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ForCharlotteandTedPROLOGUE
Shecould—almost—havebeenoneofTheSurvivors.
Standingthere,outlinedbytheweaklight,herbackturnedandthesaltwaterlappingatherfeet.Thenshemoved.Justasmallshiftinweightandthein-outofbreath,butenoughtobreaktheillusionbeforeitwasfullyformed.
Shewasstilllookingaway,focusedonsomethinghecouldn’tmakeoutinthedark.Somewhere,awavebrokeandtheseasurged,freshandcoldagainsthisownlegsasitfizzedwhitearoundherbarecalves.Hewatchedasshereacheddownwithherfreehandandgatheredherskirthemaboveherknees.TheairwasfilledwithafinehazeandherT-shirtclungtoherbackandherwaist.
Theseaswelledagain,andthistimethedragoftheundertowwasstrongenoughthathetookasteptowardher.Shedidn’tnotice.Herfacewastilteddown,thesilverchainofhernecklaceglintingagainsthercollarboneassheleanedforwardtoexaminesomethinginthewater.Shedroppedherskirthemasthetiderushedoutagain,andliftedahandtosweepasideherponytail,whichhadfallenoveroneshoulder.Itwasheavyfromtheseaspray.Asinglestrandofhairhadcaughtinthecornerofhermouthandshebrusheditfree,herfingertipsrunningacrossherlips.Atightnessspreadacrosshischestandshoulders.
Ifyou’regoingtodoit—
Thethoughtwhisperedbeneaththerushofawave.Theundertowpulledagain.Hefoughtit,briefly,thentookanotherstep.
Sheheardhimnow,orsensedhimatleast.Somedisruptioninthenaturalrhythmflowingaroundher.
Ifyou’regoingtodoit—
Shelookedup.Hesuckedinabreathofsalt-soakedair.
Doitnow.
1
Kieranhopedthenumbnesswouldsetinsoon.Theocean’sicyburnusuallymellowedintosomethingmoreneutral,butastheminutestickedbyhestillfeltcold.Hebracedhimselfasafreshwavebrokeagainsthisskin.
Thewaterwasn’teventoobad,hetoldhimself.Notatthetailendofsummerwiththeafternoonsundoingitsbesttotaketheedgeoff.Definitelygoosebumpsratherthanhypothermia.Kieranknewhehadpersonallydescribedwaterfarcolderthanthisas“nice.”OnlyeverhereinTasmania,though,whereseatemperaturessurroundingthesmallislandstatewererelative.
Sydney—thevoiceinKieran’sheadsoundedsuspiciouslylikehisbrother’s—hasmadeyousoft.
Maybe.Buttherealproblemwasthatinsteadofslicingoutthroughthebluewithbreathexpandinginhischestandthewaterroaringpasthisearsandnothingbuthundredsofkilometersofrollingseaseparatinghimfromthenext-nearestlandmass,hewasstandingperfectlystill,waist-deep,threemetersfromthebeach.
Hisdaughterlaymilk-drunkagainsthisbarechest,cocoonedinadrytowel,atinysunhatshieldinghereyesasshedozed.Atthreemonthsold,Audreywasgrowingheavynow.Heshiftedherweightand,ignoringthemildacheinhisshouldersandthecoldagainsthislegs,lookedoutatthehorizonandlethersleepon
Audreywasnottheonlyoneoutforthecount.Onthebeach,Kierancouldseehisgirlfriendlyingflatonherback,fullyclothed,onearmflungoverhereyesandhermouthslack.Mia’sheadwasrestingonarolled-uptowelwithherhairsplayedoutinalong,darkfanagainstthesand.Shecouldsleepanywherethesedays,ascouldhe.
Therewasalmostnooneelsearound.Ateenagecouplehehadn’trecognizedhadwanderedbyearlier,handinhandandbarefoot,andfurtheralongthesandayoungwomanhadbeenbeachcombingattheshorelinesincethey’darrived.AttheheightofsummerholidaymakersoutnumberedEvelynBay’snine-hundred-strongpopulationbytwotoone,butnowtheyhadmostlyleft,theirreallivescallingthembacktothemainlandandbeyond.
“Hey!”
AfamiliarvoicemadeKieranturn.Themanwasemergingfromoneofthesmallsidepathsthatconnectedarowofweatheredbeachhousestothesand.Hewasgrinningashehoistedabatteredbackpackhigheronhisshoulder.Athisfeetlopedalargedogofundeterminedbreed,whosesizeandshaggygold-brownhairmadehimlookdisconcertinglysimilartohisowner.
KieranwadedoutofthewaterandmetAshMcDonaldonthesand,turningsoAshcouldseethebabyonhischest.
“Bloodyhell.”AshusedacallusedfingertopullbackacornerofthetowelandleanedhisunshavenfaceintolookatAudrey.
“Well,she’stooprettytobeyours,mate,butcongratulationsallthesame.”HestraightenedandwinkedatMia,whohadrousedherselfnow,brushingthesandfromherskirtasshewalkedovertojointhem.“Justkidding.She’sbeautiful.”
“Thanks,Ash.”Miasmotheredayawnashekissedhercheek,andreacheddowntopathisdog.“Hello,Shifty.”
AshnoddedatKieran’swetshorts.“How’sthewater?”
“Niceenough.”
“Relivingthegoodolddays,eh?”
Kieransmiled.“Ratherbeswimming.”
Kierancouldn’tcounthowmanyhoursheandAshhadspentasteenagersstandinguptotheirwaistsintheoceanforrecoverythedayafterafootballgame,waitingforthefrigidwatertoworkitsallegedmagic.Alot.
AshhadbeenasummerfacefloatingaroundEvelynBayonandoffforyears,butatfifteenhe’dbecomeafull-timefixturewhenhisparents’divorcepropelledhismotherbacktoherhometown.
Kieranhadn’tknowntoomuchabouthim,otherthanhewasfromaminingtowninthewestofthestatesohardenedthattheirlocalfootballteamplayedongravel,notgrass.Giventhat,Kieranprobablyshouldn’thavebeenassurprisedashewaswhenthenewguyshowedupattrainingand,forthefirsttimeinhislife,Kieranwasn’tautomaticallywinningthespeeddrills,hisgoalaccuracyrankingwasatrisk,andon-fieldmaneuversthathadgoneunchallengedforyearswerenowaggressivelycontested.Hehadwastedafewweeksfeelingpissedoff,thenhitthegymandtheovalevenharder,onlytofeelpissedoffagainwhenheranintoAshdoingexactlythesame.
IthadbeenmidwaythroughtheseasonwhenKieranhadarrivedlatetothebeachandwadedoutonlytofindhimselfaccidentallystandingnexttoAsh.Notwillingtobetheonetomove,Kieranhadcrossedhisarmsandstaredhardatthesea.They’dstoodsidebysideinsilenceforthewholesession.SomewhereinvisibletothenorthlaymainlandAustralia,tothefarsouth,Antarctica.Infrontofthem,nothing,allthewaytothehorizon.
“SetmorepersonalbeststhismonththanIdidthewholeoflastyearatmyoldclub.”
Ash’svoicehadcaughtKieranbysurprise.Hehadglancedoverattheotherboy,whowassometimesashadestrongerorasecondfasterorabeatquickertoreact,andsometimeswasn’t.Ashdidn’ttakehiseyesoffthewaterashespokeagain.
“Beengood,actually.”
Andbloodyhell,Kieranhadrealizedwithamixofannoyanceanddawningappreciation,theblokewasright.Ithadbeengood.Kieranhadneverbeenbetterthanwhenhewasracingaroundafterthisdickhead.ThecoachhadcalledtimeandKieranhadwatchedasAshstartedtowadebacktothebeach.Hehadopenedhismouth.
“Hey,waitasec.”
Ashhad.Andfromthenon,thatwasprettymuchit.
Neitherplayedfootytoooftenanymore,butnearlyadecadeandahalfdowntheline,Kieranwasatleastasfitashehadbeenthen,andhisjobasasportsphysiotherapistmeantitwasnowhisturntoencouragepeopletostandinfreezingsaltwater.Ashseemedaboutthesametoo,Kieranthought.Hislandscapingbusinesshadgivenhimthelookofgnarledgoodhealththatcamefromthrowingaroundbagsofsoilandwrestlingdownedtrees.
“When’dyougetback?”Ashsethisbackpackdownonthesand,andKieranheardthedullmetalclangofgardeningtoolsinside.
“Coupleofhoursago.”
KieranandMiahadstayedonlyaslongaswaspoliteinhisparents’housebeforemakinganexcusetogetoutforsomefreshair.Hecouldstillseetheirbackverandafromwherehestood,onlyawhitewoodenfenceseparatingtheirpropertyfromthebeach.Kieranthoughtabouthavingtoheadbackinsideandfeltfaintlyclaustrophobic.
“How’syourdaddoing?”Ashsaid.“Haven’trunintohimforacoupleofweeks.”
“Notgreat.”Kieranwonderedifhewouldhavetoexplain,butno,ofcourseAshwasalreadynodding.InaplacelikeEvelynBay,peoplekneweachother’sbusiness.ProbablybetterthanKierandidhimself.Hehadn’tseenhisdadinpersonformorethaneighteenmonths,whenBrianhadlastbeenwellenoughtoflyuptoSydney.Eventhen,Brianhadbeenpersistentlyconfused,andKieran’smum,Verity,hadspentmostofthevisitpatientlyexplainingthingstohim.WhenAudreyhadbeenbornthreemonthsago,Verityhadcomealonetomeetherfirstgrandchild.
Despitethisflashing-redwarning,Kieranhadstillbeenshockedsilentwhenthey’darrivedearlierthatdaytobegreetedbythevoidthathadoncebeenBrianElliott.Kieranwasgenuinelyunsureifhisdadhaddeterioratedrapidlyorifhehimselfhadbeenincompletedenial.Eitherway,atjustsixty-six,thedementiahadathrottleholdonhimnow.EventhedoctorsreckonedBrianhadbeendealtanunluckyhand.
“When’sthemove?”AshglancedatKieran’sparents’place.
“Fewweeks.”ThenursinghomeinHobartwasreadyandwaiting.“WethoughtMumcoulddowithahandtoclearstuffout.”
“Andwhat’sshegoingtodo?She’snotgoinginaswell,isshe?”
“No.”KieranpicturedVerity,whoatsixty-fourcouldeasilypassfortenyearsyoungerandstillranorbikedmostdays.“She’sfoundaone-bedroomplacenearthenursinghome.”
“Right.That’llbe”—Ashranhistongueoverhisteethashesearchedforaword—“convenient.”
“Yeah.”Kieranreallyhopedso,becausehestronglysuspectedVeritywasgoingtoabsolutelyhateit.
Ashthoughtforamoment.“Listen,tellVeritytoletmeknowbeforethehousehitsthemarket.I’lltidyupthegardenforher.Forfree,obviously.”
“Really?Thanks,mate.”
“Noworries.It’sashitsituation.”
Itwasshit.Kieranhadknownthat.Heshouldhavecomehomeearlier.
“Howlongsinceyouwerelastback?”Ashsaid,readinghismind.
“Twoyears?”
“Longerthanthat,Ireckon,”Ashsaid,evenasMiawasshakingherhead.
“It’sbeennearlythree,”shesaid,turningtoAsh.“How’sOlivia?Iemailedhertosaywe’dbeherefortheweek.”
“Yeah,she’sgood,shedefinitelywantstocatchup.”Ashwasreachingforhisphone.“Letmecheckifshe’saroundnowactually;that’sherplacejustupthere.Fisherman’sCottage.”Henoddedalongtherowofbeachhousesbackingontothesand.
“Ohyeah?”Kierancouldpicturethelow-slungweatherboardbungalowadozendoorsupfromhisparents’place.Cottagewasagenerouslypoeticname.Likeprettymucheveryotherhouseinthetown—evenalotofthenewerones—itscreamed1960sarchitecture.“Howlong’sshebeenrentingthere?”
“Eighteenmonthsorso.Sinceshemovedback,anyway.”
