A/N: Hello again. I hope everyone has been well. I was on vacation/holiday for a week, so that slowed my writing process somewhat. I am still working on these chapters. I appreciate your continued support. All of you reading and reviewing make writing fun. Xx

Disclaimer: Same 1-28.


"Welcome aboard, Alfred," Anna said to her new part-time employee as she shook his hand.

Alfred Nugent was a very tall, ginger-haired young man with an overall kind disposition.

"See? I knew you'd take to him. He's not as handsome as me, but I'm sure there's a select few who might see something in him," Jimmy said proudly as he clapped Alfred on the back.

"We'll see about that," Alfred replied with a scowl.

"I won't be having you two having a go whenever you work together," Anna stated with her arms crossed in front of her chest.

"Of course not," Jimmy assured her. "Our sales will be better than ever isn't that right, Alfred?"

"That's right."

"Just not better than mine when I'm on the clock."

Alfred turned to fully look at Jimmy.

"I bet I can sell just as much if not more."

Anna rolled her eyes. She wondered if she had made an instant mistake, but maybe a little friendly competition wouldn't hurt. It would certainly keep them both doing their jobs.

"Alfred," Anna interrupted, "You'll be expected to help with prep and other tasks as well when needed."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"I'll show him the ropes. No worries, Boss," Jimmy smiled.

"Thank you, Jimmy," Anna replied kindly but still had her reservations.

Anna walked out onto the shop floor. Daisy had just waved to a customer who left the shop.

"Did you hire him?"

"I did. He'll be covering the days Jimmy is off and some evenings when needed.

"That will be a big help."

"It will. I've also got someone coming to interview this afternoon. I'm going to hire an assistant manager. You and I can't keep going at the pace we're going. We will burn out."

"We have been growing a lot," Daisy agreed.

"We have. Having five of us will give us more room to breathe. I'm hoping they are a good fit. I'll know after the interview later."

"Let me give you the tour out here on the floor," Jimmy made himself and Alfred known as they walked into the room.

Anna and Daisy gave each other a look before they got back to work.

Later that afternoon, Anna had indeed had her interview with her potential new manager. The woman's CV had been overflowing with experience, and to be honest, she was more than overqualified for the job. The woman had retired from running a large hotel kitchen and was looking for something less taxing to do.

"It'd be a pleasure to have you here, Mrs. Patmore," Anna said as the two women sat in her small office at the back of the shop.

"It looks like a lovely place. Just the right size and the menu is limited. I wouldn't see myself having any trouble learning what I need to," replied the short, stout woman.

"I don't doubt that. You are sure you don't mind the full-time rota?"

"Mind? You're asking me to work forty hours a week. I've worked sixty to eighty hours a week most of my life. Forty won't be a problem. What times each day are you looking for?"

Anna looked down at her rota book. She knew Daisy or herself were always closing the shop as well as opening it. Anna thought Daisy might appreciate some evenings to spend with William, and she could use an evening every now and then herself.

"I'm thinking I'm needing more help with getting the shop closed. Say mid-day to eight o'clock in the evening?"

Anna looked up and met the woman's gaze.

"That time would be agreeable. Any particular days?"

"Myself, Daisy, and you will be in sort of a rotation for off days. That could possibly change as time goes on."

"Fine by me. I'm not particular on the day."

Anna smiled, "Great. Would you be able to start tomorrow?"

"That I can," Mrs. Patmore stated heartily.

"Then I welcome you to The Cocoa Tree. I'm very glad you are here."

Both women stood to their feet. They lightly squeezed hands and dropped them.

"Thank you for taking an older woman on."

"Nonsense. All I see is a very capable woman."

"That I am, Anna. That I am."

Anna motioned for them to walk back out into the main area of the shop.

Daisy and Jimmy looked at the both of them as they entered.

"Daisy, Jimmy this is Beryl Patmore. She will be starting as assistant manager tomorrow."

Jimmy and Daisy quickly shook the woman's hand.

"Pleasure," greeted Jimmy.

"Welcome, Mrs. Patmore," smiled Daisy.

"I do feel quite welcomed already. I shall see the lot of you tomorrow."

"See you then," commented Anna before they all waved her off and out of the shop.

"She seems a little fiery," Jimmy noted as he folded boxes for holding sweets.

"I am sure she will keep everyone in line while I'm not here," Anna smirked.

"Just as long as she is aware that I am also a manager," Daisy added as she cleaned a glass display case.

"I have made her aware."

"Good," Daisy replied as she wiped.

Without another word Anna turned on her heel and went back to her office.


Later that night, Anna entered her flat and closed the door with her foot. Gwen was on the sofa watching some sitcom and stood up when Anna closed the door.

