Brighton Beckons

Chapter 1

Kate Wilding, resident Forensic Pathologist with the Causton CID, twirled the new engagement ring around her finger. The reality of her situation was still sinking in. Ben Jones had asked her to be his wife. Only a fortnight ago, she had gone to the Barnabys with Charlie Nelson, in a muddled state of mind – especially when it came to the affairs of her heart. Now, she had a whole different future to look forward to and she couldn't help but replay in her mind, where it had all started, barely two weeks ago…

Flashback…

Dr Kate Wilding and DS Charlie Nelson crunched along the snow-ladened driveway towards Kate's car. Glancing back to the front door, they heard John and Sarah Barnaby wishing them a Merry Christmas. John was still wearing that ugly reindeer jumper which somehow managed to look fantastic on him.

Earlier, Kate had taken his picture. "There," she declared gleefully. "Another happy snap to add to the family album."

John didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, he reached over to a nearby side table and tossed a small folder over to her. Upon opening it, Kate couldn't help but smile. Most of the pictures featured Ben Jones in various states of disarray.

Charlie glanced over her shoulder and commented, "It seems my predecessor was totally committed to the cause for justice, sir."

John took a gulp of his red wine and mused. "Yes, Nelson he certainly was. However, I still think he would have made a great nun."

Both Sarah and Kate shot him an exasperated stare.

"Really, John." Sarah scolded. "I just hope his Christmas in Brighton is going ok."

"I'm sure he'll be fine, Sarah." John replied.

Charlie watched the exchange between the older couple and reasoned that they were sincerely trying to convince each other that Ben would indeed be having an ok time. Then he glanced over at Kate and saw a flicker of emotion wash across her countenance as she stroked an image of Ben with her fingers. So, she really did have a thing for his predecessor after all!

Since he had become her lodger, Charlie had only heard Kate refer to Ben indirectly. However, he could sense that Kate had been stewing on her feelings for the older detective for some time.

Hearing Sarah call his name, Charlie snapped out of his reverie and replied, "I'm sorry, Sarah; what was the question?"

"It's ok, Charlie." Sarah returned, "I was just asking whether you would mind helping John with our dinner?"

"Sure thing," Charlie replied with a smile as he followed his boss into the kitchen.

Sarah then turned her attention to Kate who was still engrossed in the photo album. She gently took the younger woman's arm and guided her over to the couch.

"Come on." Sarah coaxed, "Let's sit for a bit while the boys finish getting dinner ready."

Kate agreed, scooting down onto the couch beside her obviously pregnant friend. Sarah saw her gazing at her swollen abdomen before giving her stomach an instinctive rub. Turning to Kate she explained, "I never thought I would get the privilege of being a mum. John and I have been trying for several years but with no luck. It just feels so surreal."

"It's amazing," Kate replied warmly. "You guys will make great parents."

Sarah smiled and observed that Kate was still clutching the photo album. She couldn't resist saying, "I guess that's one way to keep your man close."

Kate inhaled sharply as reality quickly dawned on her as to what Sarah had just said. The wine was definitely racing to her head tonight.

"I just miss him so much." she stated. "I wish this whole relationship business would be easier to navigate. I've spent my life dealing in science and facts which have linear trajectories, leading to logical conclusions."

Sarah squeezed Kate's arm and replied,

"The worthwhile things in this life are always complicated. That's why they're worth fighting for."

Kate nodded and asked, "How did you know that John was the man for you?"

Sarah smiled and her mind led her back to the moment in time when she knew for sure.

"Well, it was no drumroll moment, rather a series of little things which laid the foundation for a lasting relationship. Such as being up front and honest with each other. It certainly wasn't easy as I'm sure you can imagine, what with John being on call and having to drop everything for the next case. Then there was me, wrapped up in my ambitious drive to be the best teacher I could. We had to make time for each other, making allowances for work commitments, but at the end of the day, we had to be real and vulnerable. We still do."

Kate listened quietly and mulled over all that Sarah had said.

"Yes, you are so right. Having this time without Ben being around has made me realise how much I want our friendship to develop into something more, something lasting. He was very edgy in those weeks leading up to his departure…I guess he was just so determined to seize the opportunity in Brighton. Nothing was going to stand in his way or distract him from his goal."

"Yes, he was certainly very restless," Sarah agreed. "Ambitious drive is a good thing, but one day Ben will realise that it will never supersede his yearning for human companionship and love."

"I hope he realises that soon," Kate returned with a sigh.

Sarah pulled her in for an embrace. "For both your sakes, I hope so too."

"Dinners ready, Girls!" John bellowed from the kitchen.

….

Later that night Sarah and John discovered that the Christmas card addressed to their dog, Sykes, was in fact from Ben. In it, he acknowledged John's invaluable input in helping develop his skills as a detective. Sarah took a photo of the letter and sent it off to Kate. (She was sure Ben wouldn't mind.)

Across town, Kate heard her phone ping as she stirred some hot chocolate. Reaching across to open the message she smiled as she read Ben's words.

"Benjamin Barnaby, indeed!" she snorted.

As she poured the hot drink into mugs for herself and Charlie, her lodger trudged into the kitchen and asked,

"What's so funny, Kate?"

Kate passed her phone over to him and he read the message. Charlie smirked and gazed back at Kate who was deep in thought.

"You need to go to Brighton as soon as possible." Charlie declared, putting a brotherly arm around her shoulders. "You need to know; Ben needs to know. After all, it's almost the New Year, a time for new beginnings. You'll never get a better chance than now."

Before she dozed off for the night, Kate acknowledged that Charlie was right. The timing was ideal, especially seeing as she had a fortnight's leave up her sleeve. All she needed now was the courage to go. Rolling over she uttered sleepily, "See you very soon, Benjamin Jones!"

5