"We can always hire a new one...maybe a blonde" The voice continued

Sam recognised the voice and the combination of whiskey and aftershave.

"Gene" He said softly "Not here. Not now"

He turns around to see Gene standing in the doorway clutching flowers.

"Give over Sam, I'm not going to beat you up in a Hospital...again" He replied gruffly. He walked over to the bedside. Looking around for a vase. He walks across to another bed where a comatose patient is lying. "Scuse me pal, mind if I borrow this?" He picks up a vase of daffodils from beside table. He takes the wilting flowers out and places them on the tabletop. He walks back across and places the cheap tulips in a vase before placing them down with a thud. Sam looks at the depressing flowers, obviously very cheap.

"They're nice. Call at the graveyard?" Said Sam sternly.

"Don't be so disrespectful Tyler!" Said Gene sharply. "I took them off that bloody idiot Chris"

"You what?" Sam asked. Looking slightly confused.

"He got them for that bloomin' tart on the reception"

"You're kidding?" Sam laughs.

"He's taking off taking for dinner, bought her these from the garage!"

Sam starts smirking to himself. "Oh Chris"

"I told him, if he's planning on getting his end away he'll need something better than cheap pansies"

"What did you tell him?"

"A bottle of Bells and a chicken korma!"

The two men laugh to each other before both looking down at Annie.

"She's strong Sam, strongest plonk I know. I was skeptical when you first suggested her joining us. But I don't think there was a better choice." Gene says in almost father like way. Something Sam had never seen. He nods to the Guv in agreement. "But don't you ever tell her I said that or I'll stomp on your head so hard you'll look like the elephant man! Can't be shown to have feelings"

Sam again nods in agreement and the two men watch Annie in silence. Silence which is broken by Sally knocking on the door.

"Excuse me...Detective Tyler?" she says nervously. Clearly intimidated by the two men.

"Yes" Sam responds

"There's a call for you...out here"

"Who is it?"

"He says it's D.C.I Hunt"

Sam and Gene turn to each other in confusion.