'Black and White' - The White Bridge Crime Series 2 - LGBT, manXman

16

(Two Weeks Later)

"We're at a dead end," Rex said wearily, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "Until our killer's DNA is entered into the system, we've got nothing on him."

Dom sighed heavily and nodded.

"Cole won't be happy."

"Cole can stick it." Rex replied moodily.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that, Barnett." Cole came out of his office, causing Rex's scowl to deepen.

Rex waved for Dom to explain, and left the office, muttering to himself.

Dom watched him go, before shaking his head and updating their boss.

Cole sighed and rubbed his beard for a few moments after Dom finished speaking, before scowling.

"Alright. Start scaling down the investigation. You and Rex keep looking, but start working on other cases as well. Let Rex know. Might cheer him up a bit."

"I doubt it. He's got to tell Eli."

Dom wandered down to the car park and saw Rex sat in his car, his arms folded across the steering wheel, his face hidden against them. Dom opened the passenger door and slid into the seat with a sigh.

"Cole's put the investigation on the backburner." Dom told his partner quietly.

Rex looked up at him.

"What?"

"We've got nothing to go on. He said it's time to move on. We'll keep working the case, but..." Dom shrugged, and looked at Rex sympathetically. "I'll tell Eli, if you like."

Rex shook his head.

"No... He's leaving the hospital today. I'll tell him before he goes."

"Where's he going? Did Cole manage to arrange protective custody?"

"No... I'll take him home to get a few things, before I take him to my place. Maki's settled in there now, and I think he'd like to keep her close, so..."

Rex shrugged and sat back with a yawn.

"I need a holiday." He groaned.

"We both do."

Dom stretched and sighed.

"Aidy and I were supposed to be going down to Italy this weekend for a few days to see my sister, but Rachel's got something on at school. A big project she needs to work on, or something."

"Can't she stay with a friend?" Rex asked. "She's old enough to be a bit more responsible now."

"I guess..." Dom said doubtfully. "I'll talk to Aidy... I suppose Freddie and Tom would take her for a while if we asked."

"Let me know if you go. I'll look after Mia."

Rex looked at his watch.

"I'll go to the hospital now. Let Cole know, will you?"

Dom nodded and got out of the car.

"See you tomorrow."

Rex left the car park. He turned onto the high street and followed it until he saw the signs for the hospital.

By the time he'd parked and made his way up to Eli's room, it was almost five o'clock.

Eli smiled as he came into the room. He was perched on the edge of his bed, his holdall beside him, waiting impatiently for the doctor to come and give him a final exam before letting him leave.