“Hi, Jago how are you? Do you realise that it’s a whole year since we’ve seen you?” asked Kim as she flung her arms around him.
“Yes, time passes quickly, doesn’t it? And to answer your question, I’m good … no, better than that. I'm perfect. And what about you?”
She grabbed hold of Mark’s hand, squeezing it tightly. “Oh, I’m perfect too. It’s so good to see you. Mark and I have been dying to tell you that we’re getting married and we want you to come to the wedding. And, I want to ask if you can bring Abi with you? I’ve never met her, but she helped me so much, and we have had the occasional conversation since. She’s lovely.”
“That’s fantastic news, and of course I’ll ask Abi.”
Mark stepped forward to shake Jago’s hand.
“How are you doing, buddy? It’s good to see you.”
“You too, my friend, you too. And congratulations. Although I’m not surprised. I saw the way that you were so concerned about her going off that time, and only after what … twenty-four hours?”
They both smiled at the memory.
Kim asked, “Shall we go inside? It’s warmer in there.”
As they entered the cottage, Jago noticed some differences. “I see that you’ve brought Mark into the modern world, Kim. Well done you,” he said, smiling. “I love what you’ve done to the cottage. Are you both going to stay here?”
“Oh yes, we love it. It’s the place we first met and fell in love. What’s not to like about it?”
“I can’t argue with that,” replied Jago who was going to sit on a smooth orange- covered chair at the glass-design table. He took in the changes around him.
“I see that you’ve made more changes in the shipping world too,” said Jago.
“Oh yes, things are changing for the better. I’ve also sold some assets, and those funds have boosted Ocean Beautiful’s activities. Now they can get their message out more effectively. They can employ some of the best people in the world and, more importantly, they can lobby governments. So much so that Joe, Doctor Linden, is now addressing the UN on marine pollution and protection. I’d say that things are improving a lot. We’ve also established some worldwide cleaning programmes to gather plastic and recycle it properly. And the best part is that we’re now introducing marine pollution and protection into mainstream education on a cross-curriculum basis. The premise is that if we can get the young people on board, we will have a great future. And let’s not forget that, to some degree, it’s the kids that educate the parents in this area.”
“Kim, I’m sure that you’ll make your mark and make this world a better place for all of us. I’m very pleased to know you and, you know, if you ever need my help, you only need to call.”
“I know Jago, thank you. Thank you for everything. You know that I’ve reverted to my old surname of Greenslade.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Well, the name still opens some doors. After my father’s accident, I visited his lawyer for the reading of the will and there were some letters addressed to me from my father. They were written about a year apart from each other and started one year after the death of my mother. He wrote what he couldn’t bring himself to say. He was strong in business and weak in love. After everything that has happened, and everything that I’ve read in those letters, I intend to be strong in all areas and live for today, to enjoy my life. I’m going to use what I have to help many others, and I’m going to be happy in doing that. And in large part, that’s all down to you, Jack Jago, my fisherman. I owe you everything; I owe you my life. And I’m going to say the same to you. If you ever need my help, please just call Mark or me, and we’ll be there for you.”
THE END