27 August 2012
He went inside, Sarah wasn't back from the toilets so he took his seat and downed the rest of his pint. Shouting and singing in the street disturbed him and as he started grumbling about the students again he saw Sarah run outside. He turned and looked toward the door and sunk into his seat.
Sarah joined the rest of their team as they entered singing happy birthday.
The four D.C.s and two P.C.s on secondment came in carrying a birthday cake and balloons, emblazoned with '50'.
Davy grabbed Peter in a huge hug and kissed him full on the lips, 'Happy Birthday ye old radge.' He had a soft spot for Davy, which was just as well because he was the craziest man he had ever met, in or out of the force. The total antithesis of the idealised cop. Thirty seven, slightly overweight, messy stubble on a round face, outsized designer clothes and long, straightened hair that he had recently tried to put highlights in himself, resulting in a greenish hue.
Davy had been in most divisions and departments, but Peter liked to think he had been the one to tame him, but it was probably that he was the only gaffer able to put up with him. When one elderly Super' recently retired, Davy signed his leaving card 'FUCK OFF YE BUM… LOVE DAVY.'
Only he could still be in a job after that. Despite or maybe because of his antics he was well loved within the job and most importantly he was one of the best detectives Peter had ever worked with. He could build rapport with the neds like no other cop and was the best CHIS (Covert Human Intelligence Source) handler they had.
Peter couldn’t help but laugh as they surrounded him, he looked at Sarah who gave him a kiss to the forehead. She then presented him with a cake in the shape of a truncheon and a pair of cuffs at its base, giving it an intentionally phallic appearance. He blew out the cut down household candle that was on the tray carrying the cake. 'Make a wish sir. From what Sarah tells me, if you play your cards right, it might just come true tonight' shouted Davy letting out a yelp as Sarah pinched his arm.
Peter's DCs, Davy, Sandy Kelly, Scott and Laura all shook his hand and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The two PCs, or mini-DCs as they were known, Ryan and Lynsey, wished him a polite happy birthday. Peter thanked them all and then gave Sarah a hug.
'You didn’t really think we would let you get away with a few quiet drinks? Or that this lot would miss the chance for a flyer from work and a piss up?' She nibbled his ear, 'you better get them in, sir.'
Tom was already at the bar, ready to take the order. Peter took out his wallet and handed over £100, 'Tom its on me 'til that runs out' he raised his voice and looked over at his team, 'then yous will be buying me the rest. We'll see who is out more money at the end of the night!'
Thin Line Ch 1:2 • Opuss № I