Chapter 21 – A Big Beach Barbecue

Jack sighed as he got off the phone to Florence.

'What's the matter?' asked Catherine.

'Well…it turns out we are going to need all the food after all!' Jack informed the others.

'Why? Who's coming?' asked Ruby.

'Another eight people apparently. The group from Manchester that we were investigating plus their friends from the Plage De Sol! Apparently their barbecue is broken'

'I don't think I have socialised with suspects before!' said J P. 'This will be a first…except for one occasion when a friend of mine was a suspect but that was different'

'It should make the evening interesting!' Ruby looked at the situation positively.

'Yes, we should give them a chance' said Rosie.

'You don't seem too happy about this' Catherine addressed Jack as their younger companions began to laugh together.

'It's just…' he tried to explain. 'Florence is just so kind and it does make sense when we have a big working barbecue and so much food. And it sounds like the girls have bonded and that's great but…I'm just not sure how I will get on with the men. They're around my age, the youngest two anyway, so I should probably entertain them…but they just don't strike me as being my type and I can't imagine what I will talk about with them. They also hated me two days ago. I don't know how this evening is going to go at all!'

'Well, I wouldn't write them off too soon' Catherine advised him. 'I heard bits of their conversation in the bar earlier. They do like to make lewd jokes about women, and I get that's not really you, but they were also talking about how great a detective you are, so they have definitely changed their minds about you since the murder investigation ended. The slightly older one fancies me, you know. I can't help but find him quite charming!'

'Are you falling in love, Catherine?!'

'No, but since he's only looking for a holiday romance, I know the type you see, I don't see why I can't enjoy a bit of attention for a while!'

'You astonish me!'

'You might just astonish yourself. You don't get much male company your own age on the island so it could be good for you to have the company of these men'

'Yes, I suppose you are right. I was actually thinking about that earlier today'

'Well, there you go! Ah, here come the girls plus one man' Catherine indicated the group that was approaching, led by Florence. 'Hello everyone!' she called.

'Yes, welcome to the shack!' added Jack.

'Thank you so much for having us, Inspector. You've very much saved our skins!' said Tania.

'It's no problem, and please call me Jack' Jack insisted.

'Hi, I'm Ruby, as you may remember' the young officer came forward to meet the new arrivals 'and this is J P and his wife Rosie'

'Delighted to meet you all in a personal capacity' said Karen.

'We brought our supplies so we shouldn't run out of food!' Brian assured Jack.

'Thank you so much. So, it looks like we're going to be eating leftovers for a week after all!' he joked, looking at the amount they had brought. 'Would you like to get some of your meat cooking?'

'Yes, sure' Brian followed Jack over to the barbecue.

'You can put the drinks on the table on the porch' Catherine indicated to Tania and Karen who were carrying bags containing bottles of wine and soft drinks respectively.

'Salads here!' J P ushered Jenny and Nikki, who were carrying Tania's salads, into the shack and showed them the indoor table where the cold foods were laid out.

'Wow! You were right about the view!' Jenny remarked to Florence once they were outside again and had all poured themselves a drink.

'Wait until you see the sunset!' she got her new friend more excited.

At that point there was a clinking of bottles as the remainder of the party appeared around the side of the shack.

'Is this the police barbecue we've been invited to?' smiled Adam as he spotted the others and confirmed they had found the right place. Pete and David followed behind, both carrying bags.

'Yes, welcome boys' said Jack. 'Thank you for coming and for bringing some extra beers and nibbles!'

'It's really good of you to have us' said Pete.

'Something smells good!' remarked David, noticing that the food on the barbecue was almost ready.

'Hey Pete, come over here!' shouted Jenny. 'Come and see what this girl has done!'

'Oh, my goodness!' he went over and put his hand to his mouth in shock when he saw Florence.

'I had no idea I could inspire such deeds!' Jenny laughed.

'Gosh, that was bold. Thank you for lifting Jenny's spirits' Pete hugged her.

Adam looked over to where Pete had gone. 'Jeez! The detective girl's shaved her head!' he gasped.

'Jings, she must be mad!' decided David.

'Hey, I've just had an idea' announced Daisy to the whole party.

'And what would that be?' asked Tania, preparing to cringe.

'I think we should all wear headscarves like Jenny. Then we'll all be the same!'

