02 Dead Man Deep by Lynne McEwan

Author:Lynne McEwan
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Canelo
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

When Shona got home, she found Rob and Becca planting out herbs in the steep terraced garden that surrounded High Pines. She kissed them both and said she’d take a walk down to the bay, just to clear her head before dinner.

A sunset song of birds followed Shona along the shoreline. Gulls, oyster catchers, and the strange whistling calls of curlews by the water matched the blackbirds and thrushes to landward.

The lifeboat station and Tommy’s yard next door were locked tight. The wind was getting up, herald of the storm forecast out in the Atlantic. Later, it would make itself felt even in the shelter of the estuary.

Shona stood on the quayside, her back to the Royal Arms, looking out at the far bank where the trees were thickening with green. She replayed what she’d learned today, turning the pieces in her mind like a jigsaw but failing to make them fit.

A figure came up on her shoulder. Shona caught a whiff of perfume, heavy and sweet.

‘I hope you’ll let me buy you a drink to thank you for your hospitality,’ Emma Johnstone said. ‘Rob’s told me all about your work with the lifeboat. It sounds fascinating.’ She paused.

Shona stood impassive looking out over the water.

‘And, of course, your B&B is in the perfect spot.’ Emma continued. ‘It really is the most beautiful location. Must be quite a change from… Camden, wasn’t it?’

‘What is it you want, Emma? Because fabulous as this view is, I don’t believe it’s what’s keeping you in Kirkness.’

The young woman smiled as if Shona had offered her a compliment.

‘Okay,’ Emma said slowly. ‘Why did you search Tony Carlin’s house?’

Shona was tempted to trot out the line that it was routine, but she didn’t think that would satisfy Emma.

‘It was with the family’s permission,’ Shona said. ‘Mr Carlin’s mobile is unaccounted for, but he may not have been carrying one.’ She hoped that was both specific and vague enough to satisfy the journalist.

Emma nodded. ‘I’d like a chat with Tony Carlin’s widow, and I hope you can help me with that. It would be a really sympathetic article. I hear you’re close to her.’

‘Did you also hear I’m a detective inspector?’

‘It really would be much better if you were friendly with the press,’ Emma said.

Inside, Shona stiffened, but she was careful not to show it. ‘Is that some sort of threat?’ She gave the woman a questioning smile.

‘I just mean we could help each other,’ Emma said soothingly. ‘An exclusive interview with Laura Carlin is all I want, then I’ll be quite happy to leave you in peace.’

‘How can you help me? If you know something about Tony Carlin or his death, I strongly suggest you tell me, because if I find out you’ve withheld information, I’ll arrest you for attempting to defeat the ends of justice.’

‘Wow! No. Nothing like that.’ Emma blinked in wide-eyed shock, but Shona wasn’t fooled. ‘I just mean,’ she persisted, ‘Laura Carlin and her family will need help to get over this.

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