“Bloody hell, have you guys got a death wish? I can’t see AJ’s folks being happy when you tell them.”
Katy hitched up her right shoulder. “What’s done is done. They’ll have to suck it up, won’t they? It’s our life, as the saying goes, we’re old enough to know better.”
“Yeah, but it should’ve probably been a grand affair in their eyes, Katy.”
“Which was why we decided to keep it quiet. We thought long and hard and figured ultimately the day should be about the three of us, and it was perfect, just perfect.”
“Do we get to see any photos?”
“Soon, I promise.”
“Okay, now you’ve dealt me that shock first thing in the morning, I suppose we’d all better start our day. How are you settling in, Charlie?”
“Really well, I think.” Charlie faced Katy for reassurance.
“Best partner I’ve had, apart from her mother, that is,” Katy assured him with a satisfied smile.
“Good to hear. You have huge shoes to fill, make sure that fact doesn’t overwhelm you, Charlie. If you need any guidance, don’t be afraid to ask Katy, or me, come to that. My door will always be open for you, should you need it.”
Charlie’s cheeks coloured up. “Thank you, sir.”
Katy smiled, and the three of them separated.
“He’s mellowed over the years, hasn’t he?” Charlie murmured.
Katy pushed through the door to the incident room, disappointed to see they were the first to arrive. “He has. Your mum told me he used to be a right bastard to her when he first showed up. You know they had a fling years ago, don’t you?”
“Yeah, Mum told me she passed Sean up to be with Dad, and look how that turned out.”
“How is your dad?”
“Still wandering through life in a confused state. He picks up a job here and there and the odd woman along the way, too.”
“You don’t sound too impressed by his behaviour.”
“I’m not. I keep out of his way most of the time. I love him, of course I do. I don’t think I like him too much, though. Does that sound harsh?”
“Not in my eyes. By all accounts, he didn’t treat Lorne very well when they were married.”
“You don’t have to tell me that. They thought they hid the arguments and the snide comments from me. Nothing could be further from the truth. I suppose that’s why I rebelled as a teenager.”
“Shit! You should’ve told Lorne, she would have probably left your dad sooner rather than put you through all that turmoil.”
“She did her best for me, they both did, in their own way.”
Katy decided that Charlie seemed uncomfortable discussing her mother and father’s relationship so called a halt to the conversation. “I’ll be in the office. White with one sugar, when you get around to buying the coffees.” She smiled and pushed open the door and let out an agonised groan. Her desk was overflowing with damn paperwork. Most of it belonged to her predecessor who had thrown in the towel and left it for Katy the day she’d retired.
She opened the office window, the heat hitting her with force. She sat behind her desk and sifted through the post first. Charlie came in a few minutes later.
“Here you go. I’ve even brought you a digestive biscuit. Now, you can take that as sucking up to the new boss or you could see it as a friend sharing their lot with you. Either way, you’re welcome.”
“Thanks, as much as I appreciate the gesture, please don’t make a habit of it. I still have a few pounds of baby fat to shift, and yes, Georgina is five now.”
“Oops, hey, you look fine to me. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“Thanks. Now I know what a good liar you are, just like your mum. Talking of which, I’m going to ring her now.”
“I’ll leave you to it. Send her my love, tell her I’ll ring her in the next couple of days.” Charlie smiled and left the room.
Katy sipped her coffee. It was just to her liking—her new partner was going to stand the test of time, after all. She nibbled on the tempting biscuit and picked up the desk phone to dial the number which she took from her mobile contacts.
“Hello.”
“Why hello, would it be possible to speak to the lady of the house about a new cosmetic range we’ve developed from dog poo?” Katy couldn’t hold back the laughter any longer.
“Katy Foster, is that you?”
“No, it’s not. Guess again.”
“What? You definitely sound like her. Who is this?”
“This is Mrs Katy Jackson, ha, fooled you.”
“Bloody nutter. You had me going there. Wait…you haven’t?”
“I ruddy well have.”
“Oh, Katy, I’m so thrilled for you. Hang on…Tony, come here, you’ll never guess what…Katy and AJ have got married. Isn’t it exciting?”
“It’s the best news ever, Katy, congratulations, love,” Tony shouted from somewhere off in the distance.
“Thanks, guys. I was a little doubtful about ringing you, thought you’d tear me off a strip for not inviting you to the wedding.”
“Well, now that you mention it, I am a bit miffed. Have we upset you?”
“Oh, Lorne, it’s nothing like that. Even our parents didn’t attend. We haven’t told them yet. We’re doing that at the weekend.”
“Oh my God, you’re taking a major risk there.”
“I know. Enough about me, how’s life down on the farm?” Katy chuckled.
“It’s hardly a farm. We’re in the process of building more kennels, and I know we said we wouldn’t create a rescue centre again, but I think that’s the route we’re taking. How’s the new recruit settling in?”
“How cool. I knew you would. She’s doing fabulously well. I’ve put her forward for her sergeant’s exam. Not sure if she’s told you that or not, oops! Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course she’s told me, we were both thrilled to hear it. Fingers crossed for her. It’ll make a difference to her financially. They could do with the money as Brandon doesn’t earn that much being a plumber.”
“I