'Aww that's a lovely idea and very sweet of you to think of Florence and me' said Jenny. 'But really, there's no need for you to go to trouble to find scarves! I would have put me wig on but it's too hot!'

'Actually, I have a box of them in my house beside the bar' said Catherine. 'Perhaps I'll go and get them?'

'I can go on the bike?!' suggested Ruby. 'It'll be quicker'

'How many beers have you had?' asked Jack.

'Just the one, I'm perfectly fit to ride the bike!' she assured him. After she had set off, Catherine went into the shack and began cutting open buns.

'Can I help you with that?' asked David.

'I suppose it would get the job done quicker' she agreed, and David grabbed another knife. Catherine couldn't help noticing that David had had a shave since earlier on and that he was wearing a smarter polo shirt and trousers than he had been wearing before. He must really like me, she thought.

'So, you must enjoy cooking?' he asked her.

'Yes, I do, just as well when I have so much of it to do at the bar! Do you?'

'I'm starting to. I usually only cook for myself, but since I've been running the café I told you about I have had to learn how to make a good sandwich and how to arrange salads and cake displays'

'Sounds like fun, but it must be a challenge at busy times?'

'Yes, it is, and very different from what I did before'

'And what was that?'

'I was a management consultant'

'That's a good job, surely? Did you fancy a change?'

'It's a long story…but yes, it's been interesting doing something different for a change' He hoped she wouldn't ask any more questions about his job situation.

'I know what you mean. I decided to leave the busy life in Paris many years ago and come over here to set up a bar. It was a challenge, but I am glad I did it!'

Before long the buns were ready and the food cooked, and everybody helped themselves to various meats, fish prepared by Catherine, buns, salads, the local crisps and a variety of drinks.

'Good afternoon everyone!' a deep voice appeared out of nowhere, and the whole party turned to see that the Commissioner had appeared.

'Commissioner! I didn't know you were coming!' exclaimed Jack.

'I can see that' the Commissioner looked around at the large gathering. 'Hmmm, you invited some of the suspects from the Gavin Harper case over, Inspector? I think that must be against some regulation or other!'

'It was my idea!' Florence rushed to Jack's defence. 'I invited them…kind of sprung it on Inspector Mooney so really not his fault!'

'I was only joking, Detective Sergeant Cassell!' the Commissioner almost smiled. 'What happened to your hair?' She explained.

'A very…noble gesture' The Commissioner looked all around him. 'Is my niece not here?'

'Oh, Ruby has gone to Catherine's to pick up a box of head scarves' J P informed him.

'Head scarves, Officer Hooper?'

'The girls decided to all wear them' J P explained.

'I see' The Commissioner turned to Jack again. 'Now, forgive me for addressing you in front of your…friends, but I came over to congratulate you again on your conclusion of the Harper case. Mr Harper's family flew over today and asked me to let you know they are grateful to you for getting them justice. The trial will begin on Guadeloupe next week.

'Well, that's good' said Jack. 'And as I said yesterday, I was just doing my job!'

'Indeed. And is Dr Alexander not here?'

'Yes, I'm here Commissioner' Nikki turned around to face him.

'Ah, your hair has changed as well. It's hard for me to keep up…well, anyway, I wanted to thank you again for carrying out the post-mortem on Gavin Harper. Your report has been submitted to the lab on Guadeloupe along with the body, and I am pleased to say it has been decided that there is not to be a second post-mortem as your one was thorough and conclusive. The body is to be released to Gavin's family tomorrow'

'Thank you, Sir, and that's good news for the family' said Nikki.

'You know, Doctor, if you ever felt like a change of scenery and be closer to your new friends, I am sure you would get a job on Guadeloupe. There was a comment made that they wished you worked for them!'

'Wow! Well, if I fancy a change I will keep this in mind! Thank you'

'And did you like my surprise?'

'Surprise?'

'What, have you not been at your hotel today?'

'Not since midday when I went to meet Florence. Why?'

'Ah, I think I'd better call my niece and get her to run another errand' Nikki looked at the others in confusion as the Commissioner moved to a spot where he could get a signal to make the call.

'So, what do you do for a living, Adam?' Jack asked when Adam came over for a burger.

'I'm an IT Manager'

'Good for you. I find computers frustrating!'

'They're not all bad when you know what you're doing. Your job sounds much more exciting, though'

'Believe me, it's not the glorified job the detective programmes make it out to be! It's a big responsibility and very hard work!'

