Chapter 18 – The Aftermath

The police jeep arrived at the station, having first dropped Tiffany off at the Honore Palace. Florence had offered to stay with Tiffany but the bereft young woman had assured her that all she wanted at that point in time was to be alone. Having understood this Florence had set off again with her colleagues. On arrival at the police station, Jack and J P escorted Polly and Henri inside to the cells while Florence climbed the steps slowly and took her time, stopping to look at the view from the balcony, remembering moments with her police colleagues. She wandered into the station and looked around. The items on, and setups of Jack's, J P's and Ruby's desks were just as she remembered them, and the well-used white board was still in its place. A new filing cabinet had been installed but apart from that nothing had really changed. She walked over to the desk that had been hers until six months ago. It was noticeable that it had been used, as the computer monitor had been moved and a pencil holder was there that had not been hers. But it was clear that nobody was working at this station at present. She wondered if a permanent replacement had been appointed as yet, and if not, could she decide to stay on Sainte-Marie and resume her old life? But then her reflection returned to the murder she had just helped to solve. She realised she now viewed crime, particularly murder, through a different pair of eyes than she had before she had become an attempted murder survivor and a bereft fiancee. She was slowly coming to terms with this and had just about managed to keep her objectivity during the investigation but accepted she probably needed some more time, and possibly some kind of counselling for PTSD like Nikki had suggested. Plus, she now had some other ideas concerning her immediate if not permanent future. She hoped she would have some time to think things through while she was home and not working.

'A penny for your thoughts' Jack interrupted her reverie as he and J P returned from the cells.

'Sorry?' she had not heard that expression before.

'I mean, what are you thinking about, if you don't mind me asking? How do you feel being back here?'

'Oh. It looks…just the same I guess!' she didn't share much at that time.

'Have you missed it?' asked J P.

'I've missed you lot, yes' she gav hug.

'You could come back, you know?' Jack suggested, as if he had been able to read her thoughts a few seconds ago, but she just laughed that off.

'Well, I guess we are on clean-up duty' said J P.

'Yes, indeed' agreed Jack. 'And here comes another hand' At that point Ruby arrived back.

'Is Nikki safely back at her hotel?' Florence asked her.

'Oh yes, she's fine' Ruby assured her.

'I hope you didn't speed over the debris and scare her?!'

'Would I do that?!' They all rolled their eyes.

'OK. We'll be spending this afternoon clearing away the debris from the area around the police station and our stretch of the main road below. After that we are all having two days' rest, with each of us taking a turn each at being on call for emergencies'

'Hurray!' Ruby cheered and high-fived J P.

'Florence, don't feel you have to join us as you've done a great job already on the murder investigation. Feel free to get back to your family now if you wish?'

'Thank you, Sir, but I will have plenty time to spend with them as I'll probably stay on another two weeks to assist my mum as my dad recovers. My brothers are out at work all day and it would be hard for her on her own. But for now, I am happy to assist you' And with that she picked up a broom and followed the others outside.

The Honore Palace had almost fully re-opened by the time the Manchester group had arrived back there. The staff they had encountered had all been in shock regarding Polly and the manager was making phone calls to try to get a temporary member of staff in to cover her duties. Jenny, understandably exhausted and having a very sore head after the events and sleep deprivation of the last few days, had gone straight up to her room to sleep, and Pete also went up to make sure she was alright and had everything she needed. Karen had gone to get beers for Adam and David as well as water for herself, and the two men had been left sitting by themselves on the hotel terrace. At first, the recent awkwardness between them threatened to resume, but Adam swallowed his pride and turned to David;

'Hey, David, did you mean what you said earlier, about never hurting Karen or anyone she loved?'

'Yes' David replied. 'Yes, I did'

'So…that includes me?'

'Yes, even you Adam'

'Well, that's really nice to hear. Thank you'

'You know, I can see more and more that you really do love Karen and that she is not just your latest conquest'

'I'm glad you do, because I do love her. Being locked up and not knowing if I would ever be free again made me realise just how lucky I've been to have her in my life the way I have for the last few months. I also started to see where you were coming from when you doubted me, as I know I haven't taken relationships seriously in the past, but I can promise you now, David, my womanising days are behind me'

'I'll stand you to that!'

'And I also realised how lucky I am to have so many good friends. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I wouldn't want to lose you as a friend'

'The feeling's mutual. I am sorry for judging you'

'And I'm sorry for rubbing it in about my relationship with Karen and putting you down'

'You are forgiven'

The two men shared a man hug as Karen re-appeared with the drinks.

'Aww, how long I have waited to see this!' she put the tray down on the table and joined in the hug. Just as they broke apart Pete appeared.

'Oh great, I fancy a pint. Did you get one for me?' he asked hopefully.

'No, but we didn't know if you'd be down' Karen apologised.

'How's Jen?' asked Adam.

'She's fine. Out like a light. We'll probably not see her until tomorrow morning!'

'I can't wait to get up to bed myself' said Karen. 'I think I might go after this drink'

'I think I might join you' said Adam suggestively.

'Well, I for one am going to offer my services for the clean-up operation' announced David.

