Disclaimer:- The characters you recognize and the town of Mt Thomas don't belong to me. Instead they belong to God and his Apostles (Hal McElroy and Southern Star, not to mention the Seven Network).
Anyone you don't recognize belong to me. This is my first fanfic so please don't be too harsh in your criticisms.
PJ walks into the station, everyone except Maggie is present.
PJ: Where's Maggs?
Nick: How am I supposed to know Detective, I am not Margaret's keeper.
PJ: Real funny boxhead.
(Tom sticks his head around the corner from his office)
Tom: PJ! A moment if you don't mind.
Dash: Uh Oh! What have you done?
Adam: Probably breathed.
Tom: I heard that Cooper!
PJ: On my way boss.
(PJ follows Tom into his office, Tom motions for PJ to shut the door, PJ does so and then sits down).
Tom: You've probably noticed that we are short one Senior Constable this morning.
PJ: Yeah I was just questioning the troops, so what gives?
Tom: Well at 4 O'clock this morning I was woken up by a phone call, Maggie was on the other end.
(PJ interrupts sounding worried)
PJ: Boss! Maggie called you at 4am, what's wrong? where is she?
Tom: Well if you would finally let me finish, she requested an indefinite leave of absence, said she had some business to take care of, and that she would call you at home at six O'clock.
PJ: But where is she?
Tom: I have no idea, now I am one member short, so why don't you get some policing done and then maybe tonight some light will be shed on this whole situation.
PJ: Fine Boss.
(PJ walks outside past everyone who is lounging at their desks and straight into his office, Nick gets up and starts to head towards the office).
Tom: Nick, don't,leave him be.
Nick: Boss what is going on around this place today? First Margaret disappears, and now our Senior Detective has gone all weird.
Dash and Adam: Nothing strange there!! (laugh) Jinks!!
(Phone rings - Dash answers it)
Dash: Mt Thomas Police, you've reached Constable McKinley, How can I help you?
(Nick and Adam both shoot her a look)
Nick: Coming up for assessment again Deidre?
Dash: Ssh!! No not you sir, right, and that address again?, thankyou, someone will be there shortly.
(Hangs up the phone)
(yelling) Boss! PJ! There has been a burg at 7 Jones Street.
Tom: That is Jack Parsons' place, PJ get going and take Doy.. um Cooper with you.
PJ: MMMMMMM (walks out the door, yells) Hurry up Adam!!! (Adam grabs his jacket and runs out the door).
Dash: Poor Adam, I would not want to be stuck in a car with him for quids.
Tom: McKinley!! Show some restraint for the first time in your life.
(Dash raises her eyebrows at Nick).
(PJ and Adam are inside Jack Parsons' house and PJ is giving him the third degree).
PJ: So what you are telling me Sir, is that you were sitting in your den watchng the news, and you did not hear a person enter your house and steal your microwave, fridge and spare television.
Jack: That is correct Detective.
PJ: That sounds a bit off to me, how can you NOT hear a person carry away a six foot fridge out a five foot door, what are you? Bloody deaf or just bloody stupid?
Adam: Come on PJ settle down, Now Mr Parsons, don't touch anything and someone will be back with your statement and they will tell you when you will be able to return to normal.
Jack: Well that's bloody wonderful.
PJ: Take it or leave it Sir, I have better things I could be doing.
(Adam grabs his shoulder)
Adam: Thankyou Sir, PJ let's go.
PJ: Excuse me Constable, But I make those calls.
Adam: Well?
PJ: Let's go, gooday Sir.
(PJ and Adam leave)
Jack (muttering) - Bloody Coppers
(Back at the station - PJ enters and goes straight into his office and slams the door, Adam enters the station).
Nick: Well young Adam couldn't go and change his mood for us then. Could you?
Adam: Shut up Nick!
(Tom comes out of his office)
Tom: Where's PJ?
(Everyone motions towards the CI office)
Tom: How did you get on at the Parson place?
Adam: Get this boss, he was watching TV, while in the other room, his microwave, fridge, and other TV were nicked.
Nick: You're kidding
Adam: Wish I was.
Dash: Serves him right if you ask me.
Tom: Well thankfully McKinley no one is asking you.
Adam: Um boss there is one other thing, umm
Tom: Well what is it Cooper?
