Chapter 20 – Survivors

Florence and Nikki walked along the beach until they came to Plage De Sol. The small villa appeared to be deserted and all they saw was two beach towels with dresses and flip-flops on top of them. On one of the towels was a big orange head scarf tied in a way that would make it cover the wearer's whole head, and a key for a room at the Honore Palace.

'I think there is a good chance this could be Jenny's' said Florence, weighing up the evidence as if examining a crime scene.

'I would agree' said Nikki, who then went over to the other towel. 'But who would this pile belong to?'

'Karen?' suggested Florence.

'That would have been my first guess before looking at what's here' said Nikki. 'But I can't imagine Karen wearing this' Nikki held up a baseball cap with a picture of a boy band on it.

'Hmm that would more than likely belong to a teenage girl' agreed Florence.

'The daughter of their new friends who had the photo of Henri on her phone?'

'She would be the most likely candidate'

'OK, so, where are they?' Florence and Nikki looked out to sea but could not see anybody swimming nearby.

'Oh no, what if Jenny swam out to sea and began to feel ill and got into trouble?' Florence became anxious.

'But surely the girl would have come to aid her or at least gone to get help?' Nikki tried to assure her.

'True, but it's worrying me that there's nobody here' Florence kicked off her own flip-flops, hitched up her dress and waded into the sea. 'Jenny!' she called, looking around her for any sign of another human being. Nikki, in the meantime, went over to the villa and knocked on the door. When there was no answer she walked around and looked in the windows, but the house was empty and there were no clues as to where the occupants or their friends had gone. Florence ran back ashore and retrieved her phone and was about to call Jack to find out if an emergency had been reported or to get a search organised, when a noise coming towards her caught her attention. Nikki had heard it too and returned to the shore beside her. Thirty seconds later a jet ski pulled up as close to the shore as it could get, and a woman and a teenage girl got off and thanked the driver before walking ashore, panting. Jenny noticed Nikki and Florence standing on the beach and tried to work out where she had seen them before.

'Mrs Gifford?' said Florence and Jenny gave her a strange look.

'You're not…Detective Sergeant Cassell and…Dr Alexander?'

'Yes, it's us' said Nikki.

'Oh no, have I done something wrong?' Jenny looked worried.

'No, we just wanted to speak to you about something. Not related to the murder or anything!'

'Oh, OK' Jenny turned to the girl. 'Daisy, go and get showered and I'll be in shortly' Daisy picked up her dress and cap and put on her flip flops, and wrapped her towel around herself. She took a key for the villa and went inside.

'You had a jet ski ride?' Florence tried to lighten the mood since Jenny seemed apprehensive around them.

'Yes. I felt good today after having a long sleep from yesterday afternoon until late this morning. I decided I should live while I can. Daisy wanted a jet ski ride, but she needed to be accompanied by an adult. Her mum is scared of fast things and her dad is busy trying to sort out a problem with the barbecue. So, I volunteered to go with her!'

'And was it fun, or as scary as it looks?' asked Nikki.

'It was thrilling. After what I've been through nothing really scares me anymore. Except the thought of the cancer coming back. Wait…' she looked at Florence's bald head. 'You're not…ill are you?'

'Oh no, I just decided to donate my hair to make a wig for someone in your situation who cannot afford one, and shave my head to get sponsorship…oh gosh, this doesn't offend you, does it?'

'Offend me?' Jenny was genuinely puzzled.

'I know I can't relate to going through surgery and treatment and the other side effects to fully appreciate what it must have been like for you, but I did experience being shot a few months ago so at least do understand what it's like to face the possibility of death'

'Gosh, I'm sorry to hear that, and it must have been frightening, but I still don't understand why you think you might have offended me?' Florence told her the story of what had happened with the woman at the market.

