At the end of the shift Lisa got her coat and walked over to the bar. She found Tony sitting by the bar so went over.

"Tony," She said, "Ben can’t make it tonight."

"Oh right," he replied disappointed thinking he’d been stood up.

"It’s nothing like that. You know Sandy."

"Firework woman, how could I forget," he joked.

"She was raped yesterday. Ben’s gone with her to the police station."

"Oh no, do they know who did it?" He asked not sure quite what to say.

"Her boyfriend, she was splitting up with him and he turned on her, that’s all I know."

"Blimey, well do you want I drink while your here?"

"Why not," Lisa replied sitting down.

The next afternoon Ben was late in for work and rushed to get changed.

"Slow down we’re quite quiet at the moment, save your energy for later," Lisa said.

"Sorry, did you see Tony last night?" Ben asked impatiently.

"Yes and he understands, don’t panic. How’s Sandy?"

"Don’t know really. She calm but I think she’s still scared. Hopefully they’ll find him and arrest him soon. She’s staying at my place until they do in case he comes back. I didn’t want to leave her on her own really but there wasn’t much choice."

"She’ll be all right, I’m sure she’ll tell you if she isn’t, in time." Lisa replied, "As I said, it’s quiet, why don’t you go down to A&E and see Tony. I’ll page you if you’re needed." He did what she said and got the lift down to A&E. Tony was by reception so saw him and walked over.

"I’m sorry about last night," Ben apologised.

"Don’t worry about it. Something's are just more important. How’s Sandy."

"OK. We’ll meet up another night yeah?"

"Why not, maybe I should come round and cook for you, make sure you’re eating properly with your hectic lifestyle," Tony replied.

"Ah. I’ve let Sandy stay at mine for a few days. I didn’t want her alone in her flat in case she came back. I’m sorry."

"It’s OK, at least it shows me you’ve got a caring side," Tony said laughing, "I’d better go, I’ll see you sometime, hopefully."

Sandy was on compassionate leave so Danny was surprised to see her coming into Darwin ward about 5 days later near the end of the shift. "What are you doing here?" He asked.

"I’ve come to sort out when I’m coming back to work," she replied.

"Isn’t it a bit soon?"

"No. It’s been nearly a week. He’s in custody until the trial and if he’s convicted I may not have to pay him the money back, not for ages anyway. It’s time to start getting on with my life. Anyway it’s Ben’s birthday and I don’t want to miss it, you’re still all going to the bar aren’t you. There’s a couple of things I need your help with after I’ve spoken to Chrissie." Danny looked at her quizzically as she went into Chrissie’s office.

That evening everyone was in the bar for Ben’s birthday drinks, including Tony.

"Well this is an interesting first date," Tony said.

"Yeah, sorry. I promise we will get sometime to ourselves eventually. I wonder where Danny’s got to, he said he was coming straight from work and everyone else from Darwin is here." Within a few minutes he’d arrived with Sandy.

"Hey I thought you weren’t coming?" He said to Sandy.

"Well I can go again if you want," she joked. He pulled her towards him and hugged him.

"It’d good to see you," he said getting her a drink.

"Well you mustn’t be here too long," she said, Danny laughed.

"See, she moves in and thinks she’s my mother," he replied turning to Tony.

"No, oh didn’t I tell you, I’ve booked a table for the two of you at Marino’s restaurant by the docks. It’s really nice. It’s a sort of thank you for looking after me and getting in your way," she added laughing herself. Ben wasn’t quite sure what to say so he hugged her again. "And I've moved back into my flat so you can have the place to yourselves tonight."

"You didn’t have to really, if you still want to stay?"

"No, it’s part of me starting to move on. Sean’s been arrested so I’ll be all right. The table should be for you and Danny but I thought he’d prefer to go with Lisa," she said turning round. Danny went bright red and Lisa laughed.

"She’s not even here and she can still sniff out all the gossip," Lisa said burying her head in Danny’s shoulder.

"Well while it’s the night of celebrations and announcements, I’ve got one," Chrissie said from beside Sandy, "Me and Owen are having a baby." Everyone was more shocked then surprised and in time they all came up and congratulated them. They all partied for ages then Ben and Tony went off for their meal. Sandy decided to leave about half ten.

"Sandy are you off," Chrissie said as Sandy picked up her coat, "We can give you a lift if you like we’re going to." They waited outside as Owen got the car.

"Hey Congratulations. I never thought you’d be one to be announcing you were pregnant but then I never thought you could be a caring boss either. I’m really grateful for what you did for me, I didn’t ask for help and yet you still gave it. I don’t know what I’d have done without you. Thank you," Sandy said sincerely.

"It’s OK. I could never have lived with myself if I’d passed up asking if you were all right and then I’d found out you were raped. I may have a go sometimes and find some of your ways annoying but you know something’s wrong when they’re not there. I’m glad I could help you."

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