'What part of Ireland are you from?'

'I'm from Cork. What about you?'

'Coleraine, near Belfast. But I've lived in Manchester for most of my life and consider it home'

'I've been in London, Hampshire and here but I'll always consider Ireland home!'

'I guess the troubles weren't so bad in the south?'

'I suppose not. I hope there'll be a lasting peace one day'

'You and I and every Irish person on the planet! And probably everyone else too!'

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the police bike arriving back. Everyone looked over as Ruby got down from the bike and removed her helmet, before going around and opening the door of the sidecar. She took a cardboard box from a pair of hands, and once the box was out of the way, a tall, dark-haired man with a thin moustache and beard emerged.

'Matt!' gasped Nikki and ran into his arms.

'Nikki! I'm glad to finally see you!' he seemed a little put out.

'But…I had no idea you were coming! You said you couldn't get a flight and you weren't answering your phone this morning!'

'Well, that's because I was on an airplane. The Commissioner you've been working for got me a chartered flight this morning and I arrived at two. Sorry, I assumed you knew!'

'No, I think it was supposed to be a surprise. Oh, I'm so sorry. Have you been waiting at the hotel all this time?'

'Yes, I have, but let's not worry about it anymore. Come here' he gave her a big hug and kiss, then looked at her. 'You dyed your hair?!'

'Yes, I accompanied Florence, you'll meet her in a minute, to the hairdresser because she wanted to donate her hair and shave her head, and I got inspired to do something daring too'

'Well, I'm glad you didn't shave your head! Anyway, I suppose you'd better introduce me to your friends'

'Everyone, this is Matt' announced Nikki and the whole group came over to meet him. 'I hope you don't mind one more guest, Jack?'

'Oh no, not at all. Pleased to meet you, Matt'

'A pleasure' said Matt. 'You must be the famous Inspector Mooney?'

'That's me'

'Ah, are you Florence?' he asked Jenny.

'Um…no, I'm just the inspiration, but thank you for the compliment! I'm Jenny'

'Well, it's nice to meet you Jenny'

'And this is Florence' Nikki brought her friend over. 'And this is Matt'

'Pleased to meet you. I've heard a lot about you from Nikki' Matt addressed the younger woman.

'I've heard all about you too. I'm glad you've been able to get over here'

'I'm glad too. And well done for the head shave!'

The Commissioner walked past at that point.

'Oh Commissioner, thank you very much for getting Matt over. I just wish you'd told me'

'Ah, yes, sorry about that, should have realised you'd be out and about. Oh, and before I forget, I have spoken to your boss… Professor Cumberland?'

'Professor Chamberlain'

'Ah yes, Professor Chamberlain. I told him all about your good work and he has granted you another whole week's leave to spend here with your man'

'Oh, that's fantastic news, thank you for calling him'

He turned to the whole group 'Well, I suppose I'll be going'

'Oh no, Uncle Selly, please stay!' Ruby begged him.

'No, I'll save the food for all the others. You have fun'

'Don't be silly, Uncle Selly, there's more than enough food!' Ruby indicated all the meat that was still cooking on the barbecue, and the plates of salad and snacks that had barely been broken into.

'I suppose I'll stay for a little while' he agreed and grabbed a plate.

Ruby then helped Daisy to distribute the head scarves to the women and a few minutes later they were all sporting different colours from Catherine's collection. Ruby had to get help from Catherine herself to get a scarf over her big hair, but they got there in the end. The afternoon turned to evening and the group continued to get more acquainted. Even Daisy, who was expecting to be bored among all the grown-ups, was having fun with some of the younger adults. Ruby showed her a hairstyle app and helped her to design wigs for Jenny and Florence, each one crazier looking than the last. Then she gav ridiculous looking Mohican and Rosie an asymmetrical green coloured look. They also had a game of frisbee which they persuaded Florence and Nikki to join in with but not Matt, who was now talking to Pete.

'So, where in the States are you from?' Pete asked Matt.

'I'm originally from LA but I live and work in Washington. What about you? Where in England are you from?'

'I'm Manchester born and bred and have never left!'

'I've never been to Manchester, just London'

'Would you live there?'

'I'm not sure. I've been settled in Washington for so long and would find it hard to move again now, especially abroad'

'So, if things work out between you and Nikki will she be happy to move to Washington?'

