Costa Crew 3: Make or Break

Chapter 26 - Picking Up The Pieces

"To say my relationship with Raymond Drake was complicated would be an understatement," Paul began. "We constantly bickered, he would start every day with a sarcastic comment, as I'm sure my old team can confirm."

Charlotte and Ted smiled slightly, as did a few others. "But while he was my DI I could always count on him," Paul continued. "He was focused on getting the job done, and while he kept me on my toes by challenging every order, he ultimately respected my final say."

"The two most public cases Raymond handled as a DCI were of course the murders of Curt Hidgens and Amelia Murphy, neither of which he solved. But that didn't mean that time counted for nothing. Raymond himself admitted that he had become consumed by his career, and fought with everything he had to change that. He had the choice to save his own life, but at a cost. He chose to risk his own life because he refused to send an innocent woman to her death."

Paul took a deep breath. "Raymond Drake was by no means a perfect person, but he was a good person. And he was a good police officer. He was proof that people can change, they can make amends. And it's safe to say that the world won't be the same without him. I salute you, DCI Drake."

Paul stepped off the podium and took his seat with the rest of the police present at the memorial. "That was a very moving speech, sir," Greg Daniels said to him after the service.

Paul grimaced. "Thank you."

"Sir, I don't really want to talk business today," Greg continued warily, "but I was going through DCI Drake's office and making sure it's ready for the new DCI, and I found this."

Greg handed Paul an envelope, marked confidential. "As Drake's last commanding officer I thought I should give it to you," he explained.

Paul took the envelope and nodded. "Thanks, Greg."

There were many things Paul wanted to say, to Greg and to everyone. There was so much to be done in the police force - he couldn't just have anyone replacing Drake, and he needed someone new for his team, then there was the matter of Erica…it was all such a mess.

He walked away from the crowd, taking a seat on a nearby bench, staring at the ground and taking deep breaths. Nearby, Becky, Charlotte, Hannah and Ted stood in a group, watching their friend with concern.

"Should we go to him?" asked Ted quietly.

Charlotte shook her head. "Give him time. He'll come to us."

"He blames himself," Becky added. "Thinks he was too hard on Drake. I should go to him. It's my fault Drake died."

"Don't you dare," Charlotte said. "It's Amelia's fault and nobody else's. Drake chose to take a stand for what was right. Nobody forced him."

The group turned their attention back to Paul, who was now opening the envelope Greg had handed him. As he read its contents, his expression changed and he started rushing towards the Costa Crew.

"Ted, look at this," he said, handing the letter to Ted.

Ted frowned and took the letter from Paul.

Dear DCI Drake,

We received your correspondence regarding DS Edward Green failing to attend the Inspector's exam, and have given the matter due thought. As you know the Inspector's exam is a well established part of Metropolitan Police procedure. To be promoted to the rank the candidate must pass the exam. Failure to attend the exam means the candidate forfeits the promotion.

However DS Green is a respected member of the police force following his work on Operation Godfather, so in this case we gave the matter more thought. DS Green's words about doing his job being more important than the rank he does it at truly embody what it means to be a police officer. And as a superior officer, we accept your appraisal of him as a valid reference for his character.

For that reason we are going to support your statement that a test is not the only proof of quality leadership. Therefore despite failure to attend the Inspector's exam, the department has approved your request to promote Edward Green to the rank of Detective Inspector.

Metropolitan Police
Department of Human Resources

Ted shook his head in disbelief. "No way…" he whispered hoarsely. "I'm…a DI?"

Paul smiled and nodded. "Drake's last act was getting you a promotion."

Becky clapped Ted on the back. "Congratulations, DI Green."

A tear rolled down Ted's cheek as he stared down at the paper. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you, DCI Drake."

***

A week later

"Jesus it's roasting," Ted moaned as he stepped off the plane into the scorching heat of the Australian sun.

"Well we are in Australia," reasoned Becky, stepping off after him. "Oh my God that is roasting."

Everyone filed off the plane - Becky, Paul, Hannah, Charlotte, Ted, Alex, Bruce, Clark, Linda and Matthew, shielding their eyes against the blinding sunlight that greeted them. "Some people ain't used to the heat," Maya Smith whispered to her fiancée, watching from the other side of the security check.

Lisa laughed. "Too true. I'm sure they'll get used to it eventually."

As everyone passed through security, Lisa and Maya approached. "So glad you could all make it," Lisa said as she hugged Becky. "I should have invited you the first time round."

Becky shook her head. "Things were complicated, nobody blames you. But I'm glad I can be here. Never been to Australia before."

"We'd better let you guys get to your hotel," Maya said, leading the way out of the airport with Lisa by her side. "Give ya a chance to relax before the rehearsal."

Becky smiled to herself as the group left the airport and walked towards the line of taxis parked outside. After everything - trials, being on the run, lives being on the line - they found themselves travelling halfway across the world for a wedding. Despite all Amelia's efforts, Lisa and Maya's love had made it through and was now stronger than ever. All their love was.