All That You Can't Leave Behind

[>>Emma<<]

Great Adia, more soon please, Nina wants to get back in the gang...

[xsianx]

Sorry guys... someone else has been hogging the computer and the only time I can get on is when they are in the shower! How desperate am I? Lol Anyway here's a bit of a "filler" chapter. Will be back to Jack and Martha after this!

Bet it was a guy

thanks for the update Adia.

[Tasha]

great update. Stupid Johnny, he better not touch Maddie but...

Will be back to Jack and Martha after this!

you dont update for a long time, and still make me wait for Jack and Martha *hmph* meh! As long as their next im happy

Please update soon

[Adia]

Sorry Tasha... I know that was mean of me to make you wait for Jack and Martha. OOOhhh, there's a bit of trouble ahead so just a warning...

ChapterFiftyOne:

Jack stood there and smiled awkwardly. “Hey mate, I thought we weren’t going to meet up till tomorrow? I gave you a text.”

The guy shook his head. “Sorry, I’ve been on duty and my phone’s at the station.” He looked over at Martha. “Is this a bad time?”

“Ummm, no not at all,” Jack said politely. “I just wasn’t expecting you that’s all…”

“Jack?” Martha said hinting at him. “Are you going to introduce me?”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry. Martha this is my mate… Ash Nader. Ash this is my wife Martha.”

Ash and Martha both smiled and shook hands. “It’s nice to meet you Ash. I guess you and Jack must be police buddies?”

“Actually, we go way back. We’ve been mates for years, haven’t we Jack?” said Ash.

“Yeah, Chooka here is almost like part of our family.” Jack said. “So… what’s up mate. Is it important?”

“It’s just about the case you were telling me about,” Ash told him. “I did some research for you and I thought I’d come and tell you about it when I had some spare time. Besides, it gave me the chance to finally meet your lovely wife. You did always have good taste Jack.”

Jack smiled. “Yeah, she’s great.” He turned at looked at her. “You don’t mind if we just talk police business for a minute? It won’t be long…”

“No, that’s fine” said Martha. “I might head down to the pool and have a swim anyway.” Martha opened her suitcase and started rummaging around. Jack walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Hey, I’m sorry about this. Are you sure you’re okay with it?” he asked her.

“Yeah, it’s fine Jack,” she grinned. “How often do you get to see your mates out here? The only condition is… I want you to think about me the whole time that I’m not here.”

Jack leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “I can’t wait till you come back,” he whispered. Martha grabbed one of the towels off the bed. “I’ll see you boys later. It was really nice to meet you Ash,” she said.

Jack and Ash waved her off and sat down on the chairs by the window.

‘Great view from here,” said Ash. “This must’ve cost a bit?”

“Yeah, but it’s worth it…” said Jack.

“I’ll bet. You really outdid yourself with her mate. She’s a stunner.”

“Thanks. Hey sorry for not inviting you to the wedding,” Jack told him. “It’s just everything was really rushed and…”

“It’s okay. I totally understand.” Ash sighed and rubbed his hands through his hair. “So I looked up the paper work about the brother and sister.”

“And how’d it go?” Jack asked.

“Well, the files are sealed. You know that. So I asked around bit…” Ash took a quick breath and thought over what he wanted to say. “There’s definetly something going on. And I think Detective Owens is in on it.”

“What makes you say that?” Jack asked.

“Jake and Nina have been arrested more than a dozen times in the last few years… on just about all of those, Owens was the arresting officer.”

“What?”

“That’s not all… there’s a rumour going around that he might be corrupt.”

Jack shook his head. “He seems like a genuine guy. I mean he gets on well with McGrath. They’ve known each other for ages.”

“How do you know that McGrath isn’t in on the game?”

Jack came to a sudden realisation. “Now that you mention it… McGrath’s been pretty defensive of Jake and Nina since they came to the bay. He wouldn’t even let me question her.”

“Maybe they’re all connected somehow?” Ash suggested. “I mean… They’re not really big dangerous criminals that can afford to pay off high ranking police detectives.”

Jack nodded. “There’s something going on and I need to find out what it is before they do anything in Summer Bay.”

“Yeah. I’ll keep checking up on it,” said Ash. “Listen, I was just about to head down to the bar and have some drinks with some mates from work. You want to come?”

“I don’t know Chooka?” Jack said. “I mean, me and Martha had this whole night planned…”

“She’s down having a swim and I’ll make sure that you’re back before she even realises you’re gone.” Ash grinned playfully. “Come on mate… one for old times sake?”

Jack smiled. “Alright, but only a couple. AND we have to be back before Martha.”

“No worries,” said Ash. Jack grabbed his things and they left the hotel.