Adam: It's PJ boss, he's acting really crazy, he asked Mr Parsons, and I quote if he was `bloody deaf or bloody stupid?'
Tom: Thankyou Cooper
(yells) PJ! MY OFFICE NOW!
(PJ comes out of the CI office and enters Tom's ofice, Tom follows him and slams the door so hard that the windows shake).
Tom: OK Detective Senior Constable, now you have been in a foul mood ever since I gave you Doyle's message......
PJ: I don't feel well, I'm going home.
Tom: PJ!!
PJ: Bye Boss, see you tommorrow.
(PJ leaves, leaving Tom extremely bewildered).
(Nick enters Tom's office)
Nick: Where's he going?
Tom: Forget it.
(Tom goes out into the station)
Tom: Everyone get back to work, maybe we can get some sense of normality back here.
PJ is sitting at home, beer in one hand and phone in the other, he is staring at the wall clock which says ten after six.
PJ: C'mon Maggs, call, where ae you?
(Phone rings, PJ spills his beer)
PJ: Damn, Hello?
Maggie: PJ it's me.
PJ: Maggs!! Where are you?
Maggie: (Sounding close to tears) Melbourne.
PJ: Maggie, What's wrong?
Maggie: It's Dad, he's he's
PJ: Talk to me Maggie, you know you can tell me anything. What has happened to Pat?
Maggie: Dad died.
PJ: Oh Honey!! No wonder you left in such a rush. I'm leaving now, I'll be in Melbourne...
Maggie: No PJ stay there, the station needs you.
PJ: Yes but your needs are more important, as I was saying I'll be in Melbourne in a couple of hours, I take it you are staying at the house?
Maggie: Yes, You've got the address?
PJ: Yeah, is there anything that you need?
Maggie: If you could just tell everyone at the station, I'd really appreciate it.
PJ: No worries, see ya soon, don't worry Maggs, I'm on my way.
Maggie: Thanks PJ, see you soon.
PJ pushes the button on the phone and dials Tom's number.
Tom: Hello, Tom Croydon.
PJ: Hey Boss it's me.
Tom: Ah PJ, feeling better?
PJ: Not really, Um Boss I have to go to Melbourne.
Tom: Why? did Maggie call?
PJ: Yeah Boss, Um Pat Doyle died.
Tom: Oh Bloody Hell! How is she?
PJ: She is putting on a brave face, but I really want to go down there.
Tom: Of course, take as long as you need, and tell her to do the same. Oh and PJ!
PJ: Yeah Boss
Tom: Give her our love.
PJ: Will do. See ya.
PJ pulls up to a house in Melbourne, walks up the path and gently knocks on the door. Maggie opens it
Maggie: Hi PJ thanks for coming.
PJ: I wouldn't be anywhere else, come ere Maggs.
(PJ gathers Maggie in his arms, at this point she goes limp and collapses in his arms in tears).
PJ: There you go honey. let it out.
(PJ picks Maggie up in his arms and carries her inside, he sets her down on the couch, and she puts her face in his chest, and just cries, PJ strokes her hair with tears in his eyes).
Maggie: Did you tell the boss?
PJ: Yeah but don't you worry about that. Hey Maggs?
Maggie: Yeah
PJ: Do you feel up to talking about it? Because if you're not, I'll understand.
Maggie: No I want to talk about it. From what I have been told, Dad went out with his mates from the force, for their weekly outing. At about ten O'clock Dad left to come home. About midnight one of his mates came by to pick up his wallet which he had left in Dad's car. When he didn't get an answer, he let himself in, and then he found Dad.
(Maggie starts to cry again)
PJ: There you go Maggs, almost finished (continues to stroke her hair)
Maggie: Well, he found him collapsed on the floor.
PJ: What happened?
Maggie: The Doctor said it was a massive heart attack. PJ, I know that Dad and I haven't always gotten on, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to be lost without him.
PJ: That's understandable. Now what do we have to do tommorrow?
Maggie: (Half-smile) Well, we have to meet with the minister, and make final preparations for the funeral, which will be the day after tommorrow.
PJ: I take it that it will be with full Police Honours?
Maggie: Oh No!! (sits up)
PJ: What's wrong? (looks worried)
Maggie: I forgot my dress uniform.