AsAshdialedhisgirlfriend,KierantriedtopicturewhatOliviaBirchwouldlooklikeatthirty.Hehadn’tseenherproperlyin—hetriedtoworkitout—years,anyway,sotheimageinhisheadwasfirmlysetateighteen.She’dhadakindoflitheheightandpoisethatadultsdescribedas“statuesque”andboysdescribedas“hot.”Shehadbeenaregulardownattheshore,herbrowncurlyhairtiedhighinaponytail,whichshepushedasideimpatientlyasshezippedupherwetsuit.Shewouldstillbetall,obviously,andprobablystillbeautiful.GirlsbornwithOlivia’slookstendedtokeepthem.
Ashheldthephonetohisear,thenhungup,frowningalittleatthescreen.Heliftedhisheadand,toKieran’ssurprise,shoutedoutalongthebeach.
“Hey!Bronte!”
Theyoungwomanhadstoppedbeachcombingandwasnowcrouchingattheedgeofthesurf,focusingacameraonsomethinginthesand.ShelookedupatAsh’scall,thenstood,herskirtflappingintheseabreeze.
“Liv’shousemate,”AshsaidtoKieranandMiabeforepointingtowardthecottageandraisinghisvoiceagain.“Oliviaathome?”
Thegirl—Bronte,Kierangathered—shookherhead,anexaggeratedgestureoverthedistance.No.Theysawratherthanheardtheword,hervoicesnatchedawaybythewind.
Ashcuppedahandaroundhismouth.“Whereisshe?”
Ashrug.Don’tknow.
“Right,well.”Ashturnedbacktohisphone,thefrowndeepening.“Idunno.Butlook,she’sworkingtonightsolet’sallgofordrinks.Shecansayhellothere.”
“Liv’sstillworkingattheSurfandTurf?”Miatriedandfailedtohidehersurprise.
“Yeah,”Ashsaid.“Fornow,anyway.So,whattimetonight?Eightish?”
“I’mnotsure,mate.”KieranpointedatAudreyinthetowel,awakenowunderneathhersunhat.“We’vegotthebub,so—”
“Sothat’swhatgrandmothersarefor,isn’tit?”Ashwasalreadytexting.“I’llletLivknowwe’llbein.GetSeanalongaswell.”
KieranandMiaexchangedalookthroughwhichtheyconductedanentiresilentconversation,culminatinginabarelyvisiblenodfromeach.Theywouldbothgo.
“Okay.”Textingcomplete,Ashpickeduphisbackpackandslungitoverhisshoulder.“I’dbettergetbacktowork.I’llseeyoulater.”HeleanedintoAudrey.“Butnotyou,littleone.YougettospendsomequalitytimewithGrandma.”
Audreyturnedherheadtolookathimandthewindcaughttheedgeofherhat,rippingitoff.BothKieranandAshlungedforit,butitwashalfwaydownthebeachbeforethey’dmoved.Ashcuppedhismouthagain.
“Bronte!”
Thegirlwasnowknee-deepinthewater,examiningalengthofseaweedsheheldinbothhands.Hercanvasbaglaysafelyuponthesand.Sheraisedherheadathiscall,themovementbothimpatientandindulgent.
Whatnow?
ShesawAudrey’slittlehatskimmingalongtheedgeofthesurfanddroppedtheseaweed.Sheranafterthehat,gatheringherskirtaboveherkneeswithonehandasshesplashedthroughthewater,thewhitecrestsofthewavesfizzingaroundherlegs.Shenearlyhaditwhenthebreezespiriteditupandaway,outtoseaandoutofreach.
KieranwatchedasBrontestopped,recognizingalostcausewhenshesawone.Shedroppedherskirt,thehemfallingjustclearofthewater,andranahanddistractedlyoverthebackofherneck,liftinghersheetofblondhairawayfromherskininathick,messyhandful.Shewatchedthehatfloataway.
“Whatareyouwaitingfor?”Ashwasgrinning.“Swimout!”
Shelaughedandcalledbacksomethingthatsoundedlike:Youswimout.
“Don’tbesobloodyselfish,Bronte.You’realreadyhalfin.”
Sheletherhairfalllooseagainandwithherfreehandflashedhimthefinger.
Ashlaughedandturnedawayashisphonebuzzedonceinhishand.Heglanceddownbutdidn’tsayanything.
Kieranlookedoutatthehat,whichwasdoinganunnervingimpressionofapersonasitbobbedinthesurf.
“Ohwell.”MiareachedoutandtookAudrey.“Ithinkit’sgone,sweetheart.Sorry.”
Audrey,unconcerned,simplyliftedachubbyhandandgrabbedathermother’snecklace.Sheyankedthesilverchaininherfistastheyallstoodonthebeachandwatchedasthehatdippedonce,thentwice,beforebeingswallowedbythesea
2
TheSurfandTurflookedexactlythesameasithadthreeyearsago.Tenyearsago,even.Onewholesideoftheweatherboardbuildingwasstilladornedbyanoutlineofagiantcrayfish,fashionedentirelyfromsun-bleachedshellsgluedtothewall.ApaintedsignattheentrancereadINHEREFORFISHFROMTHERE,withanunevenarrowpointingtotheoceanthatlayastone’sthrowfromtheoutdoordiningdeck.
KieranandMia,zippedintojacketsthatbarelyhadcausetoleavetheclosetbackhomeinSydney,crossedBeachRoadwithoutbotheringtolookeitherway.EvelynBay’smaindraghadtheghost-townfeelthatKieranhadalwaysassociatedwiththeendofsummer.Parkingspacessocovetedinmidseasonthattheysparkedincidentsofroadragenowlayemptyandunloved.Everyshop,includingthesmallsupermarket,hadshutfortheevening,andblankwindowsindicatedmorethanonebusinesshadcloseditsdoorsforgoodfortheoff-season.
Ithadn’talwaysbeenlikethat,apparently.EvelynBaylaysandwichedbetweennativewoodlandsandthesea,anditsfortuneshadbeendrivenbyfishingandforestrybackwhenKieran’sparentshadbeenhisage.Nowthenextgenerationdrovedolphin-watchingboatsduringthesummerandscrabbledforworkinthewinter.Ortheylefttownaltogether.
TheSurfandTurfwasbusy,whichatthathourofthenightandthattimeoftheyearmeantahandfulofpeoplescatteredacrosshalfadozentables.NoonepaidKierananyrealattentionastheyentered.Hehadn’texpectedthemto—twelveyearswasalongtimeinanyone’sbook,andthefewpeoplewho’dfelttheburningneedtohaveacrackhadmostlydoneso—buthestillfeltabitrelieved.
AcoupleofyoungguysKierandidn’trecognizeweredrinkingontheoutsidedeck,pretendingnottobecoldintheirT-shirtsinthetwilight,andhewasgladtoseeAshhadalreadycommandeeredaninsidetableneartheback.Ashhadabeerinonehandandhisphoneintheother,andputbothdownonthechippedsurfaceashesawthemheadingover.
“Veritysteppedupwiththebabysittingduty,eh?Goodonher.”
Kierannodded.Hismumhad,withoutcomplaint.She’dsimplyclearedacollectionofhalf-filledmovingboxesbeforesettlingdownonthecouchwithherhusbandandgrandchildforalongeveningoflow-verbal,high-dependencycompanionship.KieranandMiahadexchangedguiltylooksandhoveredinthehallway,takingtheirtimeputtingontheirshoesandfindingtheirphones,untilVeritygotupoffthecouchandopenedthefrontdoorforthemherself,rollinghereyesastheyatlaststeppedoutintotheeveningair.
Ash’sphonebuzzedonthetableandhecheckedthescreen.“Sean’sonhisway.Hehadtofixsomethingontheboat.”
“Anythingserious?”
“Probablynot,thinkhe’sjustreallybusy.”Ashtookasipofbeer.“EvenLivwassaying—”
“WhatwasIsaying?”Awaitressappearedatthetable,padandpeninhandandsportingtheSurfandTurf’sdistinctiveuniformoforangeT-shirtandskirt.Shedidn’tlistentoAsh’sanswer,insteadmovingaroundthetable.“OhmyGod,Mia,hello.”
OliviaBirchheldherarmsouttoMia,whowasalreadyrisingtogreether.Thetwowomenhugged,thenleanedbacktoexamineeachotherproperly.
Kieran’sguesshadbeenright.Evenmorethanadecadeoutofhighschool,ingarishorangeandwithherthickcurlybunalreadycollapsingmidshift,Oliviawasstill,byanyobjectivemeasure,themoststrikingwomanintheroom.
“HiKieran,”shesaid,overhisgirlfriend’sshoulder.
“G’day,Liv.”
Shelookedlikeshemightsaysomethingelse,butthensimplyletgoofMiaandopenedhernotebook.“So,drinks?”
“Liv,thankssomuchforthelittleoutfityousentforAudrey,”Miasaid,whenOliviareturnedwiththetray.“I’vegotaphoto—”
ShepulledoutherphoneandOliviaputdownthedrinksandpeeredover.
“God,sheissocute.Whereisshe,anyway?WithVerity?”
“Yeah,”Miasaid.“We’rehereallthisweek,though.I’llbringherin.”
“Do.Orstopbymyplaceanytime.I’monlyafewdoorsupfromyou.”
“Yeah,”Ashsaid.“Wekindofmetyourhousemateearlier,actually.”
“Bronte?”
Oliviaglancedacrosstheroom,andforthefirsttimeKierannoticedthegirlfromthebeach,nowalsowearingtheorangeT-shirtandskirt.Shewasyoungerthanhe’dinitiallythought,onlytwenty-oneortwenty-two,maybe.Shewasshort,withaneatroundfaceandwideeyesthatmadeherlookuncannilydoll-like.HerhairwastiedbacknowandKierancouldseethatthecolorthathadlookedsimplydarkblondonthebeachwasinfactcreatedbythekindofintricatehighlightsthatwerecommononthestreetsofSydneybutinthiscontextlookedexoticallygroomed.
Brontewascarryingaglassofredwinetoacornertablewhereamansataloneglaringatalaptopscreen.Shemadeaninaudibleremarkassheplacedthedrinkonacardboardcoaster,andthemansmileddespitehimself.Hesatback,stretchinghisshoulders,andtookadecentswallowofwine.Hemimedtippingtherestoftheglassoverthekeyboardinmockfrustrationandtheybothlaughed.Sheturnedawayandthemanputhisglassdowncarefully,watchingBronteoverhislaptopscreenasshethreadedherwaythroughthetables.
“She’snotlocal,isshe?”Kieranasked.
“No.”Oliviashookherhead.“Summer.”
Earspossiblyburning,BrontelethergazefallonOlivia,beforenoticingKieranandMia.Shesmiledinrecognition,thenheldupafingerinawait-a-momentgesture.ShedisappearedthroughtheswingingdoorlabeledSTAFFONLYandreemergedafewsecondslaterholdingabatteredcardboardboxwithLOSTPROPERTYscrawledontheside.
“Notthesame,Iknow,”Brontesaidasshemadeherwayover.“Butitmightsaveyouhavingtobuyanotherone.”
ShepassedtheboxtoMia.InsideKierancouldseedozensofsunhatsofdifferentsizesandcolors,somevirtuallynew.
“Weweregettingaboutfiveadayleftbehindatonepoint,soifthere’sanythinginthereforyourbaby,youmayaswelltakeit.”Brontepickedupasmallyellowfloralhatstillwiththesalestagattached.“Noone’scomingbackforthemnow.”
“Thanksverymuch,”Miasaid,siftingthroughtheboxassheintroducedthemboth.“That’ssothoughtful.”
“Guiltyconscience.”Ashgrinnedashetookaslugofbeer.“Eh,Bronte?Leastyoucouldbloodydoafterlettingusalldownbefore.”
“Getlost.Thatwaterwasfreezing.”Bronte’slaughtrailedoffalittleunderOlivia’scoolgaze,andshelaunchedintothestory—howshewasmindingherownbusinessonthebeach,andKieranandMiawerethere,andthenAsharrived—flappingthefloral-patternedhataboutasshespoke.Theincidentsoundedfaintlyoddintheretelling.
“Ah”wasallOliviasaidwhenBronteranoutofsteam.
BrontebarelydrewbreathbeforeturningtoKieran.“SoVerity’syourmum,isshe?She’ssonice.ShewasclearingouthershedafewweeksagoandshegavemesomewirefortheselittlesculpturesI’vebeenmessingaroundwith.Iendedupgivingherahandandsheletmetakeafewusefulbitsandpieces.”
“Areyouanartist?”Kieransaid.
