#alex weston | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

faofinn · 1 year ago

Text

No. 15 "I don't need you to help me, I can handle things myself."

@whumptober-archive

Makeshift Bandages | Suppressed Suffering | "I'm fine."

Alex had laughed at Fao when he’d said he wanted to take Finn camping over the summer. She’d asked if Afghanistan hadn’t been enough for him, if the English summer was the extra level of suffering he craved. He’d told her to piss off, that it would be a nice holiday, something to enjoy. He had his house, they could camp there, swim in the lake, and there were always showers, and warm beds if the weather got really shit. They’d buy a big tent, Finn could bring Jess, and Fao even invited Hars and Marcus. They both had time off, and had agreed, though Hars grumbled if he got cold overnight he’d be going inside and nobody was stopping him.

Sure enough they’d all driven down, hiked out to the camping spot next to the lake, and set up the big tent there, all cosy with airbeds and duvets. It was luxury compared to being on tour, that was for sure. Finn’s seizures were a worry, of course, but Steve had made sure they had the meds they needed, that plans were available if needed, and told them to enjoy themselves. After all, they had enough medics there to make sure he was safe.

They were sat around the campfire that first night, looking up at the stars as they toasted marshmallows, listening to the crackle of the fire. Finn had brought his guitar with him, and his soft strumming broke the night air every so often as he tried to work out what he wanted to play.

After a few hours just chatting and singing along to Finn’s guitar they all headed to bed, snuggling down under warm duvets. After a slap up breakfast the next morning, Fao insisted they at least go for a walk and enjoy nature. There were loads of footpaths leading off his land, and some of the walks had some amazing views. Alex teased him and told him he was turning into Fred, and Finn said the same, but Fao didn’t care. They were going to enjoy their holiday, and the countryside was perfect to unwind.

Mornings were far from Harrison’s favourite, the air still cold and not quite fixed by Fao's breakfast. He grumbled half heartedly as he ate. Marcus was much more of a morning person, laughing at the state of his boyfriend. He'd never been to Fao's, and was quite excited to go explore, even if Harrison wasn't.

Food was packed, as well as drinks and Finn's meds - it seemed everyone had double checked that one - and soon enough they were on the trails. Harrison had brightened up, happily joining in the conversation as they went. Finn was slightly withdrawn as they picked their path, a little tired and worried he'd ruin it as he always did. Jess, of course, told him to stop being daft, linking their fingers and swinging their hands as a distraction.

It didn't take long for Finn to start complaining he was hungry, so of course they had to stop for a snack. It was easier than listening to his complaining, that was for sure. Once Finn was happily chewing away, they continued, glad of the five minutes' peace.

Despite Finn’s grumblings, it was a nice walk, up into the hills and then down to the stream that cut through the land. They’d been going for a few hours now, and they were all in need of a rest, so Fao paused to sit on a large rock, digging around in his backpack for some water.

Finn had been trailing behind, having been distracted by a butterfly on a plant, crouched close to the edge. He'd sent a few photos to his dad, knowing he’d love to see them too. On his way back, his stomach twisted, his phone falling from his hand. He shook his head, swearing softly. It wasn’t a full aura, just a partial, nothing to worry about, he was sure.

Finn’s quiet swearing had caught Harrison's attention, frowning at the other man too close to the edge. He brushed it off, assuming he was just being overly cautious. But then, he caught the look on his face, all too aware of Finn’s seizures - tonic-clonic or not, Finn was too close to the edge. He jumped up, rushing to grab him before he just walked off the edge.

Finn made no move to stop himself, not even a frown as Harrison grabbed him. He pulled him away from the edge, Finn tripping over his own feet. He landed on his arse in the grass, dazed and disoriented.

Harrison, however, wasn’t so lucky. Everything happened all at once, his ankle twisting as the edge of the riverbank gave way. He gave a surprised shout, hands scrambling at the side to try and stop himself from falling. It was no use.

A sudden stab of pain in his palm saw him lose his grip, blood immediately dripping down his arm. It wasn't his main priority for long, finding himself dunked under the cold water. Instinctively, he gasped, river water in his lungs making him retch and cough. Head under water, it took him a moment to realise what happened, forcing himself to try to kick to the surface. As his head finally raised above, Marcus's hand grabbed at him, dragging him to the edge.

