Two - i

The doorbell rang as Kate was doing the dishes on Monday morning. She wiped her hands on a tea towel as she went to answer it. “P.C. Smith,” she said as he held up his badge, “Um, come in,” she let him in and followed him into the living room. Jo dropped his pencil and hid under the table. “It’s okay Jo,” Kate reassured him, “Its P.C. Smith from the police, he won’t hurt you.” Jo peeked out warily and emerged slowly; he clung tightly to his toy monkey and appeared at Kate’s side. She rubbed him on the back, “so have you made any developments?” P.C Smith coughed, “Well it’s been slow going I’m afraid Mc McBride. Though we’re fairly certain that he’s not from Melbourne. No one fitting his description has been reported missing within the state. How are things going for you?” he asked. “Call me Kate,” she answered, “We’re fine. Jo’s a little afraid of men and doesn’t like crowds or bright light, but he’s sleeping better. He hasn’t woken with a nightmare the last couple of nights.” “That’s good; I just wanted to check in. I was in the area,” P.C. Smith responded, “if there’s anything that we can do to help please let us know Kate. Just ask for me.” “Thanks a lot P.C. Smith, I’ll keep that in mind,” Kate said as they walked back to the door, “Thanks for everything.” He smiled, “all in the line of duty,” he said as Kate saw him off, “remember, anything al all,” and he gave her his card. “Thanks again,” Kate said, “Goodbye P.C. Smith.” “No problem. Goodbye Kate,” he waved at the bottom of the stairwell. Kate watched him get into his squad car. Another officer had been waiting for him.

The week progressed without major incident, and Jo only experienced one nightmare. He was becoming a little more adventurous in the park where he felt comfortable, though he withdrew rapidly if anyone approached him or if men or crowds were around. He always stuck close to Kate when they went to places he’d never been before. He had started to show preferences for his favourite foods and drinks and TV programs. Kate was reading him his favourite book when the doorbell rang; it was her friends, Bess and Steve. Kate let them in and put the kettle on, she hadn’t been expecting them, but she knew she had a packet of Tim tams. Jo had followed her into the kitchen, he was still wary of strangers, particularly men. “I took the liberty of sharing your story with Steve and he wanted to meet Jo, so did I,” Bess said by way of explanation. “He’s still a little wary of strangers,” Kate said as she returned to the living room with the tea and coffee, she knew how her friends like their drinks. Jo lingered behind in the kitchen, cautiously peering into the living room. “It’s okay Jo,” Kate said, “These are my friends, Bess and Steve, they want to meet you.” Jo ventured warily from the kitchen and was soon at Kate’s side. He didn’t let her go for the entire visit. Steve stayed after Bess left. She was going to Tennis. Kate usually went too, but she’d lost her racquet. Bess would give Kate’s apologies to the club. Steve suggested an excursion, “It’s a beautiful day, why don’t we go to St Kilda?” Kate thought it was a great idea, “We’ll just get our shoes on,” and they were soon out the door.

They had found their way to Luna Park. Kate hadn’t been there for years, bit it was still the same. They were in the line for the roller coaster. Kate could tell Jo was excited, she wondered if he’d ever been somewhere like this before. Later they were eating hotdogs on a bench and watching people enjoy the rides. Jo was really enjoying himself; he didn’t even seem too worried by the crowds. “Are you up for a ride on the dodgems?” Steve asked playfully. He knew that Kate had a weakness for dodgems. She wiped her hands on her jeans, “I’m game if you are!” she grinned. They soon joined the dodgem queue. Jo looked intrigued but a little wary. Kate squeezed his hand, “Ok mate?” she asked him. He smiled weakly by way of reply. They clambered into a car and Kate ensured that they were securely strapped in. a short horn indicated that it was time to start and Kate put her foot down hard as the car chugged to life. She squealed with delight as they rammed Steve’s car, he grinned and bumped them right back. A rather large young man bumped them roughly on the other side and Jo screamed. “It’s ok Jo,” Kate tried to reassure him, but she could see that he was upset. She made for the edge where it was a bit quieter; it would be over soon.

Jo had clung to Kate tightly for the rest of the time they spent in the park. Even the fairy floss didn’t coax him off her, though he obviously liked it. “Let’s get out of here,” Kate suggested, “I think we’ve had enough.” They wandered down Carlisle Street and stopped for gelato at 7 apples. Jo had a small choc-chip cone. They were continuing their stroll when Kate recognised P.C. Smith, “P.C. Smith,” she called, “Kate McBride, you remember Jo? This is my friend Steve,” she introduced the two men. “Kate, hi, how are you?” Nice day isn’t it?” He was off duty; St Kilda was out of his area. They talked for about five minutes, Kate sensed a bit of tension between the two men. ‘Strange,’ she thought to herself as the discussion moved to football. It was still fresh from the season. The Eagles had won the flag in a rematch of last year’s final, though with a different outcome. Kate looked at her watch and the men too the hint. “I’d better get going,” P.C. Smith, said as he made to turn away, “It was nice to see you, enjoy the rest of your weekend.” “Thanks,” Kate said, “we will.” The sun would set soon. Steve suggested fish and chips on the beach; it was going to be a balmy evening.

Jo was asleep in Kate’s lap as the last of the sun’s rays dipped below the horizon. She put her head on Steve’s shoulder. The afternoon’s adventures had worn them all out. “Looks like I’d better get you guys home,” Steve said softly and made to get up. “No, it’s nice, let’s stay a little longer. I’m enjoying the sound of the sea,” Kate replied. Steve settled back down, “Ok, whatever you like,” he responded. The tide was slowly coming in; it was still quite warm though a cool breeze had begun to pick up. They sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Kate shivered, “Time to go?” Steve tentatively enquired; he was beginning to feel a bit stiff. “Yeah, I guess,” Kate, replied. Steve picked Jo up off Kate’s lap; he barely stirred. Kate picked up her bag and followed them to the tram stop. It had been a very pleasant afternoon, though she was still curious about what had occurred between P.C. Smith and Steve. She wanted to ask but thought it was best to hold her tongue. Maybe she had just imagined it; she was tired. She was dozing lightly as the train pulled into Fairfield Station; they had changed to the train at Flinders St Station. Kate realised it had been a long day. It was only 8.30, but they both went straight to bed. Jo had barely woken up as Kate had assisted him to brush his teeth and get into his PJs.