The day of the fete had arrived, and Nick yawned widely as he stepped into the kitchen where Kate was already making breakfast. She turned to Nick with concern as he sat down at the table. "Where did you get to? You look awful," she commented and gave him a mug of tea.

Nick glanced up at her. "Morning to you too."

Kate huffed. "Did you get any sleep last night?" She grabbed her plate from the side and joined him.

"Some. Nodded off on the sofa when I got back." Nick rubbed his eyes and blinked away the spots. "Between an enquiry about a truck of pumpkins not turning up at the Aidensfield primary school, Mr Lester's complaint about his patch, followed by some kids stealing about a dozen eggs from the grocery, and let's not forget Mrs Ethal Higgins' late-night calls again…."

Kate covered his hand with hers. "Why don't we skip the fete, and you can get some sleep?" Nick suddenly became alert and tried to find his words. "You forgot."

Nick sighed. "I'm sorry, Kate. It must have slipped my mind with all that's going on." He hated disappointing her when she seemed so excited. "I don't think I can get the time away now."

Kate moved her hand away in favour of her tea. "We only need a few hours, Nick."

"Yeah, I know, but with all the extra work me and the lads are putting in, we've had to shuffle the roster around. I told them I didn't mind putting in the time since I wasn't really bothered."

Kate suddenly glared at him. "Well thanks a lot."

Nick instantly shook his head. "No, not like that, love. This was before I knew you wanted to go to the fete. I should have asked then, but it's been a bit mad recently."

Kate smiled briefly and stood up, kissing him quickly on the head. "Don't worry." Nick knew she was disappointed and felt terrible as he watched her leave the kitchen to get changed.

….

"A missing truck of pumpkins, a stolen patch, vandalism on private property, kids stealing eggs! Have I left anything out, Rowan!" Nick glanced at Blaketon wearily. "Well?"

Nick looked ahead. "I'm doing my best, Sarge. I've a few places I want to call in to, and with any luck, all these incidences will be related in one way or another. They might even sort themselves out."

Blaketon didn't seem entirely amused by Nick's suggestion. "What goes around comes around, ay, Rowan?"

Nick didn't dare grin. "Something like that, Sarge."

"You better pray that it does!"

Nick left Blaketon's office and then relaxed before making his way to where his two colleagues sat. He glanced at Phil when he noticed the constable's stare. "What?"

Phil regarded him with sympathy. "Yer look dead on yer feet mate."

Nick sighed and shook his head. "Don't. I was called out to Mrs Higgins twice last night. The first time, she'd left the gate open, and the wind was knocking it. The second time, it was the milkman delivering, and I ended up staying for breakfast."

Alf shook his head. "Nick, lad, yer have ter be sterner wi` her. I know it might sound harsh, but you should see yourself."

Nick leaned against the wall, exhausted. "I know, but what if something does happen?"

Phil regarded him carefully. "Nick, you've done more than your duty for her. She's probably right grateful to yer, but come on mate, enough's enough like. What good are yer goin` t`be ter everyone else if your half-dead?"

Nick huffed a laugh. "Yeah, you're probably right." He then moved from the wall when the phone rang on his desk. "On top of that, I upset Kate this morning." Nick answered the phone and smiled guiltily. "Hi, love. No, it's my fault. With Gina? Nah, course I don't mind. You have a good time, and I'll see you later tonight. I'll make it up to you, I promise." When Nick hung up the phone, he turned to see Alf and Phil waiting and rolled his eyes. "If you must know, Kate wanted me to go to the fete with her, but I forgot all about it and I already told you two that I wasn't bothered. Gina invited her since she didn't want to go by herself, so at least Kate still gets to go." Nick muttered a 'never mind' and stood up to retrieve his greatcoat. "I'm off to Aidensfield Arms first to see if George has heard anything about this truck."

Phil watched Nick leave and looked straight at Alf, both sharing a knowing smile after realising they were thinking the same thing.

…

Nick stepped into the Aidensfield Arms, removing his helmet and nodding at a few locals before stopping at the bar near George as he was pulling a pint. "Hallo, George," he tried to greet enthusiastically.

George looked up at him and gave his customer the pint before walking over. "Nick," he called half-concerned, "I hope yer don't mind me saying so, but-"

Nick gave a tight smile. "Don't tell me – I look dead on my feet, right?"

George grimaced and nodded. "A few bad nights on the beat?"

Nick sighed. "Something like that." He then caught sight of the large pumpkin already carved with the insides pulled out and sporting a nice candle-lit glow. "Nice pumpkin," he remarked.

George looked at it with a smile before turning back to Nick. "Gina's idea, and to be honest, it does bring about a nice atmosphere, so to speak. She carved it herself actually."

