Part 14: Epilogue

Imperial Hotel

Mt. Thomas

9:00pm

PJ, Ben and the Boss sat at their usual table, drinking their usual drinks, and talking about the normal things... work.

"So, I thought I'd suggest to the Magistrate to give her a community based order. I was thinking something along the lines of a Lost Dog Shelter!" Ben finished.

"Yeah, she wasn't all bad. I'm sure she's a good kid. And I think we found someone more reliable to feed Tess's cat next time she goes away," laughed PJ.

"Well, you two did well, great country policing."

Ben groaned, and passed PJ the $20 he now owed him.

Tom looked disapprovingly, then a smile light up his features, "I think it's PJ's shout!" PJ groaned and got up, but stopped when he saw his three friends plod tiredly into the pub.

"Hey! Jacko, Tessie and Joanna are back!" laughed PJ.

Jack and Jo made no more effort then a nod of the head, then trudged quietly up the stairs. Tess walked over to the table, and sat down. Tom and Ben looked at her expectantly, but she simply put her head on the table and fell asleep straight away.

"Wow, she must be tired." muttered Ben, to no one inparticular.

Jo and Jack reappeared from upstairs, and also joined them at the table, both looking equally exhausted.

"So you guys, what happened in Melbourne?"

Jack sighed and looked at Jo. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Where do I start?"

It appeared Tess had awoken, as she lifted her head from the table and asked, "Hows Mitsi?"

PJ reappeared at the table, "Oh, he lost her, but we found her again."

Tess gasped, "You lost her..."

Jack turned to Ben, "My God Ben, you lost the Sarg's cat?"

Ben, feeling persecuted turned to Jack, "Next time, why don't you look after the cat Jack?"

Tess suddenly looked up, "No.. ah... I .. ah.. don't think that'd... no... hmm.. maybe next time maybe I'll send her to a cattery."

Jack and Jo looked at each other, trying not to laugh.

Jo yawned, and looking at her watch, she got up, "and on that note, I think it's time for me to go to bed."

Jack got up as well, "Yeah, me to, Night everyone, night Tess."

Tess' face reddened even further.

As soon as they were out of ear shot, Tess turned to Ben, "Look Stewart, don't encourage him!"

The End.

That's the end, for real this time. Like Jo, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It only took me a term and all the summer holidays to finish. But it's done! YEAH!