Thanks to Gem, Beccy, Laura, Ellyce, Barb, and SassyJ for reviewing the last chapter, this one has some possible out-of-character-ness but it is necessary to set up the scenes that will follow in the next three chapters.
I don’t think that it’s too bad though, but please review and let me know!

Chapter Three – Big Night.

“Congratulations” yelled the gathered relief, as Sam entered the Seven Bells late the next night

“Well done Sam” Gina said, as she congratulated her friend, bringing her over a large glass of white wine

“You got him sent away” Jo said, as she came to stand next to the two of them

“I guess I did” Sam replied, as a smile spread across her face, remembering the day she had just had. It had started like any other, but had ended with Banks being found guilty on all charges, and sentenced to at least fifteen years jail, Sam had thoroughly enjoyed watching his arrogant face become etched with worry, as he realised the gravity of what had just been imposed upon him.

“Looks like I didn’t have to worry about leaving you alone after all” Neil said, as he appeared from behind the bar, “Thanks for the note, by the way” he said jokingly, as he knocked his glass against Sam’s

“No worries, welcome home. How was Spain?”

“Great, I went bull-riding” Neil said proudly

“You didn’t” Sam said astounded

“I’ve got the bruises to prove it” he said with a laugh, and then to be certain, he rolled up one of his sleeves, and showed a deep purple bruise

“Oh that’s attractive Guv” Jo said sarcastically

“It wouldn’t be for you” Neil retorted, as they all laughed, today had been a good day for them all

“More drinks?” Gina asked, as she skulled the last of her whisky

“I’ve only just got mine” Sam protested

“Well hurry it up, big night ahead” Jo said, “I’ll have another please”

Sam smiled, and headed towards one of the familiar couches, before sitting down, “Have you seen Stuart today?” Sam whispered, as Jo sat beside her, she knew that Stuart and Jo were close, and that she would know if he knew about his results yet

“Yes, but there was a delay, he was getting them at 5pm” Jo explained, as she looked down at her watch, “It’s just gone 6 now” she said worriedly

“I’m sure he’s” Sam began, but was interrupted as the pub door opened, and Stuart wandered inside, smiling to the others, and then heading quickly over to where Jo and Sam were talking

“I hope you’ve got your good shoes on Guv, we have a lot of celebrating to do”

“So you’re going to be okay?” Jo asked, anxiously

“I’m going to be just fine” Stuart said happily, “And now I need a drink, Guv? Jo?”

“I’m still on this one” Sam replied, “And I am really happy for you, I told you that everything was going to be fine. Banks got fifteen too”

“Great” Stuart said with a smile

“Sure why not” Jo said to the offer of drinks, “And get Sam another too”

“Are you trying to get me drunk?” Sam asked

“Always” Jo replied

“DC Masters you really are a very bad influence”

“Oh celebrate a little, I haven’t seen you properly drunk since DS Hunter’s farewell, and that was a great night” Jo said, as she took a glass from Gina who just arrived and sat down beside them, before placing the full tray on the table in the middle of them all

“Has anyone heard from him at all?” Gina asked, as she caught the end of the conversation, “Sam, surely you would have”

“No I haven’t” Sam replied, wistfully, as she then took a large sip of the wine

“Something the matter?” Stuart asked, as he returned with another tray

“No, nothing at all” Sam said, as she finished one glass and reached out for another, they wanted her to have a big night, she might as well give them one.

Two hours later, and several glasses of wine later, Sam went to stand and headed to the bathroom, her feet feeling funny beneath her. She really didn’t get out enough she thought, as she made her way passed her colleagues, and entered the bathroom, splashing her face with water, she reasoned that she was indeed more drunk than what she had been when Phil left, but this was all in the name of celebration, so who really cared. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror, be that it was a blurry one, and she then headed back out to her colleagues, taking a glass of water as she passed the bar. She then returned, and sipped on the water slowly, as she listened back into the conversation, more stories of Neil doing unbelievably un-Neil like things, she laughed as she listened, imagining Neil’s face, as a bull ran towards him.

“Come on Jo” Sam said, about an hour later, she was poking Jo in the arm, but she was making no attempt to realise that Sam was there

“How many has she had?” Stuart asked, as he pulled her by the other arm

“Too many obviously” Gina replied, “Lightweight”

“We really are a fine example of responsible drinking” Neil replied, as he watched the others, both Sam and Stuart struggling with Jo, and on the other side of the pub, Sally, Emma and Beth singing the Spice Girls loudly, and very off key, into a karaoke machine

“Speak for yourself Neil, you’ve had more than me” Sam replied with a laugh, the wine she had inhaled now seeming to wear off, as she felt more sober than she had an hour ago

“What are you going to do about her?” Jack asked, as he joined them

“She’s on night shift tomorrow, plenty of time to sober up” Mickey said from somewhere behind them, “As am I, so barman I will have another”

Sam watched and began to laugh, “I’ll take her home, she doesn’t live far from me. I can walk from hers if we get a cab”

“No, I’ll come with you both, and then I can walk you home” Stuart said, as he managed to pull Jo to her feet

“That’s sweet of you Stuart” Gina said, as she looked towards Sam, wondering if there was something going on between the two of them again

“If you’re sure” Sam said, as an uncomfortable feeling made its presence known in the pit of her stomach, and Sam wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the offer of Stuart’s causing it

“It’s fine Sam” Stuart said with a smile, “I’ll see you all tomorrow” he called to the rest of them

“So will I” Sam replied

“Mu..Tomorrow” Jo added on the end, and then Sam and Stuart each took hold of one of her arms and pulled her out into the night.

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