Page 39 of Dead in the Water

“I couldn’t find a buyer back then.”

“And since then? I know you had offers.”

“I’m not really sure.” She leaned against the counter. “Maybe sentimental reasons.”

Lily leaned onto her knees. “Why did you offer it to me? I know other people had been interested.”

“You asked at the right time. I’d just moved back here. I suppose seeing the place abandoned stirred something in me. It had been a popular spot when I ran it and it seemed a shame it was in such a dilapidated state. There had been complaints that it was a blight on the landscape and I realised that was true.” Her lips lifted into a small smile. “Then you asked about the place and it seemed like a sign.”

“But I didn’t ask if I could open it. I was asking about you. I wanted to know if you remembered my parents.”

“There must have been a miscommunication. Mr Greaves told me you were interested in leasing it.”

Lily frowned as she tried to collect her thoughts. She wasn’t sure if Maria was lying, or if she wanted her to be lying because she wasn’t getting the answers she wanted.

“What about the note you left me?” Lily asked accusingly.

Creases formed between Maria’s eyebrows. “I didn’t want to be involved, but I thought the recipes might be helpful.”

“Not that note. Before that – you left me a note saying you hoped I finally found a home here.”

“Yes,” she said slowly.

“How did you know I was looking for a home?”

Her expression didn’t change. “Mr Greaves had mentioned your parents had died. I suppose I just assumed you were looking for a fresh start.”

“You really didn’t know my parents?” Lily asked, gazing at her searchingly.

She shook her head. “No.”

The lump in Lily’s throat expanded and grew increasingly painful. She needed to get out, quickly.

“Sorry to have bothered you,” she muttered and bolted from the house.

Chapter Eighteen

For most ofher walk back to the shop, Lily was too lost in thought to notice anything around her. But the woman with the striking auburn hair caught her attention. Watching her walk along the promenade with the two other men, Lily clicked into the notes on her phone to remind herself of their names.

Kerry Cooper. Her husband, Vic, walked on her left – his bald head covered by a beige trilby hat. That left Russell on her right – the guy who wanted to buy Joseph’s share of the boat.

Walking uncomfortably slowly, Lily maintained her distance from them. She almost slowed to a stop when they paused outside of the cafe. After exchanging a few words, they went inside.

Lily had no hesitation over whether to follow them in. She waited a few minutes, though, giving them time to order and get settled.

With most of the tables occupied, it was easy to go unnoticed in the bustle. It also helped that Kerry’s group had taken a table by the window and seated themselves to look out and take in the view of Porthcressa Beach. Once Lily was at the counter, they all had their backs to her.

“I was just thinking about you,” Pippa said warmly. She gave a subtle nod towards the window.

“I saw them come in,” Lily whispered. “And I suddenly had a craving for a cappuccino.”

Pippa leaned closer. “Grab that table behind them and I’ll bring it over to you.”

“Thank you.” Lily got out her purse to pay, but Pippa waved her away.

The small round table was perfect for eavesdropping. Lily took the chair directly behind Kerry, and sat so she could easily keep an eye on the three of them, but could also turn her back to them if any of them turned around.

Engrossed in their drinks and the view, they were irritatingly quiet for a good few minutes. Finally, Kerry commented on the quality of the coffee and cake. That led to a conversation about the food at the hotel restaurant, which they were all very impressed by.

---