PJ: Good
Maggie: What do you mean good?
PJ: For this occasion you are going to forget about being a cop, and instead you will be a grieving daughter, who misses and loved her father very much.
Maggie: I guess your right. Thanks PJ.
PJ: Now what about Michael, he should be here with you.
Maggie: Michael is staying at a hotel. He couldn't handle staying here. Um PJ I suppose I should warn you Robbie's arranged to come to the funeral.
PJ: How did he manage that?
Maggie: Apparently one of Dad's superiors pulled a few strings. Anyway as soon as we get you settled into a hotel, I'll be staying here by myself.
PJ: No way Maggs, there is absolutely no way that I am leaving you here in this big house all by yourself. Now where is the spare bedroom?
Maggie: You can stay in Robbie's room.
(Maggie stands up and leads PJ to a room and kisses him on the cheek)
Thankyou for coming.
PJ: No worries, now you get some sleep, you've got a big couple of days ahead of you.
Maggie: OK `nite.
PJ: `nite.
(PJ enters the room, and closes the door behind him, Maggie enters the room opposite and shuts her door).
(Later that night, PJ is half-asleep when he hears screaming coming from Maggie's room, it sounds like she is having a nightmare).
Maggie: (screaming) no no no no no no no no
(PJ bursts in, turns on the light and takes a seat on Maggie's bed, and gently shakes her).
PJ: Maggie! Maggie! Wake up honey, it's only a nightmare.
Maggie: (Takes hold of him and puts her head on his shoulder). PJ! thank god you came, it was awful, I can't get Dad out of my mind.
PJ: That's understandable honey, what can I do?
Maggie: Hold me. please just hold me, lay with me here and just hold me.
PJ: Are you sure?
Maggie: Positive!
(PJ hops under the covers and pulls Maggie towards him, Maggie turns out the light, they both close their eyes).
(Next morning PJ wakes up to the sound of a phone ringing, half asleep he answers it).
PJ: Hello
Nick: (sounding surprised) PJ is that you, what did I do? Wake you?
PJ: As a matter of fact Nick, I'm still in bed.
Nick: Well I'm actually calling for Maggie, could you jump up and get her for me?
PJ: (stumbling) Um, no need for that Nick, hold on a sec.
(PJ puts down the phone on the bed, and without covering the mouthpiece starts to shake Maggie) -
Maggie wake up, Nick's on the phone for you.
Maggie: (also half asleep) Thanks PJ, Yes Nick, how are you?
(Nick's eyes are almost bulging out of their sockets).
Nick: Um, I'm fine Maggie, but how are you? We're all pretty worried about you up here, and uh sorry to hear about your Dad.
Maggie: Thanks Nick, I'm better than I was yesterday, but it's still a bit of a shock, I can't believe he's gone, after all I was only talking to him last week... (Maggie breaks down again, PJ takes the phone off her).
PJ: Hi Nick are you there? Maggs is a bit upset. I will get her to give you a call later at the station. OK?
Nick: Sure you will! (Smirking)
PJ: Bye Nick. (Hands up the phone) Come here (Gathers Maggie up in his arms).
A couple of hours later Maggie and PJ are leaving the church.
PJ: Quite a nice little church that one
Maggie: Yes it is. Mum used to take me every Sunday as a kid, I always dreamed of getting married here.
PJ: Yeah. (admiring the church) it would be nice. Now let's go and have some lunch, and maybe go for a walk in the park. That is if you are up to it?
Maggie: Yes, thanks, I think that is just what I need. Hand in hand Maggie and PJ walk off to a coffee shop down the road. After lunch they walk to the park where they lie on the grass, just soaking up the sun.
A few hours later it is getting dark, so they go and get kebabs before heading home. Once they arrive, Maggie lets them in.
PJ: Ta, so how are you feeling?
Maggie: Alot better, today helped. Thanks again.
(PJ bows with a silly grin)
PJ: All part of the service Ma'am.
Maggie: Well if it wasn't for you coming down, I think I would have been a blithering mess.
PJ: NEVER
Maggie: Ta.
Maggie gives PJ a kiss on the cheek, and then gives him a kiss on the lips PJ of course responds
Maggie: PJ, will you stay with me tonight?
PJ: Well I'm not exactly moving to a hotel now, so of course I'll stay here tonight.