“Yes.Well—”BrontepausedasOlivia,whowasleaningagainstAsh’schair,shifted.“Artstudent.I’matuniinCanberra.”
“Cool.Whatkindofart?”
“Allkinds.Ihaven’tdecidedwhattofocusonyet.ButIwanttodoabigcoastalseriesthisterm,soIthoughtthisseemedagoodplaceto,youknow”—shemadeasweepinggesture—“getinspired.”
EvenKierancaughtaflickerinOlivia’sneutralexpressionthattime.Bronteblinked,suddenlyself-conscious.Shewassavedbyacallfromthekitchenhatchand,notbotheringtohideherrelief,hurriedaway.
OliviaglancedsharplyatAsh,respondingtosomethingKieranhadn’tcaught.“What?”shesaid.
Ashlookedup.“Nothing.”
“Ididn’tsayathingtoher.”
“Ididn’tsayyoudid,Liv.”
WhenOliviadidn’trespond,Ashreachedoutandpulledhercloser.
“Comeon.Doesshereallymatter?”Ashgrinnedatheruntilfinallyshesmiledback.“Don’tletyourselfgetwoundup.”
“No.Iknow.”Oliviashrugged,alittleembarrassednowassheturnedtoKieranandMia.“Butsheisonlyastudent.Sameasme.Orifshedoesn’tlikethat,shecansayshe’sawaitress,sameasme.Butshe’snomoreanartistthanIamanurbanplanner.WhichI’mnotanymore,obviously.Ijustthinkit’sdisingenuoustogoaroundsayingsomethingthat’snotthecase.”
Mianoddedsympathetically.Sheputacoupleofbabyhatsonthetableandpushedtheboxaside.“There’snothingatallaroundherethat’smoreinyourfield,Liv?”
“Notreally.Imean,atthefirminMelbournemyspecialtywaszoningissuesforbuildingsovertwelvestories—forwhichthedemandaroundhereisclearlyzero—”
Shewasrightaboutthat,Kieranthought.ThetallestbuildinginEvelynBaywastheformerCaptain’sQuartersintheoldcolonialpartoftown.Theheritage-listedsandstonebuilding,nowabed-and-breakfast,hadanupstairs.
“ButIknewitwouldbelikethis,”Oliviawassaying.“WhenIrealizedIwasgoingtohavetomoveback,Iappliedtodoamaster’sonline,soatleastthat’ssomething.Trytokeepmyhandintheindustry.Forwhateverit’sworth.”
Shedidn’tsoundoptimistic.
“Howisyourmumthesedays?”Miaasked.
Oliviashrugged.“She’sfine.She’sokay.HappyI’mback.She’dprefermetobelivingathomewithher,butthere’snoway.I’dgocrazyinfiveminutes.Although—”TheycouldseeBrontenowwipingdowntheoutsidetables,herhairblowingacrossherfaceinthewind.Oliviasmiled,attemptingtolightenthemood.“Fryingpan,fire.”
Mialaughed.“Isshereallythatbad?”
“No,tobefair,she’snot.She’sjust—”OliviawatchedasthetwoyoungguysshiveringintheirT-shirtsattemptedsmalltalk.Brontesmiledandshruggedandcontinuedwiping.“Young.Imean,sheliterallydidn’tevenknowthatyouhavetobookhard-wastecollections.Shewasdumpingallthisartstuffnexttothewheeliebinsandhonestlyexpectingittodisappear.It’sasif—”
ShestoppedasAshrestedhishandonherwaist.
“She’llbegonesoon,”hesaid.“Howlongtogo?Threeweeks?”
“Twoweeks,fivedays.”
“Thereyougo.Keepyoureyeontheprize.”Hegrinned.“You’llbebacktowalkingaroundthehousenakedbeforeyouknowit.You’llloveit.”
“I’lllovenothavingtochaseuphershareofwhateverbillsheowesme.Oh—”Olivialookedacrossthediningarea.“Hangon,I’dbetterseetothat.”
TheT-shirtboys,theirarmsonlythefaintestshadeofblue,hadadmitteddefeatandcomeinsidetopay.KieranwatchedwithinterestasAsh’seyesfollowedOliviaallthewaytothecashregister.HehadneverknownAshandOliviaasacouple.Theyweren’tquitehowhewouldhaveimagined,butthenhe’dneverreallyimaginedthemtogether.Ashalmostcertainlyhad,though.KieranwouldbesurprisediftheideaofbeingwithLivBirchhadn’tcrossedthemindsofmostblokesintownatonetimeoranother.
Ashereachedforhisdrink,Kieranfeltitbeforehesawit.Thepricklingsensationofbeingunderscrutiny.Hedidn’tmovehishead,insteadslidinghisgazeslowlyaroundtheroom.Ittookhimasecondtolocatethesource,butwhenhedid,itwaswithasinkingfeeling.
Theboy—man,really,thesedays—wasstandingbehindthekitchenhatch.Hewasbroad-shoulderedandwearingagrease-stainedapronandanexpressionthatmadeKieranwishhewereanywhereelse.
Fromtheguy’ssizeandstancehecouldhavebeeninhismidtwenties,butKieranknewforafacthewasnineteen.Hewaswearinganametagtoosmalltoread,butKierandidn’tneeditanyway.LiamGilroy.
Kierantookabreath,thenanother,andforcedhimselftomakeeyecontact.Liamimmediatelypretendedtobelookingpasthim,thenturnedbacktohisgrill.Kieranwaitedforafeelingofrelief,butnonecame.Therewouldbenorealtrouble,heknew—thereneverwas—buttheroomsuddenlyfeltstifling.KierancheckedifMiahadnoticedtheexchange,butshewasabsorbedinpickingaloosethreadoffoneofthehatswithoutunravelingthewholerowofstitches.Hestood,alittletooquickly,andhischairsquealedagainstthefloor.
“Backinaminute.”
AshandMiaimmediatelylookedup,bothflashinganidenticaldon’tleavemepleawiththeireyes.Theygotalongfineinwidercompanybutstruggledwithsmalltalkoneonone,Kieranknew.Still,thatcouldn’tbehelped.
Heleftthemtotheirslightlystrainedsmilesandmadeabeelinefortherestroom.Therewasnooneelsethere,andhestoodinthequiet.Themirrorsabovethesinkswerestreaked,andintheharshlightshisreflectionlookedalittleolderthanhisthirtyyears.Hewasalwaystiredthesedays.ThelackofsleepsinceAudreyhadarrivedhadbeenbrutal.Hewashedhishandsslowly,debatingwhetherheandMiacoulddecentlyleavebeforeSeanarrived.Probably.HeandSeanwentbackfarenoughthathecouldgetawaywithit.Butatthesametime,itwentagainstthegrainalittle.
Miadidn’treallygetit.
“Malefriendshipsaresoweird;youguysbarelykeepintouch,”she’dsaidtohimastheywerepackingtocomehere.
“Yeah,wedo.IseethemeverytimeIvisit.”
“Inbetween,though.Imean,youneverevenspeak.”
Thatwastrue.KieranhadheardaboutAshandOliviagettingtogetherthroughMia,whohadhearditfromOliviainoneoftheirthrice-yearlycatch-upemails.
“Isuppose,”he’dsaid.“Worksout,though.”
Anditdid.Kieranwasneverworriedaboutthat.Partlybecausewhenthethreeofthemdidseeeachothertheyreallywereabletopickupwherethey’dleftoff.Butmostlybecauseiftheyhadbeengoingtofallapart,itwouldhavehappenedtwelveyearsago.Kieranturnedoffthetapandlookedawayfromhisreflection.Ifthey’dmanagedtosurvivethat—thosereallydarkdaysofblameandreckoning—theycouldcertainlysurviveacoupleofyearsofsporadictextmessages.
Kierandriedhishands,checkedhisphone,and,unabletostringthingsoutanylonger,finallypulledthedooropen.He’dbarelysteppedoutintothetightvestibuleseparatingtherestroomfromthediningareawhenheheardthefamiliarvoicefloatingfromthekitchen.Thewordsweremuffledbythewhineoftheindustrialfanbutwereclearenoughtomakehimstopshort.Kieranstoodverystill,knowingwithaninstinctthathe’dfine-tunedovertheyearsthattheconversationwasabouthim.
“Ifitwasuptome,hewouldn’tevenbeallowedinhere.”Liamsoundedverypissedoff.
Agirl’spolitelaugh.“Well,lastIchecked,nothingaroundherewasuptous.”ItwasBrontespeaking;Kieranrecognizedhervoicenow.“Anyway,heseemsallright.”
“Andhowwouldyouknowthat?”
Bronteseemedtakenaback.“Idon’t,really—”
“Youdon’tknowanythingabouthim.”
“No.Isupposenot.Ijust—”
“What?”
“Idon’tgetwhyyou’regivinghimahardtime,that’sall.”
“No?”
Kieranrealizedhewasholdinghisbreath.Heletitout.Therewouldbenosurprisesinwhatwascomingnext.
“Well,whatever.”Liam’svoicewashard.“ButthewayIseeit—youkillsomeone,youdeservealltheshitthat’scomingyourway.”
3
Itwaslucky—orperhapsunlucky—thatSeanwassittingatthetablewhenKieranreemergedintothebrightlightsofthediningarea,becauseotherwisehewouldhavegrabbedMia’shand,saidaswiftfarewelltoAsh,andleft.HewasstillstronglyconsideringthiscourseofactionwhenSeanstoodtogreethim,abroadlazysmilespreadingacrosshisface.
“Goodtoseeyou,mate.SorryI’mlate;youknowwhatitgetslikewiththeseasonchange.”SeanpulledhischairaroundnexttoKieran’s,andafteramoment,Kieransatdowntoo.“I’mgladyou’restillhere.Ithoughtnewparentswouldbecrashedoutbythistimeofnight.”
“Yeah.”KierancouldfeelMiawatchinghimcloselyandclearedhisthroat.Triedtorememberwhathisnormalvoicesoundedlike.“Well,usuallyweare,but—”
“Letmeguess.ButAshbulliedyouintocomingoutanyway.”Seangaveaknowingnodandheldupapalm.“Saynomore.”
Kieran’ssmilewasgenuinethistime.“Butwewantedtosayhello,mate.”
Hemeantit.Kierancouldn’trememberatimewhenheandSeanhadn’tbeenfriends.Seanhadalwaysbeenthere.Therewerephotosofthemasinfantsateachother’sfirstbirthdayparties,andKieran’searliestmemorywasofthetwoofthemonthebeach,theirparentschattingwhiletheboysdugholesinthesandandkickedwaterateachother.
Seanhadgrownfromaquiet,skinny,hippiekidintoathoughtful,rangy,eco-consciousmanwhowasathishappiestoutonthewater,watchingthehorizonrockgentlyfromthedeckofaboat.Hishairwasstillshortenoughtodrywithasingleswipeofhishand,andhealwaysgavethevagueimpressionthathe’demergedmomentsearlierfreshfromtheseaandthrownonwhateverclotheswereathand.
Hewasn’tquitethesamepersonhe’dbeeninthetimeKierannowsimplythoughtofasbefore,butnoneofthemwere.Mia,Ash,Olivia,Olivia’smother,Kieran’sownparents.Liam.Kieranhimself,obviously.Noonehadcomethroughthestormunscathed
Kieranglancednowatthekitchenhatch.Atleasthecouldn’tseeLiamanymore.Hesatbackinhischairandtriedtorelax.
“Hey,hey,noone’sbeenbulliedintoanything,”Ashwassaying.“I’minsultedbythatonKieran’sbehalf.HeandMiaarehereoftheirownfreewill.”
AsAshspoke,hemadeeyecontactwithBrontenearthebarandcircledhishandinamoredrinksmotionatthetable.Shegavehimathumbs-upandhewinked.HergazesnaggedonKieranandhetriedtogaugeherreactiontoherconversationwithLiaminthekitchen.Curiosity?Contempt?Shelookedawaybeforehecouldtell.
“Look,I’mnotclaiminganydifferent.”SeanwasstillsmilingashepointedatAsh.“Butit’sfunnyhowoftenpeople’sfreewillturnsouttocoincidewithexactlywhatyouwant,mate.”HegrinnedatKieran,whohadtoforcehimselftofocus.“Happensallthetimeathome.”
Kierancouldn’tthinkofanythingtosay,andwasrelievedwhenMiajumpedin.
