Chapter 22 – A Caribbean Sunset

Jack went over to the fridge and began taking out bottles of beer.

'This stuff's good' Adam indicated the special Sainte-Marie beer.

'Yes, it can't be beaten. Much better than the stuff we get at home'

'I've really enjoyed this evening. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Except maybe for your Commissioner? He's been rather quiet'

'Oh, that's just him. I'm glad it's going so well. I admit I was nervous about you all coming at first'

'You needn't have worried, you're a great host'

'Thanks'

'Who's this lovely lady?' Adam indicated the photo of Kathleen.

'That's my wife Kathleen. She died'

'Oh, I'm so sorry. Was this recent?'

'Almost three years ago. I still miss her, though'

'You will. It takes a lot of time. I lost my wife too, you know'

'Really?'

'Yes, seventeen years ago now. Car accident. I struggled for many years and would probably have ended up harming myself if it wasn't for my son. He was just a baby when my Rachel died'

'Gosh, that must have been hard for you, having to raise your son on your own, but at the same time, it would surely have been a good thing he was too young to know what had happened? My daughter was eighteen when she lost her mum to cancer and it hurt me to see her in pain and not be able to take it from her'

'Yes, I suppose it was a blessing, although my son is starting to ask a lot of questions about his mum and wishing he had known her'

'Listen, if you don't mind me asking…how long was it before you started dating again?'

'Well, that's an interesting question. I've never been as good a man as you seem to be and was always known as a womaniser before I met Rachel'

'I'm sure you are a good man!'

'Thank you, but I've always been a rascal when it comes to women. Two or three years after Rachel died, I did start seeing other women, but it was mostly just one-night stands. I went back to my old ways and didn't really grow up until I fell in love with Karen a few months ago' Adam looked up at Jack, who appeared to be on the verge of telling him something. 'Is there something you'd like to talk about? I know we barely know each other, and I have confessed to being a rogue, but I understand a lot of what you're going through, and I can be discreet when it matters'

'Well….' Jack poured out the story of what had happened with Florence the evening before. He was expecting a reproach, but when he looked up at Adam he had a big smile on his face.

'Ah yes, I see what's happening. I liked the young ones too until very recently. She's a very attractive girl, even with no hair, and if I'd met her a year ago I'd have been chasing after her too, and I wouldn't have stopped when you did, believe me!'

'So, are you saying this is normal?'

'Whatever normal is…I'm just saying that when I think about it now I believe I was just fooling around because I was still devoted to Rachel in my heart and wasn't ready for another committed relationship, but I missed…certain aspects of being in a relationship, if you know what I mean'

'I think I do, but I'm not sure whether that's the case with me. I think it might be that I'm lacking a close friend here. Florence took that role when she lived on the island and worked with me, and I think I just missed her company more than anything and wish she was staying'

'Well, that's just another part of a relationship. A more important part. You're a completely different person from me, and I guess you knew much sooner than I did what is really important and you are searching for that again'

'I suppose that makes sense, thank you'

'So, please don't beat yourself up any more. You know, I admit I'm glad to discover that the great Detective Inspector Jack Mooney has a human side!'

'What, did you think I was some kind of virtuous superhuman?!'

'No, I suppose I just imagined police officers to be perfect!'

'And now you're saying I'm not!' they both laughed.

'Forgive me for asking…but do you ever talk to your wife, or even see her?' Adam then asked.

'Oh, I talk to her photo all the time, as if she's here! It feels good sometimes even though she can't answer me. But no, I don't see her. I think that would freak me out!'

'Well, please don't be freaked out, but I used to see Rachel. It gave me comfort'

'I guess we all have different ways of coping'

'Yes. I wonder if we need to write a book and set up an online counselling service for men, like the girls are doing?'

'I think that would be a good idea, although I don't know how I would find the time to do my bit'

'And listen, you would be welcome to join Pete and David and myself for a beer after your work any evening while we're on the island. We'll be inviting Brian as well, so you won't feel like the only outsider'

'That would be good, thank you'

'Hey, what's happened to the drinks?' Catherine came in to find out what was happening.

'Sorry, help yourself Catherine' said Jack. 'We were having an in-depth discussion and lost track of time'

'Ah, sorry to interrupt in that case. Shall I take out some of these beers and leave you be?'

