Her heart much lighter, Rebecca stepped lightly down the path the Latimer's house. While she was still heartbroken for them over their loss, the fact that she could perhaps do something to lighten their spirits made her feel slightly more useful. She had closed up the shop for lunch, and had grabbed a bite of chippy so she could eat as she walked. It was a gorgeous day. The sun shone down brightly on the walkway as she strolled through town, dappling the path with golden light. And even though she couldn't see a glimpse of it as she walked, she could hear the ocean and smell the brine in the air.
She took a bite of the crispy, flakey fish and sighed. If anything else, she was happy she moved here for the food. One wouldn't expect such amazing food in such a small, rustic town, but there it was. Small surprises, every day. Little bits of happiness that made life more worth living than it already was.
As she crossed a meadow and reached the Latimer house, she tucked the remainder of her lunch in her messenger bag, and shifted the package she had underneath her arm so she could knock on the door. The Latimer's daughter Cloe answered, and led Rebecca down the hallway into the family room where her parents were. Mark and Beth Latimer sat on the couch, Mark's arm protectively around Beth's shoulder. In the two chairs facing them sat Ellie and a man Rebecca didn't recognize. She assumed it was her ice king partner.
She gave a start when she saw that they were still working on the investigation and was probably just getting in the way. "Ellie...I'm sorry to interrupt," she said awkwardly. "I didn't realize you were still here."
"It's alright," she said with a smile. "We were just wrapping up here, anyway."
Beth stood up and walked over to her. "It's good to see another friendly face."
She embraced her and Rebecca thought she felt even thinner than usual.
"I brought you something." She handed Beth the package. "It's a few books," she said, suddenly feeling very inadequate. "It's not much, I know, I just thought you could use something to...take your mind off things."
Beth looked down at the books for a moment silently, running her hands slowly over the covers. "People keep bringing us food," she said with a shaky laugh. "Thank you," her eyes filled with tears as she embraced Rebecca. "I appreciate the thought, thank you very much."
Ellie and the other detective stood up and walked out to the kitchen. She smiled at her as she walked past, while the man stared at her without saying anything at all.
Turning back to Beth, Rebecca stepped forward and enveloped the young mother in a hug. "I know it's not much, but I just really more than anything wanted you to know that I'm here if you and your family need anything."
"Thank you," she whispered.
She gave Mark and Chloe each hugs, and then stopped in the kitchen before she left to say goodbye to Ellie, who was making them tea.
"Sorry about that," Rebecca said cheerfully. "Didn't realize you guys would still be here."
"No worries," Ellie said, looking at her partner, who was by the sink staring out the window. "We needed a bit of a break anyway. Tough buisness, this."
Rebecca nodded sympathetically.
Without turning around the other detective asked, "So how long have you lived in Broadchurch?"
"Oh, um," caught off guard by the sudden question she answered, "It's been about five years now."
"And have you known the Latimer's that whole time? Pretty close to them?
"Well," she thought about it. "It took me a while to get to know them well, I suppose. But I wouldn't say I'm more friendly with them than anyone else in town, to be honest."
He turned around, facing her, and leaned up against the sink, his arms folded. "You just brought Beth Latimer a present. You would do that for just anybody?"
Thoroughly confused now, she turned to Ellie and said, "Well...yes. Of course I would."
Ellie shook with silent laughter. "I know, I know, believe me I've tried to explain it. But he just doesn't get small town dynamics."
"Oh, I get them," he said, "I'm just suspicious of them." He looked down at his mug huffily. "And why can't I get a bloody good cup of tea in this town!?"
His agitated expression, tousled brown hair, and thick Scottish brogue for some reason brought a smile to her lips. She walked over and held out her hand. "I'm Rebecca, by the way." She didn't plan on saying anything further, but for some reason she found herself continuing, "I serve tea over at my shop down on Main Street...if you'd like to try it out."
"She does have good tea," Ellie piped in. "I usually have a cup every time I'm in there."
He shook her hand. "Detective Inspector Alec Hardy." He paused for a moment, thinking it over and looking her over. "What time is your shop open until?"
"Eight o'clock, but I can keep it open later if need be."
He nodded. "I'll be there at six."
"Okay!" she said. She felt a short burst of enthusiasm without knowing why, and wondered at it." "I'm going to head back over," she said. "I'm late getting back as it is."
"See you later," Ellie said. Alec didn't say anything, just kept looking at her.
Slightly unnerved, she left the Latimer house and walked back to work.
~*~To be continued