1st September 2022

‘How about a holiday to Italy?’ I suggest, looking up from the advertisement in the web page that’s popped up on my I-Pad, showcasing the dreamy Amalfi Coast and the beautiful turquoise sea looking so inviting, almost as though I can dive straight into it.

God it shows you all the technology we carry is actually listening, I was only talking to Rachel yesterday about how I really fancied a holiday to Italy. I can’t believe I’ve never been. I begged Daniel to take me for years, but he much preferred his Ski trips in the winter and party places like Marbella and Ibiza in the summer, there was never any compromise with him. Perhaps that was a sign then we weren’t compatible for each other. I should just go on my own, but I feel I need to pluck up the courage to do that. Maybe I should have a holiday here in the UK first before I consider going abroad to see if I enjoy it. I could do a weekend away somewhere.

Joshua frowns at me, taking a sip of his coffee. We’re sitting at the kitchen table; I’ve just made us a fresh brew. ‘When?’ he asks. 'I wouldn't mind a holiday to Italy; you know how mad I go for pizza and pasta.' 

I shrug, and continue flicking through my I-Pad at the holiday suggestions. ‘I dunno, maybe before the end of this year. We didn’t have the chance to go away this summer, did we? It would be nice to get one holiday in before Christmas.’

He places his cup on the table. ‘Well, it’ll have to be out of term time, won’t it,’ Joshua says. ‘Susannah’s school starts again for the autumn term on Monday. She won’t be able to take any more time off at the moment.’

‘Well, we can always go during the half term holiday, isn’t it normally in October?’

‘Yeah it is, but prices are always mega dear during the school holidays,’ he says, rolling his eyes.

‘I’m sure that won’t be a problem, I’d be more than happy to pay for the both of you, it’s not like I’ve got anyone else to spend my money on. Are you coming back here tonight or are you going back to yours?’

He glances at his watch. ‘Probably back to mine, I suspect, I’m meeting Susannah later today, we’re going to the cinema. She’s in for some sort of teacher training day before all the kids come back.’

‘Ooh nice, what are you going to see?’

‘No idea yet,’ he replies. ‘I’m gonna let Susannah choose, I’m not really that bothered. You know me; I normally always end up falling asleep in the cinema. Perhaps we might just end up going for a meal out that’ll be better.’

‘Well, actually, give me one sec,’ I say.

I jump up from my seat, dart out of the kitchen, into the hallway and through into the living room. My purse is lying on the coffee table. I pick it up and pull out £100 I drew out at the weekend; I re-join Joshua back in the kitchen.

‘Treat yourselves,’ I say, pushing the money towards him.

He shakes his head. ‘No, don’t worry about that, Mum, we don’t need you to give us anything.’

‘No, Joshua, I want you take it. I gave Rachel some money not that long ago. Go on, have a great evening.’

He stares at me, as if unsure what to say next. ‘OK, are you sure?’

‘Take it,’ I insist, thrusting the cash towards him. ‘Have a couple of glasses of wine on me.’

He grins. ‘Well, I doubt we’ll be having alcohol, although Susannah might want to if she’s going to have the kids to contend with tomorrow when they come back.’

I smile. ‘Tell her to let her hair down.’

‘Thanks, Mum,’ he says and kisses me on the cheek. ‘I just wish she would answer my messages though, it’s not like her to leave me hanging like this.’

I shrug. ‘She’ll be busy, Joshua, I’m sure everything is fine.’

He pulls out his phone and flicks through. I can see his last message to Susannah remains unanswered, I’m pretty sure he sent it a couple of hours ago now, when she would’ve been taking her lunch break. ‘I’ll maybe catch you at some point at the weekend,’ he says, putting his phone back into his pocket.

‘Yeah, of course, let me know if you fancy doing anything. Perhaps the five of us could go out for lunch on Sunday, me, you, Susannah and Rachel.’

 ‘Yeah, that'll be nice, I’ll speak to Susannah later and see what she says, I’m sure she’ll be up for it. Right, I’m gonna head to the school and surprise her.’

He finishes of his coffee, heads out of the kitchen and into the hallway. He and Susannah are so lucky to have found each other. I try to think back to the early dates Daniel and I went on. He always had to wear the flashiest of gear to try and impress me, although I suspect now it might’ve been for the eyes of any lady, who may have happened to have been around him. The bastard. I’m just glad Joshua hasn’t taken after him. I’m sure he and Susannah have a bright future together.

***************

Characters:

Stacey (mother of Joshua) 

Lucie (foreman of the jury)

Joshua (Stacey's son)

Susannah (murder victim) 

Rachel (Stacey's daughter)

Daniel (Stacey's ex-husband) 

Ruth (journalist) 

DI Dominic Hitchens (lead detective)