'I think we're ready to re-join the others, so we'll all take some' said Adam, picking up a few bottles. They were greeted by a loud shout from Ruby when they were back outside.

'Look everyone! One of our very best sunsets!' The whole large group looked out to sea and gasped at the enormous sun, which was lighting up the sky in yellow around it, transitioning through orange to red higher up. The sea below appeared blue and purple and it was the most spectacular sight those who did not live on the island had ever seen. All their phones and cameras came out and countless photos were taken. Then the selfies started, couples and small groups were photographed together with this beautiful sight in the background, then there was a call for a big group photo. The Commissioner did the honours and took the picture with all the devices.

'Shall we take a little walk?' Matt asked Nikki and the pair strolled a few yards along the beach. The other couples began to do the same, and the single people who remained stood and looked on from the porch. Daisy ran around with her phone taking sneaky photos of all the couples before she got told off by her parents.

'I'm so glad I was able to stay up for this!' Jenny took her eyes away from the sunset for a moment to look into Pete's.

'Seeing something so beautiful gives you a feeling of hope, doesn't it?' Pete reflected.

'I'd like to believe it's a sign I'll be OK from now on, that I don't need to worry about my next mammogram'

'Well, just imagine it does for now and enjoy this moment!'

'I've enjoyed my whole day. Our new friends are so lovely, especially Florence and Nikki'

'Such big hearts. I hope Florence finds happiness in time'

'I'm sure she will. And Nikki too – I must admit Matt is nothing like I imagined. He seems nice enough, but I don't think she's too keen to move to the states'

'I was talking to him earlier – he's not keen on moving to London either, but I told him a little story that might have given him some food for thought'

'What story?'

'Our story'

'Oh Pete!' she playfully punched him, and they embraced and looked at the sunset for a bit longer.

Daisy had just taken a photo of J P and Rosie kissing.

'Oi! Go away!' yelled J P.

'She's just having fun. I'm sure she won't post it anywhere!'

'How can you be so sure?'

'She's a good kid really'

'I guess she is' they were silent for a moment, then Rosie looked at J P seriously.

'I was thinking…do you think it's about time we started a family?' J P was thoroughly taken aback, and did not feel ready for this step, but he tried to hide it, afraid Rosie would be upset if he told her the truth.

'Um…I suppose we could try' he muttered, but he hoped it wouldn't happen straight away.

Karen and Adam were watching the multi-coloured waves coming towards them, and retreating again, as if taking the cares of the world away.

'I wish I could stay here with you forever and not have to go home to all our problems' Adam whispered.

'That would be nice…although I'd feel bad for leaving the kids' Karen admitted.

'Do you think they will all come around to us being together eventually?'

'Once they all go off to University, I'm sure. I guess it depends what happens between Matthew and Olivia'

'Who knows, they're still so young'

'Yes. Anyway, you and the Great Inspector seemed to be getting on very well. What were you talking about?'

'Oh, you know, just men's stuff'

'So, do you think the man who arrested you could become your friend?' Adam reflected for a moment.

'It's strange to think about it, but yes, I think he could!'

'Well, here's to friends old and new'

'But we don't have our glasses out here'

'There are other ways to make a toast' and with that she drew him in for a long kiss.

Nikki and Matt stopped several metres away from any of the others and put their arms around each other.

'So…we're finally on this beautiful island together! And for a whole week after all!' Matt smiled.

'Yes, isn't this fantastic?' Nikki agreed.

'I hope I'll get you to myself for some of the time'

'Of course you will. You were the reason I came in the first place!'

'I'm glad. I like your friends, though. They are all so different but somehow they all seem to get along!'

'Our experiences during the storm, and the fact we are all survivors of one kind or another really helps'

'What was it really like?'

'Scary, but I ended up being so busy I hardly noticed the discomfort a lot of the time'

'And how did it make you feel?'

'Like…I want to embrace life. So many of these people I have met have lost the loves of their lives, or suffered with illness, either their own or that of a loved one. I'm so happy to have met you, Matt, and I think we should try to figure out how to make this relationship work, for real'

'You mean…live in the same country?'