(Maggie grabs his hands in her own, and looks into his eyes).
Maggie: No I mean will you be with me tonight, I really need you
PJ: Oh Maggie, you know that I want that more than anything else in this world, but I don't want to feel that I will taking advantage of you because you are upset.
Maggie: Yes I am upset about Dad's death, but I have never been surer about anything else in my life. You never hesitated in coming up here, and today I saw a side of you that is rarely seen. So now I will ask you again. WIll you be with me tonight? WIll you make love to be? And stay with me all night?
PJ: Of course I will Maggie.
PJ comes forward and starts to kiss her, Maggie responds by undoing his top two shirt buttons, PJ picks her up and carries her into the darkened bedroom ....
The next morning sunlight shines through the windows, Maggie and PJ are wrapped in each others arms and are fast asleep...Maggie wakes up first
Maggie: mmmmm PJ are you awake? (looks over her shoulder to a blissfully sleeping PJ) Hey! Wake up Sleeping Beauty!!
PJ: mmm (kisses Maggie on the cheek) Good Morning, how did you sleep?
Maggie: (looking at PJ) I slept quite well actually, that is after you finally let me go to sleep. (giggles).
PJ: Now seriously (strokes her hair) Do you think you are going to be able to get through today?
Maggie: You know what? (PJ shakes his head) This is going to sound awful but I actually forgot.
PJ: (squeezes her tighter) I'm sorry honey, but it is OK to forget sometimes, or else it just eats up your insides, and you will not be able to function and unfortunately you will not be of any use to anyone, and although this is going to sound very selfish, I need you.
Maggie: I need you as well.. PJ
PJ: Yeah Maggs
Maggie: Thankyou... (PJ interrupts)
PJ: You're welcome
Maggie: (Giggles) I haven't even told you what I am thanking you for yet.
PJ: (winks) I know Maggie, I know. (Rolls over)
A couple of hours later Maggie and PJ are getting dressed for the funeral, Maggie is straightening his tie.
PJ: You know I would only wear one of these bloody things for you Maggs.
Maggie: I don't know I think that you look quite suave and handsome.
PJ: In that case I think that I should wear one of these things more often. Now what is happening with Michael and Robbie?
Maggie: They are going to meet us at the chapel, Of course Robbie is going to have an escort.
PJ: That's good, by the way, they are going to meet you at the chapel, I'm only an offsider.
Maggie: You are one hell of an offsider. (Stares straight into his eyes) After all that we have been through I am so glad you came.
PJ: Considering how I feel about you, I just could not think of you coping with pain all by yourself. (Pauses) You do know that I love you Maggie, don't you?
Maggie: Yes it's a good thing too.
PJ: Why?
Maggie: Because I love you too. PJ take my hand. (PJ takes her hand) It's time to go and I am going to need you today more than ever.
PJ: Let's go.
(PJ kisses her on the forehead, Maggie puts her head on his shoulder, and they both walk out of the room hand in hand.
PJ and Maggie arrive at the church just as the coffin is being taken into the church, Michael is one of the Pall Bearers.
Maggie: (with tears in her eyes) I can't believe Dad is in there.
PJ: You'll be OK Maggie, when you need me just take hold, I'm not going anywhere.
Guests for the funeral start ariving and entering the church.
PJ: You ready?
Maggie: Well considering, as ready as I'm going to be.
PJ: (grabs her hand) well then, let's go.
PJ and Maggie enter the church just as the music begins to play, when they reach the front pew, Michael, Robbie and his escorts come over to them.
Michael: How are you Maggie? (hugs her)
Maggie: You would know if you would have come to the house.
Robbie: C'mon Maggie that's not fair.
Maggie: You want to talk fair, I had to arrange our father's entire funeral, in fact if it wasn't for PJ... (starts to tear up)
PJ: OK Maggs (puts his arm around her) I think this is neither the time or the place.
Robbie: Stay out of this PJ, this is none of your business.
PJ: Shut up Robbie, you're not even supposed to be out, now sit down, you're at your own father's funeral for goodness sake.
Michael: As Robbie said PJ you are not a Doyle therefore this is none of your business.
Maggie: Stop it! Now wait a minute Michael, Robbie you are both wrong, you see I am a Doyle and I made this PJ's business (takes PJ's hand) Can we sit down?
