They were 3 days into the holiday before Kate finally persuaded Caroline to go to the beach.

"Come on, you'll love it."

Caroline laughed.

"I so will not. I hate the beach. I'm with Dan on that one and."

Caroline stopped mid sentence and turned her back on Kate. Since their encounter at the sculpture gardens, the subject of Dan and Elizabeth hadn't been broached. Caroline felt she had said all there was to say on the matter. She respected Elizabeth as a nurse and she found Dan interesting as a surgeon but beyond that, there was nothing more.

"Kate, can I just say something? This is important. You know how I feel about Dan and Elizabeth. I made it clear from the start that I didn't even want to be friends with them. Our relationship was and should remain on a purely professional level. She is, no was, your nurse and Dan is her partner. Although God knows she doesn't act like one."

Caroline ran her fingers through her hair and started to chew on her thumb.

"Anyway, the fact is, the fact is this. They are here in St Ives but that is not my doing. I agree, it is one hell of a coincidence. It is even rather creepy. But it was not because of me. Now I want to enjoy the rest of my holiday without looking over my shoulder and worrying that we might bump into them. But if we do, you know, see them, we will be civil but we will not engage in conversation. Is that clear?"

Kate put down the sandwich she was wrapping and pulled her cardigan across her body, folding her arms in a very defensive manner.

"This has really got to you Caroline hasn't it?"

"Yes, yes of course it has. Hasn't it you?"

She walked over to Kate and pulled her into her arms, tucking some loose hair behind her ears.

"No it hasn't. And do you know why? They can try whichever way they want to be our friends, to get closer to us in whatever way they will. But they will never ever split us up because you and me are in this for keeps."

Caroline smiled and as she blinked, a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Thank you."

The words were merely more than a whisper.


Kate thought that the beach at Corbis Bay was one of beauty and she was in awe from the moment she got out of the car. The sub-tropical plants and turquoise waters would fool anyone into thinking they were abroad. Kate looked around, a big grin spreading on her face.

"I can't believe we are only one mile from of St Ives. How can you not like somewhere as wonderful as this Caroline."

Caroline, who was struggling to drag the pram across the sand stopped and looked at her. She was breathing heavily.

"The scenery is amazing, I'll give you that. I would just prefer to be admiring it from over there in one of the cafes rather than here, ankle deep in sand."

Kate burst out laughing.

"Well this looks a good a spot as any so let's stop and set up camp here."

She dropped the cool box and started to unfold the blanket which had been tucked under her arm. As soon as it hit the sand, Caroline flopped onto it and lay on her back, her jean cladded legs bent and her hands behind her head. She squinted up at Kate.

"You do know that Flora isn't going to appreciate this experience or even remember it. You do realise that don't you?"

Kate put her hands on her hips.

"Are you going to be grumpy all day or are you going to make an effort for our daughter?

Caroline sat up and placed her hands behind her, supporting her weight. She crossed her angles.

"Do I have much choice?"

Kate unfastened Flora from her pram and lay her at the side of Caroline.

"No. You have no choice at all."

Caroline looked down at Flora and rubbed her tummy.

"Come on then, let's build a sandcastle for mummy."

Kate smiled and crouched in front of Caroline, kissing her and pushing her backwards. The pair fell back onto the blanked and started sniggering.

"See, you can smile if you want to."


They lasted for 2 hours before they decided that they had "done the beach". At just 10 weeks old, Flora really was too young and Caroline and Kate had spent most of their time watching other families enjoying themselves. As Caroline stood up to pack their things away, she felt relaxed for the first time since they had arrived in St Ives.

"I hate to admit it but I have enjoyed myself this morning. I can't say I am a convert but it wasn't as bad as I remember. Mind you, once the baby starts walking, I am not sure that I will be able to say that. Lawrence used to wander off everywhere and then bring back all the waifs and strays from the beach and expect me to buy them all an ice cream."

"And John?"

"He was in the pub most of the time getting pissed. Thank God for my mother."

Kate raised her eyebrows.

