Chrissy walked into the room carrying the toddler and holding Holly’s hand. “I hope we’re not disturbing you, but Holly painted a picture for Abby and she wanted to give it to her.” She let go of Holly’s hand and the little girl walked shyly to Abby.
“This is for you. Thank you for saving me.” She handed over the picture and Abby dropped into a crouch next to her.
“You did this?” She studied it and then pointed. “Is that me?”
“Yes. And that’s me in the water, and that’s Mummy.”
“I can see that. It’s a great picture.” Abby pointed to the sea of blue. “And what’s that, poking up through the water? Is it a rock?” She had a brief flashback of the rocks. Of feeling the sudden splitting pain in her leg and the panicked feeling that she wasn’t going to find the child.
“It’s not a rock. It’s a shark.” Holly frowned at the picture as if it was obvious. “That’s his fin.”
“Oh! I didn’t see that. Did you see a shark?”
“No, but it might have been watching.”
“Right.” Abby held back laughter. And she’d thought the rocks were bad. “Can I keep this?” She took it carefully. “I’d like to put it on my wall.”
“It’s all sharks and dinosaurs at the moment,” Chrissy said. “How is your leg, Abby?”
“It’s nothing. A scratch. I’m just relieved Holly is okay.” Chrissy’s eyes filled. “I don’t know what to say—”
Abby could see how shaken up she was and didn’t know what to say either. If she was having flashbacks, she could imagine what Chrissy’s were like. It could have been an emotional moment but fortunately Evie stepped in.
“Just make sure you give us a good review, Chrissy. Top marks for customer service.”
Chrissy gave a laugh that was close to hysterical. “I think it’s fair to say you went above and beyond in this case.”
“Now what can we do for you?” Evie was brisk and professional, sensing that was best for everyone. “I expect you want a quiet day.”
“Actually, I think the best idea is to keep things as normal for the girls as possible. I thought we might even go to the beach later.” She pinned a brave smile to her face. “Build sand-castles. Maybe paddle in the water.”
Holly buried her face in Chrissy’s leg. “I don’t want to go in the water.”
“We won’t be swimming, not today. Just a paddle. And ice cream, of course.”
“Ice cream?” Holly lifted her head. “With sprinkles?”
“With hundreds of sprinkles.”
“Now I’m envious,” Evie said. “Would you like someone with you? Kristina finishes her shift at two, and I know she has babysat for you a couple of times.”
“She has. The girls love Kristina. Thank you, but no. Wecan do this.” Chrissy breathed. “And my husband should be here soon. He managed to get an earlier train.”
“That’s great.” Evie’s smile didn’t falter. “If you change your mind about having company on that beach trip, let us know. You have my number. Call anytime.”
They waited until the door was closed and then exchanged looks.
“She wants to get Holly straight back in the water,” Abby said. “I wish she’d said yes when you suggested Kristina go with her.”
“Maybe her husband will get here before she goes. I’m glad he decided to get an earlier train,” Evie said. “Maybe he felt the strength of our judgement and disapproval. Now tell me the truth. Is your leg really okay?”
“Truth? No, it’s agony. But hey, at least there wasn’t a shark!”
“You probably shouldn’t be walking around on it. You should have a day off.”
“I don’t want a day off. Honestly, I’d rather work, Evie. And then I want us to have dinner in your garden so you can tell me about Luca.”
“On one condition—”
