Page 23 of Bay of Plenty

“Any minute now,” I said to him,“we’re going to be picked up for swim club.We have swim club every day now.”

“Obstreperous girl,” the priest snarled as I grabbed Kingi’s hand and led him away.

“You were brave then.” Kui grasped my shoulders. “And you still are.” She took a deep breath. “I want to say something. I’m sure your interviewing methods work in London, but they’re all wrong for here. I watched you at dinner last night. You’re too aggressive and obvious. Asking Rosemary all those legal questions. And Rina said today that Bevan was upset when she arrived home last night.” Rina was the school’s principal and had probably popped into the library. “You perked up when I mentioned my niece who works at the police station, like you were planning to show up there. Don’t turn up to people’s place of business like someone official. You’re not official. You’re an ordinary person here. Usethat instead. But first, you have to demonstrate an interest in people.”

I opened my mouth to protest.

“Agenuineinterest in people.”

Kui was right. In London, it was easy to disappear when the job was done. But not in a small town on a small island.

“Thanks, Kui. I do appreciate your support and advice. So, for starters, I’m assuming the kingpin is Snow?”

Her face stiffened. “This is what I mean when I say your questions don’t work here.” She sighed. “But, no, it’s not Snow. That’s why Kingi sent you this note. Kingi is sure that Snow is innocent, and I am too. He’s been Kingi’s best mate, even when Kingi was in and out of jail. He’s a good person.”

My ears started ringing. The books seemed to teeter toward me. “I find that difficult to believe.” I tugged a book from its shelf and shoved it back in. “Snow tormented me in high school. And it’s hard to believe he could now be one of the good guys. How could he change so much?”

Her forehead creased deeper. “I heard about the bullying afterward. But I never saw it because I kept to the library. I’m sorry it happened, but it sounded like it was those two girls, Cazza and Lolly.”

I had an awful flash of them—Cazza, short ponytails sticking out all over her head, cracking up wherever she went. She laughed so hard she collapsed on whoever was nearest. Lolly was captain of every sports team, and she made swinging motions, tennis serves, softball strikes while she called me names—each swing, each hateful name scoring a direct hit.

“It was Snow, after Janey died. I’d turned fourteen. Those girls always went to him first and got their orders, and then they’d rain on me.” My shoulders sagged inwards. “He knewI’d told Sarge about Janey’s note to him. He even warned me. Told me he was going to make my life utterly miserable.”

Kui gripped a random book on the shelf. “I know he was mean to boys on the playing fields at school and in the surf. Snow’s father… well, your mother told you, poor boy. Now and again, I still see that burst of anger. But he tries so hard not to be that person anymore.”

I took a deep breath. I was going to have to lie about understanding why people liked Snow.

I held out my hands. “Tell me how I should do this.”

She sighed, relieved. “Your questions must be part of the natural rhythm and order of our lives. Everyone in this town is connected in ways you don’t even realize. How do I know? I’m a justice of the peace and the school bus driver when my cousin calls in sick. I’m leading the book club here in ten minutes.AndI’m their yoga teacher after book club.”

I nodded. “Why don’t I meet you here after book club? I’ll walk you to yoga.”

She smiled at me. “You might be surprised what you learn.”

Chapter Fourteen

My head stillwhirling, I headed back to my bedroom. The door was slightly ajar.

“Yeah, the promotion is everything—means I’ll see more of her,” Declan was saying. I stepped in, and he glanced up at me. “Okay, mate, got to go,” he said, and hung up quickly.

My mind stuck on one phrase.See more of her. Who?

I shook off the question and showed him Kingi’s note. He was pleased it confirmed our findings so far. I suggested Kingi might know more, and we should try and find him. “Too far for such a long shot.” His tone was final. “Let’s stick to my plan.”

Burying my frustration, I reviewed my notes and typed up a story pitch for my prospective editor, Felicity Barnfield of theUK News. Declan called and asked her to keep the case and his identity confidential, and then he stepped out of the room.

Switching on the camera, I pitched the story to her. Everything about Felicity was pointy, from her nose to her shoes, cruelly lampooned as uptight by the men of Fleet Street. But I’d always found her warm and encouraging.

“Ah,” she said with deep satisfaction after I’d finished my pitch. “Embedded with the National Crime Agency. Perfect.That gives us the watertight credibility we need. And offsets the fact that your motivation is obviously clearing your parents’ names.” She took a deep breath. “And the story? A heroin ring operating in an idyllic surf town of only ten thousand people? Brilliant.”

We talked for half an hour until I brought up expenses. She couldn’t have me on the books until the story was ready to go. I was disappointed by that but not surprised. I could have used the money for rental car and living expenses and to pay bills back in London. Instead, I’d have to dip into the last of my savings.

Still, a surge of excitement raced through me as I typed up our conversation until it was time to meet Kui. I wanted to try her way of investigating, but it was hard to believe I’d find anything out on our walk to yoga.

*

When I saw Kui outside the library, I drew back, startled.

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