Page 18 of Dead in the Water

“I appreciate your dedication, but your shift ended an hour ago.”

“There were a couple of phone calls,” he said, tipping his head toward the phone. “The death at the harbour has people in a panic.”

“Stuff like this always does.” The sergeant lifted an eyebrow. “I could have dealt with the phone calls. Are you avoiding going home or something? I’m not complaining, but usually you’re very efficient at clocking off on time.”

“No. Just lost track of time.” He switched the computer off and stood, retreating to the back room to lock his radio and belt away with his stab vest.

“See you tomorrow,” the sergeant said as Flynn passed him.

He nodded and stepped outside. With his insides twisted in a knot, a whisper of panic dried his throat.

He’d always known his time on the island was limited. Until a few weeks ago, that had been something he was grateful for.

Things were different now, though.

As he wandered home, all his excitement about his evening with Lily vanished.

Chapter Nine

Lily’s lackof attachment to material possessions was probably a result of her upbringing. Moving between European cities every few years in her childhood – and her uncle’s minimalistic tendencies – meant they’d never accumulated much unnecessary stuff.

The mindset had stuck with Lily in adulthood. There was some comfort in a lack of clutter, and knowing she could pack most of her things into a couple of suitcases with little notice. It gave her a sense of freedom.

It also had its downsides.

Staring at the contents of her wardrobe strewn across her bed, she couldn’t help but think it would have been a good idea to have accumulated a better selection of clothes over the years.

What were you supposed to wear for a date at the beach, anyway?

Surely comfort was the major factor. Or it should be. It annoyed her that she wanted to look good for Flynn. Notjustfor him. She’d feel more confident if she was happy with her clothing choice.

But she’d also like Flynn to rake his gaze over her appreciatively when he set eyes on her.

With a groan, she rummaged under the clothes until she found her phone, then sank onto the bed to call Seren.

“What would you wear for a sunset picnic on the beach with a guy you fancy?”

The response was a high-pitched squeal that made Lily move the phone away from her ear. It also brought a satisfied smile to her face.

“Are you going on a date with Flynn?” Seren asked breathlessly.

“Yes.”

“Did he ask you, or did you ask him?”

“I asked him.” Lily’s smile widened at her friend’s obvious excitement. “After I kissed him on the beach.”

“What!” Seren screeched. “Tell me everything.”

“There’s not much to tell. I was feeling down about the guy who died at the harbour. Flynn found me on the beach, and I suppose I just felt like making the most of life… so I kissed him. It felt natural in the moment.”

“Wow. And he kissed you back?”

“Briefly. He was on duty, so it wasn’t anything wild.”

“Okay. And then you asked him on a date?”

“He asked if I wanted to go to the pub tonight, and I suggested a picnic instead.”

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