Page 68 of Death on the Rocks

“There’s more,” Flynn said, stopping him in his tracks.

“More?” he echoed.

With great effort, Flynn refrained from rolling his eyes at the sergeant’s exasperated tone. “It seems the suspect and the deceased were involved in illegal activity together.”

“What kind of illegal activity?” the sergeant growled, as though the crimes were Flynn’s fault.

“Vincent Roth was coercing young women into naked photoshoots,” he stated flatly. “Later he and Marc uploaded the photos to an internet site. In some cases, I believe they blackmailed the women to keep them from reporting it. And it seems that some of the women were underage teenagers.”

The sergeant stood rooted to the spot. “You have proof of this?”

“Yes, sarge.”

In a rush of movement, he stalked to the window and threw his hands up. “For Christ’s sake,” he grumbled, then turned and glared at Flynn.

PC Grainger felt nothing but annoyance. “You realise I haven’t done anything wrong,” he said firmly.

“That’s yet to be established.” He strode over to the chair opposite Flynn and sat heavily. “You better tell me everything from the beginning. Let’s just hope you’ve done everything by the book.”

Obediently, Flynn opened his notepad.

It took the best part of an hour for him to debrief the sergeant, and then another couple of hours to write up his report.

The sergeant, apparently in better health, spent that time making phone calls to their colleagues on the mainland – making a plan for moving Marc over there.

With his report finished, Flynn waited for the sergeant to finish his latest phone call.

“I could escort the prisoner tomorrow,” Flynn suggested. Maybe the offer would help get him in the sergeant’s good books. It would also mean a day away from the Scillies. Some time back in civilisation would be a welcome relief.

Sergeant Proctor sighed. “I’ll think about it.”

“I can also sleep at the station tonight if you want me to stay with the prisoner.” Someone needed to be there. “If you’re still not feeling great…”

“I’m fine,” he grumbled. “You can go home. I’ll handle things from here.”

“If you’re sure…” He could have sworn he detected a softening of the sergeant’s tone. That could only be a good thing.

“See you tomorrow, PC Grainger,” he said without glancing up from the paperwork in front of him.

Chapter Forty-Three

It occurredto Lily that PC Grainger had meant it in an official sense when he’d said he’d call her. Really, he’d probably meant thatsomeonewould be in touch – not necessarily him, and not necessarily soon. That didn’t stop her from checking her phone regularly over the course of the day.

Over lunch in the pub she’d told Seren and Kit – and a few others – about the events of the morning. When Kit had to get to work, he insisted on taking Lily with him.

She felt like a VIP sitting at the front of the electric train with him. His charisma, combined with his extensive knowledge of the islands, turned what she expected to be a cute tour of the island into a riveting hour that went by in a blink. It was a testament to how excellent he was at his job that he could keep Lily’s attention so effortlessly given all that was going on in her head.

“That was exactly what I needed today,” she said at the end of the tour. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He hopped out of the train, then turned back to her. “By the way, was my mum useful with her information about the owner of the ice cream shop?”

“She remembered the name of the owner so that was really helpful.”

His smile was full of warmth. “So you found what you were looking for?”

“I don’t know.” She pressed her lips together. “I’m not sure what I was looking for. And I’m not convinced there was anything to be found.” But maybe that was exactly the answer she needed so she could start making plans for her future.

A small boy appeared beside Kit’s legs, interrupting them. “Can you make me a balloon animal?” he asked. Kit had promised them to anyone who wanted one at the end of the tour.

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