"How is she, your mother?"

Caroline stopped folding the blanket and looked at Kate.

"She rang yesterday while you were getting supper ready. Yes, she's fine. Alan and her are back down in Harrogate after spending the weekend up at the farm. They really will need to decide where they are going to live soon. I can't see Gillian giving up the farm to live in Robbie's house. They are a bit like mum and Alan. They haven't set down their roots. Anyway he is going to have to move in there permanently I suppose. And then there's Raff and Ellie and the baby, although she isn't a baby now is she? Anyway, they're all shoved into one room when they really shouldn't be. And the farm house. You've seen it haven't you? Oh, wait I don't think you have. Oh Kate, it's so old fashioned and in need of a good clean and a lick of paint. It really isn't up to my mother's standards."

Kate burst out laughing.

"So she's good then?"

Caroline shrugged.

"You know my mother. She is happy when she has a drama going on in her life or something to moan about. At the minute she has both so I guess you can say that my mother is good."

Caroline walked over to Kate and rubbed her arm.

"And how are you my love? How are you feeling?"

Kate smiled at her and covered her hand with her own.

"I feel good, thank you. I haven't done much today but I still feel tired. A nice tired though."

She slid her hand down her arm and slipped it into hers.

"Come on. Let's go and get some lunch and then we can head back. I have a new Chemistry paper that I want to read about the existence of element zero. You can take a nap if you want one."

Kate looked over the top of her sunglasses at her.

"You old romantic you."


They drove a short distance to the Lookout Restaurant at The Pedn-Olva Hotel. Caroline had spotted it when they were at the sculpture park and thought it would be worth a visit. They were delighted to be shown a table with stunning views over Porthminster beach.

They both chose a fresh seafood dish and picked at the bread basket while they waited. Kate looked into the pram at Flora.

"She has been so well behaved again hasn't she? This fresh air really must be doing her the world of good. You wouldn't have thought that she was delivered quickly and early and a little underweight would you?"

Caroline smiled lovingly at her wife.

"And I wouldn't have thought that only 9 weeks ago, you were just waking up after your horrific ordeal. I am so proud of you Kate. So proud of both of you. I really cannot imagine what my life would be like without you."

She swallowed hard and sniffed.

"Good lord, look at me."

Kate kicked off her shoe and ran her foot up and down Caroline's shin.

"It has been a rough couple of months hasn't it? But we're here now, you and me and little Flora Grace and I really couldn't be happier."

Caroline leaned back in her chair and looked down at the beach. It was still busy and there were loads of people making the most of the sun. One particular family who were playing cricked caught her eye. She leaned forward and then quickly sank back in her chair.

"Shit. Shit."

Kate put down her glass.

"What's wrong?"

Caroline furtively got out of her chair and moved to the side of Kate so her back was to the beach.

"It's them. Elizabeth and Dan and the boys. Oh God, I hope they haven't seen us."

Kate started to giggle.

"Stop. Shush. They might hear us."

Her giggling got louder.

"Caroline, they are down on the beach. They have no idea we are up here. And even if they did know, we are probably the last people they would expect to see. I bet Elizabeth doesn't even know we are here."

Caroline whispered.

"But Dan does. That's enough isn't it? She scares me a little you know. The more I think about what she said to me the other day, the more I shudder."

Kate stared long and hard at Caroline.

"What?"

"Nothing. I was just thinking. Why did Dan say what she said to you?"

Caroline flicked her hair off her shoulders.

"Because I am, I am magnificent."

She pouted and laughed but Kate's face was severe.

"No, please. I am being serious. She knows that we are married. She knows that we have a baby. Why would she do such a thing?"

Caroline shrugged and held up her hands. She shook her head.

"I stopped trying to fathom people out a long time ago. You get screwed up if you try to get into their heads. Believe me, I tried with John and look what happened."

"John is an extreme case though isn't he? Isn't he? Dan is different. Dan is a mother, a partner, a brain surgeon for heavens sake. Why would she do this? Why would she try to mess with other peoples' happiness?"

