Thank you to those still enjoying this one, updates may get a little more sporadic now as my leave is over - Would much rather be writing!

Chapter 5

They all called it a beach but it wasn't really a beach, it was more of a narrow belt of mixed sand and shingle that formed the small coastline of the island. The tide was out, the sound of the retreating drift of shingle momentarily drowned out by the rush of incoming waves as they crashed back on to the shore. Where it had been hot and close by the pool there was a slight breeze in the air here that was welcome. The early midday sun beamed down on two figures who left bare footprints in the sand as they meandered along the shoreline.

"So, tell me what's bothering you."

"Hang on I thought we were looking at starfish?" She gave him a sweeping side eye of innocence. "Ohhhh; I see. congratulations, you set that up well." Gordon stalled, not sure of what to make of trap he'd had walked into unawares.

"As funny as that whole debacle was; you only prank like that when you're aggravated by something."

"No, I don't, I find it funny to wind them up. I like watching the shock register on their faces and then denying all accountability whilst trying not to laugh my ass off." Gordon smirked.

"Yes, that's the obvious reason but I also know that's not the main reason, I suspect boredom was a large part of today's antics." She redid her hair in a neat bun as they walked.

"Since when did you become so observant?" He asked surprised. It was common knowledge that he was the joker of the family but no one questioned what drove that behaviour, well at least not till now. It was true though, playing jokes was something he generally did when he was annoyed and needed a little stress relief or when bored out of his mind.

"I've always been observant. I just choose not to speak up unless I feel it's appropriate. Something is troubling you; please Gordon I'm here to listen."

He sighed and sat down, patting the golden sand next to him as he did so. She carefully folded herself into a comfortable position. Gordon picked up a stick and started to trace a pattern in the sand, how to explain his feelings without coming across as attention seeking or ungrateful? Tin-Tin was quiet and still, hands clasped in her lap. She didn't pressurise him sensing he was close to talking.

He swallowed, still concentrating on the pattern he was hacking at. "I don't know where to begin or why I'm so riled. Don't get me wrong there's not a day that goes by that I don't know how lucky I am. Normal people would be quite content with this life. The stunning scenery, the underwater beauty of the south pacific. Working for such a celebrated and world-renowned organisation, even to be the great Jefferson Tracy's son. Billionaire equals happy kids, right?" He cracked a smile that more like a grimace. "When I was in W.A.S.P we were barely in the same place for a month. I saw things Tin; both good and bad but the travel, spending time with my comrades, studying the oceans and patrolling the seas – I couldn't get enough of it. It was intoxicating and thrilling. I was having the time of my life! I achieved so much in such a short time. Then well; you know it all went to pot." He shrugged as he tried not to dwell on the worst period of his life.

He stopped drawing but still didn't look up, afraid of what he might see, it wasn't like him to share in this way but it had been so long since he'd had a friend to confide in. He was craving for someone to listen. Someone who wouldn't tell him to get over it, or who would keep suggesting solutions and comparing their own strife's to his.

"You know I haven't been off this island in over twelve months? Its okay though because that's the job, I need to be here to be available in case of emergencies. I can still indulge in my hobbies; I have time to study and to train. I make the most of my time safe in the knowledge that what I do is important, I literally save lives. Except I don't, or at least nowhere near as often as I would like. Do you know the last time I went on a rescue?"

Tin-Tin tilted her head to one side whilst she pondered for a moment. "Was it that one with the fishing boat and the mine? I can't quite remember but it was some time ago."

"Three months ago. I'm tired of being left behind, watching the guys out on multiple rescues and not being there to support them is really tough. I know water rescues are not as common and that's my specialism but I feel I could have been of use; I'm trained to assist in a multitude of scenarios and yet I always seem to be last on the active service list and I don't know why. Don't get me wrong, I love this job and I can't see myself ever doing anything else but I can't shake these feelings. After my accident, international rescue felt like a second chance or me but i can't help but feel that i'm wasting it." He glanced up at her cautiously, worried he'd divulged too much.

