Morgan turned to look up at Brett’s profile. ‘We’ll head there shortly love. As soon as we find out what's what we’ll go to Tammy’s and stock up for you.’
Brett nodded, ‘Okay.’
As soon as they rounded the corner, they had a clear view of the coastal lifeboat rescue building and Morgan’s earlier presumptions were correct. The large double doors were indeed shut.
Morgan’s stomach pulled into a tight knot. Did this mean the lifeboat and its crew were still out there?
‘Where would the Blue Moon fishing boat be moored Brett if it were back?’
‘The fishing boats all moor over by the stretch of sea by the cove.’
‘Oh. So we won’t be able to see if it’s back unless we go down there?’
Brett shook his head. ‘No, but we could always ask someone. They walked closer to the lifeboat rescue building, looking out for any other residents on the way, but the seafront was like a ghost town, all that was missing was tumbleweed.
Then just meters from the building, one of the doors opened, and weary faces appeared one-by-one as they left. Morgan sucked in a gasp as she went from one face to the other. Her hand flew up to her mouth when she saw Ned.
Brett and Morgan watched as the rescue workers hugged and patted each other's backs as they said their goodbyes. Ned blinked when he looked their way, before shock registered on his features.
‘Morgan...Brett! What are you doing here?’
‘I was worried about you.’ Morgan glanced in Brett’s direction and looked back at Ned as she gestured from Brett to her. ‘Wewere worried about you...and the other lifeboat crew. Did-did you find them?’
Ned slung a bag over his back and walked towards them, a lilt in his step. A ghost of a smile settled on his face. ‘We did. Their boat had capsized and was going down fast when we found them, but we got them. They’re in hospital being treated for the effects of hyperthermia, but other than that, they’re fine.’
Morgan released Brett’s arm and flung her arms around Ned, hugging him tightly. Ned dropped his bag and hugged her back. Brett patted Ned’s back. ‘Well done lad. Well done.’
Morgan finally pulled away and looked up into Ned’s face. ‘You must be exhausted.’
He nodded and bent down to reclaim his bag. ‘I am. I can hear my bed calling my name, but first, all I want is a hot cup of tea and some breakfast.’
Morgan slipped her arm through Neds and began to pull him in the direction of Tammy’s Tearoom. ‘Then come with us. We’ll treat you.’
Ned laughed. ‘That’s music to my ears. I’ll have to go out on rescue missions more often.’
Morgan stopped walking and turned to look at Ned, her mouth dropping open. ‘Please don’t. I don’t think my heart could take it.’ She noticed a twinkle of hope in his eyes and was confused about how she felt about the look he was giving her. Wasshegiving him the wrong signals? She really cared for Ned, she knew that, but as far as turning those feelings into something more, she was still unsure. The guilt she felt for just holding onto his arm was already eating away inside her.
The tinkle of the doorbell announced their arrival and Tammy turned around from the coffee-making machine to look at them with an enormous smile. ‘At last, some more customers, and a hero amongst them no least.’
Ned smiled and shook his head. ‘I’m no hero. It was a team effort that saved the crew on the Blue Moon.’
‘You’re too humble Ned,’ said Tammy. Poo pooing his comment away with a flick of her hand.
Declan appeared from out of the back kitchen. ‘Ned. Well done. I was out on the beach early this morning walking Fernando and I saw the ambulances arrive and take the crew of the Blue Moon away. I’m so proud of you for helping out when you’ve been retired for the last few years.’
‘Thank you, Declan. That means a lot coming from a younger member of the community.’
Morgan settled into a seat and Brett and Ned followed suit. Tammy came from behind the counter with her notepad and pen. ‘What can I get for you Ned? It’s on the house.’
Morgan smiled over at Ned. ‘Shall I buy you a fish ‘n’ chip supper instead?’
He winked at her, and her chest fluttered. ‘Sounds good to me gal.’
‘Okay, so what’s everyone having?’ asked Tammy.
‘A full English breakfast for me please Tammy, with a piping hot mug of tea,’ said Ned.
‘Same for me, lass,’ said Brett.
