Page 33 of Dead in the Water

Puzzled, she opened her mouth to ask why she’d be angry with him, but stopped herself.

“Because you’ve been gossiping about me?” she asked, affecting a serious tone.

“Not gossiping, no… just…”

“Talking about me behind my back and telling people my private business?”

“On second thoughts, I think I prefer to say gossiping. But I didn’t really think it was a secret, and I wasn’t saying anything bad. Plus, I have bets with my brothers about…” His eyes flashed with panic and his words trailed away.

“Kit!” Lily glared at him. “You have bets with your brothers about me?”

“Sort of… but not really because no one will bet against you and Flynn getting together.”

“They probably should have done,” Lily mumbled.

“I’m sorry. I promise it won’t happen again. What can I do to make it up to you?”

“Nothing,” she said, falling into step beside him.

“I’d buy you breakfast, but I’ve got a train trip in an hour and I have a couple of things to do before then.”

An idea swirled in Lily’s mind and she stopped short. “Maybe there is something you can do…”

“What?” He took a large bite of his croissant as he turned back to her.

“Could I come on the train with you?”

“Yes,” he said, words muffled as he chewed. “Why the sudden urge for a tour of the island?”

“Can I bring friends…” She winced and corrected herself. “Acquaintances.”

“Yeah.” He arched an eyebrow. “Has this got anything to do with that guy who died?”

“I’m not sure I can share that information with you.”

“I promise not to tell anyone… apart from Seren. I can’t not tell Seren.”

“I was chatting with two of the man’s friends yesterday and they’re at a loose end. They can’t leave the islands for a few days and don’t know what to do with themselves. I think I might suggest a train tour.”

“And you need to escort them?”

She smiled lightly. “Maybe I’ll take the opportunity to ask them a few questions.”

“Are you thinking the guy didn’t just fall down the steps?”

Flynn’s words came back to her, suggesting she was just looking for a distraction from her own problems. “I don’t know. I have the urge to dig around a bit, that’s all.”

“I guess it can’t hurt. I might see you later then.” He took a few steps backwards. “Make sure you’re a few minutes early.You’re welcome to a free ride, but I can’t boot people off for you if the train is already full.”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

Backtracking, she got herself a coffee from the cafe and had a quick chat with Pippa while she was in there. Jessica was just arriving when she reached the ice cream shop.

“How would you feel about me leaving you alone again for a while today?” she asked, opening the door and holding it for Jessica.

“That’s fine.”

“Really?” Lily let the door swing behind her. “If you’re uncomfortable with it, you can say so.”

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