It was late inside Alec Hardy's new flat. The night sky dark and starry, the cool breeze creeping inside from the partially open window. He laid there was struggling to sleep. He was just rubbish sleeping in new places and the sound of the waves crashing outside didn't exactly help either.
'Relaxing', the realtor says, he muttered bitterly moving to his side, pulling the covers closer.
He must've been nuts to buy this place and so close to a beach! But then, Broadchurch was all beach.
Another wave crashed prompting him to move on his back. He sighed, staring at the ceiling.
At least the place was nice, he kept telling himself. Small, four room, two bathrooms, a nice kitchen and close to Daisy's school so she could visit more. Nothing fancy but it worked.
After a few minutes of trying to sleep, he finally got out of bed and walked out to the balcony for some air. He leaned against the wood rail looking out the starry sky. The beach was pretty at night, he thought, taking everything in.
Two years, he exhaled. So much had changed. Daisy was starting college; Tess was remarried.
As for him, well, he was still alone but that was okay at least his career and health had improved. Especially, his career, ever since the success of his last case Alec was slowly regaining the respect, he had worked so hard to get back. But he didn't want to get too confident again. There was still that fear of messing up and failing again and he had already learned that lesson before.
He looked around outside before deciding to go back in when suddenly, something caught his eye, he squinted at what looked like a figure standing on the old rickety wooden bridge near the waves.
Alec frowned peering over for a closer look. It was a girl, he realized but what was she doing? That bridge was abandoned!
He watched as the young female moved closer to the rail, briefly looking up at the sky before climbing on top of the shaky, worn out wooden rim of bridge's rail, her legs slightly wobbling as she steadied herself.
Alec's eyes widen in horror! She was going to jump, he realized!
"Hey, hey!" He shouted trying to get her attention, but the girl either didn't hear him or just ignored him as she spread her arms out before calmly jumping into the icy waters.
Alec didn't hesitate, he raced to the bridge, his heart pounding as he peered over the rail examining the waves but couldn't find her!
"No, no!" He shouted searching for her! He was not giving up!
Suddenly, he spotted her, bobbing in and out of the water! Without thinking twice, he jumped in!
Alec immediately regretted it, the water, a cruel reminder of being in that river trying to find Pipa's body but he couldn't think about that, now! He had to get that girl, refusing to lose another one!
He swam frantically towards her, his legs kicking furiously, his arms thrashing about in the unforgiving water, Alec finally, reached grabbing her just before the waves could.
He panted holding her close and quickly pulled her to safety, his body tired but grateful she was safe!
Alec somehow pulled her to dry land then peered over the pale, unmoving young woman. He silently prayed she was still alive, his fingers trembling a little checking for a pulse.
He found one! She was alive!
"Thank god." He let out still catching his breath.
The wind was starting to get colder. He had needed to get her inside.
"I'm getting to old for this." He grunted, carefully lifting her and carrying her back to his flat.
Once inside Alec carefully set her on the couch, her tiny frame shivering. He then left quickly getting young the woman a blanket, gently covering her.
Alec then stood back and studied the mysterious young woman as she slept quietly. He had never seen her before, especially in Broadchurch. He could tell she was definitely was not a local, judging from her posh blouse and plaid skirt. Her clothes just didn't match the locals, here. Looking at her, closely, she seemed to be twenty-four, short brown hair and a smooth complexion.
But other than that, there was no, purse, no I.D just a few bucks and a gaudy silver braided topaz ring and a tiny ruby pin recovered from her pocket. But she did appear to have a sprain from falling off that daft bridge.
The girl shifted, moaned softly, clutching the blanket closely around her as she slept. Alec smirked a little. It was kind of cute.
"Sound sleeper, huh?" He muttered at her.
Alec sat back in a chair, trying to figure out what to do next. He was completely lost. He glanced at the clock. It was late but he needed help.
He grabbed his cellphone and started dialing Ellie's number knowing she was going to hate him for this.