Page 81 of The Sunken Truth

“What about it? Did they find something exciting?”

“No. Quite the opposite. Since the storm, they can’t find any trace of it.”

“Really?”

“Even the sonar equipment isn’t detecting anything. It seems to have disappeared as mysteriously as it appeared.”

“That gives me chills,” Lily said, as goosebumps rose on her arms.

“Yeah. It’s creepy, alright.” He cleared his throat. “Listen, there’s something I have to say to you, and it’s a bit awkward.”

“Go on,” Lily said.

“It’s about the video we found. And I realise I’m stating the obvious…”

She leaned against the counter and smiled to herself. “I can’t tell anyone about it?”

“I know you wouldn’t,” he said quickly. “And I guess if any of the Trenearys mention it to you, it’s fine for you to tell them you know, but just don’t bring it up yourself.”

“I wouldn’t.”

“Yeah, I know. Sorry.”

She chuckled. “Why are you sorry?”

“Because I know you wouldn’t actually be insensitive enough to bring it up.”

“It’s fine, Flynn. You’re just doing your job.”

“Speaking of which – do you think I should visit Jago in uniform or in regular clothes?”

“Regular clothes,” she said. “It’ll be better if he hears it from a friend rather than a police officer.”

“That’s what I was thinking, too.” He dragged in a breath. “What are you up to?”

“Making ice cream. Come over when you’ve spoken to Jago and we’ll go and get a drink.”

He told her he’d see her later and she put the phone aside to get back to her ice cream. It was only half an hour later when the bell above the door jangled. Surely Flynn wouldn’t be that fast. Jessica must have forgotten to switch the sign to closed.

“I’m afraid I’m closed,” Lily called as she stepped through into the shop. “Oh. Hi.”

“Sorry,” Maria said, her eyes round as they darted around the room. “I didn’t mean to disturb you, but I could see the light on in the back. Were you making ice cream?”

“Yes. It’s become my evening ritual. With the good weather, I sell out fast.”

She smiled knowingly. “I’m glad it’s all working out so well for you.”

“Me too.” Lily glanced into the back room. “Do you want to come through? I just need to get this batch into the freezer, then we could have a drink.”

Maria’s eyes went to the back room, then darted nervously to the floor. “You’re busy. I’ll leave you to get on with it.”

“No, it’s fine,” Lily said quickly. “We can just hang out here.” She took a couple of steps backwards. “Just give me two minutes.”

After hastily moving the batch of ice cream to the freezer, she pulled her apron off and returned to the shop.

“Sorry,” Maria said, turning from where she was standing in front of the framed newspaper articles on the wall. Both included photos of her – one from when the ice cream shop first opened, and one documenting the fire at the shop. “It’s strange being back here.”

“Do you want a drink?” Lily asked, nodding at the fridge full of soft drinks.