempted to let it all sink in. He gave a sideways glance to Rachel, who just sat in the chair with her hand cupping her chin, thinking.
"What about me?" She finally spoke up.
"Your superiors are impressed with your leadership skills. You'll be given a new partner."
"Leadership skills? So I'm getting a rookie then."
"Looks that way." Jeff conceded.
"So what? He sneezes and I have to be there to wipe his nose for him?" she asked, feeling exasperated.
"Goldie." Frank tried to calm her down, and instinctively took her hand.
"So, how long do we have?" Rachel asked a little bitterly.
"Frank, you'll start tomorrow. Rachel, you'll get your partner tomorrow."He told them.
"That's only twenty-four hours away Jeff." Frank said incredulously.
"Exactly. So you better get to work." Jeff reminded them, then turned back to his own paperwork to give them the hint that they were dismissed.
Slowly, and a little shell shocked, both stood up, and returned to their office.
***
"This is crap." Rachel argued as they walked along the shore.
"Tell me about it. We finally work us out, and they split us up." Frank said, annoyed at their situation.
"This isn't going to affect us, is it?" Rachel asked, her hand actions motioning between the two of them.
"No! Of course not. Why should it? You don't think it will, do you?" Frank was starting to get paranoid.
"I was hoping that it wouldn't." Rachel left the question unanswered as they were greeted by a uniformed officer.
"You must be the detectives from the water police." She asked.
"Yep, this is Frank Holloway, I'm Rachel Goldstein. And this is the victim I take it, Constable James." She said, looking at her name badge.
"Yeah. Young girl, about twenty years of age, suspected drug overdose." The Constable informed them.
"The fifth one this week." Rachel mentioned to Frank.
"And in this area." Frank agreed.
"There's a lot of syringes lying about the beach at the moment. It's like an epidemic." The Constable agreed.
"Yeah, right. Thanks." Frank muttered, then went to survey the area.
Turning to Rachel, he mentioned "I don't know why I'm even bothering. It's not like I'll be here to follow it up!"
"Yeah, well." Rachel said non commitally, trying to let it all sink in.
"See if we can solve it today, hey?"
"Fat chance." Frank said, taking a three-sixty degree look around. "This is bad stuff, whatever it is."
"Someone's supplying a lethal batch. And on our shores."
"Wonder why the beach is suddenly so popular?" Frank thought aloud.
"I don't know. More comfortable? Easier?"
"You're talking like you know." Frank smiled at his partner.
"Who's saying I don't?" Rachel returned the smile.
"You're joking right? Rachel?" Frank asked, suddenly a little curious.
Rachel ignored him and walked on ahead. "Goldie?"
"I thought you knew me well enough by now to know the answer to that question." She smirked.
"Okay, okay." Frank conceded. "So, about this case?"
"Well, I'd say it would be the same as the others. No evidence of the supplier, and the same lethal chemical in this lot as the last four victims." Rachel assessed.
"So we go back and twiddle our thumbs until someone chucks us some evidence?"
"No, we go back and work out a way to clean up the beach."
***
"The victims are Tanya Woodley, Sarah Cras, James Shore, Paul Taylor, and this mornings victim, Deanna Frawley." Rachel laid photographs and reports on Frank's desk.
"Any connections at all?" Frank asked.
"Sarah Cras and James Shore are cousins. He was found about one hundred meters away from her. Maybe he could tell that something was wrong and tried to go for help?" Rachel suggested.
"So we even know what's killing these kids yet?" Frank asked.
"Nope, still waiting on the autopsy report."
"What about Drug Squad? Have they come up with any new information?"
"If they have, they're not telling us. I saw a few of them arrive after we left." Rachel informed him.
"Do you think it's the same stuff?" Frank asked.
"It would have to be. Whatever it is, it's killing those kids. It's always in the same area."
"Well, I'd love to sit here and go over it with you, but I have things to do before I get transferred tomorrow." Frank announced, rising from his chair.
"Oh." Rachel's face fell. "I'd almost forgotten about that."
