‘That really isn’t Sam’s style. Like I said, he’s protecting himself.’
‘I can understand that. I’ll just have to keep living in hope that there’s a decent man out there for me.’
‘Talk to him. It might be easier now the truth is out about Joe.’
‘Why didn’t you ever tell Sam about your hat being in the water?’
‘I suppose because Sam was so angry, and because it meant I’d have had to go into the whole story about Hetty and why I was late for my shift. Even after all these years, the memories still feel too raw.’
‘And now?’
‘I thought I’d done something wrong to make her leave, and then, with Joe’s passing, my sadness and grief consumed me. But now I know the reason she left, I understand. I just wish I’d heard it from her.’
‘It may all have been too difficult for Granny too.’
‘I get that…and she probably assumed Betty would tell me the truth at some point.’
They finished their tea and were lost in their own thoughts for a while, Then a voice bellowed from the cliff path, ‘Pete, why aren’t you down at The Island Hall?’
Betty was standing on the cliff path, waving her arms. She hurried towards them.
‘Get yourself down to the bay. You’ve had a hell of a lot to say about the barriers in the last six months…’ She trailed off as she glanced towards the cottage. ‘Nice flowers, and thank God you’re chucking away those dusty old rugs. What’s brought all this on?’
‘Closure, new start.’
‘Glad to hear it. Welcome back, Pete!’ She pressed a swift kiss to his cheek. ‘Now come on, I’ll see you down there.’ Betty disappeared as quickly as she’d appeared.
Pete chuckled. ‘Despite everything, friends are the best thing that can ever happen to anyone. Even though she’s bossy and we have our differences, Betty does make the best lemon drizzle cake and the finest breakfast I’ve ever tasted. I’d best show my face.’ He stood up.
‘How are you feeling about the vote?’
‘This is not to be repeated, as I don’t want people thinking I’m softening in my old age, but I can see it from both sides. I just want everything to be settled and drama-free.’
‘I understand that feeling. I hate to tell you, but you’re already a softie. I could see that from the moment I met you, even though you shouted at me to remove myself from the cliff top.’
‘I’m sorry about that.’ He gave her a smile.
‘What’s your plan for later?’
‘I’m going to sand and paint these windows and get this cottage back to life, and at three o’clock I’ll make my way to the harbour and hear the result.’
‘Do you want any help? I’m not the best at painting but I can’t go wrong with the sanding.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely. It’ll stop me checking my emails every two minutes or waiting for the postman to find my van.’
‘Cooper will interview you, without a doubt.’
‘I hope so,’ replied Verity, crossing her fingers. ‘Give me a second. I’ll get changed and come with you to The Island Hall.’
* * *
Ten minutes later they wandered across the bay. The wheels of democracy were fully in motion, the islanders filing towards the temporary voting station. The whole thing was being taken very seriously. Betty was holding a clipboard and checking everyone’s ID at the door, even though she knew them all. Verity was greatly amused.
‘Good morning!’ she called to Clemmie and Amelia, who were walking down together.
‘There she is! We’ve heard rumours that you’re applying for a job with Cooper?’ Clemmie linked her arm through Verity’s. ‘How blooming marvellous.’
