EPILOGUE
"You did a good job with the Christmas tree, Mandy," said her mother. "The room really looks nice. Just as it should on Christmas morning."
"I like all the presents round the tree best!" cried James. "Can we start unwrapping them now?"
Derek came in, and he and Anita sat down on the settee.
"Go on, then, you two," said Anita. "Get unwrapping." Half an hour later, Christmas paper was strewn all over the floor, while everyone admired their gifts.
"But there is something else," smiled Derek. He left the room.
Ten minutes later he reappeared. "Come on, James and Mandy," he said. "There's something in the hall for you both."
James and Mandy went into the hall, followed by their mother - and there, propped against the wall, were two shiny new bicycles!
"I couldn't wrap them," admitted Derek. "Too big. D'you like them?"
"I'll say!" cried James with delight.
Mandy threw her arms round Derek's neck and kissed him. "Wonderful!" she said.
"Will you have me as your Dad-to-be now?" Derek asked when the excitement had died down.
"Forever!" cried Mandy, hugging him again.
"Yes," said James. He blushed to the roots of his red hair. "I'm sorry I was wrong about you," he said, looking at the carpet. Then he looked up. "You saved my life - and Rodney's of course. What else can I say?"
"Nothing," said Derek. "I don't suppose even now you will take notice of me. But try not to go beachcombing on the shores of time again, please. Remember, I'm the professional detective. Next time, let me do it!"
"But I found the treasure," insisted James.
"Yes, you did. And, I must tell you, you and Rodney are going to receive a reward for finding Abbot William's treasure. Although it wasn't gold, and so not treasure trove, it was an important find. It has solved a local mystery - and raised enough questions to keep the professors at the Universities busy for years! The money will be held in trust until you are sixteen. The amount is still being debated, but it will not be a bad sum." He sniffed. "Not that you deserve it for your disobedience, of course. But there you are. No justice in this life, as we policemen know only too well!"
He took his bride-to-be by the arm and led her back to the sofa, while James and Mandy continued to admire their new bikes.
"'Beachcombing on the shores of time', eh," said Mandy. "Poetic, isn't he, for a copper!"
