Danger at the Cove by Hannah Dennison

Author:Hannah Dennison
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

Chapter Thirteen

“Hello, girls,” said Patty. “Long time no see.”

Detective Sergeant Patricia Williamson of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary stood in reception, bearing a warm smile. Gesturing to a blue plastic crate full of groceries on the countertop marked with the Tesco logo, she said, “I timed my arrival well.” She made a vague nod behind her. “And my trusty musketeers are bringing the rest of the delivery up from the causeway.”

“That’s very kind,” I said. “Thank you.”

Two police constables—freckle-faced Owen King and dark-haired Kip Granger—walked in carrying another crate each, followed by Sam and Dennis with two more.

“Is that the lot?” Patty asked.

“Yes. Five crates.” Kim brandished her clipboard and pen, ready to check off the items. “Do you boys mind taking them into the kitchen, please?”

The “boys” picked up the crates and bore them away.

“Ah, Miss Winters,” said Patty. “How are you settling into island life?”

Kim seemed surprised. “I’m sorry, but have we met?”

“Owen was working the harbor shift when you landed on our sacred soil.” Patty offered her hand. “D.S. Patricia Williamson.” She pointed to Kim’s clipboard. “You seem very organized, but I would have expected nothing less given your extensive background in event planning.” Patty flashed another smile. “Bit of a change from London for you, but it looks like the sisters have great plans for Tregarrick Rock. I don’t think you’ll get bored.”

“I like to keep busy,” said Kim.

“And congratulations on the excellent job you have done publicizing the open house,” Patty went on.

“Oh. Thank you.” Kim smiled. “Yes, I know what I’m doing.”

“Flyers up all over the place, local sponsorships. Oh, and I love the arts and crafts exhibition. Very nice. Keeps the locals happy.”

“That was Evie’s idea,” Margot put in.

“And Instagram!” Patty enthused. “I follow you religiously—or should I say, I follow Mister Tig. Judging by his latest posts, it looks like you already have guests here.”

“They’re friends of Margot’s,” I said. “We’re not officially open yet.”

Patty nodded. “Nothing like a trial run. And where are these guests of yours now?”

“Louise is resting,” Margot said as Kim excused herself. “And I assume that Randy is still in his room—Evie?”

“Yes, he was pretty shaken up,” I said. “He was with us at … when … at Seal Cove.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting”—Patty glanced down at her notebook and tapped it with her pen—“Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Vanderhoven. Kip was on harbor duty this week, so I’ve missed out on the welcome party again.” She gestured to the back office. “New computers, a new printer—is that a scanner as well?”

Patty didn’t wait for an answer to her question. “Mind if I look around?”

Or that one, either.

She inspected the gaping holes in the walls and seemed to find the dangling wall lights fascinating, before walking over to the picture window and staring out at the terrace.

Of course, we expected Patty to make an appearance at some point in the afternoon, but as lunchtime came and went, Margot and I both hoped she had returned to St. Mary’s with the coastguard or the medical launch or—to quote Margot—“on her broomstick.

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