Martha lay in the bed. She couldn’t sleep. She looked worryingly over at the clock. It was almost 4am. She had tried calling his cell, but it was switched off. “Where are you Jack?” she thought to herself. She pulled the blankets over her head and finally closed her eyes.

[Tasha]

:o

Ok i didnt expect you to bring Ash into this. He better not of done anything to Jacky And Ashton better not lay a single hand on Martha, otherwise i'll bash him up *hmph* Great chapter though

Please update soon

[tasha7905]

Great updates, I cant believe Johnny threatened to hurt Mattie, I hope he doesnt end up doing something to her. I wonder if Rocco will join the gang in the end thinking he has to help Nina and where is Jack? Brilliant fic. Hope there is more soon.

[xsianx]

YESSS! lol Ash! lol I knew Tasha wouldn't be pleased!

Ash is so checking her out! and getting ready to steal her lol

[Adia]

Sian, you can totally read minds!

It's a bit of a long chapter...

ChapterFiftyTwo:

Jack was worried and hesitant as Ash lead him to the bar.

“Don’t worry mate!” Ash laughed patting Jack’s shoulder. “A couple of quick drinks and you’ll be back in your honeymoon suite in no time…”

“Yeah, it would be good to catch up with some old mates I guess” said Jack.

“Yeah, all the old crowd will be there. It’ll be just like old times eh?” Ash grinned as they walked into the bar. The place was fairly full for that time of night and Jack noticed that most of them were police officers.

Ash pushed his way through the crowd to one of the tables in the corner to the left of the dance floor. There were about three guys and three women sitting there laughing and joking around.

“Hey everyone look its Asho!” one of the guys yelled.

“Hey mate,” Ash smiled. “This is Jack Holden, he’s a constable out in Yabbie Creek. Jack these are the guys I work with…” Ash pointed around the table. “That’s Mick, Leon, Andy. Andy’s girlfriend Deb, Jenna, and of course you remember Kelly don’t ya?”

Jack smiled awkwardly as his eyes connected with Kelly’s. She was a pretty blonde with stunning green eyes. Jack had loved how she had this incredibly infectious laugh and the way she brightened up a room. “Yeah, of course I remember. How could I forget?” he said embarrassed.

Ash grinned. “Right, listen guys I’ll buy the next round… Jacky boy… you get acquainted with everyone all right?”

Jack sat down next to Mick at the end of the table.

“So Jack… you a mate of Asho’s huh?” Mick asked him.

“Yeah we go way back…” Jack smiled.

“Class clown that guy!” interrupted Leon. Jack gazed over at Kelly who was quietly sipping her drink.

“So how are you Kel?” he asked politely.

She managed a wry smile. “Good Holden. I’m good,” she said quietly. “How about you? I heard you got hitched?”

Jack was back to feeling awkward again. “Yeah, her name’s Martha. She’s really great. I really love her.”

“You’re lucky mate…” Leon told him. “I can’t have relationship longer than a week. Chicks just don’t dig the hours I work…”

“Hey I put up with it!” Deb exclaimed.

“Yeah but Andy doesn’t do anything…” Mick laughed. “He’s had more holidays and sick days than anyone else! Now we know why!”

“Hey now... come on boys…” said Andy jokingly.

They all laughed. Ash came back with a tray of drinks and sat down next to Jack.

“I think we should have a toast!” Ash shouted.

“A toast to what Ash?” asked Jack.

“Ohhh, I dunno?” Ash said looking around. “How about a toast to old friends?”

“Sounds good!” said Andy. “Even though I don’t know ya Jack… and because I’m drunk I won’t remember ya… you can be an old mate anyway!”

“Here, here” the rest of them shouted as they raised their glasses. Jack couldn’t help but look over at Kelly who was trying hard to avoid eye contact with him.

They all talked for a while before Andy and Deb got up and started dancing. Leon and Mick scoured the room for single women, and Jenna and Kelly left to go to the bathroom.

“I think the next round is on you Jacky boy!” said Ash as playfully punched Jack in the arm. “Kel’s been making eyes at you all night, you sure there isn’t anything still there with her?”

“Ash! I’m married! Look I dunno mate.” Jack said worried. “It’s getting late and my cell battery is dead. I really should get back to Martha.”

“God! You’re boring now that you’re married!” exclaimed Ash. “One more round that’s it and I’ll get you back home safe and sound. Promise!”

Jack stood up and reached around for his wallet. “Alright Chooka, One more round, and it’s on me.” Jack made his way to bar and ordered the drinks. A guy came up next to him and ordered a shot of whiskey.

“Detective Owens,” Jack said surprised. “How’s things?”

“Gidday Jack,” Nathan said politely as he put his wallet on the bar. “Yeah I’m good. You catching up with some old mates?”

“Yeah,” Jack smiled. “Umm, Ashton Nader? We go way back, even before police college.”