"You've got chocolate all over your face. What in the world were the lot of you doing having a chocolate fight?"

Gwen walked over and locked the door as Anna shrugged off her coat. She hung up it by the door.

"One of the machines kicked back and got it everywhere. It wasn't very fun to clean up," Anna explained.

"Well, at least your home now. You can wash up and watch some telly."

Anna lifted her purse and took out a gray packet to show to Gwen.

Gwen hugged her from the side in understanding.

"If you'll let me know when you've cleaned up, I'll bring you a cup of tea."

"You're too nice to me," Anna stated before slowly walking towards her room.

"Pffft," was Gwen's only reply.

Anna made quick work of her nightly ablutions. She had an important letter to read from John and hoped the computer password would be revealed to her.

She was running a brush through her hair when she heard a light knock at her door. When it opened, Gwen was standing there with a steaming mug of tea.

"I heard the water shut off."

Anna sat her brush down on her desk and accepted the hot mug.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Don't stay up too late."

"I won't, Mum," Anna teased.

Gwen stuck her tongue out.

They both laughed.

"Goodnight," Gwen said is a sing song voice before Anna softly closed her door.

She shook her head and smiled. The warm tea felt satisfying as she took a sip. She walked over to her bed, placed her mug on her bedside table, and collected her letter. Once she was cozy on top of her blankets, she took another quick sip before she released the missive to read.

My Darling,

It has been a while since you have written about what you ate on your break. As always, I appreciate you ordering my favorite and sharing this with me. Don't forget to order your favorite as well. Yes, it is highly important for me to know you are well nourished and hydrated. Your health is very important to me. I hope you are sleeping well and long enough.

She wasn't sleeping horribly, and hopefully with the additional employees she could have a lie in every now and then.

I did meet with Mr. Murray about the note. I answered any questions he had. He mainly wanted to know the family's names and their location. Michael, Willa, and Cormac O'Sullivan. Willa was Vera's sister. She passed a few years before Vera. They used to live in Cork, but whether they still do I wouldn't know. That is the bulk of the information I gave him. I'm not sure what he intends to do with it. He simply let me know he'd be in touch.

Cork. Depending on how the computer situation unfolded, she might just have to take some time off and visit.

I thank you for boxing up the paperwork and for working on getting the computer running. As far as the password, it could be one of these. I'm hoping it is because if not I'll be guessing along with you. It's probably either Bates212 or ManUnited. I'm crossing my fingers one of those work for you.

So, she hadn't been far off from the first one. The second one she wouldn't have guessed. They had barely ever discussed football, but it was ringing a bell he mentioned he missed watching and going to matches.

I should have known about your raciness, Miss Smith. I am shocked at just how racy you really are,

"Mhm," she hummed with a smirk.

but not any less thrilled to know it. I thank you for seeing my view on our much anticipated kiss. You see... I very much had the same thought. Once I can freely have my hands on you, I will also not be responsible for my actions. I would indeed say my imagination is as equally riveted as your own. You are a naughty girl to tease me in such a way. Have you already forgotten you can share anything you'd like with me? I am looking forward to your... description(s)... but let's see... by the time you receive this it will only be a couple of days before I see you again. I would prefer you bring your descriptive reply along with you. I'm too eager to wait for the post.

Her mouth dropped open a little. He wanted her to hand deliver a racy, descriptive response? She thought it rather attractive he had been the one to suggest it. Anna smiled wickedly. Dare she give John Bates a letter he wouldn't soon forget? Should she write out one of the scenes she had imagined them in? She allowed her thoughts to analyze his willingness to continue to write in such a manner. Even just a couple of months ago, she had no doubt John would have advised against sending him or bringing him anything of the sort. The confidence coming from him was wonderful to read. A sexy scenario came to mind. She knew John would secretly, but maybe not so secretly, enjoy to read about it.

I miss you, my beautiful Anna. Only a few more days until we meet again.

Yes, only a few days. Between work, her investigative work, and now a highly personal project for John, she was a busy woman.

I love you, Anna.

Yours,

John x

P.S. - I'm very pleased to know no one took that picture.

Anna giggled at his P.S. She knew he knew he had nothing to worry about. She was his for good and proper. She kissed the confident words John had written and sipped her cooling tea. With mug and letter in hand, she got up from the bed and sat back down at her desk.

"Let's hope one of these does the trick," she muttered as she placed the mug and pages down on the wooden surface.

She woke the computer up and the log in screen flashed in front of her.

"Right, here we go."

She typed in the first one he had offered and tapped the enter key.

Password Invalid.

She placed her hands in the air. "Okay. It's okay. I have one more to try."

