Page 39 of The Sunken Truth (Lily Larkin Mysteries #5)

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Light spilled from the window of Lily’s living room. Stopping on the promenade, Flynn stared up, imagining her pottering in the kitchen or lazing on the couch.

In three weeks, he’d be back in London. The thought made him numb. Like there was a void inside of him – a black hole that sucked in emotions, leaving him feeling entirely flat.

Instead of going in to Lily’s place, he continued back home.

Sinking onto the couch, he opened his laptop and went into his emails.

With a quick tap, he opened the one from Gina and scanned the words.

It wasn’t only asking him about his dad’s visit but informing him they were getting divorced and apologising to Flynn.

It seemed she thought she’d made things difficult for him.

He didn’t make it far into a reply before giving up and taking out his phone. It only rang a couple of times before Gina answered.

“How’s everything with you?” she asked with a sigh.

“Fine. It’s been a busy few days and I only just read your email.”

“How’s it been with your dad? ”

“Umm…” He sank back into the couch cushions. “Same as usual, I suppose.”

“I don’t know what that means,” she said, a tinge of sadness to her words. “Did he tell you we’re getting a divorce?”

“He said you threatened to divorce him. It didn’t sound as though it was definitely happening.”

“Of course,” she said wearily. “He’s in denial. It’s happening though.”

“I feel as though I’m in the middle of all of this and I’d really rather not be.”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “It’s not just about you. There are a thousand other reasons I can’t be with him any more, but he lied to me about you. One lie after another for years.”

“What did he say?” Flynn asked.

“He made out as though your mother was a monster who turned you against him and wouldn’t let him see you.”

“That’s not true,” Flynn said without emotion. “He didn’t see me because he didn’t want to see me. To this day, I think he’s still angry that my mum refused to have an abortion.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Don’t be.”

“It all makes sense now. He always needs to be in control of every situation. If things don’t turn out exactly how he wants, he can’t deal with it.”

Flynn nodded and made a noise of agreement.

“I’m sorry if I made things more difficult for you, and your relationship with your dad.”

“It doesn’t matter,” he said. “I don’t want him in my life. I’m done with him.”

“How’s it been on the Scillies? I was furious with Michael for getting you transferred over there.”

Ignoring the question, Flynn squinted, trying to figure everything out. “You must have known that he never spoke to anyone about me. Didn’t you think it was odd that his closest friends didn’t know I existed?”

“Yes. But he said he was embarrassed by the situation with your mum and how messy it all was.” She let out a frustrated growl.

“And he said you were determined to make your own way at work. That you didn’t want anyone to know he’s your dad in case they thought you got special treatment.

He made out that he was respecting your wishes.

Now, I feel like an idiot for not asking more questions, but the way he talked about it sounded so convincing.

And the few times that you visited, you were always so aloof that it seemed as though he was right that your mum had poisoned you against him. ”

“If I was aloof it was because I felt as though I was intruding on your happy family. Whenever I suggested visiting, Dad always made excuses about why it wasn’t convenient. I had the feeling that none of you really wanted me around.”

“Meanwhile Michael was telling me he invited you, but you were the one making excuses. He’d talk about how sad it was for Rosie and Jake that they didn’t have their big brother in their lives. But also that it was probably for the best since you had so much bitterness towards us.”

Flynn let out a frustrated groan. “I don’t even know what to say, but could you do me a favour and try not say anything that will make him angrier with me? I don’t want to lose my job because he blames me for your divorce.”

“Yes.” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I should have questioned you more. The fact that you were interested in Jake and Rosie should have been a clue that your issues with your dad went deeper.”

“I probably should have made more effort,” he said. “I always wanted to get to know them better. But maybe I was a little bitter. Dad was always bragging about them, and all I ever got was criticism.”

“You can see them whenever you want,” she said sadly. “Call me when you’re back in London and we’ll set something up.”

“I’d like that.” At this point, he needed something positive on the horizon.

“Do you like it on the Scillies?”

His chest tightened. “I love it. Even though Dad did it to punish me, sending me over here was probably the best thing he’s ever done for me.”

“It sounds as though you don’t want to leave.”

“I don’t. But I think everything will work out okay.”

Because one way or another, he was determined to figure out how to get back to St. Mary’s.

“I’m glad you called,” Gina said. “And I’m sorry again.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but you have nothing to be sorry for.”

“Let’s talk again soon.”

He nodded. “Tell Jake and Rosie I said hi and I’ll see them soon.”

After ending the call, he sat staring at the phone.

He needed to call Lily, but there was a heaviness inside of him that made the conversation feel impossible.