Page 40 of And Then There Was You

Thirty-Four Zach

Merryn Rowe is fast becoming the best thing that’s happened to me. Working alongside her at the proposal picnic – and what happened when we returned to her home – confirmed it for me.

I haven’t felt this way about someone for a long time. I might never have felt as much for someone. It’s thrilling and terrifying how quickly I’ve fallen for her. And I sense that she feels the same.

It makes me want to do whatever I can to make her happy – including assisting her in the search for Grant Henderson.

But the news from Jack Dixon, when it comes, is frustrating.

The previous landlord had the house on the market for thirteen months after giving his tenants notice. Hours after the sale to Brotherson Developments went through, he suffered a major heart attack, underwent surgery and never woke up from the anaesthetic.

It feels like a dead end, not helped by my own door-to-door enquiries that drew blanks at every turn.

I need to think of something else.

In the meantime, my shifts at Pengelly’s have begun in earnest, two extra shifts already under my belt when the launch attracted a sold-out crowd for the first weekend.

When I arrive, Luke greets me at the door, brandishing a newspaper.

‘Seen this? It’s a triumph!’

He hands it to me – and I see Zanna Venn’s piece about me. The photo of us in front of Pengelly’s takes up half a page, a fortuitously placed advert for the restaurant underneath.

I’ve been dreading how this might turn out. Nice though Zanna was, I’ve learned to my cost that you never trust what journalists say until you see what they print.

This is a good surprise.

It’s not every restaurant in West Cornwall that can boast a former national and European champion, but Pengelly’s on St Ives Harbour can do just that.

Zach Trevelyan, recently retired from the pro-surfing world, is forging a new path serving delicious food and local ales and spirits to visitors and locals alike.

Pengelly’s, the brainchild of local restaurateur Luke Pengelly and business partner, Scott Mayfield, opened last week to packed tables and rave reviews.

Billed as the go-to destination for foodies, it promises a locally sourced, seasonal menu supporting local food and drink providers across the south-west.

‘We knew we had a gem in Zach when he applied to join the team,’ Luke Pengelly told the Cornwall Daily News , ‘but learning of his stellar pro-surfing career confirmed it.’

Trevelyan plays down his starry status, but is clearly relishing his new role. ‘I’ve always loved a challenge, and I’m excited to see what happens.’

‘Perfect, huh?’ Luke beams. ‘And she got in all the info I gave her. This is going to bring the punters in!’

Later, in the welcome silence of the studio, I look again at the copy of the paper Luke gave me. Zanna promised she’d write something positive and she did.

So what could she do with a real story?

Beside the newspaper is the business card she gave me.

Before me, the proof I need that she would do justice to whatever story she was given.

I make the call before I can think better of it, or question whether I should take this to Merryn first. The call connects but directs immediately to voicemail.

I take a deep breath before I leave my message.

‘Zanna, hi, it’s Zach Trevelyan. Thanks for the article about Pengelly’s – it’s great. Luke is over the moon. Listen, I might have a story for you . . .’

*

It happens with surprising speed.

Merryn loves the idea, as does Zanna. Before I know it, we’re all gathered around a table in Sweet Reverie, a voice recorder placed between Merryn and Zanna, a notebook and pen ready beside it.

‘How is this going to work?’ Nerves play in Merryn’s question.

‘We’ll just chat,’ Zanna assures her. ‘I’ll take notes of everything alongside the recording and I’ll check every detail with you before I include it.’

‘Right. And this will be a piece in the paper?’

The journalist folds her hands on the table.

‘More than that. An appeal, championed by the Cornwall Daily News , across print and online media. We add to the story as the search goes on, seek support and help from our readership across the county and build this into the biggest human interest story the paper’s ever covered. ’

‘But if we don’t find him . . .’

‘Then it’ll add to the mystery. My editor loves it and, trust me, Frank doesn’t get excited about a story often.’

I squeeze Merryn’s hand where it rests on my knee under the table. ‘This could work. I really believe it.’

Her gaze is still as she looks at me, the slightest hint of uncertainty in her eyes. ‘If you’re with me, I’ll be fine.’

I would kiss away every concern from her right now if we didn’t have an interview to record. There will be time for that when Zanna leaves. ‘Ready?’

She nods. ‘Let’s do it.’