Page 71 of Dead in the Water

“That he wanted to be close to you and his grandson, not sailing the world. He was talking about how much he was looking forward to playing with your son and his train set.”

“We haven’t told Thomas yet. I don’t know how I’m going to break it to him. He’s only five, and he dotes on his grandad.” He paused and dragged in a breath. “Dad called me that night, right after he spoke to you. He was excited about spending more time with Thomas. He asked if he could pick him up from school a couple of times a week.”

He wiped tears away from his cheeks. “The previous few times we’d spoken he didn’t sound great. He’s not been the same since my mum died, but there’s been all this stress about the boat.” Pausing again, he caught Lily’s eye. “He mentioned that he’d talked to you about it. He was slightly concerned that he’d overshared, but he said you were easy to talk to.”

“I was happy to listen. It sounded stressful.”

“It was. But when he called me that evening he sounded different. He said he was going to sell his share of the boat to Russell for cheap. The money didn’t matter that much – it was the principle of it. He didn’t like the idea of someone taking advantage. But he said it was stupid to make himself miserable because of the principle of it. It sounded like a relief to have made the decision. He seemed positive for the first time in a long time.”

James’s bottom lip quivered and Lily’s heart squeezed at his grief. “It’s been a tough time for all of us since my mum died, but it felt like we were turning a corner. And then the next morning Joyce called me…” He trailed off and sucked in a lungful of air. “I’m sorry. I don’t even know why I came here – it’s just that dad said such nice things about you. And your ice cream. He raved about your ice cream.”

“I’m glad you came. I just wish there was something I could do to help.”

“Unfortunately, there’s nothing anyone can do.” He sat a little straighter. “I spent the day organising his belongings on the boat. I’ll take what I want back with me. The rest is boxed up to be donated whenever they get back to the mainland. I’m flying back home tomorrow.”

“I’m so sorry,” Lily said again, feeling useless. “What will happen with his share of the boat?”

“I told the rest of them I don’t care about it. Once I’ve dealt with probate, Russell can buy it from me. I honestly don’t wantanything to do with it.” He ran a hand through his hair. “It’s not entirely logical, but I can’t help but think that if it weren’t for that boat, Dad would still be here.”

“That’s understandable.”

“The whole issue with Russell is weird,” he said wistfully.

Lily squinted. “Him wanting to buy the boat?”

“No, that doesn’t surprise me. I think he was always a little put out that he hadn’t been asked to go in on it from the start. At least from what my mum said.” He shook his head dismissively. “Anyway, Russell was being pretty aggressive with dad about how much he’d pay for the boat. He claimed the boat needed work and the price should reflect that.”

Lily didn’t know Russell well, but she couldn’t imagine him haggling – not if the price was fair. “He spent three hundred quid on a bottle of wine as though it was nothing,” she blurted out, then caught James looking at her intently. “I’ve spent a bit of time with them over the last few days. Russell doesn’t seem like someone to quibble over money. He doesn’t seem to have any shortage of it either.”

“You’re right,” James said, eyes brightening. “I don’t understand it. This morning he took me aside and told me he’d pay what dad initially wanted for his share of the boat.”

“I guess he feels guilty now and wants to make amends.”

“Maybe,” James said.

Lily’s mind went to Russell talking about his feelings for Lisa. Maybe this was his way of looking out for her son as a tribute to her memory.

Another thought hit Lily. “Do you know if there would be any advantage for the other owners when your dad’s share is sold?” she asked hesitantly.

“No.” His features scrunched in confusion. “Not that I can think of. Why?”

“I don’t know. I overheard something I didn’t understand.”

“What?”

She frowned, thinking back on it. “Keith said something about it being financially good for them if Russell bought the boat.”

“Strange,” James murmured, then smiled sadly. “It only makes me more keen to sell the boat and be done with it. Whatever they’re up to, I don’t want anything to do with it.” Standing, he extended his hand. “Thank you for chatting with me. Dad was right that you’re easy to talk to.”

“It was nice to meet you. I’m only sorry for the circumstances.”

Following him outside, she got to work bringing in the tables and chairs. Then she set about making new batches of ice cream. The task wasn’t as calming as usual since her mind was firmly fixed on Joseph and the other owners of the boat.

She was missing something – she was sure of it.

And she knew she couldn’t let them leave tomorrow without figuring out what.

Chapter Thirty-Two

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