37
"Ok, so that's every thing done then, all booked in and ready to go" Tom said in an overly cheerful voice as they stepped away from the counter allowing the next passenger to step up. "We're in Row 14, seats A, B and C. There you go then."
Maggie leaned over and wrapped an arm around Tom, grinning up at him. "Boss, stop worrying. Everything's sorted, you know that. You stood behind me as I organized the time off. Got to say that you wearing the uniform didn't help too much though, my reputation at work will be all over the place now I've had the police wanting to see me interstate." She smirked, before turning to face Nick, who had strategically stood behind Zoe.
"And as for you, what was that about 'Possible charges being laid and further investigations needed' ??– Nicholas Schultz, there will be payback. Not sure how or when yet, but believe me, the list is getting longer, and if nothing else, I do remember that we Doyle's can hold a grudge…And it's no use looking at our esteemed Detective like that, he's on my side, aren't you PJ?" Maggie turned to face PJ, and any glances of sympathy that PJ had been shooting Nick vanished in a flash as he schooled his face to glare at his best friend.
"Yes siree, Nick, old mate. You and I will be having words as soon as I get back. Say about eight o'clock at the pub – what? Ouch!" PJ rubbed his ribs where Maggie had poked him, before wrapping her back into his arms again.
The droning voice over the tannoy captured their attention, and Tom reluctantly picked up his bag and began to shepherd Zoe and Nick towards the departure gate, before turning to face Maggie and PJ again. Maggie smiled at him as both she and PJ read his mind, PJ smiling as he let Maggie speak.
"Boss, it's three days. We'll be up here for three days, and then we'll be back in Mt Thomas before you know it. And yes, we've not made any decisions yet, we're not sure where we'll end up, but you know that wherever we do, you'll always be a part of our family, all of you. So stop stressing, and get back to those Tim-Tams. And think of what Jonesy and Susie might have done while your best coppers are up here! Goodness knows what state the station might be in now – " they grinned, watching Tom shudder.
"I hope you note that I am ignoring that comment about the Tim-Tam's, Doyle. You too Hasham. Geez, you really are back, aren't you?" And no-one could miss the beaming smile that flew across both Maggie and PJ's faces at Tom's words. "Ok, we'll be there in a sec" Tom said to the flight attendant who was hovering beside them.
"Look. You two," he paused, "You take all the time you want. You know how I feel, you know I want you both back in Mt Thomas, you're like family to me, and I have missed you both for so long, but you have to do what's right for you, and if that means staying up here, then you're only a short flight away. So, - yes, we're coming woman, just give us a minute – " Tom glared at the poor attendant, who was being growled at through her radio about the flight being late. Zoe hugged Maggie and smiled at PJ as she moved over to the woman and assured her that they would only be a few more moments.
Tom took a deep breath, and smiled apologetically over at the woman. "Reckon I should be going before I have to travel in the hold. Look, just – just think it through. I'm fine with whatever you decide, really I am. I just want the best for you Maggie, that's all I've ever wanted." He said, as he drew her into a hug. "I'm just glad you're alive Doyle, " he said into her hair, his voice gruff with emotion, and everyone pretended not to notice the tear on his cheek as he pulled away. "Now, come on Shultz, you're holding up the flight man! Get a move on!"
Nick grinned as he hugged Maggie. "Look after our dashing Detective Doyley, don't let him eat you out of house and home. And keep an eye on yourself too, don't let that nutter over there wear you out. "He grinned as PJ's eyebrows rose, before pulling Maggie into another hug. "Good to see you alive, Margaret. We missed you, you know." And with that considerable understatement, he dropped a small kiss on the top of her head, before pulling away and wrapping his wife in a one armed hug as the went through the sliding doors, leaving PJ and Maggie smiling behind them.