GUARDIAN ANGELS

JESSICA 

Jessica often came to The Chelsea Embankment. It was her favourite place. Being near the water brought serenity to her mind especially at this time of the morning. She felt soothed and cleansed from the rigours of modern life. For just a few minutes she could try and forget about Nathan. 

A few deep breaths of air and she instantly felt relaxed. At peace. Detoxified. Just as she wanted to be in this situation. 

It was somewhat chilly morning which was always amplified being near the River Thames. The water surface was calm but you could see the current swirling in all directions. 

Jessica glanced at her watch. 4.37am. It was two weeks since the incident. 

She walked along the River's edge towards Chelsea Bridge. 

NATHAN

He watched as Jessica slowly walked towards the bridge. Nathan loved her beyond words. He called over and said 'I know I've only been here for a few weeks but I need your help right now please' 

JESSICA 

As she got nearer her destination she quickened her stride. She was focused and a quarter of the way across the bridge she climbed onto the fence so her legs were dangling down towards the river. 

PC MBOKA NMBOKA - 'COLIN'  

Colin was tired. He went North from Battersea towards Chelsea and saw Jessica. His heart started to beat faster as he approached her. He remembered his training and went to only around five paces away from her and said 'Hello'. 

"You won't be able to talk me out of this" she spoke clearly and defiantely. 

"I'm Colin.. well it's my nickname. The lads and girls at the nick couldn't pronounce my name when I joined so gave me the name Colin. I actually quite like it" 

"What's your name? Why don't you tell me what's wrong?" He asked. 

"Jess. I've lost my Nathan and now I have nothing to live for" 

"Hi Jess. Why don't you hop over and come for a coffee with me? Talk to me. I can help" Colin asked. He edged closer towards Jess. Maybe in a quick movement he could bear-hug her back over the fence and keep hold of her until more help came. 

"You seem like a nice guy Colin. What is about to happen isn't your fault. Never think it's your fault. I am clear in my mind" Jessica said 

"Tell me about Nathan?" 

"He was the one. We were getting married. He was run over by a drink driver. He didn't have a chance." Jessica fought back tears. 

"But if in your fear you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure" 

Jessica froze. It was a quote from her and Nathan's favourite poem. On Love by Kahil Gibran. It was going to be read by her brother at their wedding. 

"How did you know that poem?" She turned and brought herself to safety and walked slowly towards the police officer and fell into his arms. 

Colin whispered quietly "He's watching over you Jessica. Love him. Remember him but go live your life"

They both walked towards the police car parked in the road. 

She sat down in the rear of the car and a female officer gave her a blanket. She placed it around herself and began sobbing. 

"Where's PC Colin? I'd like to talk to him more?" 

"There's only me. I'm Natalie and my colleague Leanne here. Colin isn't here. We are going to take you to hospital so they can look after you."

As they drove away from the bridge Natalie thought about the fond memories she had of her colleague Colin who had died on duty a few years previously when trying to save a family from a fire in their flat. 

COLIN 

He shook hands with Nathan and they hugged each other. Colin looked and saw the police car pull into the hospital car park. 

"Put the kettle on mate I could do with a coffee" Colin asked.