PJ: Of course. (He leads her to her seat, but looks over to Maggie's brothers)
The funeral service begins... Michael and a one of Pat's offices gave readings... after that it was time for Maggie to give the Eulogy.
Maggie: What can you say about Pat Doyle? He had many roles in his lifetime, he was a husband, a father (half smile), a friend, and he also had a role which as times took first place to everything else, Pat Doyle was a policeman. He was a good copper, enforcing the laws of the town where he was stationed at the time was all that he cared about. At times other things in his life like family had to suffer, because
contrary to popular belief, Pat Doyle was not perfect. But admist his flaws Pat Doyle did love his family, even though he had trouble showing it. Dad had a great influence upon all of his kids, and I think that
is why we all enlisted in the force, because we wanted to show Dad that we could all be something that he could be proud of. Finally, I am not sure where you are Dad but I for one love you, and along with alot of others (Maggie's voice begins to crack) will miss you.
(Maggie breaks down and puts her head on the rostrum, her shoulders shaking, PJ immediately jumps up and goes up to where Maggie is crying, he puts his arms around her in a tender hug, and allows Maggie to cry into his chest)
PJ: (whispering) There you go Maggie, let it out, let it all out.
(Gently PJ leads Maggie back to their seat, once there PJ removes his handkerchief from his pocket and hands it to Maggie, unfortunately it is a horrific bright yellow colour).
Maggie: I actually didn't realise that they even made any sort of fabric in this colour.
PJ: Sorry Maggs, it's the only one I brought with me.
Maggie: It's fine PJ, after all it's the thought that counts.
The minister continues on wit the service until finally at the end the funeral dirge begins to play. This time instead of Michael and five other police officers acting as Pall Bearers, six of Pat's friends did the duty. Maggie and PJ follow the coffin outside, there they are greeted by a guard of honour, standing closest to the door in full police dress uniform are Tom, Nick, Dash and Adam. Maggie and PJ look very surprised.
Maggie: Oh my God! What are you all doing here?
PJ: This must be one for the books no coppers in Mt Thomas
Nick: Well actually you two are going to get a kick out of this.....
Dash: A perverted kick if you ask me.
Tom: No one is asking you McKinley.
Nick: (rolls his eyes) Anyway Inspector Falcon-Price heard about your Dad and suggested that we all come down.
PJ: So who is running the station?
Tom: Inspector Falcon-Price decided he would run it, and Monica Draper decided she would assist.
Maggie: (eyebrows raised) MONICA DRAPER you have got to be kidding.
Tom: Actually I'm not.
Nick: (winks) maybe the two inspectors have something going.
Adam: Hey that's an idea
Dash: (wrinkles her nose) EWWWWW!!! you people say some sick things.
Tom: Anyway, how are you Doyle, from what we heard it was a lovely service.
Dash: Yeah Maggie, your Eulogy was really beautiful.
Maggie: HMMPH, it was until I made a fool of myself by breaking down.
PJ: (doesn't worry about anyone else and puts his arm around her) Don't worry about it honey, you did NOT make a fool of yourself, and I am immensly proud of you. (smiles).
Maggie: Thankyou (kisses him passionately).
(Everyone else looks at Nick)
NIck: (whispering) What? You think that I imagined it.
Maggie: (slowly pulls away and coughs) We better get to the cemetery. You all will be coming won't you?
Tom: Of course Maggie, do you want to come with us?
Maggie: Thanks for the offer Boss, but you guys go ahead, PJ and I will be right behind you. (puts her hand on PJ's shoulder) that is if it is OK with you, because if you want to go with the others, I'll understand.
PJ: No way Maggs! As I told you I am not going to leave your side for one minute. So you guys go on ahead and we will be there in a minute. Do you all know the way?
Nick: Yep! Deidre brought her trusty Melbourne guide book.
Tom: Well we better get going. Troops!! See you in a little bit.
Maggie: No worries.. Oh and thanks again everybody for coming, how long are you here for anyway?
Tom: I'm sorry but unfortunately we have to leave right after the funeral.
Adam: Inspector Falcon-Price and his friend may be generous, but I have a feeling that they are not that generous.
