Nine Elms (Kate Marshall #1)(94)

Just as she thought this, the car turned off, before she could get a good look at the driver. Kate shook the thought away but still felt an unease in her stomach.





56

Kate was excited to see Glenda and Jake when they arrived at three p.m. the following day. It had been a long car journey, so she took them straight down to the beach for a walk.

It was a sunny day, a little windy, but pleasant enough for them all to take off their shoes and paddle. Jake had run ahead and was poking around in the rock pools with a stick.

“He’s been very excited about seeing you. He couldn’t sleep last night,” said Glenda as they walked along the sand. “I expect he’ll crash out later.”

Kate was thrilled to hear he had been so excited to visit. Jake leaned in close to look into a large, wide rock pool and then jumped back.

“There’s a bloody enormous jellyfish in here with blue stripes!” he shouted.

“Jake. Language!” trilled Glenda. He ignored her and started poking around and waded into the rock pool. “You will keep an eye on him. Don’t let him stray too far.”

“I’m not stupid,” bristled Kate. Jake was now peering into the water, taking pictures with his phone. “What have you told him about the police car?”

Kate had been in touch with the local police in Whitstable to tell them Jake was coming to stay, and they had coordinated with Devon and Cornwall police. A police car was now stationed again outside Kate’s house. They seemed to think that Kate and Jake together were more of a target.

“I told him that there’s a bad man involved with Peter Conway who the police are looking for, and they are here just as a precaution,” said Glenda.

“And Jake bought that, didn’t ask any more questions?”

“He did, but I was very vague. If I’m honest, I wanted to cancel him coming here, with all that has been going on. At least if the police are here, I feel a little better about it,” said Glenda.

“I’m going to look after him, Mum,” said Kate, annoyed that her mother still didn’t trust her with Jake.

“I know you are, darling. And keep an eye on the police; make sure they’re not nodding off on the job.”

“Surveillance police don’t ‘nod off on the job,’” said Kate. She remembered all the times she had done surveillance, and felt protective of her former career.

Jake was now in the middle of the rock pool, and the sandy bottom dropped away a little, and he went up to his waist.

“Ahh! Cold water!” He grimaced.

“Jake! Those trousers are clean on. They are your only smart pair!” shouted Glenda. Kate suppressed a smile as Jake ignored her.

“Mum,” said Kate, putting her hand on Glenda’s arm. “It’s just seawater, and I’m not planning on us going to any ritzy restaurants or church. We’re going to have fun, and you can have a rest until Saturday.”

When it was time for Glenda to leave, Jake wasn’t sad to see her go; he was more concerned about getting back to the beach to make a huge sandcastle. They came out to the car, and Glenda insisted on going to meet the police officer stationed in the car outside. He was only in his twenties and was in the middle of eating a sandwich when she knocked on his window. He swallowed quickly and wound it down.

“Hello. I’m Glenda Marshall. What’s your name?” asked Glenda, fixing him with a beady stare.

“I’m PC Rob Morton,” he said, wiping his hands on a tissue. He took out his police ID card and showed it to Glenda, who gave it the once-over.

“I want you to take good care of my grandson, Jake. And this is my daughter, Kate. She was a police officer too!”

“Hello,” he said. Jake fidgeted next to them in his wet trousers. He didn’t seem interested in the fact he had police protection. Kate didn’t know if this was a good or bad thing. Is he used to this craziness? she thought. Glenda handed back the police ID card.

“I just wanted to say hello and that we really appreciate what you do. I’ve asked Kate to make you a cup of coffee every now and again, which should keep you sharp and alert.”

“It’s been quiet. There’s the RV park up the road, but that’s pretty empty. Just a few hard-core caravanners braving the wind,” said Rob. He took his card and smiled, wound up his window, and picked up the rest of his sandwich. They came over to Glenda’s car.

“Now, Jake. You do as Mum says, okay?” she said.

“Yes. We’re cool. It’s going to be fine,” he said. Glenda leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Yuck!” he cried, wiping at his face with a sandy hand.

“Thanks, Mum, drive safe. Any problems, I’ll call you.”

“It won’t be much longer and he’ll be able to stay wherever he wants,” said Glenda. Kate detected a trace of bitterness in her mother’s voice. “Keep an eye on him. He’s precious.”

Kate had spent so long thinking about not living with Jake and never stopped to think how attached Glenda was to him and how hard it must be for her, him growing up.

“I’ll guard him with my life,” said Kate.

She watched as Glenda drove away. When she reached the curve in the road, she vanished.

Jake said, “I thought she’d never go. Can we go back on the beach?”