They woke at six-thirty, they were late, breakfast was booked for seven. They showered quickly; they dressed, Jack was happy that Judy and mum had dressed in even tighter clothes than yesterday, they both looked fantastic. They arrived for breakfast at seven-fifteen, once again the breakfast was perfect. They got back to the cabin just as the tannoy announced that all commercial drivers should now go to their vehicles. Jack drove off the ferry; it was a beautiful morning, they went through Passport Control, they asked what they had been doing in Europe, Judy said, "My aunt died, my friends have helped me clear out her apartment, we weren't on holiday, but it's great to be back home."
They were told to stay on the Green Lane, the nothing to declare lane. Jack drove slowly down it; they exited the dock area, soon they were on the dual carriageway out of Newcastle, Jack thought, wow we have done it. He now felt how, in olden days, how the smugglers fell. Jack drove for an hour then mum drove, they would be home around one, Jack dozed off, his phone beeped, he had a message from Jill, it read, "Hi Jack, my husband had a stroke last night, I heard him fall, which was lucky as if I hadn't I wouldn't have found him until this morning. He's in Intensive Care in the hospital; he is paralysed down his left side. I have just arrived at the Centre, when do you think you'll be here? I want to be here when you arrive. I was at the beauty salon yesterday. I have had my hair cut and highlighted. I like it; I hope that you do too. I phoned the hospital this morning, the consultant will see him this morning, but they couldn't give me a time. If you let me know what time you will arrive, then if they phone, I can tell them that I'm working but can be there later. Thinking about you, Jill xx."
Jack replied, "Jill, I am sorry to hear that, what age is your husband? We should be there around one. We did a lot; we are now in the Wine business, I found an Importer, who specialises in top quality wines; I have a container load arriving next week. I believe in the UK, that if you sell wine by the case, say a six-bottle case you don't need a drink license, can you check that up for me? The wines are excellent; I'll explain everything when I see you, thanks for the kisses, Jack xx."
At eleven-thirty, Judy took over the driving; mum said, "Jack, this is a great van, all that stuff on board and it still drives beautifully. I can do deliveries now for you; I am glad that we got through the Customs."
"So am I mum, Jill messaged me to say that her husband had a stroke last night, he's in Intensive Care, she wanted to know when we'll be home, as she would stay there until we get back. I told her around one. I also asked her to check what license we would need to sell the wine? I'm not sure what licenses are required."
Mum replied, "I'm sorry to hear about Jill's husband; he's a lot older than her. I met him once in the supermarket with Jill; he's not my cup of tea. It was just after ten in the morning; he was stinking of alcohol. I'm sure that he has a serious drink problem. I believe that he's quite wealthy. Jill hasn't had a good life with him. Jill's a great asset to your business. She was telling me that she loves working with Antiques, she'll be so happy with the Militaria that you got for her. I also think that she likes you a lot; you should look after her Jack."
Jack's phone beeped, Jill wrote, "Jack, the hospital just phoned, he died in his sleep. He's at peace now; I told them that I would be there this afternoon, I'll have to get an undertaker to organise the funeral. It's a great relief for me. Jack, you haven't a problem with the drink license, you have one for the Bistro, we put a wine shop next to the Bistro, that license covers everything. That's a great idea with the wines; it will do well, I'm sure of that. I'll be here when you get back, if we get the opportunity, if there's no one around, I'd love a hug and a kiss with you. I'm a widow now. Kisses, Jill xx."
Jack said, "Mum, Jill's husband has died, that's maybe the best thing for him and Jill, I'd like to spend some time with Jill when we get back. She'll wait for us to get back. Are you comfortable with that?"
Mum leaned over, and tongue kissed Jack, she then said, "You must do that Jack, she'll have the funeral to arrange, I'd like to go to that with you, Jack. Jill will be the one to help you set up the Wine business, that'll take a bit of arranging. Spend time with her; make her feel that you're there for her. Give her some comfort."
Jack knew what his mum meant, he then said, "Jill told me that we don't have a problem with the license, the license that I have for the Bistro covers us completely. We can even wholesale with it. I'll spend some time with her this afternoon. She will love being involved with the wine."
Judy said, "Jack, keep me posted on the funeral, I would like to go too. I didn't like her husband; there was something funny about him. I'm loving driving this van, Dot; I can help you with the deliveries, we have ten miles left to drive, can I drive the rest?"