Harrison collapsed onto his side, his whole body shaking. He continued to retch and cough, Marcus trying to help by smacking his back. It took him a moment to realise he was speaking to him, crouched by him with soft words and gentle hands. He gratefully leaned into him, closing his eyes. They were both wet, soaked through, but it was the least of Marcus' worries.

Fao and the girls had been just too far away from the edge of the river once they realised there was an issue, as everything fell apart and Harrison ended up under the water. At least Marcus had been close to him, and as Fao scrambled to his feet to get over to the edge he’d already hauled him out and onto the bank, Harrison coughing and retching at the water he’d taken in. Jess had gone straight to Finn, fussing over him where he was still rather confused.

“Fucking hell.” Fao commented, moving closer to the pair. Harrison was pissing blood from a cut somewhere, too, and he looked shocking. “Are you hurt, Marcus?” He asked, eyes flicking over both men.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." He said quickly. "Hars? Sit up a bit for me, yeah?"

Harrison shook his head, surprisingly exhausted. He continued trembling, unable to stop himself.

Harrison had properly shut down, Fao could see it in his eyes. He knelt in front of him. “Hars? Did you hit your head?”

He shook his head again. His throat was too raw to speak, and he wasn't sure he even had the energy to. He managed a weak smile as Marcus brushed his hair from his forehead, stopping the water from dripping in his face.

“‘Lex, did you bring the first aid kit?” Fao called over his shoulder. His girlfriend dug around in their bag for it, and then shook her head.

“Must’ve left it.”

“Fuck’s sake.” Fao muttered, and then pulled his t-shirt off over his head. “This’ll have to do, otherwise you’re going to bleed everywhere.” He paused, and then ripped a couple of strips from it with some difficulty.

Harrison flinched away from him instinctively, turning into Marcus for protection.

"It's alright. You're okay." He hummed, pressing a kiss to his hair. "Just relax."

“Sorry, Tomcat.” Fao said gently. “I’m not gonna hurt you. Can I have a look at your hand? That’s gotta be sore.”

Marcus took Harrison's arm, holding it out for Fao to sort. "You're okay."

“Thank you.” He murmured, glancing up at Marcus. “I’m gonna sort it, yeah? And we’ll look at it properly when we get back. He wiped the worst of the blood away as gently as he could, and then set about wrapping it tightly. It wasn’t ideal, but it would do for now. As he did it, he turned to look at his brother. “Jess? How’s Finn?”

It was Finn that answered. "I'm fine. I didn't mean for Hars to get hurt. I don't know what happened."

“Just an accident Finn, not your fault.” Fao told his brother.

"Is Hars okay?" His voice wavered with guilt and worry.

"Just a bit bruised, I think." Marcus replied, glancing at Fao. It was obvious Finn was blaming himself, and it wouldn't help anyone if they let it.

“Bruised and dazed. He’s alright.” Fao told him. “Think we’ll head back to camp though.”

Harrison pulled away from the pair of them, turning away to cough and vomit. He instinctively reached for Marcus to steady himself, crying out as he used the wrong hand.

“Careful, careful.” Fao said. “Maybe he did hit his head. We’ll keep an eye.”

Harrison shook his head, his back still to the pair as he retched again. He tried not to be sick, but it was no use, bringing up more water.

"Swallowed it." Harrison managed, breathing heavily as he all but collapsed against his boyfriend.

“Yeah, okay.” Fao said, wanting to reach out and comfort him but knowing it would just make him worse. “We’ll stay here a bit, let everyone get their breath back and then we’ll head back.”

Marcus wrapped his arms around him, holding him close. "We're okay, yeah? We're okay."

10 notes · View notes

forensicated · 8 months ago

Text

Conviction - Part 6 - Judgement Day (6/6)

Leon and Millie arrive at a disturbance at a playground on the West Gate Estate to find Ara Byatt desperately searching for her niece Jala. Jala had to watch her father die when they were being trafficked by the Devlin's and he and another man were crushed by the poorly loaded contents falling on them. Today is the first day in court.