"I wish I could. I don't know how I'm gonna cope working with someone else." Frank said wistfully, giving his partners shoulder a light squeeze.
"At least you know they'll be competent." Rachel rolled her eyes, remembering her own new partner.
"Well, I guess there is that. But you're a ripper partner Goldie. You'll be fine." Frank told her affectionately.
"Yeah, well, you're not too bad yourself Francis." She grinned.
"So I've been told." He smiled back. "Anyway, I really must go. See you at my place?"
"Nah. David's over tonight. You're welcome to join us." She added.
"Yeah, I might just do that. See you then."
"Yeah. See you." Rachel's eyes followed him out the door. She didn't want anyone to see the tears welled in them.
***
"Rachel Goldstein?" A friendly and hopeful voice asked when Rachel walked past the front desk the next morning. She wasn't feeling the best. It had been great to be able to play mum for a night, but at the same time, she missed the thought of Frank being there when she arrived for work.
"Yeah. That's me." She told the young man.
"Hi. I'm Todd Mathers. I'm your new partner." He introduced himself. Rachel looked him up and down. He looked around twenty-five years of age, with short blonde hair and deep blue eyes. He stood just a little taller than herself, and oozed confidence.
"My new partner. Right. Well, come upstairs. We have a big case you'll need to be briefed on." Rachel informed him, marching up the stairs.
Once they got into the office, Rachel took all the files from Frank's desk, gave Todd a quick run-through, then gave him the case studies to read.
"So, what did you used to do Todd?" Rachel asked.
"I was a Senior Constable at Kiama. Then I did a lot of detective training before being posted here." Todd informed her. "Ever seen a case like this one?" Rachel asked.
"I've picked up a few people that have overdosed, but never anything that seems intentional like this."
"So what? You think that who ever the dealer is wants to kill their clients?" Rachel asked.
"Whoever it is must know that the batch is bad. And this has dragged over two weeks now? You'd think they would be on another batch."
"Hmm. Maybe." Rachel pondered.
"So, what are we doing first?" Todd asked.
"Well, I think we should interview the parents."
***
"We're very sorry about your daughters death Mrs Frawley." Rachel began. "It was tragic circumstances, and we hope to prevent it happening to someone else."
"Yeah. Whatever." Mrs Frawley replied non commitally. She looked to be in her late forties, her dark hair slightly greying. Dark eyes indicated the type of night and day she had experienced. Her verbal responses did not mirror this.
"Did you know that your daughter was on drugs?" Todd asked.
Rachel gave him her look. She didn't think it was the time to bring this up. Not yet.
"Yep. Caught her smoking marijuana when she was fifteen. Doesn't surprise me she found the harder stuff." Mrs Frawley lit up a cigarette.
"Do you know anyone that may have supplied her? Or even the names of a close friend could help." Rachel asked.
"Don't know, don't care." Mrs Frawley grunted. "She was kicked out of home three months ago because she wouldn't stop using. I guess she got what she was warned about."
"You kicked her out of home?" Todd asked incredulously. "She was seventeen years old."
"Old enough to bring drugs into my house, old enough to move out." Shestated simply. "You obviously don't have kids Senior Constable. You have no idea, so don't go accusing me."
"We'll keep looking into this case until we find the supplier Mrs Frawley."Rachel knew that they were drowning, and decided to get out as soon as possible. "Sorry again about your loss."
"Yeah, well, these things happen." Mrs Frawley said bitterly, walking them to the door.
"We'll be in touch." Rachel added.
In silence the two officers walked back towards the car. Rachel was too mad to dare open her mouth.
"Okay, I stuffed up, I'm sorry." Todd began. Which was all it took to set Rachel off.
"I don't know what they taught you in detective school Mathers, but one thing I have learned is you never intimidate a potential source. What you did in there was plain stupidity!" she exclaimed.
"I was stupid? She let her seventeen year old drug addicted daughter live on the streets!" Todd tried to justify.
"I didn't say that I agreed with her parenting style. But I'll tell you one thing, you never *never* tell anyone that they're a bad parent. Especially someone that may be able to tell you something." Rachel told him emphatically.