Nick walked over and studied it. "Where'd you get it from George?" Nick looked at the landlord with a raised eyebrow when the man didn't answer right away. "Come on, George, silence is never a good thing. Where'd you get it?"

George sighed because he knew once Nick got his answer, there would be hell to pay, but not for him. "Claude. He's selling em for good money, and they're big too."

Nick smiled smugly. "Is that right?" Nick leaned over the bar. "And did you know that there's been a pumpkin patch taken from Mr Lester's yard yesterday morning, or that a truck delivery containing pumpkins for the Aidensfield primary has gone missing?"

George huffed in frustration. "I'll murder that bloody sod," he muttered, causing Nick to chuckle. "Yer not taking this? What will I say to Gina?"

Nick shook his head. "Don't worry, Mr Lester only makes pies with his, and the primary can't carve what's already been carved, so it's safe to say neither can use it now."

George sighed ruefully. "Nick, if we'd known before like, me and Gina would have handed it over, maybe not to cranky Mr Lester, but the primary for sure."

Nick smiled and tapped the bar. "I know. Just let me know if you hear anything else, yeah? I think I'll pay our friend Claude a visit."

….

Gina and Kate walked arm in arm through the fete, pointing at all the ghoulish props and laughing at the strangely dressed vendors before treating themselves to ice cream. "I wish I could have gone to the night one. I mean, this is great 'n' all, but it's a bit too mellow for me," Gina commented with a smile. "Can't leave me Uncle George for long on his own, though. I owe him a lot. He's really looked out for me since I got here. Actually, a lot of people have, and that includes you and Nick."

Kate smiled at this. "Nothing we wouldn't do for anyone really, but you're welcome. I think everyone is highly fond of you. You're a good girl, Gina, and I'm grateful that you invited me today." Kate squeezed Gina's arm and led her to a bench.

Gina looked at Kate and noticed the distant look in her eyes. "What's up?"

Kate blinked and huffed a laugh. "Oh, sorry. I was thinking."

Gina smiled sadly and nudged Kate. "Come on, I know you'd much rather have Nick sitting here than me, and I don't take offence because he should be here."

Kate shook her head amusedly. "Girls need fun together too, but – sometimes we don't get a lot of time together, especially now that I work in Whitby two days a week. I know how much Nick tries, but that's what breaks my heart when my sadness reflects back in him."

Gina smiled brightly and leaned her head on Kate's shoulder. "What you and Nick have is something special, Kate, and I'm kinda jealous if I'm honest. I hope to find something like that one day." Gina laughed. "When I'm ready to settle of course."

Kate chuckled, and they stood up. "Come on, let's go see what else all the fuss is about."

They walked past an apple bobbing section, followed by a few more vendors before they came to an indoor hut full of antiques. Gina and Kate split up to look around, browsing the trinkets and jewellery stands. As Kate turned to look for Gina, she spotted Phil heading into the tent and waved him over. "Hi," she greeted with a smile. "I thought Nick said you had the second patrol of the fete?"

Phil smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, well, I did, but things got swapped, and Nick told me you were here with-"

"Hi Phil!" Gina's voice was heard from across the tent as she came running over.

Kate smiled amusedly at Phil's gaping expression; it was kind of disheartening how much he tried sometimes, and Kate wondered just how much he really liked her despite trying with other women. She wondered if Phil had his chance with Gina; he would never let her go. That man was loyal to anyone, and it was a shame how no one saw it, or they did and simply took advantage.

"Hi, Gina. What yer got there?"

Kate looked at the item in her hand and pulled a face. "Oh, Gina, you didn't."

Gina looked at the necklace in her hand. "What's wrong with it?" She looked at Kate and realised the sort of person she was: a woman of science. Gina smiled shyly. "I know it sounds daft, but I've always believed in things like this. Dream catchers and lucky charms. The man over there said these crystals are genuine and can keep me safe."

Kate smiled. "I don't think you need a lucky crystal for that, Gina." She glanced at Phil with a knowing smile, and he seemed to get nervous.

Gina looked at them both sadly. "You think I'm stupid, don't you?"

Kate rubbed Gina's arm reassuringly. "Everyone needs something to believe in, and I shouldn't judge people for whatever it is. I think it makes the person who they are, so if you believe in this sort of thing, don't feel ashamed, and don't let anyone tell you not to either."

Gina's smile brightened significantly, and Phil reached for the necklace shakily and said, "Allow me?" Gina looked at Kate with a smile and handed Phil the necklace before turning around and holding her hair up. She turned back once it was clasped and watched it glisten in the light. "Looks good. Suits yer."

Gina looked up at him and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks." Phil gave a brief smile and excused himself to go back on patrol. "Got a heart of gold, that one, don't he?"

Kate nodded. "He certainly does. All four of them, in their own way."

