The Very Thought of You
Woto Chaps! Here are a few more chapters for yaz. Thanks for all your lovely reviews. Some of you (Kgirl36) are panicking about the route the story is taking. I'm not gonna make any statements at this stage coz I don't want to lose readers! (can't afford to do that! lol.) Please stay with me!!! *begging* I need some mates to pop over and help me dig out a new air raid shelter! Keep ya sunny side up! S&L xx
Chapter 34
Joey closed the front door of her family home and headed for the harbour. She fancied a stroll and hoped she might see one or two of her old friends, especially Andrew.
She had left Charlie at the allotment a week ago and had not seen or heard anything from her since. She had spent the first few days indoors without venturing out, just licking her wounds. Brian had been surprised to see her home so soon after their conversation about the boat, but pleased to see his little sister back. He was a little concerned to find her so quiet, but out of compassion and guilt over past events, decided not to question her.
Joey neared the boat sheds. Turning the corner she heard what sounded like a shout. And then another and another. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight which beheld her. Four men were fighting on 'The Summer Bay'. She stood watching open mouthed and wondering where the crew were – then realising two of them were crew, including Andrew. The other men she didn't recognise.
At last she came to her senses and ran to the Harbour Master's office to report the incident. The Harbour Master was absent from his post. Joey picked up the telephone and anxiously asked the operator to connect her to the Police Station, urgently.
Within a few minutes a Police bell could be heard clanging up from town. The car swerved down into the harbour and skidded to a halt; its occupants jumped out in a flash and ran down to the fishing boat to break up the fight. The two strangers broke away from Andrew and his companion; one jumped over the side and the other tried to dodge the Police as he jumped ashore.
Joey ran down to 'The Summer Bay' and shouted to Andrew.
"Andy! Are you alright?"
Andrew looked up holding a bloody nose, surprised to see Joey standing there.
"Yeah! I'm having a lovely time." He moaned holding his head back trying to curb the flow of blood from his nose.
"I see I'll have to give you some boxing lessons!" Joey laughed, holding up her fists.
The three Policemen sent down to break up the fight managed to apprehend the man who tried to escape via land, but lost the swimmer. They carted him back to the Police car, handcuffed him and took him back to the Station. One Policeman stayed behind to interview the 'The Summer Bay' crew and speak to the Harbour Master. The Policeman, PC Proctor recognised Joey and nodded.
"Are you a witness, Miss?" He asked.
"I saw the fight and rang the Police." Joey answered, feeling a little uncomfortable.
"What were you doing here?" The policeman asked.
"I use to work here and just came down to see my friends." Joey said gesturing towards Andrew.
"Thank you, Miss." PC Proctor said, scribbling in his notebook. "May I take your full name and address? We may need to contact you again for a follow up."
Joey gave the Police officer her details and smiled at Andrew.
"What happened?" She asked.
"We came down here to get ready for going out in the boat this evening; got on board, then, these two blokes jumped us! I reckon they were after something, but I can't think what. This morning's catch had gone. There's nothing else on this old crate." Andrew pondered.
"Maybe they were going to hide something?" Joey suggested.
"Who knows?" Andrew said sniffing; his nose still bleeding.
After the Police officer had spoken to Andrew, Joey saw him back to his lodgings and made him a cup of tea.
"Haven't seen much of you lately?" Andrew said sipping his tea.
"Had a few things going on." Joey said quietly.
Andrew watched as Joey traced the pattern of the tea cup with her finger.
"Any news about Cruze?" He asked at last.
"No. I haven't heard anything."
"How about Charlie?" Andrew asked.
"What about her?" Joey said, tensely.
"I just wondered if she'd heard anything yet."
"I don't know. I haven't seen her for a while." Joey replied, playing with the teaspoon.
"But I thought you were living with her?" Andrew frowned.
"I moved out last week. I'm back with Brian." She said, glancing at him.
"Oh! I thought... Well, how did the interview go?" Andrew asked changing, what seemed like a painful subject.
"Well, after I left hospital, I went along to the Ministry office and asked for a deferment, which thankfully, they granted. I go back next week."
"Still of the same mind, job wise?" He asked.
"Oh yes!" Joey said firmly. "Oh yes!"