"It wasn't as if she cared or anything." Todd tried to dig himself out of the hole he was in.
"She just lost a daughter. Couldn't you see the strain in her face? She will be kicking herself right now for letting her go! Think about these things before you open your mouth in future." Rachel warned, getting into the car. For now, the conversation was over.
***
"And then, he tells her she's a bad parent!" Rachel relayed the days events to Frank. They were sitting on his couch, curled up with a beer.
"I admit, that was stupid. But we all did dumb things when we were starting off." Frank tried to defend the poor soul.
"Only when we're starting off?" Rachel smirked, remembering the amount of trouble Frank still managed to find himself in.
"So, for some people it continues throughout their career. But that wasn't the point I was trying to make."
"What was then?"
"You said yourself that he had some good ideas. Give the poor guy a chance."
"I'd love to Frank." Rachel said sincerely. "But I don't know if I can trust him in those kind of situations anymore."
"You've been working with him all of one day Goldie." Frank reminded her.
"Fine." Rachel could sense she was losing the conversation, so decided to change topics. "How was your day anyway?"
"Aw, you know. Bit of this, bit of that. Not much in between." He said nonchalantly. "It was okay I guess. The cases were interesting."
"So you enjoyed it then?" Rachel asked.
"In a way, yeah. It's a change from what I'm usually doing. I wish you were there with me though." He admitted, planting a small kiss on her forehead.
Rachel rested her forehead against his, and put her beer down to stroke his face. "Why did you have to stop being unconventional? Why did you start doing things by the book?"
"Don't you know Goldie?" Frank said sincerely. "I did it all for you."
"For me?"
"I've had so many second warnings, I should have been kicked out long ago.I was on my last chances when you became my partner. Why would I want to jeopardise the best partnership I've ever had?"
Rachel stared at him, amazed by his response. "Good answer." She whispered.
"I speak the truth." He muttered before taking her lips in his own.
"It didn't work though." Rachel mentioned between kisses. "They've still split us up."
"They've split us up professionally." Frank reminded her. "There's no way they can split us up in our private life. They don't even know about us."
"Yeah, that's true." Rachel agreed, kissing him again. Soon all professional worries were lost, as they made up for the time they had spent apart.
***
"I don't get it." Rachel announced later that week.
"Get what?" Todd asked, looking up from his report.
"An ingredient that isn't usually included in the drug mixture has been killing these kids. Yet drug squad refuse to accept the connection." She thought aloud.
"Maybe they've found another connection?" Todd suggested.
"So why aren't they telling us? It's as if they don't trust us or something."
"And that surprises you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rachel snapped.
"There doesn't seem to be many people on the job that you trust. Why should another department put their faith and trust in you?"
"Because we're meant to be working with each other to solve this case. Seven people are now dead. How many more before we solve this?"
"We are meant to be working together. We?"
She glanced up at him annoyed. "What?"
"Oh, nothing. Just. wasn't your old partner assigned to the Drug Squad?"
"So?"
"Oh nothing. Nothing." Todd sighed, not wanting another idea to be shot to the ground yet again.
"I'm heading out a while," she announced, leaving her new partner staring after her. It wasn't his fault he wasn't Frank, she tried to tell herself.
Frank. Stuck in drug squad, who refused to give her help in this case. But Frank had seen these killings, he could help her convince drug squad there was a connection.
He wasn't at his assigned desk when she dropped by. It wasn't too neat, in
typical Frank style, folders lying everywhere. Just out of curiosity she picked up one or two, putting them in a neat stack, when she noticed a name. Tanya Woodley. Suddenly it all fit, Frank's sudden indifference to the case, and Drug Squad's supposed disinterest.
"Rachel!" came Frank's surprised voice, and she turned to see him walking towards here.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to convince you to get drug squad in on this, but I see that isn't necessary." She held out the file like a smoking gun, barely with-holding the anger in her voice.
"Can we discuss this later?" he said in a low voice, "it's not what you think Goldie."
