‘I can actually see both sides and I do hope you can work it out soon between you all. It can’t be much fun butting heads all the time.’
‘It’s never fun butting heads when each side is passionate. Where are you going to stay tonight, the hotel or B&B?’
‘I’ll be sleeping in my van once it’s ready, but tonight I’m staying with Sam.’
At least, she hoped that invitation was open for one more night, despite their disagreement.
‘It’s a lovely cottage he has.’
‘Yes, but I think you’re in one of the best spots on the island.’
Pete looked towards his cottage but didn’t say anything, just nodded.
‘I’d best be going,’ she said, not wanting to outstay her welcome. ‘What time do you want me reporting for duty?’
‘Eight a.m. sharp. Meeting here.’
‘I’ll see you in the morning then. Thank you for my tea.’
Taking back her references, Verity headed down the cliff path and across the bay. The tearoom was heaving when she passed and Clemmie waved in her direction as Verity weaved through the tourists wandering up and down Lighthouse Lane. Cosy Nook Cottage was up ahead and Verity was hoping everything was okay between her and Sam. As she approached the rainbow cottages, she spotted Sam standing on the doorstep talking to a woman. Verity recognised her immediately from the photographs on the internet – it was Betty! She was back from her trip.
Stopping a few feet away so as not to interrupt, Verity caught the tail-end of their conversation.
‘The vigil is coming up, Sam. You know I loved your grandfather and you know I love you, but I honestly think you have to let it lie. I don’t want to fall out with you, but no one knows what happened that night and you’re scuppering your chances of ever finding out by acting like this, especially with this feud still ongoing. You know I can’t take sides.’
‘Betty, I can’t let this lie. My gut feeling has always told me there’s more to this then it seems, and I can’t shake that feeling. I think there’s something we don’t know.’
‘Or it could have just been the tragic accident it appeared to be at the time.’
‘That logbook tells us they were on shift together so where was he? Why wasn’t he there?’
‘Over the years we’ve had the same conversation and I know it’s always especially raw for you around the time of the anniversary, but you know he’ll turn up at the remembrance vigil and you need to make peace with that. He deserves to be able to pay his respects too.’ Betty touched his arm briefly before she walked away.
Verity wanted to meet Betty and share what she’d discovered about Joe and the book, hoping that the woman could shed a little more light on the situation, but now didn’t seem the right moment to introduce herself, so she kept her head down until Betty had passed.
Knocking on the cottage door a moment later, Verity stood and waited, feeling a little apprehensive. She didn’t like any sort of conflict and there appeared to be a wealth of it between Sam and Pete. Jimmy barked and could be heard frantically sniffing on the other side of the door, and when Sam opened it Verity was relieved to be greeted with a smile.
‘You came back. I wasn’t sure if you would.’
‘For one night only, if you’ll have me?’ She gave him a hopeful smile and crossed her fingers.
‘Only one night?’
‘Hetty has survived and I can get her back tomorrow!’
‘Wow! How lucky are you?’
‘Very lucky.’
‘Are you hungry?’
‘I’m ravenous and that smell is making me even hungrier.’ Verity stepped into the living room then popped her head into the kitchen.
‘Homemade lasagne and garlic bread.’
‘A man of many talents.’
‘A glass of wine?’
