Disclaimer I do not own DCI Banks. No copyright infringement is intended nor should be inferred.

Chapter 1

The police station was a hive of activity as Alan shrugged his jacket off. He was keen to get on with the day, glad that he didn't have to endure another day when his father let him know how much of a disappointing son he really was.

"Hi Helen." He smiled at the stoic brunette who just nodded towards Annie's abandoned desk.

"She is never late."

"Have you called her? Maybe there's a problem with Isla? Or the car is playing up?"

"Annie would ring. Ken tried her mobile, no answer."

"What about the child minder? Clare? Doesn't she take Isla to nursery on a Thursday? Have you tried David?"

"He said she had gone. He hung up. I'm worried. The baby is with Clare. I told her to stay with Isla."

"Ok. Now you have my attention." Alan frowned, immediately worried. He didn't like Annie's boyfriend. If he was honest, really honest he hated the guy. Annie was far too good for him. Frowning he headed towards his office, checking his phone as he went. Moments later he was sat at his desk listening to the message left for him. Swearing profusely he got to his feet before calling Helen, Ken and newest recruit Dee into his office he tried to collect his thoughts.

"Sir?" The new girl frowned.

"Helen was right to be worried." He looked at his desk as he played the message.

"Shit." Helen muttered. "That's her?"

"Yeah. I'd know that voice anywhere." Alan's voice dropped as he listened to the message. "According to Clare she was fine when she dropped the baby off."

"So this happened after?" Dee shook her head. "Who's the bloke on the tape?"

"Sounds like Dave,"

"Sorry? I'm lost." The new girl stared at her colleagues.

"Her boyfriend." Helen snapped. "She told me he has a temper."

"What? When?"

"Did you not see the bruises? Cmon Boss. Don't tell me you thought she was telling the truth? The only reason he turned up at the hospital that day was because he thought the doctors and nurses would work out not all the bruises were caused by a boot in the face."

"Not Annie." Alan sighed. "Not her. She wouldn't put up with it." Helen looked agitated as Alan finally realised there was a lot Annie and Helen hadn't told him. "I think you've got some explaining to do."

"She was going to leave him."

"Good!"

"Irrelevant now. He's obviously found out and intending on stopping her." Alan barked. Helen nodded.

"What now?" Dee bit her lip, remembering her time with SARC and Vice. She didn't like to think what state her senior colleague would be in when they found her.

"We investigate. We find Annie." He nodded as the detectives left the office. He slumped in his chair, guts churning with worry and fear. He had to find Annie. He just had to.

Xxxx

A/N worth going on? Please review