Callum finds Smithy sat in the darkness of the locker room. Smithy's staring at his warrant card, enduring flashbacks of assaulting Jason Devlin. Callum reassures him not to worry about the witness, everyone knows he's been bought. He's interrupted by Leon reporting over the radio that Jala has gone missing. Smithy and Callum rush to the estate. Leon reports the only other person he saw after their arrival was a road sweeper. Callum tells him to find him and if he can't to get in touch with his boss and track him down that way.

At the court, Neil and Jack learn that Devlin's barrister is very expensive - Daddy must be worried! Smithy has not been called by the prosecution but the barrister wants him on standby just in case he's needed to give evidence. He's going to focus on Hassiq informing about the people trafficking as he classes the assault to be a distraction. Hassiq insists he wants Devlin to look him in the eyes and see that he's not scared of them. He finally feels like a man who is worthy of Ara - if she wants him - now he's speaking out.

Smithy stays with Ara and tries to calm her down and get her to talk through what has happened. Tony and Callum start going door to door. She asks Smithy to speak to his superiors and get them to tell Hassiq that Jala has been taken as she thinks it's either the Devlin's or the community that have taken her to stop him giving evidence - the Devlin's to collapse the trial or the community to stop daylight being shone on so many illegal immigrants living on the estate.

The prosecution barrister opens his case explaining that Devlin is the head of an organised crime group who are involved in human trafficking and the evidence was kept by his bookkeeper who is one of the people he trafficked into the country. The evidence will be deciphered in detail by said bookkeeper - Hassiq. Jack refuses to let Hassiq know about Jala, calling it management not manipulation. Instead he sends every available officer to track her down.

Millie gives evidence and explains Smithy rescued Jala and then returned for her father when she told them he was there. Smithy did his best to save him but it was too late. Jala had to witness the entire thing. The prosecution barrister asks Millie if Smithy was very upset by finding the two men trapped. Millie explains that he was doing his job and the barrister asks again, pointing out that it's distressing to hear Millie was distressed at the time and then asks again if Smithy was. Nah love, he was tap dancing. Bit of a generous bit emotional manipulation to make out Smithy was the most distressed out of all of them and that's why he attacked Devlin. Even the judge fails to see the relevance but the barrister claims Smithy's emotional response is at the heart of their defence and as the prosecution haven't called Smithy she can't ask him herself. When it's allowed, Millie says Smithy was concerned.

Hassiq is delivered to court by Kezia and Will but before they can stop it, Ara runs towards him and tells him about Jala. Neil tells him they don't know what has happened and everyone is out looking for her. He tells him he can go later in the running order but not to give up entirely and let the Devlin's go free. After all, Jala's fathers death would be for nothing. He refuses to give evidence until Jala is found.

Jack is now fuming that Hassiq knows about Jala. Smithy insists it wasn't their secret to keep and that they only get to keep their trust by playing it straight and he's sick of all the lies. Callum tells him he didn't have to be the taxi driver (he drove Ara to court) and that without Hassiq's evidence Smithy is 'the main event'.

Jala has been spotted on the route to her school walking behind three girls. She never made it into school so Rachel wants the girls identified and questioned. It could be witness intimidation so they need to find her quickly to ensure her safety and that the Devlin's don't walk out of court scot free.

Smithy insists to Callum he's going to make it up the right way by finding Jala. Callum says he'll tell him what the school say. In passing Stuart mocks Smithy and says CID 'love him up there'. Stevie tells him to ignore him. Ara doesn't recognise and of the girls Jala was following. Stevie asks if Jala could have gone off for time to think and Ara shakes her head and explains Jala is scared to be alone and that she thinks it's to stop Hassiq giving evidence. Stevie asks if anyone could have cottoned on to their relationship and Ara explains they never went to each others flat and always met away from where people who know them would be. If they met at the community center they would simply say hello and that they're not like Westerners with it on show, they treat love as being private. Stevie explains that Smithy was suggesting that however successfully she thinks they've hidden it, feelings always have a way of showing. "Sometimes you can't help it." She says, looking at Smithy. (this is weird... They're trying to imply something happened and continued after Gun Runner a year ago when it didn't, they agreed to continue just being friends and didn't even have *moments*. And after this it's all forgotten again. It's very confusing and only there for the storyline!)