“Whereareyoutwolivingnow?”shesaid.“Stilloutbythemarina?”
Ashnodded.“Yeah,sameplace.Gotafewthingsthatneedfixing,butsuitsusbothforwork.”
KieranpicturedthesprawlingbeachhouseAshandSeanhadsharedforatleastthepastsixyears.Ithadalwaysbeenalittleramshackle,buttherewasnocriticizingthelocation,anditwasanupgradefromthesmallerandevenmoreramshackleplacethey’dsharedbeforethat.
MiaturnedtoSean.“How’sthebusinessgoing,anyway?Wesawyououtthereearlier.Ortheboatatleast.”
AfterAshhadleftthematthebeachthatafternoon,KieranandMiahadlookedateachother,thenathisparents’house,wheretheyknewamountainofmovingboxesawaited.
“Iguessweshouldgoback,”Miahadsaid.
Kieranhadglanceddownathisbabydaughter.“OrwecouldshowAudreythesightsofEvelynBay.Firsttimeshe’sbeenhere.”
“Wherewereyouthinking?”
“Thelookout?”
Miahadshrugged.“It’suptoyou.You’retheonewho’sgoingtohavetocarryherupthatcliffpath.”
“Noworries.”KieranhadslippedonhisT-shirtandshakenthesandoffthebabyslingbeforeclippingitaroundhim.“Tooeasy.”
Infact,thewell-worntrailwindingupandawayfromthetownhadbeenhardergoingthanherememberedwiththeextraweightagainsthischest.Partwayuptheyhadpassedthegatesleadingtotherearofthetown’scemetery,beforethepathnarrowedandgrewsteeper.Kieranhadbeengladtoreachthetop.Twelveyearsago,theformerwhalinglookouthadbeenlittlemorethanaflatclearingwithasinglefadedsignthatimplied,asKieranrememberedit,thatitmightnotbethegreatestideatogoclamberingaboutonthecliffsbut,hey,liveandletlive
Nowthelookoutwasasmallbutformaldeckarea,enclosedbyawirefencetoppedbyathickwoodenrailingatwaistheight.Nexttosmartlaminatedboardsofferingillustratedinformationaboutwhalemigratorypatternsandthenestingareaofcrestedterns,averylegiblenoticewarnedthattrespassersonthecliffsriskedafive-hundred-dollarfine,enforceableunderlocalbylawsectionD,amendment16.1.
Therehadbeennooneelseupthere,andKieranhadsatnexttoMiaonabenchthathadalsoappearedinrecentyearsandlookedoutattheseaasthewindsnatchedattheirhair.Thewater,whichcouldbeathousanddifferentsparklingcolors,wasthatafternoonanundulatingplainofdullgraygreen.Somewayoutbeyondtherocks,ananchoredcatamaranlistedgently.Sean’sboat,theNautilusBlue
“Isheunder?”Miawassquintingatthedeck.
“Lookslikeit.”Kierancouldseethehoistedflagflappingitsmessage.Blueandwhite.Diverdown.
Kieranhadscannedthewaterforthedarkslickofawetsuit,aheadbobbingamidthewaves,butthesurfaceremainedunbroken.Hewasn’treallyexpectingtoseehim.ThewreckageofthedoomedSSMaryMinervalaythirty-fivemetersdeep.Seancouldbegoneforawhile.
Thememorialcommissionedintributetothefifty-fourpassengersandcrewwhohadlosttheirlivesnearlyacenturyagonowstoodonarockyoutcrop,facingouttowardthesiteofthesinking.
Thememorialwassaidtobevisiblefrombothlandandwaterinallweather.Itwasn’t,though,Kierancouldn’thelpbutthinkwithastingofbitternesseverytimehesawitnow.Notallweather.Still,peopleseemedtolikeit.Anditwasmorerecognitionthanmostshipwrecksevergot.TheTasmanianwaterswerenotoriousforhavingclaimedmorethanathousandvessels,theirrustingskeletalremainsdecayingslowly,turningtheisland’swatersintoanunderwatergraveyard.
“Businessisgood,thanks,”Seanwassayingnow,raisinghisvoiceabovethenoiseintheSurfandTurf.“Hadabusysummer,whichhelps.Gladit’sovernow,though.”
“Timeforthefunstuff?”Kieransaid.
“Yeah.”Seansmiled.“Firstbooking’sinacoupleofweeks.GotagroupflyingoutfromNorway.”
“Youreadyforthem?”
“Gettingthere.”
Thishadalwaysbeenademandingtimeofyearinthebusiness,Kieranremembered,andnothingwouldhavechanged.Seanwouldhavespentallsummertakingtouristsfishingandsnorkelingandoneasyshallow-waterdives,makingthemoneywhileitwastheretobemade.Whenautumncameandthealgaethatcloudedthesummerseacleared,theseriouscold-waterdiverswouldstartflyinginfromaroundtheworldtotakeadvantageofthefewshortmonthsofpeakunderwatervisibility,andSeancoulddowhathelovedbest—godeep.
TheMaryMinervawasoneofthefewaccessibleshipwrecksinthestate,butitwasonlyfordiverswhoknewwhattheyweredoing.Anddiverswhoknewwhattheyweredoingdidn’twanttowastetheexperienceinsuboptimalconditions,sothewindowofopportunitywaslimited.ByJuly,winterseaconditionswouldbecomesotreacherousthatitwouldbeimpossibletoreachthewreck,andtheMaryMinervawouldbeleftinitssubmergedsolitudeforanotheryear.
“Iwasplanningtobeabitfurtheronwiththesafetychecksbynow,”Seanwassaying.“TheNorwegianswanttogetintotheengineroom,butIdunnoaboutitthisyear.Idon’tlikethefeelofthatnorth-facingwall.Ireallyneedtogetrightinandhavealook,butIthinkmygoodtorchhasgoneoverboardsomewhere.”
“Ilentittothegirls.”Ashdidn’tlookupfromhisphone.
“Myyellowtorch?Thewaterproofone?”
“Yeah.Sorry,thoughtIsaid.”
Seanblinked.“I’vebeenlookingforthatforweeks,mate.Iwasliterallyabouttobuyanotherone.”
AshsawSean’sfaceandlaughed.“Comeon,don’tbelikethat.IthoughtI’dsaid.Anyway,theyneededit.Theyonlyhadasmallcrappyone.”
“It’sexpensive.”Seanstillseemedabitannoyed.“Andyou’renotsupposedtouseitfortoolongonland;thebulbcanoverheat.Hey,Liv,”hesaidasOliviabroughtoverthetraywiththeirdrinks,“areyougirlsfinishedwithmytorch?Theyellowone?”
“Oh.Yeah,Ithinkso.”Sheunloadedthetrayandtuckeditunderherarm.“Itwasn’tmewhowantedit,anyway;itwasBronte.”
Seanfrowned.“Whatfor?”
Oliviahesitated.Brontewasstackingglassesatthebar,outofearshot.“Shethoughtsheheardsomethingoutthebackofthehouseacoupleofnights.”
“Really?”Miaraisedhereyebrows.“What,thebitleadingontothebeach?”
“Yeah,”Oliviasaid.“Imean,ifyourhousematesayssomethinglikethatyouobviouslytakeitseriously,but—”Sheleanedagainstthetable,absentlyrunningathumbalongthechainofhernecklace.“Look,I’mnotsayingshedidn’tthinksheheardsomething.ButI’vebeentherefortwoyearsandneverhadanyproblems.Eveninthesummerwhenyou’vegotpeopleoutonthesandatallhours.”OlivialookedatAsh.“Imean,you’veneverheardanythingeither,haveyou,whenyou’vestayed?”
Ashshookhishead.“Ihadalookaround,justincase,withthetourists,youknow?Butnothingtosee.Imean,theshed’salwaysunlocked,butnothingintherewasgone.Itwasprobablyadogorsomething.”
Miafrowned.“Still.It’sabitcreepy.”
“Iknow,”Oliviasaid.“Itwasprettyunsettlingforawhile.ButthewindowinBronte’sroomfacesthesea,andyouknowwhatitcansoundlikewiththewindandwater.Especiallyifyoudidn’tgrowupwithit.”
Theyallnoddedatthat.
“Anyway.”OliviashruggedandturnedtoSean.“Shehasn’tmentioneditforacoupleofweekssoIthink—”ShebrokeoffandturnedasBrontewalkedpast.“Bronte,you’refinishedwiththatyellowtorch,aren’tyou?”
“Oh.”Brontestopped,alittleawkwardassherealizedalleyeswereonher.“Yeah.Iam.”
“Areyousure?”Seansaid.“Becauseifyou’rehavingtroublewithnoisefromthebeachorwhatever,I’vegotadifferentoneyoucan—”
“No,that’sokay.Thanks,though.It’sfine.”
“Didyouworkoutwhatthenoisewas?”Oliviaaskedinsurprise.
“I—”Bronte’sgazeflickedtoKieranandtheireyesmet,longenoughforhimtogaugeherexpression.Uncomfortable,definitely.Maybeahintofpity?Thatwasn’tunheardof,either.FromthekitchenhatchcamethesoundofapanbeingdroppedandBronteblinked.ShelookedbacktoOlivia.“Yeah,I’mprettysureitwasnothingtoworryabout.I’djustfreakedmyselfout.”
Sheturnedandheadedbacktothekitchen.KierancouldseeLiamleaningoutfromtheservinghatch.HemurmuredsomethingassheapproachedandtheybothglancedbackatKieran.
ThewayIseeit,youkillsomeone,youdeservealltheshitthat’scomingyourway.
KieranrememberedLiam’swords,unmistakableastheyfloatedoutfromthekitchen.
Therehadbeenasilence,theindustrialfandroningangrily.Kieranhadtriedtowalkaway.Gobacktothetable,hehadtoldhimself.GobacktoMiaandAsh.Youdon’tneedtohearthis.Hehadstayedanyway,justoutofsight.
“Sorry.Theguywiththebaby?”Brontehadsaidatlast.“Thatguy?Hekilledsomeone?”
Atleastshesoundeddoubtful,Kieranhadthought.Wronglyso,butstill.
“Yeah.”Liamwasannoyednow.“Twopeopleactually.Oneofthemwasmydad.”
“Shit.Seriously?”Therewasastunnedpause.“OhmyGod.Whathappened?No,I’msorry,youdon’thaveto—”
“It’sfine.Imean,it’snotfine,obviously.Butitwasliketwelveyearsagonow.”
“Iamsosorry,Liam.”Brontesoundedlikeshemeantit.“Iwasjustsurprised.Heseemsso…normal.Doeshispartnerknow?”
“Yeah,ofcourse.Shewasatschoolheretoowhenithappened.Itwasthedayofthestorm.”
KierancouldheartheconfusioninBronte’ssilence.
“Look,itdoesn’tmatter,”Liamwenton.“Itwasthisbigstorm,theworstinlikeeightyyearsorsomething.Buteveryonewhowasherethenremembersit,andtheyallknowwhathedid.Theycouldalltellyou.”
“Whataboutyouruncle?”
“Sean?”Liamsaid.“Whatabouthim?”
“IthoughtOliviasaidSeanwascomingheretomeetthemallfordrinks,so—”
“Ohyeah.”Liamgaveahardlaugh.“They’reallfriends.”
“But—”Shewasstillconfused.“WereSeanandyourdadbrothers,orareyourelatedbymarriageor…?”
“Yeah,mydadwasSean’solderbrother.”KierancouldimagineLiamshakinghishead.“ButSeanhas—Idunno—forgivenhim,orsomething.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah.”
“Soeveryoneknows?”Bronteasked.
“Mostpeople.”
“But—”Alongpause.“Imean,whyiseveryoneactinglikenothinghappened?”
“SamereasonthatSeanisstillfriendlywithhim,Iguess.Peoplefeelsorryforhim.Notthattheyshould.”Liam’stonewasstark.“Buttheydo.Becausetheotherpersonthedickheadmanagedtokillwashisownbrother.”
4
IfEvelynBayhadbeenquietearlier,itwascompletelydesertedasKieran,Mia,andSeansteppedoutintothenightair.Theyhadstayeduntilclosingtime,withBrontesystematicallyclearingtablesaroundthemasothercustomersleftonebyone.