'Goodness. Well, it's true that you can't fully appreciate what it's like to go through this unless you have been there yourself, and that losing your hair is a horrible memory, but if a genuinely compassionate person like yourself does what you did to share a small part of our suffering, and to give someone a wig, then I think that's a sign of a very big heart and I am really touched that you would make such a sacrifice!'

'Really? That's such a relief!'

'Come here!' the two women had a big hug, both moved to tears. When they moved apart, Jenny asked 'So, you mentioned getting sponsorship. What are you going to be doing?' Florence told her the full story about what had happened to her and Patrice and the counselling service she was planning to set up.

'Oh, my goodness, what a horrible thing to happen to you and your fiancee. I am so sorry. But my goodness, what a wonderful idea you have about setting up this online service. I struggled after I finished my treatment, not knowing who I was any more or my purpose in life. Even those who loved me couldn't understand this and just expected me to get on with things. It wasn't until I called a cancer support group and met others in the same situation that I began to feel better about myself. So, if there are no such services here it must be even more difficult for people finishing treatment. I would be happy to help in any way I could'

'That would be fantastic' said Florence. 'I have greatly benefitted from meeting Nikki here – if it wasn't for the storm, I probably would never have known what I need help with. Networking is very valuable, and I wouldn't have had the chance if it the weather had been good these last few days!'

'So, you're a survivor too?' Jenny addressed Nikki.

'Yes, I am' Nikki told her all about her experiences of being shot and attacked and about what happened to her in Mexico.

'Gosh, I can't imagine how frightening that must have been!' The three women had a group hug before being joined by Daisy, who had finished her shower, and Tania and Karen who had now returned from the shops with barbecue supplies.

'And who have we been supplanted with!' Karen joked, trying to place Florence and Nikki's faces the way Jenny had when she first saw them.

'Don't you remember DS Cassell and Dr Alexander?'

'Of course I do but…you've both changed! What happened to your hair?!'

'I have just found out that DS Cassell here is the most amazing person!' Jenny told her friends.

'Please call me Florence' said Florence. 'Feel free to pronounce it either the French or the English way!' she added for good measure.

'And I'm Nikki' added Nikki.

'And you can call me Jenny or Jen and not make me feel like yer grandma while yer at it!' Jenny insisted. 'And this is Karen and Tania and Daisy'

'Pleased to meet you all in a personal capacity' said Nikki.

'So, what's going on?' asked Karen. Jenny told her friends what Florence had done and what she was planning to do.

'Wow! You're so brave! I would never have the guts to shave my head! And you had long hair!' Karen expressed her amazement.

'I almost feel bad having long hair now!' said Tania.

'Oh no, don't feel like that. You have lovely hair' said Florence and the others agreed.

'Can I shave mine?' asked Daisy.

'No way!' said Tania.

'So, you didn't shave yours then, Nikki?' asked Jenny jovially. 'Just changed your colour?'

'Um…yes. I'm not as bold as Florence either. Although I admit I might have been more tempted if we had been stuck in that school hall with nowhere to wash our hair for much longer!'

'Tell me about it!' said Tania. 'I think a lot of people might have gone for the shave if we hadn't got out when we did!'

'Indeed. So, I just decided to give up being blonde instead!'

'And I'm not even bold enough to do that!' signed Karen. 'Well, I hope it all works out with the online counselling service. Something like that could have helped…well it could have years ago'

'Well, whatever it is you could talk to someone online…even now if it would help?' suggested Nikki.

'I don't think I need to talk to someone myself now, but I could help others, depending on how many areas are covered'

'I would like to think there would be no limit' said Florence. 'Although I don't know how realistic that is?'

'I suppose what it needs is for as many people as possible, who have survived different things, and who would be willing to take the time to listen to and advise others going through them too, to commit to being there whenever someone needs them' said Jenny. 'I would be happy to be there for cancer survivors and anyone going through treatment'

'Really? It would be wonderful to have you on board!' said Florence with delight.

'And I could identify anyone that might have PTSD' said Nikki.