Callum locates the girls who were walking with Jala. One, Vicky Bell, was assigned to be her 'buddy' so that she could find her way around school but it's clear they're not 'friends'. Vicky says she was with them but went back because she forgot her PE kit. In a search Millie finds Jala's bag at the side of the canal. One strap has been broken but there's no sign of blood or violence other than the strap. Callum and Tony spot Vicky again a little later. She says she's going home because school is over despite it being not even 12. Callum suggests she's looking for Jala's bag to see if they'd found it. He asks what happened. She tells him that they tried to make her come to school but she wouldn't because one of the other girls was bullying her about her father and rubbing it in that they all still had theirs. Smithy updates Ara and asks where she'd go if she was thinking about her dad. Ara doesn't know because she's quiet, but she suggests the cemetery or the river where they threw flowers in for him.

The prosecution call one of the victims of trafficking, Zemar, and ask him to identify his stolen property. He tells them that it - a ring - was removed from him in Holland by Babur the driver. It was found in the boot of Jason Devlin's car. He would get his ring back by working but he claims he doesn't know for who - despite what he said in his statement. Neil and Jack look worried. The defence pulls out a rng from her pocket and hands it to an usher, asking if it's Zemar's ring. He says yes. She does the same with another ring that is the same and he says yes. She says they're 10 a penny in the markets of Kabul and it's not rare. She suggests that the ring found in Devlin's boot could also not be the same ring. Zemar admits it could be any of them or perhaps none of them, He's been gotten to by the Devlin's.

CCTV shows Jala willingly getting into a car that has been spotted on the Longbridge Estate by ANPR. Rachel authorises Smithy to take as many people as he can down there to find her. "No pressure!" Stuart The Dick shouts after him. They force entry into the home it is outside. The mother panics and grabs her children, whimpering in a foreign tongue. Smithy tries to explain it's alright and shows them a picture of Jala. Before he can say anything the little girl cries out Jala's name happily. Tony finds her coat in the front room.

Jack has to tell the judge about Jala's disappearance and that they think it's a message to Hassiq to keep him quiet. The judge asks why and the defence barrister has to admit there's a problem with disclosure and he can't tell him. The judge tells him to get over the disclosure problem or there'll be no extra time. He hopes the child is found for her sake but claims it has no bearing on proceedings as things stand. If Hassiq still refuses to give evidence then the judge shall withdraw the trafficking charge. Jack tells Neil there'll be no delay if Hassiq refuses and the charge will be removed. He insists they've likely got the girl, they've got to Zemar and he wouldn't be surprised if they had the judge in their pocket too.

Smithy explains to Rachel that the woman they've brought in was granted leave to remain a few years previous but the children's father was killed for deserting Afghanistan's army. In interview the woman claims via Sammy the interpreter that it was her daughter who brought the coat home. Smithy gets Sammy to explain that Jala is in danger. She won't be drawn further. Smithy asks Ara to speak to her and explain that the only way to get through it is to stick together and she won't have to be so scared. He says if it happens to Ara it could happen to the women's children and that Hassiq is trying to stand up for their community and release the stranglehold the Devlin's have.

Stevie gives her evidence, explaining that she was escorting Devlin for his own safety after he'd enforced surprise evictions on an angry estate. They found two teenagers attacking his car and he chased the teenagers away before checking his boot. She spotted a holdall in the boot that matched the description that Babur, the driver of the lorry had run away with. Devlin assaulted her to stop her looking in it to see if it was the same one and kicked her unconscious on the ground. He asks why it was so important for her to look int he bag and she explains that if the jewellery was inside it would imply a chain of command - for example Babur removed it and then would pass it to the boss - Jason Devlin. The defence protests it's conjecture and he's advised to stick to fact so he does:

Did Devlin let her look at the bag? No.

Did Devlin kick her unconcious? Yes.

Was the jewellery taken forcibly from people illegally trafficked into the UK found in the bag? Yes.

No further questions.

Ara speaks to the woman 'alone' with Callum and Smithy in the viewing area alongside Sammy. Sammy explains that the woman is saying she doesn't understand any of it and doesn't know where Jala is. Ara accuses her of protecting the kidnapper and thrusts her against the door. Smithy and Callum force the door open and manage to get in, separating them. Ara tells Smithy that the woman said nothing because she's scared for herself.

