Charlie Gimbert strolled through the park. It was the first time he had been back in town for a few years now. He had heard some news that the dealers he owed money to had finally vacated the town and were now living in Italy, so thankfully that meant there was no chance of him running into them. Nothing had changed much really. Of course there was a new owner of Felsham Hall and Lovejoy, he had heard anyway, was still in town somewhere, still causing mayhem. He had yet to track him down though.
It was a gorgeous summer day. The sun was shining and children's laughter floated through the air from the playground he was passing. Gimbert looked in that direction. A number of small, rather loud children were running amuck, climbing the playground equipment and causing a ruckus. A woman sat with her back to him on a park bench reading a magazine. That bright red pixie cut looked far too familiar. But it couldn't be… could it?
Hesitantly, he approached the bench. When he was only a couple feet away he cleared his throat, trying to get the woman's attention. That didn't do it. He tried again. Still nothing.
"Umm… Lady Felsham?" he finally gave in. The woman spun around. It was indeed Jane Felsham. The look on her face could have been either complete surprise or utter distaste.
"Charlie Gimbert!"
"Guilty," he replied with a toothy grin. She stared at him suspiciously for a moment. Charlie took this moment to observe her outfit, which seemed rather uncharacteristic for her. It was not one of her usual, finely tailored suits or dresses. She wore a simple pink button down blouse and a pair of well-worn blue jeans with a pair of tennis shoes. Perhaps things had changed a bit.
"What are you doing back in town?" she asked him.
"I could ask you the same question Lady Felsham." he replied cheekily.
"I live here." she stated plainly. He raised a curious eyebrow at her. She rolled her eyes. "I came back to visit a while ago and I was rather… persuaded to stay." Before Charlie got a chance to ask for any more information a dark haired, young boy came running in their direction. He couldn't be older then five years old.
"Mama! Mama!" he screamed running towards them.
If this wasn't enough of a surprise, who should come running around the playground equipment than Lovejoy, running after the child a look of pure joy on his ever boyish face. However, this look of enjoyment positively melted from his face when he caught sight of Charlie.
"Gimbert," he growled.
"Lovejoy," Charlie replied curtly.
"Mummy!" the little boy yelled and bounced happily into Jane Felsham's lap.
"Mummy!" Gimbert asked perplexed.
"Daddy's being silly!" the boy exclaimed.
"Daddy!" Gimbert asked even more confused. Lovejoy smirked.
"Why don't you say hello to Mr. Gimbert?" Jane asked the boy.
The little boy looked up into Charlie's eyes. It was probably the scariest moment of Charles Gimbert's life. It was like he was looking into the face of a young Lovejoy. The child smiled that same toothy grin up at him and said in the same impertinent voice, "Hello Mr. Gimbert!"
Gimbert actually staggered back, his mouth hanging open in astonishment.
"Welcome back Charlie," Lovejoy said cheekily. With that he turned to Jane. "Come along darling, I think it's time we get James something to eat." Jane stood and scooped the little boy up in her arms, giving him a kiss on the forehead.
"Good to see you again Mr. Gimbert." she said with a wave.
"Bye-bye Mr. Gimbert!" the little boy yelled over his mother's shoulder.
Charlie stood rooted to the spot. Perhaps things had changed since he left.