Page 33 of The Sunken Truth

“Maybe we should go over to St. Martin’s. Even if they’re not there, we can have a snoop around and see if we can find anything.”

“We’re not actually allowed to do that, you know?”

She flashed him a smile. “That doesn’t usually stop me.”

Chapter Fifteen

Since the ferrywasn’t due back for hours, they made their way to the hotel at Hell’s Bay, thinking the popular bar and restaurant there might be their best shot at finding someone with a boat to give them a ride to St. Martin’s.

The landlady scanned the room when they explained their predicament. “It’s all visitors at the moment,” she said. “No locals, I’m afraid. I’d take you myself, but I’m short on staff today so I can’t leave. If you hang around, no doubt someone will turn up who can help you out.”

“I’m hungry,” Lily said to Flynn, grateful at the suggestion of staying a while. “Shall we get food?”

The landlady tipped her head to the terrace. “Grab a table outside and enjoy the view. I’ll send someone to take your order.”

“Thanks, Maddie.” Lily smiled at her before they went outside. The panoramic view made her stop and stare at the endless stretch of water sparkling under the intense sunshine.

“How do you know the owner?” Flynn asked, moving to sit at a table for two.

“I came in here for lunch with Seren a couple of weeksago. We’d been to visit Lowen’s pottery studio. Have you been there?”

“No. Is it near here?”

Nodding, she pointed to the long strip of beach. “Just down there, but it’s hidden by the sand dunes.”

“Lowen has a boat. Maybe he can take us to St. Martin’s.”

“True,” Lily said.

“Why do you sound as though you don’t want to get a lift with him?”

“I’m very happy to. Are you going to let me eat first, though?”

He laughed and stretched his legs out in front of him. “Yes.”

“Good. I’ll get hangry otherwise. That’s no fun for anyone.”

They ordered burgers and sat quietly, basking in the sunshine and listening to the gentle rush of water against the shore.

“I saw Glynis this morning,” Lily finally said.

“Yeah? How is she?”

“Seems to be doing well.” She paused. “Maria’s back.”

“Really?”

Lily nodded. “Apparently she arrived back yesterday.”

“You should have said.” Flynn’s eyebrows pulled together. “I wouldn’t have dragged you along with me if I’d known. You probably wanted to go and talk to her.”

“It’s fine.” Lily picked at the corner of her thumbnail. “There’s no rush.”

“You’ve been desperate for her to get back so you can question her,” Flynn pointed out.

“Yes. But…” She trailed off and shook her head. “Never mind.”

Flynn looked at her intently. “You don’t have to speak to her if you don’t want to.”