'Are you crazy?' laughed Pete.

'No, I 'm serious. I am about to be a businessman again but also hope to continue to help with the café as much as I can. So, I am going to have to get used to working with little sleep! May as well start here!'

'I hope you're not going to overdo it!' chastised Karen. 'I mean, back home as well as here'

'I promise to get at least six hours sleep per night and to still make time to be a father to the girls' he assured her.

'Well, I suppose if you're doing it I will too' decided Pete, quickly drinking the half pint he had got for himself. 'You in, Adam?'

Adam looked like he'd rather do anything but sweep the streets. 'I suppose. I can't be shown up by you two!' he reluctantly agreed.

'That's what I like to hear!' David smiled.

'I suppose seeing it's the twenty-first century I should join in too' said Karen.

'Great. It won't be half so bad if you're at my side!' Adam cheered up.

'Right. I'll send a text to Jen in case she wakes up and wonders where we are!' Pete got out his phone. 'I am delighted we are all good friends again' and they all drank to that.

Half a mile away at the White Sands, Nikki collapsed on her bed and got out her tablet. She opened FaceTime and dialled Matt's number. She prayed the network would be available, and indeed that Matt would answer. Thankfully, twenty seconds later, she saw his face on the screen for the first time in three days.

'Nikki, thank God! I've been so worried' said Matt in his American accent.

'I'm fine, the storm is over now' she assured him.

'They kept showing pictures of Storm Theodore on the news here. It looked frightening. Was it really that bad and is everyone OK?'

'It was bad, but the damage wasn't as bad as they expected. It certainly wasn't as terrifying for me as my ordeal in Mexico, or the time you were attacked!'

'I hope you stayed indoors'

'Oh yes, we were evacuated to the local school as they were scared there would be damage to hotels and residences'

'Oh no, that sounds awful!'

'It was, it was a blessing in disguise for you that your flight was cancelled when it was. I got squashed in a corner my first night there'

'You poor thing'

'But after that I was working and that passed the time'

'Working?' she told him all about the murder.

'Gosh, that's awful. That poor young man and the girl he was to marry'

'I was glad to be able to do my bit. I actually sat beside the girl on the plane on my way over'

'You're kidding?'

'No. It was such a shock to find out it was her fiancée'

'I'll bet it was'

'But I ended up working with some amazing detectives and police officers. All good, honest and friendly'

'Unlike the corrupt ones you usually tell me about in London?'

'Exactly. The Detective Inspector who was leading the investigation is an Irish widower, lovely man and an excellent detective'

'Should I be worried?'

'No, not at all. He still misses his wife and I have eyes only for you!'

'Awww'

'And I found a very good friend in the Detective Sergeant working with him. Florence. She has been through so much. She got shot and her fiancee was killed, just like the victim's fiancee. It just seems so unfair but she is coping well considering'

'Jeez!'

'And J P and Ruby are a laugh'

'And here was I thinking you'd be missing me!'

'I was, believe me. All this has been making me appreciate what I have' They smiled at one another for a few seconds.

'So, what's the island like?'

'Well, it looks beautiful in the sun, now that I have finally seen it!' she got up and walked to the balcony and turned the tablet around to let Matt see the view.

'It does look beautiful' he agreed.

'Great. So when are you coming?'

'Ah, that's the bad news'

'What do you mean? Don't tell me you have to work?'

'Says you that never stops!'

'Seriously?'

'I've been on the website of every single airline this morning but all flights to anywhere in the Caribbean are full. I also tried other airports in the States but nothing. It doesn't look like I'll get there'

'Oh no! Have they not put on any extra flights for those whose original flights were cancelled?'

'Not so far'

'Oh Matt, I'm gutted. I would have so loved to have been here with you. But I'll go online now and see if I can get a flight to Washington'

'You want to leave your island paradise and your new friends already?'

'Matt, the idea was to spend time with you and that's what I want to do!'

'Oh Nikki, I just wanna give you a hug right now!'

'Hopefully you'll get one soon'

'Well, keep me posted'

'I will. I love you'

'I love you too.

'Bye'

They blew each other a kiss and Nikki pressed the button to end the call. She sighed and lay down on the bed again in frustration. There were so many things she was desperate to speak to Matt about and goodness knew how long it would be until she was able to see him in person again. Sheer exhaustion caused her to doze for a few minutes, but she was woken up by noise on the beach below. She got up and went to the balcony again and saw a big group of people clearing debris from the sand. They all looked as tired as she was but happy to give of their time to get the island back to its full beauty. So, she put on her shoes and went downstairs to join them.

So many people joined in the clean-up operation that it was finished by the time the sun went down that evening. The branches, broken signs and other debris had disappeared from the streets and the beach was clean and ready for tourists and locals to relax on in the morning.

'Gosh, I had it in my mind we'd be going to Catherine's after this, but I don't think I can keep my eyes open a moment longer!' said Ruby. 'So, I'm going home for a big shower, a big eat and a big sleep!' she announced as she closed the broom cupboard back at the police station.

'Just as well as I really need to get home to Rosie' said J P. 'She was lucky to be able to stay at home during the storm as we live outwith the risky area. She has texted me three times this afternoon asking when I'll finally be home!'