"Funny, because what I think is that the drug squad is doing its own investigation and you didn't tell me."
"Yeah, but look.." he said intently, taking her hand, "I only did it because.."
She tore her hand away. "You don't trust me." she finished for him. "What, you're transferred to another department a week, and suddenly you've forgotten we were even partners?"
"Rachel, just give me a chance." Frank interrupted.
"Nah Frank. Just forget it. Forget it all!"
He tried to speak, but she just turned and marched out. "Rachel!" he called out after her, but she refused to turn around. Tears stung her eyes, but she didn't want to cry, didn't want to cry over *him*.
"Damn!"
***
She wasn't really surprised when there was a persistent knock on her door that evening. She let him knock, refusing to bulge from her position on the sofa.
"Rachel! I know you are there. Come on, talk to me!" There was no answer, but he kept talking.
"I wanted to tell you, but I figured if I did, they'd get me for it, and.."
The door finally opened, revealing a stern-looking Rachel, her arms crossed.
"Frank.. this is about trust. You didn't trust me." He walked up to her, head hanging low.
"But I do.. that's why I brought these." He held up a stack load of case files to her. "You've hit a dead end, we've hit a dead end. I've tried to talk to someone about getting you guys involved, but they're all too territorial."
"Technically, we are not meant to be working together anymore."
"I know, but hell Rachel, I'm sure one more ticking off isn't gonna hurt me. I need you on this. I need you." Frank emphasised.
"Are you sure you trust me on this?" Rachel asked again.
"Rachel, together, we can do anything."
She hesitated only a second before letting him in.
"The conversation is not finished though," she warned him.
"Yeah, I know."
"So what does the drug squad think?"
"There is one connection between all these victims."
Raising an eyebrow, she picked up one of the case files.
"At one point they have all been tipping off the drug squad. Some just once, some were regular informers."
"Punishment, you think?"
He nodded. "Yeah, but we can't figure out why."
"Someone new."
"What makes you think that?"
"Say you want to move into the market, and want to make sure no one squeals on you. What better way to do it than to status some examples. And since they are not really connected to this guy, he won't be suspected, but will make his point."
He looked at her with sheer admiration. "That's brilliant."
"Can you and your new mates in drug squad find out if there has been any new suppliers?"
"Yeah, sure." He took her hand gently, his deep blue eyes gazing into hers.
"I'm sorry Rachel. I was only trying to stay out of trouble."
"You always get in trouble," she replied, "but I'm here to get you out of it."
"Well, maybe you can help me out again now?" Frank suggested.
"You've been there a week, you can't be in serious trouble yet, surely!"
"I will be if they find out that I'm leaking information to you."
"My lips are sealed." Rachel smiled.
"But that's not the only trouble I'm in at the moment."
"Oh?" Rachel looked up from the file she was skimming.
Frank nodded his head. "I'm in big trouble with my girlfriend."
"You'll have to make an extra effort to get out of it then," she whispered, trying to concentrate on keeping a straight face. But when his eyes locked with hers again, she was lost. How could he keep on doing this to her!
***
"Good morning Rachel!" Todd called out as she came walking into the office. She waved him off impatiently.
"Yeah, hey. Listen, can you talk to the coroner about that extra component in the drug that killed him? Find out as much as you can about it?"
"Yeah.. have the drug squad seen the connection?"
"Unofficially," she said with a small smile.
"Okay.." She watched her partner stalk off with an enthusiasm that was almost sickening. Shaking her head slightly, she picked up the phone.
"Holloway" came the expected reply.
"Hey, it's me."
"We found him."
"What?"
"Jacob Loni. He's an American drug dealer, the DEA there apparently holds him in suspect in several similar cases over there."
"Figures."
"Yeah.. we're gonna take him in for questioning, but we really have nothing on him."
"I'll see what I can do."
She could almost see him smile through the phone. "You'll nail him," he said with confidence.
"Talk to you later." She hung up, then walked over to Helen's office.
"Helen! I need a search warrant for Jacob Loni's house."
