Dennis needed to see a friendly face after the night he'd had. It made him realise how isolated he was here. No family, no friends as such, just people to say hello to. He knew his men would welcome him into their homes and lives if he asked, but he couldn't allow himself to. And he definitely didn't have anyone he could go to at this time of the morning, the sun barely up.
Pulling his jacket more tightly around his shoulders, Dennis continued his aimless walk through the quiet village.
"You're up early!"
A few minutes later Dennis raised his head and was greeted with a smile.
"Or up late." The blonde added breathlessly as she came to a stop in front of the sergeant.
"I could say the same for you." Dennis smiled back. He knew she worked at the doctors surgery but couldn't put a name to her face. "You know, in my experience people who are up this early are usually up to no good."
"Not me. I get my illegal activity in from midday to 1pm. It's easier to slot it in during my lunch hour so I have time for other things after work."
"Oh, Aye, I can see that makes sense." Dennis nodded with a laugh.
"So, up late or up early?"
"Late, unfortunately."
"I saw Mike heading home just now, too."
"Mike? How far are you going?!"
"The doctor has roped me in on some fun run, but I have a competitive streak." She admitted guiltily. "I didn't think anyone would find out if I trained early."
"Well, I won't tell a soul. And I had better leave you to it. Good luck. I'll keep you in mind for any crimes committed between midday and 1."
A smile. "I hope your day improves."
As she jogged away, Dennis nodded to himself . "It has already."
…
Jenny looked up when the door opened. They were so busy she wasn't sure she would be able to fit another patient in. Thankfully it was the sergeant she had seen that morning, and by his smile he wasn't here for an appointment. "Come to check up on me?"
Dennis glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's not the witching hour yet."
"Well, you'll be pleased to know we are so booked up I don't think I'll manage to get any pilfering in today." Jenny smiled. "Do you need the doctor for something?"
"Ah, no. I…Ah.." He placed a flask on the desk. "I thought you could do with some coffee after your early start."
"Oh!" Jenny grabbed it. "You've made my day!"
Dennis smiled, pleased as punch with himself. "I'd better go. But rest assured I will be back if we get any midday crime sprees."
"I look forward to it." Jenny said softly.
If he wasn't mistaken, Dennis thought she might be flirting with him.
…
Dennis found himself trying and failing to think of an excuse to be out early again the next morning. He could think of nothing, but went out anyway. Surely it wouldn't be that unusual for a man such as himself to go for a walk early in the morning.
"We meet again!" Finally came a call from behind him.
Turning, Dennis smiled. "Aye. You reminded me to get some exercise in."
"Come for a jog with me!"
"I think I'm too old for jogging."
"Nonsense! I've seen you racing after a suspect before, Sergeant Merton, and I would say you'd easily beat most people in a race."
"Aye, well maybe. But I think I'm best when I'm running after something. And getting paid for it."
Jenny laughed as she jogged past him. A moment later she turned, jogging backwards. "See you tomorrow in your running gear then." Before he could protest, she was off.
…
The next morning Jenny was jogging along a little slower than usual, hoping the Sergeant would join her.
"KEEP UP!" And suddenly he zoomed past her. Jenny picked up her pace.
"That's not fair, your legs are longer than mine!"
…
Race day, and Jenny was nervous. What if she came last and embarrassed herself? So many people warming up weren't from the village and looked more like athletes who did this sort of thing for fun every weekend. Maybe she could fake a twisted ankle? No, she would never be able to convince Tricia.
She had hoped Dennis might be there, but then he was probably working one of the other event being held.
"RUNNERS, PLEASE BEGIN LINING UP AT THE STARTING LINE!"
This was it. Jenny took a deep breath.
…
She couldn't do it. Her feet hurt, her chest hurt, and the man she had been neck and neck with for most of the race was pulling ahead. It didn't matter. It was just a charity race. Except it did matter to Jenny. She had always been top at her class at school, and won every competition she had ever entered.
She could hear the finish line now, people cheering. Was that her name being called?
"Come on, Jenny! I know you can do this!"
Scottish accent. Dennis. He was here! She picked up her pace, getting closer to the runner ahead of her.
There he was. Dennis. He stood at the finish line in his uniform, panting like he had run a race to get here in time. She thought of their runs in the morning, when he flew past her and she had to pick up the pace.
Then suddenly she was in his arms, being twirled around as he grinned.
"You did it! You won!"
…
"Look, we both know it's the truth."
Jenny laughed, taking a sip of her drink. "Dennis. You can't win a race you didn't run. I won fair and square."
"Maybe, but we both know I would have beat you if I was running."
"Oh, stop teasing me! You're the one who said to me you're too old to be jogging. Perhaps we could enter the doubles race next year, and I can push you in your wheelchair."
"Very funny." Dennis took a sip of his drink, smiling. Talking about next year already. Perhaps he had made a friend at last. Perhaps he had made more than a friend.
…
Two days later, Dennis was ready to set off for his early morning walk when he realised Jenny wouldn't be training anymore. He enjoyed their mornings and his heart felt heavy at the thought of not getting that time anymore.
A knock suddenly sounded, breaking the morning quiet.
"I brought coffee." Jenny held up the flask he had brought her a couple of weeks before.
"Well, you'd better come in, then." Dennis stepped aside with a smile.