The defence barrister insists that Stevie is remembering wrong, Devlin acted in self defence only and that there was no holdall in his boot. She claims it was a rollercoaster of an emotional day. She had to look after Jala who had seen her father die, she had to support the mans greiving sister as she identified the body. It would have been very emotional. She suggests she blamed Devlin when it all got too much, despite there being no evidence to support her claim. She says Smithy said 'it was your fault!' to him and Stevie explains that Smithy was meaning the riot was his fault in reaction to his evictions. The barrister goes on to tell the jury that Smithy and Stevie are close and the case had become personal for them. She claims the evidence was dreamt up and was embellished by them together - the judge tells her off for attacking the character of the witness. She's asked if she and Smithy are having a relationship and then if they have feelings for each other. She says no to each. The barrister asks if he has feelings for her and Stevie suggests she'd have to ask Smithy.

"Isn't it true that Sgt Smith shot someone to protect you?" The prosecution barrister leaps to his feet to call an objection. The judge allows it and says it's relevant so Stevie has to explain that there were 14 other people also in danger. "Answer the question, did Sgt Smith shoot someone?" "Yes, in the line of duty" (he was also in CO19 fgs!) and admits that the man did die - but for some stupid reason does not quickly add 'he was holding a machine gun he was about to discharge into a pub full of innocent people'. Even if the jury would be told to dismiss it. The defence asks again if Sgt Smith shot someone to save her. Stevie repeats that she was one of a number of people and adds this time that Smithy didn't even know she was there. "But you were there, you were one of the people he acted to protect." and then speaks to the jury like it's all because he's in love with Stevie and that he then attacked Jason Devlin because Stevie was hurt. I mean, the man also protected Cutler and Gatting's lives - both men who had held guns pointed at him with a legitimate threat to kill him at least three times off the top of my head! She says that her witness will tell them how Smithy reacted in response to seeing Stevie hurt when they give their evidence. Stevie says she knows Smithy did not assault Devlin or plant the evidence. The barrister asks how given she was assaulted. "Because I know the man." she says firmly. "Exactly." The barrister smiles, going on to claim that the case is nothing more than a vendetta dreamed up by two police officers with an intimate and personal knowledge of each other. Devlin Senior smirks across at Neil and Jack.

Smithy is called to attend court by the prosecution so Callum takes over with Ara. Ara says she doesn't recognise the car Jala gets into and she doesn't know how as she's with her auntie if she's not at school. She avoids talking about real emotional things as she's not ready to deal with the pain that brings. She's a very quiet girl. She sings a rude folk song that she learnt in the lorry that was taught to her by one of the other men in the lorry. He promised he'd take her to meet the queen and that there were trains that ran underground and shops as big as palaces. She doesn't know his name however... but it could be him that Jala got into the car to see. Callum wonders if it's Zemar - or linked to him - and he asks Leon to check to see how he arrived to court It's the same car! He asks Ben to go to his flat.

Rachel tells Smithy he has to deny he's in a relationship with Stevie. "... I'm what?" he blinks, his face a picture. Jack advises him to strip the emotion away from the case, keep measured, keep to the facts and nail the case. The prosecution opens by asking Smithy if he is in a relationship with Stevie, if he ever has been and if he has any special feelings towards her. He answers no to all. "No further questions, your honour."

Callum asks the woman where Zemar took the girl - he tells her they know he came to her house with her and then returned for her later so where has he taken her? She tells him that he is a good man who has a daughter the same age. He took Jala there to meet the children and then went to do an errand (or really appear in court.) Then he took her somewhere secret 'where time begins and ends'. Tony suggests the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

The defense barrister claims Smithy and Stevie cooked up the entire thing against Devlin themselves after they took Ara to identify her brothers body. Smithy explains his training, experience and professionalism meant he wasn't emotionally involved like she has been making out. She claims Smithy doesn't like Jason Devlin and he says he neither likes nor dislikes him. She claims he assaulted him when releasing him from the station. He explains he held his arm whilst escorting him out. She classes that as assault and Smithy points out that he made no complaint. She smiles and says he has now and that there is a witness, Mr Eshan who will explain how Smithy "punched and kick-" she starts to say before she's told off again and told Mr Eshan can give his own account of what he witnessed. For an expensive barrister she's not much good! It's like she got her training in the playground. Her entire case is Groundhog Day. "You love your friend!." "No I don't!" "Yes you do!"

