‘Well...’
‘Yes, that’s fine.’ Evie tugged her hood up, not that it really did anything.
‘I can’t ask that of you. I don’t even know where you’re heading.’ Jack frowned.
‘That’s fine. You said you were going to Trestow and I’m heading that way too. After that, well, I’ll be going back to Penworth Bay, but I’m sure I can drop you off somewhere.’
‘You live in the bay? Same here. I’ve not seen you around before?’ Grinning, Jack shook his head.
‘I don’t live there. I’m just staying there for a few weeks. I’m volunteering at a bakery there.’ She stubbed the toe of her trainer against the tarmac.
‘Oh, yes, on holiday.’
‘The Cornish Bay Bakery?’ The police officer looked at her.
‘Yes, that’s right. Do you know it?’
‘My partner, Jessie, volunteered there a couple of months ago. Do you know her?’ Shaking his head, the police officer wiped his hand dry on his jacket and held it towards her. ‘I’m sorry, my name‘s Simon Groves.’
‘Hi, nice to meet you, Simon. No, I haven’t met Jessie yet. I only arrived yesterday.’ Evie smiled and shook his hand.
‘I’m sure you’re going to have a great time. Jessie absolutely loved it there and Elsie is so lovely.’
‘Yes, she seems to be.’
A loud buzz interrupted them, and Simon spoke into his radio. ‘I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to get off. Good to meet you, Evie.’
‘Are you sure you don’t mind giving me a lift? I’ve taken up enough of your time already.’ Jack wiped a wet strand of hair from his face.
‘No, that’s fine. Let’s get back in the car, though.’ Evie glanced up at the grey clouds. It didn’t look as though the rain was going to ease off any time soon.
‘Good idea.’
Running back to the car, Evie slipped inside, immediately starting the engine and turning the heating on full blast to clear the windows. She shrugged out of her coat and tossed it on the back seat.
‘It looks as though you could do with a better coat.’ He nodded towards her before taking his his off and rubbing his face dry with the inside of his coat.
Looking down, she rolled her eyes as she realised her once pale blue jumper was now wet and patchy. ‘I think you might be right. That thing’s useless.’