Page 49 of Death on the Rocks

“Your breakfast is ready,” he said with a sympathetic smile. “Do you feel like eating?”

“Not really, but I should have something.” She straightened up, then gave Lily’s arm a pat as she passed her. “Enjoy your day, and the rest of your holiday, if we don’t see you later. It looks as though we’ll be leaving in the morning.”

“Take care,” Lily said as the front door closed behind them, leaving her wondering what Alanna had been about to say. She rubbed at her temples and tried not to let her brain get caught up with dissecting everything Alanna had said. Just as with everything else she’d found, she’d let PC Grainger know, and then it was off her plate for good.

Her phone rang just as she set off down the lane. Seeing the unknown number flash on the screen, she hesitated over answering it. At the last minute, she realised it might have been the solicitor, Mr Greaves, but she’d already missed the call.

It turned out not to be him, anyway. A message popped up immediately. It was Kit, who’d got her number from Seren. Apparently, his mum remembered the owner of the ice cream shop and would be happy to talk to her if she was still interested. He included his mum’s address and phone number, and saidshe was always happy to have visitors if Lily wanted to call by. Excitedly, Lily tapped out a message expressing her gratitude. She pondered the idea of calling his mum, but decided an in-person conversation would be easier.

She’d pay her a visit and then she’d visit PC Grainger.

After that, she was officially in holiday mode.

Chapter Thirty-One

At Old TownLily could make out a couple of boats bobbing in the bay. A misty haze lingered in the air, but it seemed the weather forecast was right that the fog was lifting. If it turned out to be a clear day tomorrow, she could get out and see the sights and enjoy her last day on the island before she went back to establish some kind of real life.

Stopping at the end of the quiet lane, Lily gazed out over the horseshoe beach and the peaceful bay.

Real life:what did that even mean? She’d be back at her rented flat in Truro, and was sure that finding a job would be a good move. Was that enough though? Was it really a life she wanted?

She shook the thoughts from her head, deciding to focus on the task in front of her for now.

Sucking in a lungful of salty air, she turned to the gate beside her. The sign read ‘Treneary House’, so she was certain she had the right place. There was no bell, so she unlatched the gate and set off slowly along the path to the house which loomed up on the headland.

“Hello!” a sing-song voice called out to her as she approached. An angelic-looking little girl swung her hips, making her flowy skirt sweep around her knees.

“Hi,” Lily said, glancing behind the girl, searching for an adult.

“Are you Mirren’s friend?” The girl was probably around six or seven and eyed Lily with open curiosity.

“I don’t know her,” Lily said. “But I am looking for her.”

She giggled. “Why are you looking for her if you don’t know her?”

Again, Lily glanced behind the child, assuming an adult would appear at any moment. “I just wanted to ask her something. Her son told me she might be able to help me…”

“She has five sons,” the girl said.

“Oh.” Lily gave a small smile. “It was Kit.”

“Kit is very nice. He drives the train and he taught me to swim and he’s very funny. Trystan is my daddy.”

“Right,” Lily said, maintaining her weak smile. “Is Mirren here?”

“Yes. She’s my granny.”

Lily shifted her weight. “Do you think you could get her?”

“She’s putting my brother in bed for his nap. He’s just a baby and he cries when he gets tired. He was crying a lot today.”

“I see. Maybe I should come back later.”

“It’s okay. You can come in and wait. My name is Ellie. Do you want to be my friend?”

Lily gazed down at her, thinking that someone needed to teach the child a thing or two about safety. “You shouldn’t invite people into your house if you don’t know them.”

“But you know Kit,” Ellie said, “so it’s okay.”

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