She typed in the second one and tapped enter. The screen blinked and allowed her access.

She clapped her hands and silently thanked John for his beautiful memory.

Taking the computer mouse in hand, her facial expression became very focused as she began searching the contents of his desktop. There were ten or so files on the main screen, icons for web browsers and other software, and the icon for solitaire was in the top right corner.

"Really, John?" She teased him without him knowing.

Time slipped by as she combed through each file. She didn't want to miss something that could possibly be a hidden message such as the note with Cormac's name on it. Did Vera ever use this computer? She wouldn't ever know the answer to that question, truly, unless something made itself known. She searched the documents folder, downloads, and even the browser history had been cleared. It felt a little too clean. Maybe Vera had already covered her tracks if she had used it.

She looked to the clock on her wall, and she had been searching for over two hours and that was with her double checking most things. To say she was agitated was an understatement. Why couldn't there just be something here that would show John hadn't done it? Nothing could ever be that simple could it?

She looked back down at his letter.

Cork.

She arched an eyebrow and opened up the web browser. She typed in the names of the O'Sullivan family including their location and searched.

She gasped as a thought dawned on her.

"Anna Smith, what is wrong with you? Why didn't you think of this until now?"

After a pause, she answered herself, "Maybe because now you have three names and a more exact location."

That was it. She was losing it. She was now talking to herself and replying.

Shaking her head, she opened the social media website that the names had triggered. She typed in Cormac's full name and location and a handful of people came up.

"Yes, Anna, yes. Find him," she encouraged herself, feeling like a self made National Crime Agency. She looked through the people who could possibly match John's former nephew. She didn't understand why people left their social media completely public, but she couldn't really care at that moment. It was helping her tremendously.

"It's either him or this other one. It's just got to be."

She clicked through photos and read descriptions. She was so focused to catch out the right Cormac.

Suddenly, a scream left her lungs. She had found him. She had found Cormac O'Sullivan, and he was still in Cork.

Her door flew open and a half-asleep Gwen walked in with a shoe in her hand.

"What is it? Where are they!" Gwen yelled as she lifted the shoe to attack whoever had made Anna scream.

Anna stood swiftly and placed her hands on Gwen's shoulders to calm her friend down.

"I'm fine. No one is here."

Gwen lowered the shoe, and Anna dropped her hands to her sides.

"Then what the bloody hell was that scream?" Gwen asked looking confused as ever.

"I- I was looking through John's computer. I didn't find anything, but the idea came to me to search something and..."

"And what?" Gwen prompted.

"I- I found a picture of John's late wife."

Gwen gasped, "You what? How do you know for sure?"

Anna grabbed Gwen's wrist and pulled her toward the screen. There was a picture and the description said, "Surprise visit from my Auntie Vera."

"What if it's a coincidence?"

"It would have to be a big coincidence."

"I'm not up on all the details of what is going on Anna. What does this mean?"

"It means I'm going to Cork," Anna stated.

"Going to Cork?" Gwen whipped her body around to stare at Anna. "As in Ireland?"

"Yes, I need to meet the gentleman in that picture."

"Does he have something to do with everything?"

"I don't know, but I want to find out."

"I doubt he'll want to meet a stranger who contacts him through social media."

"I'm not going to contact him."

"You're just going to show up?"

"That's right."

"Surely, you don't mean to go alone?"

"I'll be fine. I have no choice. I have to go."

Gwen sighed and looked over her shoulder back to the picture.

"She looks like a right stuck up witch."

Anna glared over at the woman on the screen with her arm around her nephew and silently agreed. She walked closer to take note of the date Cormac had made the post.

"He posted this picture not long after John went to prison. Vera had died not long after this."

Gwen looked over at Anna and said in a calmer tone, "It's probably best not to stare at her. It might not even be her."

Anna sighed deeply. There was only two ways to find out if this was the right Vera. She would either need to show Robert or show John. For whatever reason, even though it would be awkward, it felt more right to show John.

"I'll print it off and show John. He'll be able to tell me."

"Yeah, you're right. He would, but I think you should call it a night."

Anna gave her friend a tight smile. "I will soon. I promise not to wake you screaming tonight again. Good thing you had the shoe though. You could have really walloped somebody."

They both laughed.

"I would have too!"

"Yes, I know. Now, goodnight."

"Goodnight," Gwen replied as she closed the door behind her.

Anna sat back down in front of the screen and studied the woman who she just knew was the right Vera. Curiosity got the better of her, and she looked to see if Vera had had a personal page to which she found nothing. She then checked to see if John had one. He didn't have one either, so she went back to Cormac's page and pulled the picture back up. Vera looked so very different from her. Vera was broad shoulders, tall, curves, and full bosom. As much as Anna wanted to say Vera was ugly on the outside, she was not. She had nice facial features, striking eyes, and dark hair, but underneath that shell was one of the most foul people she ever had the pleasure of not knowing.

