A week later, one of the best weeks of Dennis Merton's life, he was back at work.
"Morning, lads."
"Nice break, sir?" Alf asked with only a half concealed smile, for he'd heard all from Mike.
"Very nice. Although I assume it's too much to hope that you're all up to date on paperwork?"
"…Sorry, Sarge. It's been a busy week."
"Aye, I'm sure it was. That would be the reason you've let your uniform get into that state, Ventress."
Dennis smiled to himself as he listened to the constable's excuses.
…
"Nice time off?" Tricia asked as she placed a mug of coffee in front of her colleague.
"Yes, thanks." Jenny took a sip from the mug, trying to supress her smile.
"…I heard from Mike that there was a bit of bother near your place the other day."
"Did you? The first patient will be here soon, I'd better unlock the door."
Tricia openly smiled as she watched the pharmacist approach the front door. "He said a lot of people over that way got snowed in over the break."
"Did they? That must have been horrible." Jenny opened the door and then began arranging the magazines.
"In fact, he said he knocked on your door because it appeared to be blocked, but there was no answer."
"Is that right? I obviously didn't hear it."
"…He also said that Sergeant Merton's car was parked outside and it looked like it had been there for some time."
"Really? He must have been visiting someone."
"Someone I know, perhaps?"
"Look at that. There's a queue of people by the gate. I'd better go and let them in."
…
It was evening before Tricia managed to corner her friend once more as they locked up the surgery.
"Are you going to tell me anything at all? Because I think you, and the sergeant for that matter, owe me an explanation for disappearing from my Christmas Dinner without so much as a goodbye."
"It looks like there's going to be another storm tonight. The snow is getting very heavy out there."
"Is that a no, Jen?" Tricia asked with a laugh.
Before Jenny could reply, the door was pushed open and along with a flurry of snow came a smiling sergeant.
"Sergeant Merton! To what do we owe the pleasure?" Tricia smiled at him as Jenny pulled on her coat and looked for her bag.
"Just…making sure you remember to take everything with you. It looks like another storm is coming tonight."
"So Jenny said. I'm a little worried about her going home on her scooter."
"I'm sure I can give her a lift home." Dennis spoke with a slight smile.
"Oh you will? Thank you!"
Jenny stepped out from behind her counter with a smile and followed Dennis to the front door. "I'll see you tomorrow, Trish."
"Hopefully your road doesn't get snowed in again." She called with a smile.
As Dennis disappeared out the door, Jenny turned to Tricia with a coy smile. "Let it snow, I say."