Caroline shifted in the chair and crossed her leg. She reached out to Kate and rubbed her hand up and down her forearm.

"I have no idea. And I don't care. She can do what she likes Kate. I am not interested. I am no more interested in her than I am in getting back with my ex."

She leaned forward to kiss Kate but was interrupted.

"Whiting?"

Caroline gave a little cough and blushed.

"That's mine. Oh thank you. It Iooks delicious."


Caroline had dropped to sleep, the paper she was reading resting on her chest. She was dreaming about being chased by large atoms when suddenly she was awoken by a loud scream. Realising it wasn't hers, she sat upright in the chair, taking a moment to remember where she was.

"Kate? Kate?"

She dashed into the bedroom but couldn't see anyone.

"I'm here."

Kate was collapsed on the floor at the side of the bed.

"Oh my God. What happened?"

She knelt by her side and took her hand in her own.

"I don't know. I went to get up from the bed and my leg just gave way."

Caroline ran her hand over her forehead and crooned to her.

"And how do you feel now? Are you hot, or dizzy?"

Kate tried to sit up and Caroline placed her forearm under her armpit to provide that extra bit of support. She pulled her up into a sitting position.

"I don't know. My leg is sort of burning. And it aches."

Caroline pulled up Kate's leggings and looked at her left leg.

"How long has it been like this? Swollen I mean? I didn't notice the other night when we were, when you and me were, well I didn't notice."

Kate rubbed her leg.

"A couple of days I guess. I thought it was all that walking we did at the sculpture park. It did tire me out."

Caroline reached up to the bedside table and grabbed Kate's phone.

"Something's not right. I am going to ring the NHS Helpline and get some advice. It will be OK Kate. Everything's going to be fine."

Kate shifted positions and rested her back against the bed. Caroline took her hand and rubbed her thumb up and down the back of it.

"Yes she is breathing. Yes she is responsive. Do you want to talk to her? Hold the line a moment please."

She passed the phone to Kate.

"They want to talk to you. I am just going to get some things together and sort out Flora."

As Caroline busied herself with Flora, she kept looking over at Kate and wondering how long her leg had really been as bad as that. They had been warned that this might happen given the amount of time Kate was in hospital and unable to move but she thought that the danger would have passed. Kate had been up and about but she had been very careful not to overdo things.

"Yes. Yes. I had an accident and was hospitalised.? Oh it happened about 10 weeks ago. Yes. For 5 weeks."

Caroline was pacing, her hands on her hips, her eyes wide.

"No, I am on holiday. St Ives. The Royal Cornwall? No. Wait a minute."

Kate put the phone on her leg and looked over at Caroline. She had her own phone in her hand and was pacing.

"I'm just Googling it. Wait. Christ! That's over 20 miles away! Is there nothing nearer?"

Kate spoke to the operator.

"Yes, yes, we know where it is."

Caroline was waving her arms around, trying to get Kates' attention.

"Give me the phone. Pass it here."

She was whispering through gritted teeth and trying to grab the phone from Kate.

"That's insane, madness. 20 miles. You could be dead by then. Surely there's something nearer."

Kate rolled her eyes and then stuck her finger in her other ear.

"Yes we will set off now. Thank you. I will."

Caroline stood at the side of Kate.

"What did she say? What does she want us to do?"

Kate struggled to her feet while Caroline stood beside her getting angrier.

"They said I shouldn't be alarmed and that it was probably nothing to worry about but they want me to go and get it checked out just in case. They think it might be DVT."

Caroline threw her hands up in the air and shouted.

"Are you serious?"

The baby wailed from her cot in the corner and Caroline a deep breath.

"I am sorry. Getting upset and screaming isn't going to solve anything is it. Right. Do you think you can walk?"

Kate took a few tentative steps forward.

"Yes I'll manage."

"OK. Let's go."


Caroline knew she was taking the corners too quickly but she just wanted to get Kate to the hospital. She put her left hand on her knee and glanced over at her briefly. Squeezing her leg, she took in deep breath.