She claims Stevie was lying about spotting the bag in the car boot because Smithy hadn't yet put it there. Smithy says that's not true. She asks if they had any evidence prior to this and he admits they didn't and they were working to find it. She suggests his very limited line was that they needed evidence so he made sure they found it. Smithy explains that - like in every police case - they have a suspect and then search for the evidence to prove or disprove that. She suggests that they find the suspect they want and then fit the evidence to frame that person. Smithy says that's not what he said or what happened. She says he held him responsible for the trafficking, the assault on 'his lady friend' and handling the stolen property. Smithy says yes and that was because of the evidence. She tells Smithy he has form of becoming too emotionally involved and brings up Kieran Wallace.

Callum spots Zemar's car in the carpark of the observatory and gets Tony to stop. Within seconds they spot Jala with Zemar. He sees the officers and grips her arm, trying to make a run for it.

The prosecution barrister explains that the constant bringing up of Kieran Wallace and his death is irrelevant as it's a different case and different circumstances. The defence barrister insists that the common denominator in both is Smithy using deadly force. Smithy speaks directly to the judge and says he'd like to properly explain what happened with Kieran Wallace. He pointed out that Kieran was a known criminal armed with a machine gun that he was about to use in a public place. The defence try to cut in and say that they're talking about his motivation and Smithy cuts over her. "My motivation was to protect the public using my training as a firearms officer." he goes on to explain that he identified himself as a police officer to Kieran and ordered him to lay down his weapon. Kieran refused and aimed to fire at him. Smithy only shot when he had to with the knowledge that the people behind him were not in danger. "You're insinuating that my professionalism was in doubt. Read the report. It's not."

Tony approaches Jala and Zemar to talk and manages to get Zemar to hand Jala over. Callum asks Tony what happened whilst Mel takes Jala and Leon and Ben arrest Zemar. Tony tells Callum that the Devlin's offered a whole years wages to do one day of work for them and that he was desperate as he's about to be deported so agreed.

The defence barrister claims there's a parallel - Smithy decided people were in danger so he acted. He decided Stevie was in danger so he acted (It's almost as though - shock horror - he's a policeman!🙄) Smithy points out he wasn't there when Stevie was attacked "But you were there to give first aid to Jason Devlin, to get his blood on your clothes and your DNA on him." Smithy calmly says he arrived moments later. "Milliseconds." the barrister drawls before asking if he was that quick, how did he not see the attack on Stevie. She insists he did and that his 'relationship' with Stevie meant that he lashed out and attacked Devlin. "We're trained to do this, day in day out. I'm not saying we don't feel anything, what i'm saying is that training is the difference between what we feel and what we do." Smithy insists he didn't attack him and he didn't put anything in his vehicle. "YOU'RE A LIAR!" Devlin shouts from the dock. He's told to stay quiet or he'll be removed. The defence brief continues, saying it beggars belief that he could blame Devlin for the 2 bodies and then see his friend attacked and not react in a violent way. She finds that unimaginable "That's why I'm a police officer and you're not." Smithy says calmly - to murmurs of amusement and agreement from the gallery and jury. Neither the defence or prosecution have any further questions so Smithy steps down. Jason hisses at Smithy that he's a liar. Smithy just looks flatly at him before leaving.

Matthew Devlin leaves the room for a breath of fresh air but is stopped in the waiting area and arrested by Callum for conspiracy to kidnap and witness intimidation. He smirks and insist that he knows nothing about what he's talking about but the mask slips when Khaleed Hassiq is called and he stands up, coldly eyeing Devlin Senior as he passes him on his way into the courtroom. Jason looks unnerved as Hassiq enters the room and swears on the bible. He stands up and meekly says 'I'd like to change my plea."