Her nephew favored her a bit. His hair was also dark and his body build was similar though for a man's build. They were both smiling. Vera looked as though she were having a great day although her husband was sitting in prison for what she had done. How disturbing. How sickening.

Anna gave Vera her pity while she sat alone facing the photo of the woman. Vera had thrown away and mistreated the man of Anna's dreams. She pitied her for not being able to truly see and experience John Bates. Sure, maybe John hadn't always been the greatest to Vera in return. She didn't think John was one-hundred percent the innocent party in his failed marriage, but if she knew John at all, which she did, she knew he had at least tried to make it work with Vera. She knew that simply by the amount of times he changed jobs just to please her. John was a man who loved deep and long, but the two of them just hadn't been made for the other. Anna would always be grateful for that as awful as it sounded. What Vera had tossed in the bin, Anna wanted to grab by both arms and never let go.

Deciding she had mentally sparred with Vera enough for one night, she printed off the post. It had the picture, the description, and the date. She would let John verify it was her before she gave it over to Mr. Murray.


John sat his dinner tray and cup of water down on the table in front of him before he took his seat. Watery stew, one of his favorites, he inwardly joked with himself though showed no sign of amusement outwardly. He picked up his spoon and began to eat when he was joined by Baker and Malone who sat across from him.

"Bates," greeted Baker.

John nodded at them both. Malone nodded his non-verbal greeting in reply.

They ate in silence for a good while until Baker broke it.

Lowly, Baker talked to his food tray. "I think Farris, Hyland, and a few others intend on trying to make trouble for you."

John spoke quietly to his food tray as well.

"I have sensed that myself. They aren't happy I have a solicitor coming around."

They let a beat of quiet pass as they ate.

"Malone and I will stay with you in the yard and in here. It's not smart for you to be alone for now."

"I couldn't ask that of either of you."

"You're not asking," Malone finally spoke.

Malone and John's eyes met in a quick unwavering gaze before they looked down again.

"If they plan to jump ya, they'll have to go through three not one. I think the sods are just fucking bored," Baker commented bitterly to his bread.

"Farris made me aware they think I'm above them."

"Bastards," grunted Malone.

"Keep your mind and eyes on alert when outside your cell," Baker warned. "Nothing might happen but ya don't want to put yourself in a situation for somethin' to happen neither."

John gave a short nod of his understanding. The three of them didn't talk again before they were escorted back to their cells.

With the clank of his cell door locking, John sat down on his wooden chair in front of the small wooden table. It did bother him some that he was becoming a topic of conversation amongst the other prisoners. Of course, he had been before but now it felt more pressing. He would be happy if it just resulted in angry looks and empty threats, but as Baker had said he would need to be on his game when outside his four tiny walls.

He stretched his bad leg and collected his volume of Yates. Thoughts of Hyland, Farris, and company vanished as he opened his book to see Anna's picture. She never failed to take his mind off of his situation or make him smile. He stared at the gorgeous woman in the picture, whom he loved more than anything, with her back pressed up against a door frame with her hands above her head. One of her legs was straight to the floor while the other was bent with the bottom of her heel against the frame. Her head was turned toward the camera with a look that made John's blood heat up. God, she was incredible, undeniably incredible.

He would get to see her tomorrow. It felt like his life was now a series of fortnights. He would just hit the fast forward button in his mind until visiting day and then try to press the pause button over and over again until the remote broke and accidentally made time go by faster than ever in her presence. Time was slipping on by. Mid-October was already upon them. He had to chuckle at himself. Just like the rest of the outside world, he had just allowed himself to think of what he could possibly get Anna for Christmas, and it was only October. He would not be sending anymore socks that much he did know. He shrugged off the thought. He had plenty of time to come up with something between now and then.

He placed the photo on the table and brought his book up to read it. Though his eyes looked at the words, he was not concentrating. He was still too focused on the thought of Anna being near him the next day, and the thought of her possibly bringing him a not-so-chaste written reply. He had felt a little silly at what he had written and asked of her, but that was only because he had never written like that prior. As much as he didn't like reminiscing on his former marriage, he and Vera had been vocal on occasion in the heat of a moment. It wasn't anything compared to this. Vera's, Art of Seduction, if one wanted to call it that, was always alcohol induced, sharp, quick, and demanding. He didn't mind at the time; he was just a man, but they had both wanted to just get to the end result then go about their own business. So, he was allowing himself to enjoy this different path with Anna.

He took a deep breath to clear his mind before he truly began to read.