Page 81 of Dead in the Water

A distant shout had her head snapping up and her ears pricked. She was fairly certain they were arguing up on deck, though she couldn’t make out anything clearly.

The noise continued for a few minutes.

There was a bump, as though the boat hit something.Please let it be another boat knocking into them.

Shouting continued, as did Lily’s fruitless attempt to hear what was going on.

“Lily!”

The familiar voice had her shoulders sagging in relief. A moment later the wardrobe door slid open and the clothes above her shifted.

Flynn crouched down and beamed at her. “Sorry to cut your Mediterranean trip short.”

She didn’t get up, but pushed her palm against her forehead. “I was starting to think you weren’t coming.”

“Of course I was coming,”

“I think Vic killed Joseph,” she said. “You can do forensic testing on his shirt, right? See if it really is blood and if it’s Joseph’s blood?”

“Yes. It looks as though the post-mortem report will confirm that his death wasn’t an accident too.”

“Really?”

“Yes. The angle of the skull fracture isn’t consistent with a fall. We also have a witness saying she heard arguing at the harbour on the evening of Joseph’s death. If nothing else, it’s highly suspicious that no one on the boat reported hearing anything.”

“Because Vic drugged them all with sleeping pills.”

“Seriously?”

“I think so.” She smiled sadly. “How did you get here?”

“I commandeered a couple of boats.” His eyes sparkled with amusement.

“What’s so funny?” she asked.

“I’ve never been in a boat chase before.” He bit down on his lower lip. “It’s so much fun! Also, you’re a stowaway. This is a great day!”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” She extended her hand and he pulled her out.

It took her by surprise when he immediately wrapped his arms around her, but she didn’t complain.

“You had me a little worried there,” he muttered into her hair.

She sagged against him, nestling her face against his neck and inhaling the scent of him. “Iwas more than a little worried.”

After a moment, she peeled herself off him.

“Where’s the shirt?” he asked. “With the blood stains.”

“Oh.” She grimaced and looked down at her waist. “I thought I’d need to get past them and I didn’t have anywhere to put it so I hid it in plain sight.”

“That’s the shirt?” Flynn pointed.

“Yeah.” She undid it and held it out.

He pulled an evidence bag from a pocket and opened it up for her to drop it in.

“Is the sergeant going to be having a word with me about the improper handling of evidence?”

---