Page 19 of Dead in the Water (Lily Larkin Mysteries #4)

Chapter Nineteen

Knowing that Joseph’s friends had frequented the hotel bar every evening during their stay at the Star Castle, meant Lily didn’t have to do a lot of detective work to track them down.

She spotted Kerry, Vic and Russell as soon as she entered the underground bar.

Keeping her gaze fixed on Sean, she walked up to him and exchanged greetings before ordering a glass of white wine. He poured her a drink, and was immediately drawn away to serve other customers.

After a long swig of wine, she turned and feigned surprise as she caught Kerry’s eye.

“Hello!” she said with a manic little wave.

Kerry responded with a bemused smile.

“We met at the ice cream shop,” Lily said, approaching the group.

“Oh yes,” Kerry said, though Lily would swear she still didn’t recognise her.

“I went on the train yesterday with Joyce and Keith. I was so sorry to hear about your friend.” She tipped her head in a display of sympathy, then thrust her hand out.

“I’m Lily, by the way.” She shook each of their hands, repeating their names as though she didn’t already know them.

“I don’t want to bother you, but I just wanted to say I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s just devastating.”

“Yes,” Vic said. “You never think something like this will happen to a friend.”

“It feels like a bad dream.” Kerry lifted her lips to smile at Lily. “But people around here are so wonderfully kind. It makes a difference at a time like this.”

“How’s Joyce today?” Lily asked.

“Holding up.” Kerry nodded sagely. “She was probably the closest to Joseph and she’s been struggling. She’s gone for an early night. Hopefully she’ll sleep better tonight. A lack of sleep makes things even more unbearable.”

“Fingers crossed,” Lily said, struggling to know how to draw the conversation out. “I should leave you in peace…”

“Great ice cream, by the way,” Russell said. “Possibly the best mint choc chip I’ve ever tasted.”

“Thank you.” She dipped her chin. “You should call in again if you have time.”

His smile was all charm. “We might just do that.”

“You should,” Lily said, running with the idea. “I’d love to see you.” She held Russell’s gaze for an extended moment, smiling sweetly. Then she backed away and returned to prop up the bar.

When Sean wandered over, his eyes were on the group at the side of the room. “Were you just flirting with him?”

“I don’t know.” Lily winced. “Maybe.”

“He must be about twice your age.”

“It’s not as though I fancy him,” she said, brows pulling tightly together. “I just thought…”

He leaned onto the bar. “You thought he might be a murderer and that turns you on?”

“Oh, my god!” She shot him a contemptuous look. “Did you really just say that?”

He raised his hands. “You’re the one with a kink for criminals. Don’t give me your judgemental looks.”

“I don’t have a thing for…” She trailed off and rolled her eyes. “I thought he might be more likely to come to the shop tomorrow if I fluttered my eyelashes a little. He seems like the sort of guy who’d respond to that.”

“And you want him to visit your shop so you can seduce him?”

“No!” She took a sip of her wine. “I just wanted to make a connection so I can find out more about Joseph’s death.” Not that it was likely to lead to anything. If her information was correct, Joseph’s son would arrive tomorrow, so she was running out of time to investigate.

Lingering at the bar, she tried to listen in on Kerry’s conversation with her companions, but they were too far away. She could make out the occasional word, but nothing that made any sense, or that sounded overly interesting.

Towards the end of her drink, she swivelled on her stool, looking for Sean so she could pay and get home to bed. A glance at her phone showed a message from Flynn, but she decided it could wait.

Sean was just coming over to her when she felt a presence beside her.

“I’d like the bill, please,” Russell’s husky voice commanded. “Add this wine to it as well.” He pointed at Lily’s glass. “And a nightcap. Whiskey.” His eyes slid to Lily. “Care to join me?”

“I’m not a fan of whiskey,” she said automatically, then cursed the missed opportunity to hang around and chat with him. “I could drink another wine, though.”

He nodded and picked up her glass, swilling the dregs before sticking his nose into the glass. “Get her something decent this time,” he said without looking at Sean. “Not this cheap rubbish.”

“O–kay,” Sean said, dragging the word out and catching Lily’s eye before moving away.

He returned a moment later with their drinks, the bill and a card reader. Sneakily, Lily clocked the total, then shifted to see what exactly had got them to such a high number. Apparently, he wasn’t cheap when it came to alcohol, only yachts.

“Cheers,” Lily said, clinking her glass against his, then taking a sip. It might be more expensive, but her untrained palette struggled to discern why. “Sorry again about your friend.”

“Thank you.” He stared into his tumbler.

“Had you known him long?”

He nodded. “Yes, but let’s not talk about such depressing subjects. Tell me about yourself. Cheer me up.”

“There’s not much to tell,” she said slowly. “The ice cream shop takes most of my time.”

“Do you own the place?”

She nodded, not wanting to get into the technicalities of not owning the building.

“Do you buy the ice cream in or make it yourself?”

“I make it myself.”

His eyes widened. “Impressive. How did you get into that business?”

“By accident really.” She forced her shoulders to relax and flashed her brightest smile. “I’ve always loved ice cream, though.”

“Don’t we all,” he said, amused. “It must be a nice life, living on such a picturesque island. Too quiet for my liking, but I imagine you find ways to entertain yourself.”

“I do seem to be pretty good at that.” Her smile came naturally, and she took another sip of wine. “What about you?” she asked, the alcohol loosening her tongue. “What’s your life like?”

“There’s a question. It’s mostly business deals and sailing.”

“Sailing?” she echoed, hoping he’d expand.

“I’ve always been happiest out on the water. That’s how I ended up here. We came by yacht. The plan was to head down to the Med, but that looks to be out of the window now.”

“I’ve never been on a yacht,” Lily said. “It sounds like the height of luxury.”

“It’s the best way to travel.” He leaned closer. “Or not travel. Staying still is fine too. Sitting on the deck on a sunny day with turquoise water below you and bright blue skies above. Put a drink in my hand and I’m in my element. Nothing better in the world.”

“I’m adding it to my bucket list,” Lily said, pressing her lips together.

“Don’t bother…” He trailed a finger over her bare upper arm in a way that made her stomach tighten.

“I thought you were going to bed,” Kerry said, appearing behind them with her husband at her side.

“Just taking a small detour,” Russell said, eyes fixed on Lily. “I’ve been having a lovely chat with Lily about how she makes her own ice cream.”

“How nice,” Kerry said, an undertone of annoyance to her words.

Russell’s eyebrows twitched as he smiled. “She’s going to join us on the boat tomorrow, aren’t you Lily?”

She’d definitely been angling for an invitation, but his lecherous smile and the lingering feel of his fingers against her skin made it seem like a very bad idea.

She swallowed the last of her wine and forced a smile. “I’d love to,” she said brightly.