'Brilliant, my new best friend is in!' Florence smiled.

'You know, I survived something myself once' said Tania. 'When Daisy was three, I became pregnant again but had a stillbirth. It was so horrible…the baby was fully formed, a little boy, but there were complications that were picked up too late and he didn't survive. My womb was also so badly damaged that I was unable to have any more children, and in fact I could have died had the damage not been discovered just on time'

'Oh, my goodness, I am so sorry. That must have been traumatic!' said Jenny.

'It was. But it means I could administer to any women who have suffered miscarriage or stillbirth and possibly those who are unable to conceive. Although I was lucky enough to have my Daisy' she smiled at her daughter who was standing beside her.

'It would be good to have you on board, Tania' Florence touched her shoulder. Karen appeared to be on the verge of saying something.

'Listen, I'd just like to make it clear, though, that I hold no grudge against any woman who may be pregnant' said Tania. 'I am honestly happy for them' she said this looking at Karen.

'You…didn't think I was pregnant, did you?' Karen was shocked.

'I did wonder to be honest since you bought water and juice for yourself when we were shopping rather than wine, and you also seem to be on the verge of telling us something now?'

'Oh my gosh!' Karen was mortified. 'No, I am not pregnant. Heavens, I'm fifty-two and my home life is already complicated with my teenage daughters and Adam's teenage son coming together, without a baby coming into the equation! No. What I was contemplating sharing with you, and which I will now since you have all shared your stories, and the reason I don't drink alcohol…is because I am a recovering alcoholic'

'Really? You don't seem like an addict at all!' gasped Florence.

'Not all addicts are stereotypes' Jenny told her.

'I suppose I have a lot to learn' Florence admitted.

'So, you're a survivor too?' Nikki put to Karen.

'I suppose I am. If I hadn't taken control of my problem when I did it could have eventually killed me!'

'So, you could counsel people with addictions if you were willing?' Tania looked between Karen and Florence.

'Absolutely, I'll do what I can!'

'So…we're all survivors!' Nikki addressed the whole group.

'Group hug!' said Jenny and they all came together.

'Me too…I survived the storm!' insisted Daisy.

'Come on then!' Tania brought her daughter in.

'Hello, am I interrupting something?' a male voice appeared outside the group.

'Oh, hi Brian' Tania greeted her husband. 'This is Florence, and this is Nikki' he shook their hands and the reminders of who they were and the story as to why they had come to the villa was told.

'What can I say? Well done, Florence and glad to hear you are all going to be part of this big plan!' Brian acknowledged. 'Now, girls, I'm afraid I have some bad news…rather embarrassing actually. I took the barbecue to the outdoor store to get it looked at, but it was closed. I tried to get a couple of disposable ones from the supermarket, but they were all sold out as there are a lot of barbecues taking place across the island today. So, it looks like we won't be able to put on a barbecue for you today. I'm really sorry'

'Oh, don't worry, these things happen' said Karen. 'Perhaps we could all go out for a meal together?'

'Yes, that would be fine. We can do the barbecue another day' agreed Jenny.

'I feel terrible' said Tania.

'Please don't' said Karen.

'Actually, I have an idea, two ideas in fact' said Florence. 'First of all, one of my brothers is an engineer and might be able to fix your barbecue. Unfortunately, he is on the other side of the island seeing his girlfriend today, but he will be working again tomorrow, and I'll ask him to come over. He won't charge as much as they would at the outdoor store'

'Well, that would be good at least, thank you' said Brian.

'And secondly' Florence went on 'We are about to have a barbecue at Jack's – Inspector Mooney's - place just along the beach. We have far too much food just for the seven of us that are going to be there, and such a big barbecue. I am sure Jack would be happy for you all to join us'

'Are you sure?' said Jenny. 'There are eight of us altogether and would it not be a bit weird for him to have former suspects at his home?'

