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A warm sensation slides through me as I get what I want. I did it. I stood up for myself and presented the facts and didn’t back down. Detective Inspector Ranauld is obviously impressed too because he reaches into his filing cabinet and pulls out the bottle of whiskey he reserves for closed cases and fills two glasses.
As he hands me a glass, it’s as if he’s handing me a medal because this is as good as it gets. Standard procedure for the arresting officer who gets to announce to our fearless leader that we have another case to file and marked closed.
He leans back in his seat and listens as I fill him in, and then shakes his head as the tale comes to an end.
“Families.” He huffs. “It’s always the families. What are they teaching them these days?”
“I’m certain that’s the end of our involvement.” I say thoughtfully. “I mean, Mr Harvey is unlikely to press charges, and I suppose it’s up to them to sort things out between them.”
“Good job, detective. At least it eases our burden a little.”
He stares at me closely before remarking, “You’ve changed.”
“Have I?”
I take another sip of my drink and he nods. “You are more self-assured and more relaxed than I’ve ever seen you before. It appears that life in the field suits you.”
“It does.” I take this moment as a sign to speak up and say a little harshly, “I don’t want to return as the general dogsbody, Detective Inspector.”
“I see.” He raises his eyes and I nod. “I want to be given a chance. Sent on some proper cases and not just to research and watch the other detectives grab all the fun.”
“Be careful what you wish for, Jessica.” He leans forward and smiles.
“Think about what you want over Christmas. If you decide this is it, then I have no problem in granting your wish.”
“Really.” A warm sensation spreads through my soul as everything I wished for comes true. A job I love and worked so hard to get, coupled with a man I couldn’t have wished for if I tried. I have it all, at least I think so and it’s the most amazing feeling ever.
He smiles, a rare sight that causes me to openly stare and chuckles. “Now off you go, and I’ll see you in the New Year. Have a great Christmas, Jessica, you’ve earned it and detective…”
“Yes, sir.” He nods with respect. “Good job. I’m proud of you.”
As I walk away, it’s with a spring in my step and then I stop in the doorway and glance back.
“Happy Christmas everyone.”
I giggle at the stunned expressions of my colleagues who raise their heads from their work and for the first time since I got this job, I receive genuine smiles and hear a chorus of ‘Happy Christmas’ back at me.
CHAPTER42
ROBERT
CHRISTMAS EVE
We collected Brad and Angelina from Sally and Anton’s and it was great to see them both. They raced straight past Jessica and jumped into my arms, and it felt so good. It surprises me how much I love these kids already and I’m in no doubt I want many children of my own with the woman who I am fast learning I can’t live without. The morning she was away from me was an anxious one and yet when she returned and told me she had arranged leave until the New Year, I exhaled with relief. Now we can enjoy Christmas because the store is now closed until Boxing Day at least and I have one precious day off to spend with the people I love.
My grandfather surprised me by agreeing to the children spending the evening with us and, as we stand at their door, I wonder how I’ll react when I see my father.
I still can’t believe he turned out to be the postman and despite talking at length about it with Jessica, I’m still none the wiser.
It was good to reconnect with Sam and we have already arranged to meet up for a drink after Christmas and I hope it marks the beginning of a long and happy friendship.
The door opens and my grandmother peers out to the unusual scene of me holding a small child, with another one clinging onto my arm.
Jessica is quiet beside me, and I can tell she is nervous to meet them, and I’m surprised when a warm smile breaks out across my grandmother’s face as she says happily, “Welcome. Come in, it’s freezing out there.”
We pile inside and in the general confusion of removing our hats and scarves, I hear Jessica instruct the children to take off their boots, so they don’t mark the floor. Then she stands and smiles warmly at my grandmother, who is regarding her with curiosity.
“I’m Jessica. I’m pleased to meet you. Thank you so much for inviting us.”