Tin-tin felt so sorry for him. She could understand why he felt this way; a young man wanting to make something of his life, overshadowed by his brothers' achievements, by his father's legacy. Gordon would often joke about his award-winning qualities but he would shy away from praise and he would never rate his skills above anyone else when it really came down to it. She could feel the self-doubt rolling off of him, His Amber eyes had quickly dipped again, his arms crossed on his knees. She was sure it wasn't intentional but being excluded from rescues was really starting to affect him. She never realised the importance of international rescue to him and the deeper meaning it carried. Gordon felt international rescue had thrown him a lifeline and rescued him just like the people they helped everyday. Almost as if he felt he had a debt to pay.

"Oh, Gordon I'm" –

"There you two are! You know you missed lunch? I brought some with me, I thought we could have a picnic down here." Alan was within a few feet of them now a rolled up tartan blanket and hamper in hand. Gordon quickly stood up and dusted himself down.

"Alan! What a lovely idea!" She stood as he leaned across to peck her affectionately on the cheek. She took the blanket from him and laid it out, he knelt on one corner as he placed the hamper on the other to keep it flat. She looked over Alan's shoulder and smiled apologetically at Gordon who waved his hand in a casual don't worry about it gesture.

Alan chatted animatedly away about the mornings race results as he busied himself handing out the sandwiches'. He looked around before sighting his brother. "Here, these are for you. Come and sit down."

"Thanks, but I best be getting back to the house I promised to clear out pod four with Virgil."

"Well at least take these with you to keep you going." Gordon automatically took the proffered food with a hastily remembered thanks.

"Enjoy your picnic." He raised his sandwich bag in an awkward farewell.

"Bye Gordon, come by and see us later if you finish with Virgil early." She hoped her face conveyed the true meaning, that she was there for him. He nodded and with that took himself off up the shore. She watched him go, her concern for him lingered as he trudged back up the beach with his head down.

"I'm glad I caught you, I have something I wanted to discuss. It was going to be a surprise but I'm just so excited I can't contain it any longer." He laughed in that charming boy next door way that made her heart soar. He was so handsome when he was in one of these moods, the whole world seemed to ignite around him you couldn't help but get caught up in his enthusiasm. His blue eyes radiated with happiness.

"Really? I would say don't spoil the surprise but you know I can't wait to find out! Come on then what is it that has you so thrilled?" She took a small bite of her tuna and watercress roll.

"Well, I'd been planning for months for the right moment to arrange it, I even booked the leave just after Christmas to make sure father would agree then worked it out with the guys. In a couple of weeks, we are going to Germany to the Nürburgring ring! I called Ned and Jed so Emily and Lorie are going to be there too. I've arranged for you girls to watch the race in the V.I.P box then in the evening we're going out to dinner." He looked at her expectantly.

She finished chewing. "Wow Alan, it would be lovely to spend some time away with you and I know you've been looking forward to racing at the ring for a while now. Are you sure your father doesn't mind us both going?"

"Nope, I squared it with him ages ago and I deliberately planned it just before changeover with John so we switch over without overrunning on the schedule."

"Do the girls know?"

"Yeah, so feel free to call them and plan ahead if you like."

"I wonder if they would like to squeeze in a little shopping trip too?"

"We have a track meeting scheduled in the morning so you could go then?"

"That sounds perfect! Thank you, Alan."

"You're welcome. Can I interest you in some chocolate?"

"You had to ask?" She smiled as she casually prised the box from his hands. She took a strawberry crème and savoured it before going back for a cheeky second. Alan whipped the box above her head. She launched onto his lap "Alan you know that's not fair, you're too quick!"

"You don't stand a chance!"

She bowled him over giggling before emerging triumphantly surprised with the box in her hand above his chest, she could feel him chuckling as his arms encircled her waist. She didn't mind as long as it kept him from stealing the box again. She said as much which caused him to laugh again.

Eventually she graciously rolled off of him, straightening her kimono as she did so. Alan settled back on his back hands behind his head. They were both content for a moment just to bask in their surroundings, the sunshine radiating warmth that coursed through them.

"Did you and Gordon find the starfish?"

Tin-Tin was promptly brought back to her earlier concerns, she felt a little guilty. She should find him. "No, we had a good look though, maybe I will have more success next time."

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep

"Drat." Alan activated the comm. "Hello."

"Alan; I need you back here, there's another space rescue. Bring Tin-tin too, I'll brief you when you get here."

"F.A.B"

They both hastily grabbed the blanket whilst chucking leftovers in the hamper before sprinting back up the beach.