Gina laughed. "Well of course you'd say that about Nick, and you're probably right there. Your husband has been a godsend to this village. Nobody would admit it, but I reckon they think quite a bit about him, even Claude Greengrass."

Kate huffed a laugh as they exited the tent. "Now you're pushing it."

Gina grinned, and then she looked shocked at Kate. "Hang on, when you say all four of them, does that count for Sergeant Blaketon 'n' all?"

Kate smiled. "Even he has his moments."

…..

Nick slowed his bike once he reached Claude's home and watched with amusement as the man himself came fumbling out of the shed. "Good afternoon," Nick greeted with a grin as he demounted his bike, taking his gloves off.

Claude grunted. "It were until you showed up. What d'yer want now?"

Nick rolled his eyes. "Nice to see you too, Claude." Nick followed him toward the house. "Just wanna ask you a few questions, that's all."

Claude scoffed and turned with a hand resting on the shovel handle. "Except it's not, is it? A few questions my foot, next you'll be telling me that I ain't dun owt. And pigs might."

Nick raised an eyebrow. "Is that implying that you are guilty, or that I'm here asking you questions based on that?" Nick grinned at Claude's dismay.

"Wiley git."

Nick chuckled. "Thank you."

Claude clicked his tongue. "S'ppose yer want ter come in 'n' all?"

Nick stepped forward toward the door. "If you're offering," he smirked and followed a reluctant Claude into the house.

Claude grunted unamused as he turned and sat in his chair. "I ain't got tea ter offer, but yer might want ter take a nap while you're at it, cause yer look like you could do wi` one," Claude laughed wheezily.

Nick huffed. "Yeah, alright, Claude. Just humor me, will you?"

Claude shrugged. "Still haven't told me owt."

Nick leaned against the table by the wall. "I heard you've been selling pumpkins. How's that going?"

Claude began to twitch but grinned slightly. "Alright. Why, looking ter buy one?"

Nick shook his head. "Mr Lester's pumpkin patch was stolen yesterday morning, and today, a truck was supposed to deliver at least thirty to the Aidensfield primary, only it never showed up. There's been no sign of the truck or the driver in question."

Claude leaned forward. "H-hang on, if you're suggesting that I stole summat of Lester, or had anything ter do wi` that truck, you need your `ead examined."

Nick clasped his hands in front. "I didn't say nothing of the sort, Claude." He leaned forward. "But there is something you're not telling me, and you can either tell me so that I can sort it out quickly, or you can tell my sergeant. Choice is yours, but if I find out you know something about either of them, I'll be bringing you in personally."

Claude twitched profusely. "Alright! I might know summat."

Nick smiled. "Let's have it."

Claude sighed. "I dun't know a lot mind, but this old fella came by wi` a truck see. Looked reasonable enough. He said he were lookin` ter get rid of the last of his pumpkins real quick. Said it would be good in time for the fete and the like. Anyroad, I only had ter pay him two pounds, and he said I could do what I wanted. Charge people whatever price. Thought it were a good investment like. I've certainly made me money back and more," Claude wheezed amusedly.

Nick shook his head. "Claude, you don't think it's a bit coincidental that driver just happened to be looking for someone to offload those pumpkins to on the same day a truck was supposed to deliver to the primary school?"

Claude grimaced. "Well, I din't know that at the time, did I? How were I ter know he were a crook."

Nick grinned. "Takes one to know one, Claude."

Claude clicked his tongue. "Oh, aye, very funny." He then sighed. "Look, Rowan, I've still got five pumpkins left, and I hope yer know that I wouldn't steal from any kids like."

Nick's smile softened. "Yeah, I know."

Claude nodded. "Right, so I could take the rest of pumpkins ter the school."

Nick raised an eyebrow. "For a price?"

Claude scoffed. "Don't talk daft. I'm not so heartless that I'd sell summat to someone that were rightly theirs in first place." He gave a toothy grin. "At least, not to a school anyway."

Nick shook his head and moved away from the table. "Alright, Claude, do it asap. Now, what did this truck look like, and which way was it heading after the driver loaded the pumpkins onto you?"

Claude pointed north from their position. "Probably goin` ter dump and burn it. It were light green with a large holding space." Claude grinned. "Well, big enough for thirty pumpkins or so."

Nick sighed and stepped outside, followed by Claude. "Alright, thanks Claude. I don't suppose you got the number plate?"

Claude shrugged. "W-well, I think it started wi a Y." Nick glanced at him irritably. "Well, I'm sorry, I don't think ter check every passerby's bloody plate number, do I?"

Nick made his way to his bike, and as he swung his leg over, there was a radio call. Nick prayed it wasn't anything too difficult to deal with because he'd just about had enough today, and it was only mid-afternoon. "Delta-Alpha two four receiving, what's up Phil?"

