Sam's Flat (The Rescue, part 3)

We were discussing the possibility of various of John Simm's characters meeting, which gave me inspiration for the following, starring Sam Tyler (Life on Mars), Cal McAffrey (State of Play) and Cecil (Meat)

Follows on from Lost and Found

Sam and Cal returned to CID to be greeted by Chris who gave Sam his change.

“There’s not much here,” Sam was surprised.

“Well, Cecil had double helpings of pudding after ‘is sausage and mash. It’s okay, Boss. Gwen only charged half price for the second helping, said it was nice to see someone so enthusiastic about her food.”

Sam nodded.

“What are you going to do with Cecil tonight?” Cal asked him.

“I had thought of leaving him in a cell, but that would mean charging him, which I don’t really want to do. I’ll have to take him back with me to my flat. It’s not ideal in the circumstances, but I can’t see any alternative and I definitely don’t want him back on the streets.”

“Do you want me to give you a lift?”

“Thank you. I’d appreciate that.” Sam didn’t add that the more time he was able to spend with Cal in whatever circumstance, the happier he would be.

They called Cecil to join them and went out into the dark. When they reached Sam’s flat Sam invited Cal to come in with them and then tried to disguise his pleasure when he agreed.

Sam went into the kitchen, “I’ll get us a drink. Cecil, why don’t you get yourself into bed.” He sensed the boy’s hesitation. “It’s okay. I just meant for you to sleep there, nothing else. You can stay fully clothed if you like, but I’d prefer it if you’d take your boots off.”

Cal joined Sam in the kitchen, to give Cecil some privacy. Sam was filling the kettle, so Cal put his hands on his waist and Sam lent back into his arms. “I could do with something stronger if you have anything,” he murmured into Sam’s ear.

“There’s a bottle of whisky under the sink.”

Sam made the coffee and took it through, followed by Cal carrying the bottle and two glasses. Cecil had obviously decided that he could trust them because his jeans and shirt were in a pile by the bed. Sam offered him a mug of coffee and as the lad took it Sam noticed the marks on his arm.

“Someone mistake your arm for an ashtray, did they?” The lad whimpered. “Show me your other arm.” Cecil reluctantly held his arm out. “Anywhere else?”

“My back,” the whisper was scarcely audible.

Sam gently lifted Cecil’s vest and looked at his back. The red wheals from where he’d been hit by a leather belt showed sharply against his pale skin. Sam swallowed. Disguising his anger at those who’d beaten the boy he said quietly, “Get some sleep. I promise you I’m not going to let anyone do that to you again.”

The lad lay down and very soon he had was asleep. Sam and Cal looked at each other and started to chew over the events of the day.

Filming