At11:00p.m.onthedot,themanagerhadwipedhishandsonhisapron,flippedontheharshoverheadlights,andcutthemusicdead.He’dcomeoutofthekitchen,clickinghislongfingerstowardthesupplyclosetandcallingsomethingbackthroughtheservinghatch.Liamhademergedinresponse,scowlingandclatteringamopandbucketinhiswake.Hekepthisheaddown,hisbulkhunchedawkwardlyashesplashedwateronthefloor.
IthadtakenKieranamomenttorealizethatLiamwasdeliberatelychannelingthedirtyrunoffwatertowardhisfeetashewaitedbythecashregistertopay.ItwassuchastrangelyimpotentgesturethatKieranactuallyfeltsorryforthebloke.Hedidn’tevenbothertotakeastepaside,simplylettingthesoapytrickleseepacrossthetilesandpoolharmlesslyaroundthesolesofhisshoes.Christ,hecouldlettheguyhavethisoneifheneededitthatbadly.
Seanhadobservedtheexchange,hisgrayeyesflickingfromLiamtoKieranandbackagain,beforegettingtohisfeet.He’dstrolledovertohisnephew,putapalmonhisback,andsaidsomethinginalow,calmtone.LiamhadcontinuedsplashingwaterontheflooruntilSeanhadreachedoutahandandsimplystoppedthemop.Seanwasshorterandslighterthanhisbroad-backednephew,butrightthen,Liamhadlookedlikeachild.Seanleanedinagain,usingthesamecalmvoice.Finally,hisnephewnodded.SeanstraightenedandslappedLiamgentlyontheshoulder.
“Goodman.”
He’dletgoofthemophandleandafterabeat,Liamhadcarriedon.Outofthecornerofhiseye,KieranhadseenBrontewatching,theclothraghanginglimplyinherhand.
Atthedoor,MiastoppedtohugOliviagoodbye.
“Doyouwantustowaitandwalkyouhome?”Miasaid.“We’regoingrightpastyourplace.”
“It’sokay.Istayatmymum’smostSaturdaynightsnow,”Oliviasaid.“WedoSunday-morningyogatogether.Ithinktheweekenddragsforherabitotherwise.Anyway”—Oliviabrushedastraycurloffherforehead—“that’sallfine.Ash’llhangaround,dropmeoffatMum’s.Butlisten,let’sarrangesomethingagain.OnenightwhenI’mnotworking.”
“Definitely,”Miasaid,thenwavedacoupleofbabysunhatsatBronte,whowasfrowningatthecashregister.“Bye.Thanksagainforthese.”
“Oh.”Brontelookedup,herconcentrationbroken.“Noworries.You’rewelcome.”HersmilefadedasshedroppedhereyesfromKieranandMiatotheregister,thefrownalittledeepernow.
TheroadoutsidewasdimcomparedwiththebrightnessinsidetheSurfandTurf,onlytheoccasionalstreetlampcastingaweakorangeglowasKieran,Sean,andMiawalkedthroughthesleepingtown.Kierancouldhearthewashofthetideandwithinminutestheseawasbackinviewastheshopsandbusinessesthinnedout.Theypassedthepetrolstationandthesmallredbrickpolicestationand,upahead,hecouldseethehaloofthemarina’ssecuritylightscuttingthroughthenight.
“SodidLiamgiveyouahardtime?”Seansaid.“Orwashisrevengelimitedtoabucketofwater?”
Kieranshookhishead.“Wedidn’tspeak.”Thatwastrue.Inthedark,hefeltMiatakehishand.
“Imeanttowarnhimyou’dbethere,butIgotcaughtupoutatthewreck.”Seanpaused.“Shit.MaybeIshouldhavewarnedyoutoo.”
“Doesn’tmatter.IfIdidn’tseehimthere,it’dbesomewhereelse.”Themarinawasclosenow,thevesselsstillandshiningwhiteunderthelights.“DoesLiamworkattheSurfandTurffull-timenow?”
“No,justcasualshiftsforthesummer.Gothimhelpingmeontheboattherestofthetime.”
“That’sgood.”
“Yeah,well.Hewasatabitofalooseendafterhefinishedschool.Anyway—”Seanhadcometoastopoutsidealight-brownweatherboardbeachhouse.“Thisisme.”
Everywindowwasdark,butasSeanopenedthegateasecuritylighttrippedontoilluminateaslightlysaggingverandaandanimmaculatelymaintainedfrontyard.AboardfixedtothefenceadvertisedthenameandwebsiteofAsh’slandscapingbusiness.
“Listen.”Seanstoppedwithonehandonthegate.“I’msorryaboutLiam.I’llhaveawordwithhim.”
“Don’tbother,mate.Iheardhimtalkingabittothatwaitress,buthedidn’tevenspeaktome.It’llbefine.”
Seandidn’treplybutranahandoverhisstubbleinawaythatimpliedheknewhisnephewabitbetterthanKierandid.Heseemedlikehewasabouttosaysomethingelse,thenchangedhismind.Hepulledouthisphone.
“I’llhavetobedownatthewreckmostdaysthisweek.”Heopenedaweatherappandcheckedtheforecast.“Actually,shoutoutifyouwanttocome;conditionsareprettyperfecttomorrow.NotasgoodMondayandTuesday,butI’llstillbethere.Eitherway”—Seanraisedahandinfarewell—“goodtoseeyouboth.LikeLivwassaying,let’sdoitagainwhenshe’soff,yeah?”
KieranandMiawatchedhimclimbthewoodensteps,unlockthedoor,anddisappearinside,janglinghiskeysashewent.KieranlookedoveratMia.Hewastiredbutsuddenlycouldn’trememberthelasttimeithadbeenjustthetwoofthem.Itwouldhavebeenonlythreemonthsago,heknew.Itfeltlikealotlonger.
“Quicklookatthebeach?”hesaid.
Miasmiled.“Sure.”
Theywalkedhandinhandtowardthesoundoftheocean,turningawayfromthemarinaandtotheinkynightbeyond.Theytooktheirshoesoffastheyhitsandandheadeddowntothewater.Thehorizonwasajet-blackline,givingwayabovetothebrightmoonandasplashofstars.
“DidLiamreallynotsayanythingearlier?”Miasaid.
“Nottome.Justtothatgirl,Bronte.Ioverheardtheminthekitchen.”
“Whatdidhetellher?”
“Whatyou’dexpect.”
Theyfellquiet,notneedingtosayanythingmore.Kieranwasglad.ThathadalwaysbeenoneofhisfavoritethingsaboutMia,rightfromthenighttheyhadmet—re-met,technically—inatoo-loudstudentbarinSydney’scitycenter.
Hehadbeendraininghisbeerandfeeling,ashealwayshadinthosefirstcoupleofyears,exhaustedbyeverything.Tiredofhisstudies,offriendsthatwerenomorethanacquaintances,oftheeffortofopeninghiseyeseverymorningandshuttingthemeverynight.Oflifeingeneral.Thefoghadgrownsothick,he’dbecomeusedtonavigatinghisdayshalf-blind.
“Yep,soundsaboutright,”thecampusdoctorhadsaidmatter-of-factlywhenKieranhadbeenforcedtomakeanappointmentafterrepeatedlyfallingasleepinlectures.“Mentaloverload.Prettycommonpost-trauma.Feellikesleep’stheonlytimeyougetaproperbreakfromyourself?”He’dtappedhisteethandconsidered.“Maybethinkaboutgivingthecounselinganothercrack?Freshpairofeyesmighthelp.”
Kieranhadlefttheclinicwithacoupleofnumbersandreluctantlygonetothebar,whereafewgirlshadtriedtogivehimacouplemore.Whathe’dreallywantedwastogohomeandsleep,butitwassomeone’sbirthday—hecouldn’trememberwhose—andtheblokesinhisclasswerealreadygivinghimshitfornevercomingout.Heboughtonedrinkandnursedit,pretendingitwashisthirdorfourth.
He’dfinallyreachedthepointwherehefelthecouldputhisemptybottledownonthecounterandquietlyleavewithoutsayinggoodbye,whensomeonehadsteppedoutoftheFriday-nightcrowdandintohispath.
“Kieran?”
Hehadblinkedatthewomaninfrontofhim.“Yeah?”
“Hi.”Shetouchedhercollarbone.“MiaSum.”
She’dhadastraightbluntfringeandglassesbackthenthatgaveherakindofprettygeek-girlvibe,andshewaswearingashortblackdressthathe’dlaterlearnedsheconsideredlucky.Whathe’dthoughtwasicedwaterinherhandturnedouttobeasurprisinglypleasantvodkacocktailofherowninventionthatyearslatershestillreferredtoasMia’sMayhem.
“IusedtoliveinEvelynBay,”Miahadaddedwhentherecognitionwasslowtodawnamidthechaosofthebar.“Iwas…”Shehesitatednow.“IwasGabby’sfriend?”
Shesaidthenameclearly,whichKieranfoundinteresting.Mostpeopletendedtolowertheirvoicesatthementionofpoorhere-then-goneGabbyBirch.
Miahadseemedalittlereluctanttoelaborate,butshedidn’tneedto.Kieranhadplacedherbythenandwasinsteadstrugglingtoreconciletheshygirlhebarelyrememberedwiththewomanstandinginfrontofhim.
Heknewhewasthinkingoftherightperson,though,becausetherehadn’tbeenmany—or,indeed,any—otherhalf-SingaporeangirlslivinginEvelynBaywhenKieranwasateenager.ButtheMiaSumherememberedhadbeenfouryearsyoungerthanhimandalwaysseemedtoberushingpasthishousetoorfromapianolesson.Kieranwasn’tsurehe’dhaverecalledeventhatmuchaboutherexcept,asMiahadsaid,she’dbeenbestfriendswithGabby,andafterthestormeveryonerememberedalotmoreaboutGabrielleBirchthanthey’deverseemedtobefore.
HeknewMia’sparentshadupandmovedthefamilytoSydneyassoonastheyhadbeengiventhegreenlightbypolice,whichhadseemedlikeaprettygoodideatoKieran,boththenandnow.
Miawasstilllookingathiminthebar,atinyfrownforming.“Kieran,areyouallright?”
“Yes,”he’dsaidautomatically.
Shewasjostledbysomeonetryingtoreachthebar,butheldherground.“Doyouwanttogosomewhereelse?”
“Where?”
“Idon’tknow.Justnothere.”
Hewassickofthisplaceand,unexpectedly,thatactuallysoundedgood.“Yeah,”hesaid.“Okay.”
TheyhadsteppedoutintothewarmcityairandwalkedalittlewayuntilMiahadpointedtoabench,wherethey’dsatsurroundedbylitterandapatchofdeadgrassandthesoundsofSydneyafterdark.They’davoidedtheoneoldsubjecttheyhadincommonandinsteadtalkedaboutotherthings—citylife,Kieran’sinternshipatthephysioclinicthatcouldprobablyleadtoajobifhemanagedtomakeittograduation,Mia’sbiologydegreeandthesubtlyracistlabpartnershewasstuckwithuntiltheendoftheyear—untilMiahadstretchedandcheckedherphone.
“It’slate,”she’dsaid.“Ishouldgo.”
“Already?”Kieranhadglancedathiswatchandbeensurprisedbythetime.
“Yeah.Besides—”Miahadlookedupathimfromunderneathherfringe.“You’veprobablygotanearlystarttomorrow,haven’tyou?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Nothing.”Shesmiled.“YoujustlooklikethekindofguywhohitsthegymprettyhardonaSaturdaymorning.”
“Notthegym.”He’dsaiditbeforehecouldhelphimself.“Igoswimming.”
Shehadblinked.“Doyoureally?”Theflirtatioustonedissolvedinaninstantandalookofsadsurpriseflashedacrossherface.Shehadsatbackdownonthebenchandputawarmhandonhisback.“Oh,Kieran.”
Kieransatonthebeachnow,yearslaterbutsomehowstillbackinEvelynBay,andreachedacrossthesandandtookherhand.She’dgrownoutthefringeawhileagoandswappedtocontacts,andhewasn’tsurewhathadhappenedtotheblackdress.ShestillenjoyedtheoccasionalMia’sMayhem,butnowitwasusuallywhippedupintheirtinykitchenandservedinatumblerfromthecupboard.Lifehadaquieterrhythmnowandhewasstillalittlesurprisedhowmuchhelikedit.Nightsinandnotmindingwhentheotherpersonmeanttosmilebutyawnedinstead.
