Matt and Will finally set foot on English soil again, each mighty glad to have joined the police rather than the air force. It was a journey they would have preferred to forget, although Will said he had a feeling that his back was probably not going to let him do so for some weeks to come. There had been hold-ups and unforeseen problems at Newfoundland that had delayed them for hours, but at least they were now home.

RAF Waddington was only a short distance from Lincoln, and Matt said he would happily blow some money on getting a cab back home. Will agreed and was just about to ask for the use of a phone when a rather rotund officer approached him, his hand outstretched.

‘Hello there. Mr Stonebridge, isn’t it? Interesting trip, huh? Bet you wish you’d waited for the exec jet!’ the man said.

Will took the proffered hand. ‘It would have been nice, but to be honest, we are just happy to be home, thank you. Everyone has been very kind to us.’

‘Yes, they are a good bunch, the Canadians. Now, I’m just off to Fenfleet myself. Can I give you a lift? You are going that way, aren’t you?’

Will looked at Matt and grinned. ‘If it’s not too much trouble, we’d really appreciate that. Thank you very much indeed.’

* * *

Soon they were turning into the lane leading to Holland House. Matt waved to Will and told him that he would call around after breakfast the following day. They would start immediately on Kate’s research into Holland House and the marsh.

When he arrived, Liz was standing in the doorway, waving happily to him.

Matt thanked the officer and lifted his bags from the boot. Cannon Farm had never looked so good, and he suddenly realised that some of Will’s tension had rubbed off on him. Matt’s home was his haven, where he found peace and happiness. Will’s was full of conflict and unease. At the sight of Liz hurrying down the path towards him, all the stress of the last few days evaporated.

Matt dropped his cases and took her in his arms, kissing her long and hard. Liz was smiling broadly at him.

‘You’re really early! I was thrilled when I got your text! That’s marvellous! Oh, Mattie, I’ve missed you so much. Come on inside and tell me all about it.’

Matt dumped his things in the hallway and followed her through to the kitchen. The kettle was already on with two mugs waiting beside it. ‘Oh, God!’ he exclaimed. ‘A proper cup of tea! I’ve missed that almost as much as I’ve missed you!’

‘I hope not.’ Liz smiled.