"Everything will be fine Kate. It will probably just be cramp or something."

Kate looked over her shoulder at Flora who was dropping to sleep in the back of the jeep.

"Yep, yep. Nothing to worry about."

Her bottom lip quivered and she chewed on the inside of it.

"Everything will be alright won't it Caroline? I can't bear to go through all that again, especially now that I have, that we have Flora."

Caroline squeezed tight again but said nothing. She turned her attention back to the satnav.

"Nearly there."

Pulling up with a screech of her tyres, Caroline jumped out of the car and looked around for a wheelchair. Spotting one in the entrance, she walked briskly to collect it for Kate. Coming the other way was a young man who also seemed intent at collecting the wheel chair. Their eyes locked and she gave him the stare she mostly reserved for Lawrence and her pupils. With her mouth set straight and her head held high, she lunged forward and grabbed the handle of the chair a split second before the young man.

"I think you'll find that this is mine. Thank you."

And with a swish of her hair, she turned a full 180 and strutted back to the car.

Helping Kate out, she gently lowered her into the chair. Deftly she unfastened Flora and placed the car seat on Kate's lap.

"OK?"

Kate nodded and Caroline set off at speed through the automatic doors and down the corridor, all the while looking for the Accident and Emergency department. Being back in a hospital filled her with fear and dread and she was breathing rapidly by the time she reached the reception desk.

"Kate McKenzie-Dawson. We rang the NHS Helpline and they said to bring her straight here. Suspected DVT."

Caroline moved from one foot to the other and stared impatiently at the receptionist.

"I just need to take some details from you. Name, date of birth, that sort of thing. Why don't you let the triage nurse take errr …"

She looked at her computer screen.

"Kate. Her name is Kate."

~Yes, let the triage nurse take Kate and you can give me her details."

Caroline picked up the baby carrier and set it on the floor. Leaning forward, she kissed Kate tenderly and stroked her cheek.

"Don't worry my love. I will be 5 minutes max."

The receptionist quickly turned her gaze back to the screen.

"Right. Date of birth please."


The doctor was already with Kate by the time Caroline had checked her in and found her again.

"So we are going to do a D-dimer test on your leg. This will show us if any clots have been broken down and are floating about loose in your blood stream."

"What does that entail?"

Caroline had just entered the cubicle and was smiling reassuringly at Kate. She offered her hand to the doctor.

"Sorry I am Caroline, Kate's wife."

The young doctor stopped shaking her hand for a brief second and then smiled at her.

"I was just telling your wife that we are going to take some blood from her and check her range before we do anything else."

Caroline set Flora down on the bed.

"Range? Range of what?"

"When a blood clot breaks up, a substance is released onto the blood. I want to check how much of that substance Kate has in her body."

"And then?"

"If I am not satisfied with the results, I will do an ultrasound scan and use a Doppler to find out how fast the blood is flowing through the blood vessels in your leg. It will help me to see if there are any blockages."

Caroline stood at the side of Kate and put her hands on her shoulder, squeezing gently.

"How long will this take doctor?"

"I want to treat this as a matter of urgency Mrs McKenzie-Dawson. If your wife does have DVT then I want to treat it as soon as possible with an anticoagulant. This .."

Caroline interrupted.

"I am quite aware of what it does thank you Mr err Doctor "

"Sharpe. Doctor Andrew Sharpe. Yes you may well be but I need to explain this in simple terms."

Kate coughed.

"I am here you know. I can hear you. And Caroline, please let the doctor do his job."

Caroline leaned forward slightly.

"I am sorry Kate. I am just worried."

She folded her arms across her chest.

"Go on. So you give her an anticoagulant to reduce the ability of the blood to clot and to stop existing clots getting bigger."

Andrew smiled.

"Your wife knows her stuff doesn't she?"

Kate laughed.

"She thinks she does."

Looking up at Kate, Caroline smiled and picked up her hand.

"It will be fine, I promise."