“Sorry.”Shecoveredhermouthquicklyasthewindblewherhairacrossherface.“Youreadytogoback?I’mso…”Sheyawnedagain.
“Iknow.Metoo.”
Theystood,dustingoffthesand.Ahead,thebeachstretchedoutinshadow.Kieran’sparents’housewasonlyaten-minutewalkalongtheshoreline,buthefeltMialookintothenightandhesitate.
“Gobackalongtheroad?”hesaid,andshenodded.
TheystoppedunderalamppostwherethesandypathhitthetarmacofBeachRoadandheldthefenceforbalanceastheyputtheirshoesbackon.Therewasnoofficialpavementbutnotrafficeither,andtheywalkedsidebysidealongthemakeshiftnaturestripthatlinedthefrontofthebeachsidecottages.Mostofthehomeslayinsleepingdarkness,withonlytheoccasionalglowfromafrontwindow.Thehousesblockedtheviewofthewater,butKierancouldhearitlappingagainsttheshore.
“Hey,whatdidyoumakeofLivandAshasacouple?”Miaaskedsuddenly.
Kieranconsidered,picturingthemearlierattheSurfandTurf.TherewassomethingaboutAshandOliviatogetherthathe’dfoundalittlehardtogetareadon.Itcouldjustbehistory,heknew.Alotofwaterhadflowedunderthatbridge,forallofthem.Butthey’dalsohadthefaintlycombativeedgethatsomecouplesseemedtoenjoy,butthatKieranpersonallyfoundexhausting,evenasaspectator.
“Idon’tknow,”hesaid,meaningit.“Whatdidyouthink?”
“Ijusthopehedoesn’tmessheraround.”
Hewon’t,Kieranwasabouttosay,thenstopped.ItwasAsh.Hemight.
“Didyounoticetheway—?”Miastarted,thenstopped,hearingthelowrumbleatthesametimeasKierandid.
Herealizedwhatitwasasplitsecondbeforethecartorearoundthecorner,therumblebecomingaroarasitcareenedtowardthem,headlightsonfullbeam.
“Shit,watchout.”
KieranputhisarmoutforMia,butshewasalreadyofftheroad,thesmallofherbackpressedagainstsomeone’sgardenfence.Hefelttherushofwindasthecarshriekedpast,shrillandbrightinthestillofthenight.Ithadn’tcomeclosetotouchingthem,butKieran’sheartwaspumpingandhisheadtingledwitharushofblood.HecouldfeelMia’spulsepoundingagainsthisarm.HepicturedAudreysleepinginhercotathome,andthoughtaboutwhatcouldhavehappened,andfeltfaintlysick.
Theywatchedthecarracedowntheroad,theredtaillightsblinkingsmalleruntilitturnedanothercorneranddisappearedcompletely.Ithadcomeandgoneinseconds,andtheonlysoundoncemorewastheirbreathingandthegentlebreakingofwaves.
“OhmyGod.”Mialaughedwithrelief.“What’sworthrushingforaroundhere?There’sliterallynothinginthistownthatcan’twait.”
“Iknow.Youokay?”
“Yeah,itwasjustasurprise.”
Theywalkedon.AfewlightswereglowinginFisherman’sCottageastheypassed,butKieran’sparents’housewascompletelydarkastheycreptupthedriveway.Heletthemin,nearlytrippingoverthestackofmovingboxespiledinthehallway.MiawentstraightthroughtocheckonAudrey,whowassoundasleepinhertravelcotinthecornerofKieran’soldbedroom.Thedoortohisparents’roomwasclosed,butVerityhadleftanotedetailinghowmuchformulaAudreyhadtaken,whichMiaglancedoverwhileKieranundressed.
Withintenminutestheywerebothinbed,theadrenalinespikefromearlierhavingwornoff,leavingbehindonlycloudyexhaustion.Miawashalf-asleepevenasshewassayinggoodnight.OutsideKieran’swindow,hecouldheartheswellofthesea.
Heclosedhiseyesandslept,thickandheavy.Hestirredonlyoncewhen,somewheredeepwithinhisdream,heheardthesoundofadoorslam.
5
Kieranwasalonewhenheopenedhiseyes,squintingagainstthemorninglightbeamingthroughacrackintheblind.ThebeddingonMia’ssidehadbeenthrownbackandthesheetswerecold.HeraisedhisheadandcouldseethatAudrey’scotwasempty.
TheskirtandtopMiahadlaidoutlastnightonthechairweregone.Kieranhadn’theardhergetup.Hesighedandlayback,feelingbothguiltyandrelieved.Alongwiththenightfeedings,Audreyhadbeenstartingherdaybeforedawnforthepastmonthandtheytriedtotakeitinturnstogetup.Hewasprettysure—certain,actually—thatitwashisgo.Hecheckedthetime.Aftereight.Nowonderhefeltunusuallyrested.Asafather—thephrasestillsoundedforeigntohim—thatcountedasaluxuriouslylatestart.
KierangotoutofbedandpulledonhisboardshortsandaT-shirt.HisphoneshowedatextfromMia,sentearliertosayshewasgoingouttoavoidwakingthewholehouse.Hetextedherback.Okay.
Outinthehall,hestoppedashisbarefeetcrunchedagainstthefloorboards.Helookeddown.Alightlayerofsandtrailedacrossthewood.Ithadbeenwalkedthroughatleastonce,thescuffmarksstillvisible.
HadheandMiabroughtthatinlastnight?Hecouldseehisshoeswherehehadlefttheminsidethefrontdoor,butheknewhowthesandgoteverywhere.Abroomanddustpanwereproppedclumsilyagainstawall,seeminglyabandonedmidtask.Fromthekitchen,Kierancouldhearhisparents’muffledvoices.Helistenedbutcouldn’thearMia,orAudreyforthatmatter.Theymuststillbeout.
Kieranreachedforthebroom.Itwasn’tabigjob,andasheemptiedthedustpanintothebathroombinaminuteortwolater,hegrabbedanoldbeachtowel.Ifhewasgoingtoswim,nowwasasgoodatimeasany.Hedidn’tliketomissaday,andrarelyhadintwelveyears,sincetheveryfirstdoctoratthehospitalinHobarthadissuedherstarkwarning.
Kieranhadn’tcaughthername,butshe’dcomeintohisroom,putdownherclipboard,andpulledupthevisitor’schair.She’dhadshortgrayhairandthecarewornfaceofsomeonewhohadseenitallbeforeandcoulddowithoutseeingitallagain.
“Allright.Listenclose,”shesaid.Kieranhadbeenadmittedlessthantwenty-fourhoursearlierandwasstillfeelingshell-shocked.“Becausethisisimportant.”
Kieran,lungsstillheavyandaching,hadtriedtoconcentrate.
“Allthis”—she’dwavedherpenathisbody—“thiswillallheal.You’regoingtobefine.SowhatIneedyoutodoisfocusonyourhead.Becausethatsendspeoplebackheremoreoftenthanyouwanttoknow.”
Thedoctorhadletthatsinkinbeforeshespokeagain.
“Peoplecanreactbadlywhentheydon’tknowhowtoreacttosomething.That’strueforeveryone,butmeninparticularcanveryquicklyfindthemselvesinplacestheydon’twanttobe.I’mtalkingaggression,I’mtalkingfamilyproblems,heavydrinking”—shehadtickedthemoffonherfingers—“drugs,sexstuff,prostitutes,violentporn.Andyou,Kieran…”
Hehadstaredather.“Me,what?”
“Aguylikeyou,whatareyou,eighteen?Inasituationlikethis?Youareaprimecandidateforthat,myfriend.Prime.”Thedoctor’stonesoftened.“Thatcouldbeyou.Easily.SoIwantyoutomakesureitisn’t.Donotletyourselfgetsideswipedbythis,allright?There’sgoingtobealottodealwithemotionally,sobeprepared.Youneedsomesortofreleasethat’snotgoingtoendupwithyoudeadormiserableorinjail.SotakemeseriouslywhenIsaythis:Findsomethingpositivethathelps.”
Thesamedayhewasreleasedfromthehospital,KieranhadfollowedVerityintotheirhouse,droppedhisbag,andwalkeddownthehallwayandstraightoutthebackdoor.Hehadstrippeddowntohisshorts,plungedintothesea,andswumandswumandswum.
Heopenedthehallcupboardnowtoputthebroomback,andslowedashepassedthenextbedroom.Ithadoncebelongedtohisolderbrother,Finn,butatsomepointKieranandhisparentshadsimplystartedreferringtoitasthe“other”room.
Otherroomwasaboutright.SinceFinndied,BrianandVerityhadtriedusingthespacevariouslyasahomeofficeandagym.Theyneversaiditoutloud,butKieranguessedtheydidn’tfinditeasytospendtimeintherebecauseforthelastfewyearsithadbecomeessentiallyastoragespace.Itwaspackedfullofbelongingstheyhardlyeverneeded,whichofferedthedualbenefitofkeepingtheroombothinuseandrarelyvisited.
Thedoorwasajarnow,though,andKieranusedafingertopushitopen.Itlookedalmostasheexpected,withtheadditionofflat-packedcardboardboxesstackedagainstthewalls,buthestoppedwhenhesawthatthesparebednestledamidtheclutterhadbeenmadeup
Thesheetshadbeentuckedinwithoutmuchcare.Adirtycoffeemugstoodnexttothebed,alongwithabookspreadopentomarkitspageandVerity’sreadingglassesperchedonthespine.Shemustbesleepingthere,atleastsomeofthetime.Kieranhadneverinhislifeknownhisparentstosleepapart.Helookedatthebednowandwonderedwhattomakeofthat.
Inthekitchen,hefoundVerityleaningforwardinherseat,balancingamouthfulofcerealonaspoon.Shewasholdingitoutatfaceheight,ignoringthemilkthatsloppedovertheedgeandontothetiledfloor.Attheotherendofthespoon,BrianElliottopenedhismouthbarelywideenoughtospeak.
“I’vehadenough.”
“Youhaven’thadanythingatallyet.”VerityglancedupasKieranenteredandpointedhimtowardthefreshcoffeebeforeturningherattentionbacktoherhusband.
Kieran’sparentsusedtocompeteinlocaltriathlonstogether.Fouryearsago,Brianhadcomeinsecondintheover-fiftycategory.Verityplacedtheedgeofthespoonagainstherhusband’slips,coaxingthemapart.Heopenedhismouthlikeachild.
KieranwatcheduntileventuallyVeritylookedover.“HowwastheSurfandTurf?”
Heshrugged.Atthetable,hisdadrefusedasecondmouthful.“Itwasfine.HaveyouseenMiathismorning?”
“No.Eatplease,Brian.She’snothere?”
“She’stakenAudreyout.”Kierancheckedhisphone.Nonewmessages.
Hepulledoutakitchenchairandmovedaboxsohecouldsitdown.Theflapwasn’tsealedandashelookedinside,hestopped.
Intheboxweresomeofhismother’sclothes,foldedneatlynexttowhathecouldonlydescribeasrottinghouseholdrubbish.ThecreampulloverVerityhadknittedherselfhadadarkspatteracrossthefrontwhereausedteabaghadbledoutagainstthewool.Abrowningbananapeelwastuckedintothepocketofapairoftrousers.
Kieranstaredatthecontents,thenheldouttheboxwordlessly.Veritybarelyglancedatit,shruggingathissilentquestion.
“Heknowswe’removing.”SheturnedbacktoBrian,breakfastbowlstillinherhand.“Heseesmepackingandhewantstohelp,soheputsinwhateverhecanfind.”Sherananeyeovertheotherboxes.“He’sdoneafew.”
“Thisisdreadful.”
Veritydidn’treply,justscoopedupanothermouthfulofcereal.
“Mum?”
“Yes?”
“Youshouldhavetoldme.Whydidn’tyoutellmeitwaslikethis?”
“Youhaveenoughgoingon.You’vegotAudreynow.Work.”Veritylookedhimcalmlyintheeye.“Icanmanageyourdad.It’sfine.”
“It’snot.Mum?Thisisnotfineatall.Thisisreallybad.”
“Icanunderstandwhyyoumightbefeelingthatway.”
Andthereitwas,likeclockwork.TheactivelisteningthatVeritywassokeenon.
Kieranignoreditandtriedagain.“Howlonghaveyoubeensleepingintheotherroom?”
