Jo Weston and Nick Rowan had formed a slow attachment over the last couple of months. Definitely they both wanted to take it slowly and carefully, feeling their way along, just concentrating on getting to know each other better, enjoying the companionship. Nick felt constantly torn, struggling not to feel disloyalty to his late wife, Kate. To his surprise Eileen had been a voice of reason over that, gently encouraging him and pointing out Kate would have wanted him to live not mourn forever. But it was still very early days for him and Jo and had they both but known it they were about to be sorely tested.

This particular evening Nick was at Jo's cottage relaxing in the small comfy sitting room. Jo was snuggled up on on the sofa with him in front of the blazing fire in the hearth. It was very cosy and both felt themselves relaxing after the usual long day. Suddenly Nick said, "Strange isn't it? We've seen a lot of each other recently and you've met Katie and Eileen and all my friends. But I've not met your parents yet. Do you think I should?"

He actually felt her tense up next to him. She sat up and got to her feet and began picking up glasses and plates.

"Not a good idea?" Nick said trying to keep things lighthearted.

"Its not that." Jo paused. "Its just, well, they don't know about you yet and I just need to let them get used to the idea that's all." She sighed as she saw the puzzled expression on his face. "You don't understand. They're - they're just quite old fashioned and set in their ways Nick."

"No," he said carefully,"I'm not sure I do - understand." As she went into the kitchen he followed her leaning against the door frame. Jo began to run water into the sink, avoiding eye contact

"Jo?"

"Look, its really hard to explain Nick," she said, turning to face him. "They're who they are. They've always had quite strong ideas about what is right for me or rather who is right for me. I hate it but its the way it is."

He got it then. "Let me see," he said with a grin, "some minor member of the aristocracy or a gentleman farmer with a few thousand acres to boot?"

Jo managed a weak smile. "That's about it," she said. "I am sorry Nick. Its just them."

"Hey don't worry about it," he said gently. "I'm just sorry I don't fit either of the criteria!"

"Its ridiculous." Jo looked at him. "You know what, its time I did something about it. I'm going to invite them over to dinner Nick and you can meet them."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Nick checked.

"You need to meet them sometime," she pointed out. "Especially as we are spending quite a bit of time together at the moment. And I think we're going to go on doing, don't you?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'd like that."

She gave him a smile. "I know its not easy for you Nick. You must feel so torn sometimes."

"Kate wouldn't have minded, I know that," Nick replied carefully. "She - she wanted me to meet someone else."

Jo stepped towards him. "Hey, come on," she said gently. "Lets forget my parents for tonight shall we? Lets just think about us."

Nick wasn't late home and Eileen was still up, knitting by the fire She looked up as Nick came in

"Hallo" she said, "Jo all right?"

"Yeah, fine. Katie asleep?"

"Yes, she's been good as gold. I'll make us both a cup of tea shall I?"

"No," Nick said, "I'll make it, you stay where you are."

"You know, I don't mind having Jo here," Eileen reassured him. "You don't have to feel awkward about it."

Nick nodded. "I know," he said, "and I don't, not really. But I don't want to upset you."

"Well things are changing," Eileen replied, "and I just need to get used to them. Jo is good for you Nick."

"Yeah. I'm not sure her parents see things that way though."

"Why, has something been said."

"No. They don't know Jo and I have been seeing each other." Nick smiled ruefully. "Jo is pretty certain they won't approve."

"Well if they don't they're fools," Eileen said robustly. "But better to have it all out in the open Nick. Sneaking around isn't good for anyone"

"No. Jo's going to have them over to dinner," Nick replied, " so I can meet them. At least we'll know where we stand then."

By midnight the Police House was in darkness, the occupants all asleep. But at ten past midnight the peace was broken by the phone ringing. Nick had had the phone moved into his bedroom so there was less chance of Katie being disturbed or Eileen for that matter. He woke from a deep sleep and grabbed the phone. "Aidensfield Police," he said automatically as he clicked on the bedside light, noting the time. He'd only been in bed just over an hour.

"Its Mr Cross, from Fox Cottage," said a crisp voice. Nick stifled a groan. Mr Cross was retired and along with his wife made village business their business. Unfortunately they also thought that included police business. Nick kept a wide berth as far as possible.

"How can I help you Mr Cross?" Nick asked.

"We've a young lady who's moved in next door with a baby. And the baby is crying PC Rowan, simply won't stop. We can't sleep. We've tried knocking but we can't get an answer."

"Babies do cry, Mr Cross," Nick said wearily, "Its not something for the police I'm afraid."

"I don't agree. She's been shouting at the child, we've heard her. Screaming in fact. And this isnt' the first time. I'm sorry but I am very concerned for the child's welfare."

"All right Mr Cross. I understand. I'll call round."

Nick put down the phone, thought for a moment then picked up the phone and dialled Maggie Bolton's number.

"Maggie, its Nick. Sorry to wake you. I've had a call about a child, a baby crying and sounding distressed. Neighbour's been round, can't get a reply but they've heard the mum shouting at the baby. I think I should go round there."

Maggie sighed. "I think I know who we're talking about. Tricia Crossley at Rose Cottage."

"You've had dealings with her?"

"Yes. She's new to the village, on her own with the baby- who's only about six or seven months old. Tricia is struggling but she's warned me off from interfering as she puts it. Anyway I'll meet you there Nick."

As Nick got off his motorbike outside Rose Cottage, he could the child crying hysterically. It did sound very distressed. Nick groaned inwardly as the door to the neighbouring cottage opened and Mr Cross in his nightwear came out.

"You see Constable?" the man said waving a hand at the windows of Rose Cottage.

"I do sir. If you go inside, and leave this to us," Nick said as Maggie Bolton's Land Rover pulled in.

The man snorted but did concede to going back into his cottage and shutting the door.

"Interfering old beggar," Maggie said robustly as she came over to Nick

"Yeah. Although for once I think he was right to call."

Maggie said grimly, "I warn you Nick, Tricia Crossley is not easy to deal with."

"What's her background?" Nick asked. "She's on her own is she?"

"Yes. There was a husband but he left her - and his child - for someone else. So she came here for a fresh start, she said. She's only been in Aidensfield two weeks. The cottage was old Ada Brookes' as you know and when she died, it went to her niece. Well, the niece is third cousin removed or something of Tricia's husband's and out of shame for how he's behaved she's let Tricia have the cottage for only a small rent. Tricia couldn't go on paying the rent on where they were over in Ashfordly on her own you see." Maggie sighed irritated. "If only she would let me help her we wouldn't be here now!"

"I don't think she's got much choice but to listen this time," Nick pointed out as they walked up the path to the cottage.