“Yeah?” Nathan said surprised. “Well Ash is a good cop. Definitely knows how to party… Let me buy you a drink… another double thanks,” he told the bar tender. As his drink was being prepared Kelly walked past him. Jack’s eyes followed her as she walked back to the table.

“Like what you see Holden?” Nathan laughed. “She’s very popular at CID, I tell you that.”

Jack sipped on his drink. “Yeah, we used to go out. But I’m married now…” Jack looked at him. “Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know Peter Baker would you? It’s just you really look like him… I can't get over it.”

Nathan laughed. “Yeah, I know Pete. Well… I knew him. Poor guy.” He skulled the last of his drink down and ordered another. “Yeah I’m still good mates with a lot of people I went to police college with, Pete… Richie and Logan, Clare Brody. I guess being in the force and working together you can’t help but be mates with everyone. Couldn’t believe it when I heard about Tracey Thompson… who knew huh?”

The memory of Tracey and Zoe sent shivers down Jack’s spine.

“You knew Tracey?” he gasped.

“Yeah…” Nathan said frowning as though he had a bad taste in his mouth. “She went out with a mate of mine. Richie Callan, he was my partner a few years back. But umm, he probably wouldn’t be happy I was talking about it.” His phone beeped and he quickly read his message.

Jack nodded. “Yeah, it brings back some painful memories.”

“Yeah McGrath filled me in…” he said sympathetically. “Listen it was good to catch up with you, but I’ve got to head off… got to meet a frined.” Nathan smiled as he put his phone away. “See you around…”

Jack grabbed the tray of drinks and realised that Nathan had left his wallet there. He put the wallet in his pocket and quickly headed back to the table.

“Took your time!” said Ash.

“Yeah, I was just talking to Owens,” Jack apologised.

“Eh? Is he here?” Ash said looking around.

“He was, but he left his wallet behind, I think I might just see if I can catch him outside. I’ll be back in a minute…”

Jack rushed through the crowd and out the door. He looked up and down the street for any sign of Nathan. He thought that he saw him, so he ran up the street a little. When he turned the corner Nathan was quite a distance away talking to a man by a black sports car. The guy handed Nathan a brown envelope and got back in his car. Jack watched from the corner as the guy drove away. He recognised him instantly. It was Jake Rogers.

Nathan walked slowly back towards where Jack was standing. “You stalking me mate?” Nathan said suspiciously.

“Ahh, no sorry…” Jack stuttered. “You left your wallet at the bar.”

Nathan frowned as Jack handed him the wallet. “Thanks.”

Jack didn’t know what to think about what he had just seen.

“See ya mate.” Nathan said walking away.

“Yeah…” Jack said confused.

Jack went back to the bar and joined Ash and co again. After a few more rounds Jack was totally drunk.

“Alright mate,” Ash said to him. “On the one hand, it’s not late anymore, but it’s pretty early… and you are trashed.”

“I don’t feel well…” Jack moaned.

“Well you shouldn’t have been dancing so hard out with Kelly… that girl is bad for you… I’ll go and grab us a taxi okay?” Ash stood up and left.

Jack was a little dazed and he got up and walked outside for some air. Kelly was standing there alone. She smiled as Jack walked up to her.

“I had fun tonight Jacky boy…” she said. “How about you?”

“Yeah it was great…” Jack walked back up the steps of the bar and a sudden pain shot through his stomach. He clutched his gut tightly and fell on his knees. Then he vomited all over the sidewalk…

Kelly helped him as Jack stumbled his way down the hotel corridor. “It’s this one…” Jack pointed to the door. “Or maybe it’s that one?”

“It’s okay…” Kelly said holding him up. “I’ve got your key right here.”

“What happened to Chooka anyway? Did he hook up or something?”

“I’m not sure Jack” she said calmly. “All I know is that he wasn’t the one holding your hair back when you were sick…”

“Awww, Kel you always do nice things for me…” Jack mumbled drunkenly. They stopped outside the door and Kelly tried to get the key in.

“Kel…?” said Jack. “Thanks…”

“No worries. At least I know you’re safe.”

Jack leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. The door suddenly flung open and Martha stood there, angrily staring the both of them down.

[-ParaisGal-]

NOOO! You so did not just do that! Wait, yes you did. Hopefully she'll forgive him, I shoulda known this holiday thingy was a bad idea. Martha will jump to conclusions. You watch it.

[xsianx]

Sian, you can totally read minds!

It's a bit of a long chapter...

I DON'T like Kelly! and Ash one little bit! *Go die*. Get eaten by Zombie freaks!

Sorry Adia but I'm going to have to kill you.... lol for being a damn good writer but bringing Kelly and Ash into this wasn't a good thing to do