Tom: Cooper!! Anyway, we've wasted enough time (kisses Maggie on the cheek) See you both at the cemetery.
PJ: OK Boss
Tom, Dash, Nick and Adam all turn and leave, once they are out of hearing distance, it looks like they are all whispering.
PJ: What do you reckon they are yapping about?
Maggie: If I know those guys, and I think I do.. they are probably talking about the romance their Detective and their Senior Constable.
PJ: Hmmm romance (smiles) I like the sound of that. Now my dear (looks at her front on and seriously) Are you ready?
Maggie: Not really.
PJ: Well then we are not going anywhere until you are sure.
Maggie: You won't leave me, will you?
PJ: Never.
Maggie: Then I'm ready, let's go.
Maggie and PJ turn and start walking towards the car hand in hand. About an hour later everyone is standing around the coffin, the minister finishes the service... Maggie steps forward and places a rose on the coffin, and a handful of dirt
Maggie: Bye Dad.. You will always be in my heart. (Michael and Robbie step forward)
Robbie: Bye Dad
Michael: See you again one day (puts his arm around Maggie) You OK Minsy?
Maggie: (shrugs his arm off) I'm fine
Everyone from Mt Thomas come over
Tom: Um Doyle we have to go.
Maggie: Yeah I know Boss, thankyou all for coming. I really appreciate it.
Tom: You do realise that Pat would have been proud of you today.
Maggie: Who are you kidding!! Dad would have my hide for having so much pomp and circumstance.
Tom: (laughs) I guess you're right. Now you listen to me, Mt Thomas can wait you take as long as you need.
Maggie: I appreciate that Boss, but I think I will be back next week.
Tom: Come on Doyle, are you sure?
Maggie: Boss! Now you know better than anyone that work is one of the few lifelines for getting over this sort of thing.
Tom: Yes I guess I do. I will see you next week then.
Maggie: Not unless I see you first.\
Tom: Very funny Doyle, Um PJ can I talk to you for a minute?
PJ: Sure boss. (squeezes Maggie's hand) I'll be back in a little while.
Maggie: OK
PJ and Tom move away from the group
PJ: What can I do for you Boss?
Tom: Now Doyle says that she will be coming bach to work next week. I want you to stay with her until then, but at the same time I want to make sure that you are not taking advantage of her.
PJ: (shocked) WHAT!!!!! Boss how long have you known me? How could yo say such a thing, I would NEVER NEVER take advantage of Maggie... For goodness sake I'm in love with the girl, I would not let anything harm her, in fact it breaks me up that she has to go through this.
Tom: Um fine, I'm sorry, I didn't realise, you know that girl is like a daughter to me, so you better take damn good care of her.
PJ: Always Boss, come on let's get back to the others.
Tom and PJ rejoin everyone else
PJ: So did the uniforms solve the great Jack Parsons robbery case?
Dash: Contrary to popular belief amongst Detectives like you, we are capable of solving a little robbery.
PJ: So CONSTABLE what happened?
Dash: Well for YOUR information, as it turns out, Jack was only renting those goods, and he hadn't paid his rent on them for the last three months, so the rental company turned up, knocked on the door, when they didn't get an answer, they just came in and took what was theirs.
PJ: HA poor Jack, and so ends another great chapter.
Nick: It's time to go, and I don't know about you guys, but I definitely do not want to be on the receiving end of the Inspector's wrath.
Tom: He's right
Nick: Is there any doubt
Tom: OK we will see you both next week. Take it easy Maggie.
Maggie: Of course, See you all later.
Tom, Nick, Dash and Adam all leave
Maggie: (looks up at PJ) Take me home?
PJ: You betcha
Later on Maggie and PJ are sitting on the couch in the house
Maggie: So what did the boss want to talk to you about?
PJ: He wanted to make sure that I am not taking advantage of you.
Maggie: Oh my God!! What did you tell him?
PJ: The truth, that I love you and would never let anything harm you.
Maggie: Wow!! I love you too, PJ it has been nice just the two of us up here by ourselves, what is going to happen once we get back to Mt Thomas?
PJ: I don't know Maggs, I don't know.
PJ kisses Maggie and she snuggles into his chest.
THE END
Hoped you liked it if you have any questions comments or criticims please EMail me at walkerb1@topaz.cqu.edu.au