"Jacob Loni?"
"Yeah. The drug squad are holding him for questioning, I wanna have a look at his place first."
"I'll get right on it."
"You are gonna bring your partner along I hope?" came Hawker's voice from behind her.
"Yes, boss," she said with a sigh. Just what she needed.
******
"For a drug dealer, he lives modest," Todd remarked as they pulled up in front of Jacob Loni's house. The white paint seemed to be falling off in several places, modest was one word for it. A dump was another.
"Probably didn't want to rouse suspicion." She opened the door with a frown, almost tearing the handle loose in the process. The hallway was empty, just a single bulb lighting it up.
"Sad way to live," Todd muttered, looking into the kitchen. A simple table and a refrigerator was there. Rachel walked on to the bedroom. The bed looked big enough for two, and on the dresser was a simple picture. Picking it up, she studied the young girl on it. Long red hair, green sparkling eyes, but seemingly deeply involved in reading a book. Frowning, she looked at the title.
"Todd! What was the method of death in all these cases?"
"Poison. The coroner says it's been mixed with the drug in the needles."
"Yes. You read much by Agatha Christie?"
"Not really." Todd came walking into the room where she was standing.
Picking up the phone, Rachel dialled Frank's number.
"Holloway."
"It's me. Does Jacob have a girlfriend."
"Yeah, one Katie Nichols. She's American."
"I think maybe she could be the killer."
A moment of stunned silence followed.
"Can you find out of Jacob had a relationship with one of the girls?"
"Yeah, hang on a bit."
She paced the floor impatiently, throwing a glance at Todd, who was staring at the picture.
"Agatha Christie is known for her books describing poison murders," she explained, just as Frank came back in the other hand.
"You're right. He had a relationship with the first girl, but he claims Katie didn't know."
"I think she found out. Do you have an address on her?"
"Sure." As he gave her the address, she waved Todd over.
"We'll keep Jacob here on dealing charges," Frank informed her, "be careful Goldie."
"Come on Todd, let's catch this killer."
******
"We're going out now." Rachel informed Helen.
"Where to?" Helen asked.
"Um, just checking out the residence of a girlfriend of a suspect." Rachel said nonchalantly.
"Oh really, and how have we acquired this knowledge?" Helen questioned skeptically.
"In our investigations."
"Must have had a real breakthrough today then. According to Mathers this morning, you've barely made enough tracks to be suspecting anyone."
"What would he know. He has no idea about the way I work."
"That's because you won't let him." Helen accused.
"That's not fair Helen."
"I think it's perfectly fair. Look Rachel, he's a bright kid that needs a little help on his way to becoming a good detective. It's not his fault he's not Frank."
"Who said anything about Frank?" Rachel asked.
"I'm not stupid Rachel. Just don't let Frank get caught helping you on this one." Helen warned.
"So what if he was? We're trying to solve the same case."
"Sure, but others may not see it that way." "Well it doesn't matter, because boy wonder and I are working on it ourselves."
"Just make sure it stays that way."
***
"Hello??" Rachel called into the security screen door at the front of the house.
"Maybe she's not home?" Todd suggested.
A familiar streak of long red hair and green eyes soon met them at the door. "What do you want?" she said in her American drawl.
"Just a few questions. I understand that you're Ms Katherine Nichols?" Rachel asked.
"That's me? Is this about immigration again? Cos I've told you guys a hundred times that I've had my visa extended." She sighed in exasperation.
"Actually, we're from Sydney Water Police investigating several drug related deaths on our beaches." Rachel informed her.
"What does that have to do with me?" she asked warily.
"We currently have your boyfriend in custody."
"Ex-boyfriend." Katie corrected.
"Why did you break up?"
"Irreconcilable differences, what do you care?"
"Well, you see Katie, people have been dying as a result of your ex's drug dealings. We thought you may be able to help us out."
"I don't know anything." Katie denied any knowledge.
"Great, so you won't mind if we search your premises." Rachel smiled sweetly.
