“I felt bad about that. Truly, I did.” Betsy’s black eyes glittered cunningly.
Bea didn’t believe a word. “You’ve never felt bad about a thing in your life.”
Betsy grinned. “Now, you could be right about that. Iwantto feel bad, but I’m not sure I do.”
“What about the evidence in the cave? Whose blouse was that?”
“Mary’s, of course.”
“Why didn’t the police match the DNA?”
“No DNA back then, was there? I’m sure if there’s any left on it, they’re matching it to her grandchildren now. But they haven’t said a thing to me about it, and I’m not sure how those things work. It’ll likely be used in the case against my brother when the time comes, if they manage it.”
“You’ll let him take the fall?”
“I haven’t decided on that yet. I’m thinking about it.” Betsy tapped a finger to her chin, as though lost in deep thought. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
Bea glared at Betsy. “You’re unhinged, a sociopath.”
Betsy shrugged. “It’s possible. But I’m also a mother and a grandmother, a sister, and a friend. Everything I’ve done has been to keep the people I love safe. And I’m sure you’d do the same.”
“I’d never kill someone or let another person take her life because she was made to think she was crazy over my crimes.”
“You don't know what you might do until you’re in the situation. When you’re worried about your baby, you might do almost anything at all.”
“Why are you telling me this? You know I’ll report it.”
Betsy inhaled a slow breath. “Sometimes a load can get a bit too heavy to carry for another mile. I don’t want to carry this secret any longer. It’s time to let it go. Besides, as I said before, maybe no one will believe you. Don’t be like your mother — move on with your life. It’ll be best for you and for the island if we can put this drama to bed and let it rest.”
Beatrice’s nostrils flared. She wanted to scream, shout, slap that silly half-smile off Betsy’s wrinkled old face. Instead, she spun on her heel and stormed from the shop. She was half infuriated and half scared to death. She hadn’t been certain that Betsy would let her leave after baring her soul that way. She was afraid she’d pull out a knife or chase her down. But she wasn’t a young woman any longer, and maybe what she’d said was true. Why would anyone believe that Betsy would simply open up and share her crimes the way she had? Regardless, Bea had to do what she could — she’d make an appointment to see the detective in charge of the case. He’d surely listen to her this time. There was no way he could ignore her now.
Eleven
The entire cornerof Main Street opposite the dock no longer held Bea’s Coffee and Eveleigh’s Books. Instead, the corner had been transformed into a sleek, modern, almost entirely white tourist office. Charmaine marched down Main Street, a book of floral arrangements beneath one arm, and stared agape at the new construction. She’d already seen it dozens of times, but today it was open, and she was going inside. There was something appealing about the sparkling glass windows and the gleaming white paint she hadn’t noticed before, even if the entire building was a stark reminder of what had been lost.
The construction was finally complete. Evie and Bradford had been there all morning moving office equipment into the space, according to Evie. She’d called Charmaine earlier to ask her to come over with some ideas for a regular flower delivery for the office.
She spied Evie through the window. Her red curls were piled on top of her head, and she wore a pair of denim overalls and a pink shirt beneath it. Knee-high pink-striped socks completed the ensemble. She looked cute, young, and carefree as she waved to Charmaine.
The front door was ajar, so Charmaine stepped inside, scanning the room as she went. She marvelled at how new and perfect every aspect of the office was.
“This is amazing,” she said.
“Does it look like a hospital? I told Bradford we need a bit more colour.”
“You can add accents, but this is great,” Charmaine replied. “I love it. Very streamlined.”
“That’s true,” Evie replied. “Not my style, but then it’s not about me. I’m only the employee.”
“How is everything coming together?” Charmaine asked, sitting in a chair and crossing her legs.
Evie sat across from her. “It’s going well. The construction was only a couple of weeks behind schedule. Bradford has taken the boat back to the mainland to get another load of supplies to bring over, and we’re on track to open in a few days’ time. It’s going to be scary, but I’m looking forward to it.”
“Do you think you’ll enjoy being a tourist guide?” Charmaine asked.
“I really do. Brad has already promised to teach me how to scuba dive and sail, so eventually I can take customers out on tours and not be stuck behind the desk. But for now, I’m going to learn the business here, in the office.”
“I’m kind of jealous, I have to admit,” Charmaine replied with pursed lips.