“Notlong.Andonlysometimes.”Veritygaveuponthecerealandstoodtoputthebowlinthesink.“Hegetsabitrestlessatnight.”
TheyweretalkingaboutBrianasthoughhewasn’tthere,Kieranrealized.HewonderedwhatVerity’scurrentonlinesupportgroup—hethoughtitwasafairlysafebetthatshewaspartofone—wouldmakeofthat.
“It’snottoolatetofindsomewhereinSydney,Mum,”hesaid.“Forbothofyou.”
“Itis.Andwe’vebeenthroughthis.”
“Iknow,but—”
“Yourdadwouldfindaninterstatemovedifficult.”
“Yeah,buthe’dgetusedtoiteventually.Andit’dbebetterforyou.Youwouldn’thavetodothisonyourown.MiaandIwouldbearound.AndAudrey.Itcouldbeanewstart.”
Veritydidn’tanswer,butKieranthoughthecouldguesswhatshewasthinking.VerityElliottdidnotwantanewstart.Whatshewantedwasforthingstobethewaytheyusedtobe.Shewouldneversaythat,though,heknew.Sureenough,shetookasipofcoffeeandglancedatthebeachtoweldrapedoverthebackofKieran’schair.
“Areyougoingforaswim?”
“Canwenotchangethesubject?”
“Iwasn’ttryingto.”Verityregardedhimacrossthekitchen.“Iwasgoingtoaskifyouwerecopingokay.”
“Oh.”Kieranswallowed.“Yeah.Iguessso.Imean,thiswholethingwithDadis—”
Hetriedtofindtheword.
“Confronting?”Veritysupplied.
“Yeah,Isuppose.”Kieranhadbeengoingtosayreallyshit,butsure,thatwascloseenough.
“It’s…”Veritystarted,thenhesitated.
Kieranwaited,genuinelycuriouswhatshewasgoingtosay,hereinherkitchensurroundedbyhalf-filledboxesofrubbish-stainedclothes,packedbyamanwhohadstoodbyhersideforfortyyearsandnowlookedatherasthoughhecouldn’tquiteplaceher.Veritystaredintohercoffeemugwithahintofafrownonherface.Foralongmoment,theonlysoundwasthetickingofthekitchenclock,comingfromaboxbesidethecounter.Thenshetookabreath.Whenshelookedup,herexpressionwasbacktoneutral.
“Thethingtoremember,Kieran,isthatfeelingsofuncertaintyoranxietyarecompletelynormalaheadofbig—”
ShebrokeoffasKieranstoodabruptly.No.Hehadabsolutelynointerestinsittingthroughanaturaltofearchangesessionledbyhismother.He’dhadtodothatonealready,afewtimesinfact,withactualqualifiedprofessionals.
“Ifyoudon’twanttotalkaboutthis,”hesaid,“Imayaswellswim.”
Veritywasfirmlyserene.“Ithoughtweweretalking.”
“Didyoureally?”
Theylookedateachotherovertheboxes.ThenVerityopenedhermouth.
“Allright.”Themaskwasstillperfectlyinplace.“Becarefulinthewater.”
Herwordswereaslightasair.Kieranstaredathismother.Shegazedback.Hegenuinelycouldnottellifshewashavingadig.Slowly,hepickeduphistowelandwalkedoutofthekitchen,makingsurenottoslamthedoorincasethatmeantsomething.
“Where’sFinnoffto?”Brian’squestionfloatedintothehall.
Veritydidn’tbothertocorrecthim.
Atthebackdoor,Kieranignoredasmallpatchofsandhe’dmissed,scatteringthegrainsashestrodeoutontotheveranda.Helookedoutatthesea,hopingtofindMiawalkingbarefootintheshallowsorlyingonatowelwiththeirdaughter.
NoMia.NoAudrey.Thebeachbehindtheirhousewasempty.
Kierantookouthisphoneandsentheranothertext.Whereareyouguys?
Hewalkeddownthethinbutwell-wornpaththroughthebackgateandontothesand.Hestoppedwhenhenearedthetidelineandturned,shieldinghiseyes.
Tothenorth,therollingwavesfizzedwhiteagainstthesand.Acoupleofdistantboatsdriftedwiththebreeze.
Tothesouth—Kieranfroze.
Tothesouth,justafewminutes’walkaway,asmallcrowdhadgathered.Theywerestandingverystillandclosetogether,theirheadsdownanddogsheldtightonleashesastheywatchedsomethingunfoldingattheshoreline.Theirdistresspulsedacrossthesand.
Kieranwouldhaveknownwhatitwas,evenwithouttheflashofablueuniform.EvenwithoutthepolicetapeflappingagainstmakeshiftstakesoutsidewhathecouldnowseewasFisherman’sCottage.TherewasonlyonethinginEvelynBaythatdrewacrowdlikethattothewater’sedge.
Kierandroppedhistowelandstartedtorun.
6
Itwasn’tthem,Kieranknew,hisheelssinkingintothedampsandashetriedtopickupspeed.Itwasn’tMiaandAudreyatthefeetofthatcrowd.
Itwasn’tthem,becausesomeonewouldhaveknockedonhisparents’doorbynow.Kieranwouldnothavebeenallowedtositexasperatedathismother’skitchentablewhilethisplayedoutafewhundredmetersaway.
Itwasn’tthem,becauseotherwisethelargelyforgottenbutfamiliarfacesofneighborsthatturnedtowardKieranasheranupnowwouldsurelybesoftenedwithsympathy.
Itwasn’tMiaorAudrey,Kierantoldhimselfashedrewtoahaltwithhisbreathburninginhischest,becausehesimplycouldnotbearittobethem.
Hewasright.
Thesmallcrowdshiftedandpartedalittle,enoughforhimtoseewhatitwasthathaddrawnthissilentvigil.Anditwasn’tthem.Itwasn’tMialyingstill,withherhairlankagainstthedampsand,herbarearmsmottledwithanunearthlyblue-whitebloomofcold.Itwasn’tMiasprawledlifelessattheshoreline,withthedistinctivebright-orangeglowofherwaitressuniformdarkenedbythesea.
Itwasn’tMia.Itwasn’tevenOlivia,thankGod,astheplasticpolicetapeshudderedandglintedinthebreeze,ropingoffthepathleadingdirectlytoFisherman’sCottage.
ItwasBronte.
Kieran’simmediatethoughtwasapure,shamefulrushofrelief.Heranbothhandsoverhisface,horrifiedthatsomeonemightnotice.Hetookadeepbreath.
“Dotheyknowwhathappened?”hesaidtothewomannexttohim,whosenameheknewheshouldremember.Hecouldpictureheronhisparents’porch,sippingwineatbarbecues.Thewomanshookherhead,hergrayhaircatchingthewindasherdogstrainedatitsleash.
“Theyhaven’tsaid.Iheardherhousematefoundher.”
“Olivia?”Kierancouldseetheroped-offgateleadingtoFisherman’sCottage.
Thewomannoddedbutsaidnomore,hereyesonthehorizon.Kieran’sowngazecreptbacktoBronte.
Shewaslyingonherside,lengthwisealongthebeachwithherbacktothesea.Herarmswerelimpandherfacewaspressedagainstthesand.Thecarefulhighlightsinherhairweredullandmatted.Herbaby-dolleyeswereclosed.
Kieranhadasuddenflashofher,sodifferentfromthis.RunningthroughthesprayafterAudrey’shat,lookingoutattheseaandlaughinginfrustration.
AsingleyoungcopKierandidn’trecognizestoodnearthewaterwithhisbootsdampandsandy,guardingtheterritorybetweenBronteandtheonlookers,whohadgatheredarespectfuldistanceaway.Hispalmwasheldoutasthoughtowardoffanyoneattemptingtogetcloser.Noonehadmoved.
“Shouldn’ttheygetherout?”someonemutteredasthetailendofaheavywaveracedupthesandandthreatenedtolapattheedgeofthegirl’sorangeuniform.
Theyoungcophadnoideawhatheshouldbedoing;evenKierancouldseethat.Theguyhadalmostcertainlyspentthesummerdealingwithlostwalletsandunderagedrinking.TheofficerkeptglancingdesperatelytowardFisherman’sCottageandlookedrelievedasthebackdoorsuddenlyswungopenandavoiceshoutedout
“Oi!Bloodygoaround!”
Asecondpoliceofficerhadsteppedoutontotheporchandwasthrustingafingerinthedirectionofacoupleofdogwalkerswhohadbrokenawayfromthecrowdandwereattemptingashortcutalongthecordoned-offpath.
Kierandefinitelyrecognizedthiscop.Heusedtobetheyoungnervousonehimself.Twelveyearsago,themanhadbeenConstableChrisRenn,fresh-facedandovereagertopleaseinhisfirstposting.Now,approachingfortyandthetown’ssergeant,Rennlookedneitherfreshnoreager.
Renn’shairhadbeenthinningprematurelyevenbackthen,andhisnowcompletelybaldheadshonewithalightsheenofsunscreen.Hehadalwaysbeenfit,andKieranrecognizedhisbuildasthatofafellowgym-goer,albeitonewhoprobablyhadtoworkharderthesedaysthanheusedto.
Rennwatcheduntilthecowedcoupleskulkedoff,theirdogstrainingattheleash.Heshookhisheadonce,mouthingsomethingthatlookedlikeunbelievable,thendisappearedbackinside.Thedoorslammedshutandatthewater’sedgetheyoungcop’sfacefell.
KieranturnedbacktoFisherman’sCottage.Asmallwindowoverlookedasandygardenandrickety,weather-wornfence.Thebackbedroom,probably,ifthelayoutofthisplacewasanythinglikehisparents’.Bronte’sroom,then.Herwindowlookedontothebeach,Oliviahadsaidthenightbefore.
Shethoughtsheheardsomethingoutthebackofthehouseacoupleofnights.
Oliviahadsaidthattoo.
KieranlookedatthewindowandimaginedBrontestaringoutatthedark.Listening.Heglancedattheyoungcop,thenbackatthehouse.They’dhearallthatfromOlivia,hesupposed,andhejumpedashisphonebeepedinhispocket.Hepulleditouttoreadthemessage.Mia.Hefeltafreshgiddyrushofrelief.
I’mneartheSurfandTurf.Whereareyou?Almostimmediately,asecondmessage.Something’shappenedatthebeach.
Hetappedareply.Iknow,I’mhere.Onmywaynow.TalkwhenIgetthere.
Theresponsewasquick.What’sgoingon?Somethingbad?
KieranlookedbackatBronte.Herfeetwerebareandshehadpaintedhertoenailspink.Astripofseaweedwasplasteredtohercheek.Theedgeflappedinagustofwindandsettledslickandbrownagainstherlips.Shedidn’tmove.
Yes
Somethingverybad.Kieranturnedandsteppedawayfromthecrowd,hislegsfeelingunreliable.Ashecrossedthesand,hethoughthesensedmovementinthehouseandgaveastart.Wherethebedroomwindowhadbeenblank,hecouldnowseeafigure,obscuredbythereflectionoftheglass.
Kierantookanotherstepandtheangleofthelightchanged,andhecouldseethatitwasonlySergeantRenn.Theofficerwashunchedforward,hisphonetrappedbetweenhisshoulderandchin.Hewasnoddingstifflyandappearedtobescribblingsomethinginanotebook.Helistenedabitlonger,thenendedthecallandstraightenedup.
Rennwasverystill,staringoutthroughtheglass,acrossthesandanddowntothewater.Then,asKieranwatched,heliftedahandanddraggeditslowlyoverhisface.Forgettheyoungcop,Kieranthought.IthadbeenalongtimesinceChrisRennhadhadtodealwithanythingevenclosetothis.
Perhapsthinkingthesamething,SergeantRennstoodwatchingaminutelonger.ThenheturnedabruptlyandthewindowtoBronte’sroomwasemptyagain,theglassreflectingonlythesky,thesea,andthecrestofwhitewaterbreakingbehindalonedarkshapeinthesand.
7
KieranfoundMiawaitingoutsidetheSurfandTurf,withAudreystrappedinthebabyslingacrossherchest.Therestaurantdoorswerelockedandthelightswereoff,butthepathoutsidewasgettingbusy.Smallgroupsclustered,split,andre-formedasthemorning’spassersbyweredrawninbythesolemnfacesandhushedwhispers.KieranedgedthroughthethrongandpulledMiaandAudreyintoahughardenoughtomakehisdaughterscreech.