'Well, off you go then and don't keep the missus waiting!' instructed Jack and he and Ruby both left the station. 'Shall I drive you to your parents' house, Florence?'

'That would be good. But let's go by the shack first to make sure it is still standing! If there is any damage, I am sure we could put you up for a few days!'

'That's very kind of you but I'd hate to impose on your family while your dad is still sick. But yes, I would appreciate being able to check on the shack. I was so busy with the murder investigation, then the clean-up, that I had forgotten all about it!'

They drove the short distance in companionable silence since they were both extremely tired. When Jack drove off the main road and in towards the beach, he was nervous in case he was about to witness destruction, but he breathed a big sigh of relief when he beheld the shack almost just as he had left it. The only small piece of damage was that the small bathroom window had been broken by a falling tree branch.

'Well, at least that's easily fixed!' commented Jack.

'Here, let me help you clean up' said Florence, getting out of the jeep.

'Surely you must be fed up of cleaning by now?'

'One more brush won't hurt!' she got out a broom and swept up the glass while Jack shifted the fallen branches.

'Fancy a quick drink before I take you home?'

'That would be lovely' Jack got two beers out of his still-working fridge and they sat down at the table on the porch.

'It's good to be here again' Florence looked at the view out to sea.

'That view takes some beating, doesn't it?'

'You know, I've really missed talking to you. Being away from the island has helped me somewhat but I haven't had the chance to speak to anyone who understands loss the way you do'

'I know what you mean. I came over here a month after Kathleen died and buried myself in my new life. But it doesn't take it away, does it?'

'Not the way I imagined'

'You know I'm always at the other end of the phone or FaceTime, any time you need a chat?'

'I'll maybe take you up on that, thank you'

'What's that noise?' Jack heard a rustling coming from a newspaper that was lying at the other side of the porch.

'I hope it's not a spider!' Florence declined to approach it. Jack slowly unfolded the paper and stepped back in fright when a green figure was revealed.

'Harry!' he gasped. 'You've survived!' Jack went over to stroke the little green lizard's head.

'Phew! I can handle lizards!' Florence relaxed.

'It's amazing how they don't get wiped out in storms'

'Try keeping them away! They're adjusted to the climate'

'So, how are you adjusting to life on Martinique?'

'Well, the climate is pretty much the same, as is everything else except the specific towns and scenery. And of course, while I have my aunt and uncle and a few other relations I have had to try to adjust to different company. And it's not just the change of location, it's the change in me as well. I only just realised a couple of days ago after talking to Nikki and hearing some of her stories that I quite possibly have something called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder'

'Oh Florence, I'm not surprised considering what you suffered. It's quite common in survivors of violent crime. Is there a therapist on Martinique that you could speak to? I know that might sound daunting but believe me it helps'

'That's just the thing. There are some counsellors but on small islands it is difficult to find a specialist in anything like that. I was just thinking how good it would be to have some kind of online service that people all over the world could access to get advice from someone who is an expert in whatever area they need help with, or even just have a chat with people who have been through the same thing'

'I think that's a fabulous idea. It could potentially help thousands of people. Are you thinking about setting this up yourself?'

'It had crossed my mind but how on earth would I go about it? And how would I get people on board who are experts? I was beginning to think it must be too ambitious'

'Perhaps it is quite ambitious, but if you don't do it who will? You should talk to Nikki while she's still on the island and see if she can suggest any contacts she might have made'

'Perhaps I will' Florence stood up and looked at the view of the sea again. 'Remember the night we got drunk here together?'

'How could I forget that?' Jack laughed and stood up beside her and put his hand on top of hers. Still, Florence looked out to sea.

'We had such good times working together…'

'We had' Jack noticed how beautiful Florence looked in the light of the moon, and thinking she was of the same mind as he was, he slowly leant over to kiss her.

'…You, me, J P and Ruby. You've always been like an extra dad to us all'

Jack quickly pulled back, realising what a terrible mistake he had almost made. He had let his imagination run away with him and think Florence had romantic feelings for him. But, of course she didn't. Not only was she over twenty years younger than him but she was obviously still hurting from the loss of Patrice and not ready to think about another relationship, as well as coming to terms with the likelihood of having PTSD and possible ongoing anxieties about her real dad. Thankfully she hadn't noticed what he had been about to do, but still he felt like a fool, guilty, embarrassed and deflated.

'Are you alright?' she asked him.

'Yes, I'm fine. I think the lack of sleep is just catching up with me. Anyway, I'd better get you home'

'Gosh, yes indeed. I hadn't noticed the time. My family will be getting worried!'

Jack drove Florence home and made little conversation on the way. When he got back, he kept beating himself up for his mistake as he had a quick wash, made himself a sandwich and ate it, and finally climbed into bed. Harry looked down on him from the tree in the middle of the shack.

'Oh Harry, what are you going to do with this idiot of an old man?' Tears came to his eyes, and had he not been virtually awake for three days he probably would not have slept. But he could keep his eyes open no longer and within ten minutes he was fast asleep.