Hangman Island by Kate Rhodes

Author:Kate Rhodes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Published: 2023-10-12T00:00:00+00:00

27

Sam is replacing old floorboards at work when his radio picks up the 11 a.m. local news. The announcer says that the weather will continue fair in Scilly, ideal for barbecues, with an outside chance of rain. Then his voice turns serious.

‘The body of missing lifeboatman Jeremy Cardew has been found after a prolonged search at sea. The whole community will miss the popular twenty-nine-year-old, who lived on St Mary’s all his life. There will be a police meeting at one o’clock today in St Andrew’s Church Hall for anyone with information to share.’

Sam turns the radio off, suddenly in need of silence. His ribs still hurt from last night’s attack, but this pain is worse. It feels like a part of him has been cut away. When he turns round, Callum Moyle is watching; there’s a smear of oil on his cheek, like he’s applied war paint.

‘I heard the news, mate,’ he says, his tone conciliatory for once. ‘Sorry, I know you were close.’

‘I need to be at that meeting.’

‘Okay, but don’t be long. We’re falling behind.’

‘Who cares? Jez’s death matters more.’

Moyle’s anger erupts again. ‘How come you worshipped the bloke? He was a prick most of the time.’

‘That’s bullshit, and you know it.’

‘His fake charm opened doors, but the reality was different.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Look how he treated Anna Dawlish. He knew I fancied her. I’d almost won her over, but once he came on the scene, I didn’t stand a prayer. Six months later he dumps her, just to prove his point.’

‘It wasn’t about you, Callum.’ Sam stares back at him unblinking. ‘But if you really think that, you must be glad he’s dead.’

‘You’re blaming me for it?’ Moyle releases a high burst of laughter. ‘He pissed me off, that’s all.’

‘Coke makes people violent, I saw it in prison. How much are you using?’

‘I never touch drugs.’

‘But they’ve touched you. Keep that shit away from me, I’ve been clean all year.’

Moyle’s eyes darken. ‘Lifestyle advice from a loser like you sounds pathetic.’ He waves his nail gun at Sam’s face like he’s planning to shoot him between the eyes, then marches back down the corridor.

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