'The case is closed, and you are no longer suspects. I'll give him a quick call to warn him, but I am sure it will be fine'

'Really, this is very kind of you. We will repay the favour when we get our barbecue working again!' said Tania.

After making the call to Jack, Florence noticed that the jet ski man was still on the shore and waved to him.

'You know what?' she said to her new friends 'I think I fancy a ride on this thing. Something I've been meaning to do for years but never gotten around to. Anyone fancy joining me?' she looked round at the others.

'I've had my fun already – once is enough!' said Jenny. 'Plus, I want to save some energy for this barbecue'

'Well, it's definitely not for me!' said Tania. 'And Daisy's already had her promised ride'

'It's a definite no for me too!' exclaimed Karen.

'Nikki?' Florence tried to persuade her new bestie.

'I think I'll pass if you don't mind. I had a ride on your police bike yesterday and I think I've had enough fast things after that! And I had thought nothing could scare me!'

'Are you talking about that old motor bike and sidecar we saw outside the school?' asked Karen. 'Is that even safe?'

'I hope so!' said Nikki. 'But it did feel like I was going to end up in a ditch!'

'It's perfectly safe, don't you worry, I wouldn't let Ruby put you in danger!' Florence assured her. 'Well, since nobody wants to join me, I'll just have a quick ride by myself. Then I'll show you to the shack'

'The shack?' Brian was astonished. 'I had imagined the detective living in a fine house!'

'Oh, it's a fine house for this part of the world' said Florence. 'And it has a great view. Wait until you see it! Ok, I'm off now, see you in a bit!' and with that she stripped to her bikini and ran to join the jet skier.

'Oh, to be young and fit and good looking!' sighed Jenny as she noticed how confident Florence looked in her swimwear.

'I keep forgetting how young she is' remarked Nikki. 'She's been through so much'

'It's sad isn't it?' said Tania. 'OK, Daisy, come on in and we'll get the salads we prepared packed up to take to this shack, shall we?'

'Ok' Daisy said reluctantly. Brian also followed his wife and daughter inside.

'She's a lovely kid too' said Jenny. 'Very good. I'll have to invite the three of them over and introduce her to my daughter when we're back home. She would surely be a good influence on her'

'Do you have any family?' Karen asked Nikki.

'No. No I don't' said Nikki.

'Oh well, you're not missing the teenage tantrums!' Jenny assured her.

'Still, it must be fun when they're little surely?' Nikki asked.

'Most of the time, yes!' said Karen. 'But hard work too!'

'You know…I haven't told many people this' said Nikki 'But a few months ago I thought I was pregnant. I mean…it would have been very difficult if I had been since my boyfriend and I live in different countries…and with work, the amount of hours I have to put in…but when I found out it was a false alarm, part of me was relieved, but another part of me was…disappointed'

'Wow' said Jenny.

'Well, I'm sure you've still got time to have a family if it's what you really want, Nikki?' said Karen.

'Not much' she said.

'Well, you never know' said Jenny. 'Do you think your boyfriend will eventually move over here or would you join him where he lives?'

'We've spoken about it but haven't agreed where we would live yet!'

'Well, he'd better get a move on!' Jenny laughed.

'Where does he live?' asked Karen.

'Washington' replied Nikki.

'And would you be able to get a job over there?' asked Jenny.

'To be honest, I haven't really looked into it' Nikki admitted.

'A scary step?' asked Karen.

'Yes, I suppose it is. I guess I was hoping Matt would come to London, but I don't think he's keen. He has a family from a previous relationship you see'

'Ah. So, it would be up to you to make the move then, really?' said Jenny frankly.

'I guess you're right, realistically' Nikki became thoughtful for a moment. At that point Tania came out.

'Sorry, I meant to ask if you wanted a shower after your water adventure, Jenny?'

'That would be great, thank you' said Jenny.

'I'll get another towel for Florence when she gets back. In the meantime, why don't you all come over and sit down and have some juice'