Page 35 of Dead in the Water

She gritted her teeth and sank into a chair as she waited for a response.

“That’s very thoughtful. Hang on a second and I’ll see what Joyce thinks.”

Lily listened to his muffled voice as he relayed the invitation to his wife. From what she could make out, Joyce declined, but Keith was pretty firm in coaxing her into it.

“That would be lovely.” His voice came clear in her ear again. “What time is the tour?”

“There’s one in an hour,” she said. “Or one this afternoon.”

After another hushed conversation, they settled on the afternoon trip and arranged to meet at the ice cream shop. It was actually easier to go in the afternoon – it gave Lily time to help Jessica set everything up and make sure everything was under control with the shop.

With an influx of customers over lunchtime, the time went quickly and before she knew it, Lily was standing outside waiting for the Hugheses. “I’m so glad you could make it,” Lily said as they approached in matching waterproof jackets which were unwarranted for the weather. Unless Lily had missed something and was underdressed in her jeans and T-shirt.

“It was good of you to think of us,” Joyce said, her voice so quiet that Lily had to strain to hear. “I think it’s probably a good idea to get out and do something.”

Keith nodded gravely. “Sitting around the hotel isn’t doing us any good.”

“Would you like an ice cream for the trip?”

They exchanged a look before shaking their heads in unison.

“Maybe afterwards,” Joyce said. “It’s not long since we ate lunch.”

“Let’s get going then.”

When they reached the little electric train at the far end of the promenade, Kit was busy chatting with a family with two excited kids. He gave her a nod of acknowledgement and she took Keith and Joyce to the back of the train, taking the seat behind them and hoping no one took the spot beside her.

“Is it a guided tour?” Joyce asked, twisting to look back at Lily.

“Yes. Kit talks about the history of the islands and points things out along the way. I’ve heard it’s very good.”

“It must be nice to run your own business,” Keith said. “Having the freedom to plan your day is such a luxury.”

“It is,” Lily agreed, thinking how lucky she’d got with the ice cream shop. Her thoughts drifted to Maria and the conversation she needed to have with her.

A moment later, Kit’s voice came over the speaker system on the train, shifting her thoughts back to the present.

For the next half hour, she tried to keep her focus on Kit’s tour. It was slightly difficult when he paused the train to point out the police station and speak about the police force on the Scillies.

Her heart pounded at the thought that Flynn was probably inside the small building and might step out at any moment. Given the way things were between them, she wasn’t keen to see him.

Which also felt weird.

That, and the fact that she knew she’d been unreasonable. She was angry with him for cancelling their date and didn’t know how to be around him now.

Leaving the police station behind, she was lulled by the sound of Kit’s voice as he talked so passionately about the islands.

Listening to his tour felt fresh every time. There was always some new titbit she learned, and a different joke he’d throw into his repertoire. It made sense, she supposed – if he spouted the same script for each trip it would be boring for him as well as the passengers.

“It’s fascinating,” Keith said, turning as Kit slowed the train at the Northern tip of the island for a ten-minute stop for photographs.

A small, appreciative smile hit Joyce’s lips. “I didn’t expect it to be so informative.”

“The view from here is fantastic,” Lily said. “It’s such a clear day today.”

Finally, they ditched their coats, leaving them on the train as they walked with Lily to the headland to take in the view over to Tresco and Bryher.

“It could be the Caribbean, couldn’t it?” Keith said. “It’s so tropical. Look at that water, Joyce. The colour of it is unbelievable.”

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