'Yes'

'Wow!...you know, I did see an advert for a job at the University of Washington as a lecturer in Forensic Anthropology'

Nikki's heart sank a little. 'That does sound like a good job…but I don't know if I really fancy lecturing. I prefer to be hands-on, actually working in the field'

'Ah' Matt was quiet for a moment. 'Well, I did see another job advert'

'Oh? And what was that?'

'It was a job at the US Embassy in London. They were looking for my kind of experience'

'Really?' Nikki felt elated at the thought that Matt might consider joining her in London after all. 'You would be open to moving?'

'If it means being with you, then yes!'

'Oh Matt!' They looked up at the sunset for a moment before kissing, then Matt said

'Why don't we both start looking for jobs and trust that we'll end up where we're meant to be?'

'That sounds like a plan! And you know, there's always Guadeloupe'

'Guadeloupe?'

'The pathology team there were impressed with my post-mortem and practically offered me a job!'

'Sounds good for you, but I don't know what I'd do there!'

'Good point. OK, let's just consider London and Washington for now' She put her head on his shoulder and they stood a few more minutes embracing this moment.

Jack and Florence had their first proper conversation since Jack's faux pas.

'Well, I think tonight has gone very well, Florence' he began. 'I wasn't sure how it would work out at first, but I think our new friends are a good bunch'

'Yes, they are. Jenny and Karen have been very encouraging and supportive of my ideas and they are developing into bigger things. I guess we just have to put it all into practice now'

'Indeed. I hope it all works out'

'You seem to be getting on well with the men, especially Adam?'

'Yes, they're fun to be around even though they're a bit different from me, but you know what they say about variety being the spice of life?'

'No, but it sounds like a good saying!'

'I think I might have found myself some new friends, for the next week anyway'

'Well, that's nice for you'

'So, have you decided what you are going to do now, apart from the website and the book of course, I mean, where will you go?'

'Hmm, I think I'll go back to Martinique once my dad is better, I was getting some good work with the police there. Once I get help with the condition I think I have, PTSD, I might think about working on murders permanently again, getting people justice like I've always done. I might travel a bit first, though'

'Well, why not?'

'If I do, I'll miss sights like this though' she indicated the sunset.

'Yes, whenever I start missing things about Ireland or England, I just have to look at this view, especially at sunset, and I remember how lucky I am to have had the chance to live here'

'I hope we'll always be friends'

'Of course we will'

Florence put her hand on his shoulder in the way of a good friend and he dared to do the same, but he kept his eyes on the sunset in case she noticed his face getting hotter. He was actually glad when Ruby approached them and put her hand on his other shoulder.

'Inspector Mooney! Thank you for a wonderful evening! You are the best boss ever!'

'Thank you Ruby. Glad you all came'

'Come on Uncle Selly, join us!' The Commissioner reluctantly got up from his seat where he had continued to sit quietly, and his niece put her hand on his shoulder. She was determined nobody was going to be left alone to watch the sunset, not even her uncle who liked his own company. Although one person was walking alone at the moment, she had the feeling this wouldn't be for long.

David wandered down onto the beach on his own, thinking about how lovely it would be to be here watching the sunset with someone special. He did not hear Catherine approaching him.

'Quite a sight, isn't it?' she said quietly, but he still got a fright and jumped. He put a hand to his heart and smiled.

'Yes, yes, rather beautiful'

'I was awestruck the first time I ever saw it'

'How long ago was that?'

'I don't know, about thirty years or so'

'You must really love it here'

'Yes, I do. I will never leave now'

'I don't think I would either if I stayed here for more than a couple of weeks!'

'Do you think you will come back one day?'

'Who knows'

'Well, whatever happens, it's been really nice meeting you'

'Likewise'

And with that she gave him an even bigger fright by leaning over and kissing him with all the romanticism of the French. He stood back, eyes wide.

'Woooo!' the group on the steps shouted, and this got the attention of all their friends. Before David knew it, everyone knew what had happened and he was getting catcalls from Adam and Pete and he felt his face going very red as everyone looked at him in excitement. Thank goodness it was getting dark and the whole group couldn't see him blushing, especially Catherine herself, he thought. He looked over at Catherine again and saw her smiling at him, and he decided then to be bold himself and gave her a kiss back. The screams and catcalls resumed but he didn't care. He was having his holiday romance and he was going to enjoy it!