"Just had a call from George, Nick. He said the original driver of the truck showed up. In a right state."

Nick closed his eyes for a moment before removing the kickstand with his foot, nodding a farewell to Claude, and speeding off toward the Aidensfield Arms.

…

Kate and Gina stood to one side when a few small kids dressed in fairy dresses or ghost robes ran passed.

Gina caught Kate's soft smile. "Do you and Nick think about having kids?"

Kate turned to Gina with an embarrassed smile. "We spoke about it once, but only when we're both ready. It's just not the right time yet, and at the moment, we're as happy as we can be. A child changes things. Maybe in a few years. Nick has been wonderfully supportive with my career, and I his. We work together, through and through, and he always wants what's best for me, even when I don't see it right away, which is why this job is so important to me, but I just don't know where we'll be when we finally decide to start a family."

Gina looked up in shock. "You're not thinking of leaving Aidensfield are you?"

Kate shook her head and wrapped an arm around Gina. "We discussed it before I accepted the job, but for now, we're staying put. The choice seems to get harder the more we stay."

Gina seemed to sigh in relief. "Good. Because when I do get married and have kids, I need you around to show me what to do!"

Kate laughed. "I'm sure you won't need me. Maternal instincts are built into us, and they flow naturally once we give birth."

Gina laughed slightly. "Let's bloody hope so!"

They were coming to the end of the fete, and just before they were about to head back, Gina pointed across the path at a colourful-looking hut with a blue silked banner around it. "Kate, look."

Kate followed Gina's line of sight and laughed. "I'm not going in there."

Gina pulled on her arm. "Oh, please, Kate. I don't wanna go alone, and I've always wanted to see how it works."

Kate looked at her sternly before giving in with a sigh. "Alright, but don't take anything this person says to heart."

…

Nick stepped into the pub once again and looked over at George, who gestured for him to follow. George led Nick to a quiet corner near the sliding doors toward the side entrance, where a middle-aged man was sitting nursing a pint, looking miserable and dirty but seemed unharmed. "Thanks, George," Nick said before stepping toward the driver, and George left them alone. "Hello, I'm PC Nick Rowan. I understand you're the driver whose truck of pumpkins was stolen."

The driver looked up and nodded. "Name's Mr Donald Baker. It all happened so quick. I were run off the road by some maniac driving a beaten old rover. He stopped and told me ter get out, threatening me wi` a flippin` hammer. Well, I'm not one for fighting, Mr Rowan, and the driver were old, so I got out and off he went wi` me truck!"

Nick sat down at the table. "Just like that? And he abandoned the rover with you?" Nick almost laughed at the absurdity of this, swapping a rover for a truck of pumpkins, leaving crucial evidence to find.

The driver nodded. "Aye." He shifted nervously. "Look, I din't mean ter take it like, but it were me only way `ere, and I were at least six miles from Aidensfield."

Nick leaned back, realising what the driver meant. "You mean you drove the rover here?"

"I'm sorry, Mr Rowan, but it's outside. I were goin` ter bring it to the station, only the landlord said ter give you a call like."

Nick smiled briefly and stood up. "Can you show me?"

The driver nodded and led Nick outside to the rover. "Told yer it's seen better days."

Nick frowned as he walked around the vehicle. "I think I've seen this car before." Nick looked inside and checked around the sides before coming to stand beside the number plate. He noted the number on his pad and turned to the driver. "Thank you, Mr Baker. If I find your truck, where can I expect to find you?"

Donald nodded to the pub. "Stopping `ere for the night, but I'm based in York." Donald reached into his pocket for a card and handed it to Nick. "If I'm gone by the time yer find it, you can reach me `ere."

Nick slid the card into his front pocket. "Thank you." When Donald retreated into the pub, Nick looked between the car and his bike. He couldn't leave evidence outside the pub, but leaving police property unattended was a big no-no, and Blaketon wouldn't hear of it. Nick looked toward the garage and grinned.

Bernie looked up nervously as Nick stepped into the garage. "What can I do for yer, constable?"

Nick chuckled. "You can stop acting so nervous for a start." Bernie glanced to the side, and Nick turned to see what had the owner so concerned. He smiled amusedly. "Claude sold you a pumpkin, did he?"

Bernie sighed and pointed a finger. "I din't know they were stolen!"

Nick laughed. "He tell you that?"

Bernie nodded. "Aye. Told me ter get rid of it for me own good, and I were about to before you came over."

Nick shook his head. "I wouldn't worry about it, Bernie. Receiving a stolen pumpkin is hardly the crime of the century. However, using a vehicle to acquire those pumpkins by means of threatening behaviour, well, that's a different matter."

Bernie looked behind Nick to see the car in question. "That's Mr Lester's car."