The prosecution brief claims there must be something in Hassiq's evidence that they don't want made public or put on record. Perhaps people they've cheated/bought or someone they're protecting. Either way - they've got the result they wanted. Stevie tells Smithy to cheer up because they've got the result they wanted. "You did it." "Did I?" "Yes, you did!" she smiles.

Rachel tells Heaton she's thought about his offer and she's decided that yes, she will go with him. He also takes Kezia and Stuart. Rachel says they're great officers and he tells her that she's the best person to lead the team. Blah. All four of them will not be missed.*

Stevie goes and finds Smithy after, inviting him for a drink to celebrate the fact they're not an item. "Cor dear, that would have really messed things up if we were wouldn't it!" Stevie laughs. Smithy agrees to go for a pint and says it'll probably end up being several! Jack approaches and tells Smithy he doesn't appreciate him bringing Ara to court. Smithy says she'd have arrived anyway. Jack just nods and says he appreciates a man of principal. "I've heard that Rachel is leaving. Do you want her job?" Smithy does a literal double take. "... Just like that?" "If you want it." "Why me?" "Because I trust you, especially after today." "Ok, yeah..." (I have mixed feelings about this, I'm happy because obv he's been trained and moulded by Gina and he's a good man and it's for the greater good (and it also means Rachel has gone)but also they totally ignore the fact that Smithy still broke the law twice - the assault and perjuring himself in court. It being Smithy, he'd be eaten up by it as he was through the fight with Callum, when he tried to confess and also when they showed him still hearing the screams of the people in the lorry or having flashbacks. He wouldn't immediately feel like he deserved a promotion off the top of it. The only acknowledgement in the entire final episode of Conviction was flashbacks when he was in the locker room. It could have been a more involved and rounded story if it was taken into consideration and if he'd shown further remorse and struggling to align his job and his guilt but I guess they wanted to move on quickly and forget the naughty side ever happened! Especially as the next episode has Callum accused of chasing a suspect into the traffic only for him to be killed by a vehicle so they didn't want both brooding.)

Callum is waiting outside for Smithy and tells him that Devlin Senior is being processed. "You did it then?" he says to Smithy. "...What do you want, Callum?" "Nothing." "Good." Callum tries to make a joke of it saying that it's his caring sharing moment but he's not very good at it. "We walk a hard line and it hardens your soul... I mean it, it does. I've worked with people so cold they may as well be dead inside. Things are going to be different for you now, yeah, but you're not there... you're not even close." "So why does this feel like a defeat then?" "Because it has to. If there wasn't a price then we wouldn't know we'd learnt something." (in my opinion THIS is where Smithy's offer of promotion should have been - after that chat).

*On reflection it's a pretty large clearout before the reboot and the change to 1 episode a week when added together with Sam leaving a couple of episodes before the first Conviction episode and Diane returning for one episode to round off Kaye's contract.* Tony, Sally and Millie are due to leave before the series finishes so that's 9 characters in roughly half a series/year.

Other than Kirsty there are no new officers taken on (not counting Lisa Kennedy as she was a guest for 7 eps). Noone new arrived full stop in series 25 but there are a series of shufflings with Smithy becoming Inspector, Jack finally becoming Superintendent, Will becoming a full DC, Stevie becoming a DS and finally Jo transfering from CID to Uniform within a few episodes of the rebooted S26.

If interested, the last new officer before Kirsty (18th February 2010) was Rachel Weston who arrived 6th August 2008) Poor Sarah, her first appearance on screen was literally 5 weeks before it was announced that the show had been cancelled! She'd have only arrived around Nov/Dec 09 - she got all of 6/7 months on the show when filming stopped on the 15th June 10!

*Old Habits was shot as a 2 parter for Diane to return as a Sergeant but ITV's changes for the reboot meant that they needed to reduce the size of the cast and new scenes were shot to explain Diane moving to Barton St and just returning for one night to get her eye back in after her promotion when she had been working a bit more up north. It did seem odd to have her return for a night so does make sense, but poor Kaye! It was announced in the press on the 22nd January 2009 and Old Habits aired 30th April so would have been being filmed around/just before the announcement so at least there shouldn't have been too much filmed of other eps to have to re-do/edit/re-write. What a welcome back from maternity leave though! "You're going to be a sergeant... ah, you've lost your job."

2 notes · View notes