"Actually, I do. So unless you have a warrant?" Katie went to shut the door. Rachel momentarily scolded herself. She shouldn't have lost her patience to get the case solved, and waited the extra time needed to get the warrant. Any evidence present could be cleaned up between now and getting the warrant.
"Right here." Todd held up a piece of paper. Both Katie and Rachel tried to hide their surprise as Todd handed the paper to Katie. "So if you don't mind."
As they were searching the small house, Rachel got a chance to grill her partner.
"When did you get a chance to get a warrant?"
"When you and Helen were having your little talk. I managed to get a speeded up warrant, considering the circumstances."
"Good work." Rachel nodded, refusing to compliment more than that. But it was enough to put a small grin on the face of her colleague.
About an hour later, they had upturned almost everything in the apartment, and not come across anything.
"So what, are you going to hire a cleaning service to come and take care of what you've done?" Katie sarcastically suggested.
Rachel rolled her eyes dramatically, knowing that they hadn't achieved what they were searching for. She wasn't sure how much longer Frank was going to be able to hold Jacob Loni in for questioning either.
"One place we haven't checked." Todd hinted. Rachel scanned her brain, she was sure they had pulled up everything in the house. Even the front steps.
"Yeah?"
Todd walked over to the walls. The edging along the bottom between the plaster and the floor wasn't the traditional wood. This one was brick.
It was the fifth brick that came loose. And behind it was a bag of chemicals.
Todd held up the bag triumphantly.
***
"I knew he got into trouble in the States with overdoses and stuff. That's why we came to Australia." Katie told them.
"So why did you start poisoning the drugs then?" Rachel asked.
"He started sleeping with that slut." Katie said bitterly.
"Who?"
"That Tanya girl. She was only with him for free hits."
"So you decided to kill her?" Todd asked.
"Not kill, just frighten her off the stuff, or off Jacob's stuff. Let her find someone else."
"So then why did you keep poisoning the drugs then?"
"Cos I figured Jake would get the blame for it."
"So payback?" Rachel asked.
"Kinda."
"Well, Katherine Nichols. You're under arrest for murder."
***
"You did well today." Rachel told Todd later that afternoon, with Jacob Loni and Katie Nichols arrested and locked up.
"Well, you know. I try my best." Todd was finding it hard to cope with the sudden compliments.
"Yeah. I'm sorry that I haven't given you more credit than you deserve."
"I know I can't compare to the great Frank Holloway. But I'm hoping some day I might be half as good as you are. I know I stuffed up early, I just hope I managed to redeem myself."
"That you did."
"Well, it's been great working with you, maybe we'll meet again one day."
"Been great? Am I missing something here?" Rachel asked.
"This was only ever a one month experience. I'm leaving tomorrow." Todd said.
Rachel's eyes narrowed. All this time she was lead to believe that herself and Frank would be separated. She marched right into Helen's office.
"This was only a one month thing?" she asked.
Helen looked up from her papers. "Uh-oh." She smiled. "I told Jeff this would backfire."
"So this whole time we thought we were split up?"
"We thought it might be good for you, get you not to be so dependant on each other for a while. And I see that backfired too." Helen smirked.
"I'm going home." Rachel sighed, still a little angry about being kept in the dark.
As soon as she was out of sight, Helen let out a little laugh. Life was never dull around her.
***
"I know, I got told today too." Frank informed Rachel over a beer.
"I'm just so angry, they let us think we were split forever!" Rachel shook her head.
"But in a way, I guess they had to do it." Rachel stared at him blankly.
When did he start thinking things through logically?
"Why?"
"If we had have known we would be back together in four weeks, we would have still kept 'working' together."
"But we did."
"After a while."
"Yeah, that's true. Not my fault." Rachel pointed out.
"I know, and I'm sorry. I was just trying to keep my nose clean for once."
"I know." Rachel sighed. "And I'm sorry, I guess I over reacted a bit."
"You're forgiven." Frank smiled.
"So is this the part where we kiss and make up?"
"Depends what you have in mind." Frank winked.
"Well Francis, there's only one way to find out."
***
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