Page 60 of Dead in the Water

Maybe James had finished packing everything up and gone back to the hotel.

The luxurious seating area in the galley made Flynn’s eyes widen, just as they had the previous evening when he’d done a quick internet search to check the price range of yachts this size.

Venturing further, he descended another few steps into a narrow hallway. He called out again as he approached an open door.

The guy who’d been bent over a large cardboard box straightened up. He was probably only a few years older than Flynn. The weariness on his features didn’t shift as he moved to sit heavily on the edge of the bed.

“I thought I’d been over everything with Sergeant Proctor,” he grumbled. “What else do you need from me?”

“Everything is taken care of.” Inwardly, Flynn winced, concerned he’d made an error in judgement by coming to the boat. “I didn’t mean to bother you. I only wanted to check in and see if you had questions about anything.”

“Sergeant Proctor went over everything. Unless you think he’s missed something?”

“No,” Flynn said quickly. “I’m sure he didn’t.”

The guy removed his glasses and rubbed at the corner of his eye. “Sorry. I’m not usually so grumpy.”

“No apology necessary. You can be as grumpy as you want. And I’ll leave you in peace if you’d prefer. Or if there’s anything I can do to help, just say the word.”

“I’m not sure there’s anything you can do to help, but I appreciate the offer.”

Flynn extended his hand and introduced himself. “If there’s anything we can help with, just call the station. Even if it’s something small. We’re happy to help if we can.”

“Thank you.” James dragged his hands through his already mussed up hair.

“I thought the other boat owners would be around to help.”

A shadow of a smile passed over James’s face. “Keith was here, but he wasn’t much help. Then Joyce turned up. She kept blubbering and it was driving me mad. I snapped at the pair of them and told them to leave.”

Flynn smiled sadly.

“I know they mean well and were only trying to help. I shouldn’t have been so short with them.”

“I’m sure they won’t hold it against you, given the circumstances.” Flynn leaned against the door frame. “I assume you know them pretty well.”

He nodded. “Since I was a teenager. My parents used to be very fond of their little group of friends.”

“Used to be?”

“Apparently if you want to stay friends with people, you shouldn’t buy a yacht with them.”

“I heard it caused some tension.”

“Just a bit,” James said sarcastically. “They all got on so well when their friendship was limited to a meal every couple of weeks, and a weekend away every now and then. It was as though they didn’t really get to know each other until they bought the boat.” He gave a subtle shrug. “My mum also got ill soon after they bought it, so I guess that didn’t help the situation.”

“I’m sorry,” Flynn said softly, then glanced around the room. Clothes lay strewn across the bed, and open drawers displayed assorted papers and personal items. “Do you really need to do this now?”

“No. I could wait and do it back at St Ives, but I want it out of the way. Plus, I don’t like the thought that someone else might go through it.”

Flynn tensed. “They shouldn’t, since it’s not their property.”

“I’m not sure that would stop certain people.” He sighed. “Plus, it’s their boat.”

“Not entirely. Your dad owned an equal share of it, didn’t he? I’m assuming that share will pass to you?”

“As soon as it’s through probate, I’m selling it to Russell.” The bitterness in his tone was chilling. “I don’t want anything to do with it.”

“Do you get on with Russell?”

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