Broadchurch: Blast From The Past

Chapter 15

TW: anxiety

After the plates were cleared away, Jenkinson stepped up to the microphone again.

"'Bout fucking time," Alec muttered. Daisy kicked his shin.

"Now for the reason we're here tonight," the Chief Super said. "To honor the brave men and women who protected and served us so faithfully over the past year. Presenting the awards tonight is Sergeant Michael Coleman, retiring this year."

Sergeant Coleman slouched onto the stage, looking like he wished he was anywhere but in front of a crowd of people. He was a big, blunt man who had happily spent his entire career in uniform, and trained much of the current police force.

Jenkinson beganthe ceremony. "Our first award..."

Alec tuned out. He hated parties, hated socializing, and was in no mood to sit through a lengthy ceremony. His shoulder was throbbing, but he couldn't pop a Vicodin in a room full of coppers. He glanced around surreptitiously, wondering if he could sneak out the door without getting caught. No, Ellie and Daisy would kill him. He stared into space until he heard the words "final award of the night." They were in the homestretch.

"The person receiving this award has only been with us for a few years," Jenkinson said. "But in that time, they established themselves as a competent and talented member of our police force. They have helped solve complex cases against impossible odds, and eight weeks ago, they spearheaded an investigation that not only brought multiple murderers to justice, but also saved the life of one of our own. Their determination to see the case to its conclusion, despite being injured in the line of duty, makes us all proud. I am honored to award the Broadchurch Cross of Valor to Detective Inspector Alec Hardy."

"Wot?" Alec breathed.

"Dad, it's you!" Daisy beamed at him. "Go!"

"Wot!?"

"Get up there!" Ellie ordered.

"Wot?!"

Tom dragged Alec to his feet, and Daisy shoved him toward the stage. He stood in front of Sergeant Coleman whilst a medal was pinned to his uniform, then accepted a small statue. That was when he realized he was expected to give an acceptance speech.

"Well," Alec began. "Um, bloody hell, a lot of things about tonight make sense, like why I had to come in the first place. I, um, I'm not good with words. I am both honored and mortified by this award. I really don't deserve it. I've tried to do my job as best I can and..."

He had a sudden spark of inspiration, one that would get him the hell out of the spotlight. "I could not have done any of it without the help of my team. I would like everyone in the investigation department to stand up. Also, Karen White, who provided us information; Paul Coates and Beth Latimer—if they're here—who kept us fed during that case. And of course, my partner, Ellie Miller, who deserves this honor far more than I do. Thank you, all of you."

Applause turned from Alec to the people he'd named. He took advantage of the distraction, and hurried back to his table.

"Congratulations, Dad," Daisy said, jumping up to hug him. "You've earned it."

"No, I haven't."

She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. "That's what heroes are supposed to say."

"You're embarrassing me," Alec muttered.

"I know. How about a quick spin around the dance floor before I go?"