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‘I don’t think so. I’ve spoken to the community and they’d love Nano’s boat to come back in a new guise.’
‘You mean you’ve spoken to your new girlfriends. Aretheygonna pay your bills, then? People come here in the summer, they see blue skies and blue sea and move here. But when winter settles in and they can’t afford to turn the heating on… that’s reality, Emmie. Who’s going to help you when the money runs out? Your grandmother?’
My mouth snaps shut. I know he’s right, of course.
‘But riverboat cruises are feasible. I’ve done my homework. There are companies that run all year round…’
‘And how many tourists do you actually think will come down in the winter, exactly? And besides, it’s my boat and you’re not getting it just so you can put it back in the water.’
‘But why?’ I insist. ‘It’s a great idea and you know it. What are you afraid of – a little competition?’
‘Competition? Is that what you think this is all about? Hasn’t it occurred to you that it’s moored here for a reason? That barge is not safe for navigating.’
‘Well then I’llmakeit safe.’
‘Emmie, listen to me and listen good. You are never going to get that boat in the water while I’m alive.’
‘Are you sure about that?’
‘Absolutely!’
‘Well then maybe I’ll see you in court, after all,’ I threaten.
He stares at me, incredulous, then throws his hands in the air. ‘Bring it on!’
Fuming, I go back to my grandmother’s home. I need to sleep. I’m so tired and angry. I’d left London for the good life, but ever since I got here it’s been nothing but a battle against Lady Mary and Jago Moon. I swear they’re both killjoys.
*
Strolling on the beach in the mornings is probably the only thing that soothes me nowadays, so I’m grateful to have it practically on my doorstep. Just being here, breathing in the freezing salt air, watching the seagulls swirl over my head, the dolphins floating in the distance… wait. Dolphinsfloating?
I shield my eyes and look out to sea. At least a hundred yards out, there’s definitely something. Only it’s not a dolphin. Is it a child? I squint. Are there two of them? And they seem to be struggling to stay above the surface.
Instinctively, I kick my boots off and throw my coat down on the sand, running as fast as I can into the water and finally diving in.
The water isn’t icy – it’s past that. But there’s not a moment to waste. I don’t know how long these people have been in the water and by the lack of thrashing around, either they’re close to passing out, or… I can’t even bear to think of it!
I wish someone had seen me go in. I wish I’d called for help. Helping one person is difficult enough, but how am I going to handle two?
As I near them, I can see it’s a man and a child, almost motionless now.
‘It’s OK!’ I call while spitting out seawater. ‘You’re OK. I’m coming to get you.’
The man whips his head round.
‘Jago?’ I cry.
‘Emmie! Go back! It’s the Hendersons’ boy. Call an ambulance.’
Not having to be told twice as in these situations every second counts, I whirl round and swim as fast as I can back to shore, the cold air freezing my lungs and limbs. But I keep going through the pain, hoping I can make it back before the cold paralyses me completely.
Even if Jago’s saved the boy from drowning, the danger of hypothermia is just as serious. For both of them.
On the shore, several people have gathered as Max, Jago’s dog, arrives with more help as two big men run out to help me.
‘It’s the Henderson boy!’ I gasp in between breaths. ‘Jago’s got him, but he needs an ambulance!’
Their response is immediate. They swim out, while a bystander calls for an ambulance.