'I hope so'

'I know all about being attached to a place. Several years ago, I had a friend whose wife was offered a job in New York but he couldn't bring himself to leave Manchester. So, his wife left and went without him'

'And did he go eventually, or did the wife ever come back?'

'He never went. His wife came back after just over a year, but in that time they had already gotten divorced and my friend had got married again to someone he had entered into a relationship with on the rebound. And his wife had become pregnant to someone else!'

'Oh, my goodness, what a mess!'

'Yes, indeed. But it turned out they still loved each other and they got back together and have stayed in Manchester ever since'

'Aww a happy ending!'

'For the large part. But my friend nearly lost his wife again a few months ago, this time to a life- threatening illness. She is OK now but having been through that my friend swears he will never be separated from his wife again. Nowadays he would go anywhere with her'

'Ah' Matt realised Pete was really talking about himself and Jenny. 'Well, thank you for sharing your friend's story'

Once everyone had had enough to eat the barbecue was left to cool and those who were not playing frisbee gathered just beneath the porch, sitting on plastic chairs or whatever they could find.

'Oh, to be young and fit!' said Jenny, remembering a time when she would have joined in the game.

'It's nice to see Florence enjoying herself' said Karen, watching her almost falling over to catch the frisbee when J P had thrown it too high.

'Yes' agreed Jack, unable to take his eyes off her. 'I've missed seeing that smile on her face'

'Look at that! Daisy's got him back for her!' Brian laughed as his daughter threw the frisbee into J P's back when it was turned.

'Ouch, you fiend!' he yelled at her and they all laughed.

'Daisy, be nice!' shouted Tania and the teenager rolled her eyes. J P passed the frisbee to Rosie who caught it with ease, then sent it flying over Ruby's head and into the sea.

'Oops!' Rosie bowed her head as Ruby waded in to retrieve it.

'Nikki, catch!' Ruby called, sending the frisbee flying in completely the wrong direction, almost hitting Adam, who was unsuspectingly sitting drinking a beer.

'Here, Nikki!' Adam passed it to its intended recipient. Nikki threw it to Florence before taking a seat underneath the porch beside Matt, panting for breath.

'Gosh, that was fun, but I think I'm getting too old for it!' she sighed.

'Never!' said Jenny, getting one of Nikki's beautiful smiles.

'You know, I've just had an idea' said Karen and everyone looked at her with interest. 'The stories we were all sharing earlier, our survivor stories. I was just thinking…why don't we put them into a book? It could inspire and help others'

'That's a great idea!' said Nikki.

'Do you think it would sell?' asked Jenny.

'I believe so, and I know. I'd give you all a discount for publishing!' she laughed.

'We'll have to speak to Florence when she's finished her game' said Tania. 'It all started with Florence wanting to set up the online service'

'I'm already looking forward to reading this book!' said Catherine, who had just come out onto the porch after she and David had put empty plates and cups into plastic bags.

'Thank you for doing that, both of you' said Jack.

'It's no problem' said David. 'You need some relaxation time after all the cooking you've done!'

'And you're meant to be guests' he reminded him.

'I feel bad about doing nothing now!' said Matt.

'Anything else we can do?' asked Pete.

'Just relax!' Jack insisted.

'Your view is fantastic' Brian remarked. 'Even better than ours a few miles along!'

'I can just imagine sitting out here with your little TV on the table watching the football with a beer!' said Adam. 'Better than watching it in one of our living rooms or down the pub!'

'That would be ace!' agreed Pete.

'What team do you guys support?' asked Jack.

'Manchester United of course' said David. 'Although these two are bigger supporters than me'

'I'm a City fan myself' confessed Brian.

'Shame on you!' teased Adam.

'They're both good teams' said Jack. 'I'm more a Portsmouth supporter myself having lived in Hampshire but rarely watch any matches'

'They were a good team for a while' remarked Pete.

There were loud cheers from down on the beach when Florence caught the frisbee after making a very long run for it. The other players lifted her up in a victory display. She looked up and caught Jack's eye before he felt the need to look away. He glanced inside the shack and noticed the photo of Kathleen which tripped his guilt again. 'Excuse me a moment, I'll just go and get some more beers out' he made the excuse to disappear for a few minutes to himself.

'Let me help you with that' Adam got up and insisted on following him inside.