“Sorry,littleone,”hesaid.“I’mjustverygladtoseeyou.”
Kieran’shandpausedashestrokedherhead.ShewaswearingtheyellowfloralhatBrontehadfishedoutofthelostpropertybox.FromthewayMiawasfiddlingwiththecottonrim,Kierancouldtellshehadheardthenews.
Awomancoughed.“Youcomefromthebeach,Kieran?”
Kieranlookedoveratamiddle-agedbottleblondewhohadbeenmakingfacesatAudrey.Shewaswearingthefamiliarorangewaitressuniform,andKieranknewwithoutreadingthetagonhershirtthathernamewasLyn.Hecouldn’trememberatimewhenshehadn’tworkedattheSurfandTurf.
“Yeah.Iwasjustdownthere.”
“They’resayingit’sBronte.”
Henodded.
Lyn’smouthhardenedintoalineandshereachedintoherpocketandpulledoutapacketofcigarettes.ShetookastepawayfromAudreyasshelitup.
“Shewasnice,”shesaid.“Bronte.”
“Didyouknowherwell?”
Lynshrugged,hershoulderstight.
“Abit,Isuppose.Shewasn’tlikesomeofthemweget.Thesecasualswhoforgetthey’reheretowork.Thatwasn’tBronte.Evenlately,eventhoughsheonlyhadacoupleofweeksleftontheroster,shestillturnedupforhershifts.Goodwiththecustomerstoo,eventhetrickyones.Especiallythetrickyones,sometimes.”Lyntookashortdrag,hermouthfallingbackintoitsthinlineassheexhaledthroughhernose.Sheflickedhercigaretteashinthevaguedirectionofthebeach.“It’stoobloodydarkdownthere,I’malwayssaying.It’snotsafe.”
Kieranthoughtbacktothenightbefore,sittingbythewaterwithMia.Themarinalightsbehindthemandstretchofsandaheaddisappearingintoshadow.HowMiahadbeenreluctanttowalkhomethroughthepitchblack.Andsotheyhadn’t.Theyhadgoneadifferentwayinstead.HecouldtellfromMia’sfacethatshewasthinkingthesamething.
“We’vetakenitupwiththecouncil,”Lynwenton,herfingerstwitchy.“I’vetoldthemthatweneedsomelightsalongthere.Twice,I’vetoldthemthat.It’sintheAGMminutes.Butsomeoftheresidentsdon’tlikeit,youknow?Sayitwouldmakeithardtosleep.ButItoldthem,you’vegotpeoplecomingfromallover—themainland,wherever—theydon’tknowwhatthewater’slike.Imean,BrontewasfromCanberra.Shecouldprobablybarelyswim—”
“They’vegotpoolsinCanberra,”Miasnapped,andKieranblinked.Thatwasunusualforher.ShewasfiddlingwithAudrey’shatagain,takingitoffandputtingitbackon.
Lynregardedherthroughaveilofcigarettesmoke.Shenoddedtowardtheoceancrashingbeyondthelineoftrees.“That’snotpoolwater.”
Kieranshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkBrontewasswimming,anyway,”hesaid,andtheybothlookedathim.“Shewaswearingherworkclothes.”
“Oh.”Lyn’swholefacetightenedassheabsorbedthat.“Well,maybe—”Sheblinkedhard.“Maybeshe…”
KierancouldseeLyntryingveryhardtothinkofagoodexplanation.Agood,perfectlyplausiblereasonwhyayoungwomanmightventureintothesea,inheruniform,lateatnight.Areasonthatwouldallowthemalltoavoidacknowledginganalternativethatwassuddenlyhangingthickanddarkandheavyintheairbetweenthem.Noneofthemgaveitlifebyputtingitintowords.
Thick,darkalternativeslikethatdidnotbelonginEvelynBay.Itwasn’tfairtosayEvelynBaywasaplacewherenothingeverhappened—thingsdid,ofcourse;askanyonewhohadbeenthereforthestorm.Butnotoften,andnotwhateverthiswas.
“Shewasareallylovelygirl,”Lynsaidfinally.“Reallykind.SheswappedwithmelastweeksoIcouldtakemycattothevet.Andonce—”
Shestoppedasasilverfour-wheeldrivepulledup,slowingtoacrawlnearthem.Thedriversawthecrowdand,ignoringtheemptyparkingspaceonthestreetrightoutthefront,putonhisindicatorandmadetoturnintothesidedeliveryentrance.
Kieran,Mia,andLynsteppedbacktoallowthecarthrough,thesurfboardstrappedtoitsroofjudderingasthewheelscrunchedoverthegravel.ThecarpulledtoastopoutsidetheSurfandTurf’sdeliverydoorandtheenginecutdead.Thedriverdidn’tgetoutimmediatelyandKierancouldmakeouttheglowofamobilephonepressedtohisear.
Kierandidn’trecognizethecar,butheknewtheman.JulianWallis,manageroftheSurfandTurf.Kieranhadcaughtsightofhimthenightbefore,cuttingthemusicatclosingtimeandinstructingascowlingLiamtofetchthemop,andbeenstruckbythewaysomepeoplereallyneverchanged.
Julianstillhadthesamegraybuzzcuthe’dhadaslongasKieranhadknownhim.Hehadtheangular,ropeybuildofadistancerunner,butitwaswaterratherthanroadthathadhonedhisshape.JulianhadruntheNipperssurflifesavinggroupforkidseversinceKieranhimselfhadbeenamember,andhisvoicehadthekindofnaturalauthoritythatstillmadeKieranfeeltheurgetojumpintolineandpayattention.
Kieranwatchednowasthephonescreenwentdarkinsidethecar.Juliansatbehindthewheelforwhatfeltlikealongminutebeforeopeningthedoor.Whenhedidstepout,helookedshaken.Notmuch,butitwasdisturbingtoseeanyshowofemotiononJulian’snotoriouslygranite-likefeatures.
SeanhadoncesaidtheonlydifferencebetweenJulianwinningthelotteryandrunningoverhisdogwasatinyupwardordownwardinflectionatthecornerofhislips.Therewasnoquestionwhichwaythingsweregoingthismorning.Theinflectionwasfirmlydown.
HewenttounlockthesidedoortotherestaurantandforthefirsttimenoticedLynattheedgeofthedriveway,waitinginheruniform.
“Lyn.Sorry.”Heshookhishead,distracted.“Imeanttocallyou.Youmayaswellheadhome.I’llletyouallknowwhat’shappeningwhenIknowmyself,okay?”
“Okay.”ThewaitresstrappedtheverytipofhertonguebetweenheryellowingteethandevenKierancouldhearthequestionshewasfightingnottoask.Willwestillgetpaid?Itwasn’tunreasonable,Kieranthought,notwiththeslowseasonapproaching.
Juliandidn’tseemtonoticeasheturnedbacktothesidedoor,swearingunderhisbreathashestruggledtogetthelocktoslidefree.Hetriedagain,successfullythistime,anddisappearedinsideonlytoreemergeaminutelaterclutchingalargebunchofkeys.Heslammedthedoor,gotbackintohiscarwithoutanotherword,andreversedfasterthanwaspossiblyprudentbeforedrivingbackthewayhehadcome.
“DoeshestillownFisherman’sCottage?”Miaasked.
“Yeah.GivesOlivia—andBronte,Iguess—astaffdiscountontherent.”Lynpaused.“SoIsupposeChrisRennwillbeneedingtohaveawordwithhim.”
“IsawSergeantRenndownatthebeach,”Kieransaid,picturingthebroadpoliceofficerframedinthebedroomwindow.“He’sinchargestill?”
Lynnoddedandkickedherspentcigarettebuttintothesandyditch.
“Fornow,anyway—”Shebrokeoff,andbeforeKierancouldaskwhatshemeant,Lynhadturnedherattentiontotheroad,whereadark-hairedmanwasapproaching.Hewasfrowningathismobilephone,typingsomethingfuriouslywithhisthumbashewalked.
“OhGod.”Lynrolledhereyes.“Here’sanotheronewhowon’tbehappy.Helikeshisroutine.He’llhavetogotothelibraryinstead.George—”Sheraisedhervoiceastheman,stilloblivious,climbedthestepstotheSurfandTurf’sfrontentrance.Helookedupinsurprisewhenthelockeddoorrattledinhishand.“Closed,I’mafraid,George,love.”
Themanblinked,andKieranrecognizedhimasthecustomerwiththelaptopwhoBrontehadservedthenightbefore.Heappearedtohavehislaptopwithhimagaintoday,onlynowitwasencasedinabatteredleathersatchelslungacrosshischest.Hehadturnedupthecollarofhislightjacketagainsttheseabreezeand,somewhatimprobably,hadanactualprintnewspapertuckedunderhisarm.Thefacthewasnoolderthanearlyfortiesandhadtheworld’snewsonthephoneinthepalmofhisotherhandmadetheperfectlyinnocentobjectlooklikeanostalgicaffectation.
“Whyisitshut?”heaskedLyn,peeringthroughtheSurfandTurf’sdarkenedwindows.KieransawMiawatchinghimwithafaintlypuzzledlookonherface.
“There’sbeenanaccident.Downatthebeach,”Lynsaid.“Something’shappenedtoBronte.”
Themanturnedatthat.“Really?Issheokay?”
“No.”Lyn’svoicewastight.Shelitanothercigarette.“No.SergeantRenn’sdowntherenow.”
Themanlookedather,thennoddedslowly,gettinghermeaning.Heswappedhisnewspapertohisotherarmandpulledouthisphoneagain,tappingwithadifferentintentthistime,hisexpressionsoberashescrolled.Kieranwatchedhim,thenturnedasMiatouchedhisarmandpointedacrosstheroad.
Ash,gray-facedandwalkingsofastthathisdoghadtotrottokeepupwithhim,hadhiseyesdownandhisownphonepressedtohisear.Afterasilentmoment,hedroppedhishandandglaredatthescreeninfrustration.
“Ash!”Kierancalled,andAshstopped.Heblinked,asthoughhe’dforgottenforamomenttheywerebackintown,thenchangeddirectionandheadedover.
“You’veheardaboutBronte?”hewassayingbeforehe’devenreachedthem.“Ican’tgetholdofLiv.”
“Renn’soveratthecottage,”Kieransaid.“Ididn’tseeLiv,though.Maybeshe’satthestation.”
“Right.”Ashdidn’tlookmuchhappierwiththatandrakedahandacrosshisunshavenjaw.“IheardLivfoundher.”
“FoundBronte?”Miasaid.“Ithoughtshestayedathermum’slastnight?”
“Yeah,shedid.Idroppedherofftheremyself.”Ashshookhisheadandcheckedhisphoneagain.Thescreenwasstillblank.“So,yeah.Idon’tknow.”
Ashlookedupnowandsawthatthemanonthestepshadstoppedscrollingandwaslisteningtothem.
“Jesus,doyoubloodymind,George?”Ashgavethebloketheblank-eyedstarethattypicallymademostpeopleimmediatelylookaway.Notthisguy,though,Kieranwasinterestedtonote.HeheldAsh’sgazebeforeshruggingandturningbacktohisownphone.
“OhmyGod,poorLiv,”Miasaid.“Canyouimaginewhatthatwouldbelikeforher?Findingherhousematelikethat?EspeciallyaftereverythingwithGabby.”
“ThisisalotdifferentfromGabbythough,”Kieransaid.“Imean…”
Bronte’sbodyhadbeenrightthere,foronething.Hedidn’tfinishthethoughtoutloud.Wishedhehadn’tstartedit.
“It’sthesamebeach,”Miasaid.
Thatwastrue,Kieranthought.Butitwasabigstretchofsand.
“Anditwasaroundthistimeofyear,too.”
“It’satragedy,that’swhatitis.”Lynhadlitafreshcigaretteandinhaledwithforce.“Brontewasabeautifulsoul.Andthatbeachistoobloodydark.It’sanaccidentwaitingtohappen.”
Shewasstillclingingtothat,then,Kierannoted.
“Accidentornot,”themanonthestepscutin.Hewasreadingsomethingonhisphone.“Itsoundslikesomeonewasseenwithher.”
“Howwouldyouknowthat?”Ashsnapped.
“EvelynBayOnlineCommunityHub.”ThemanregardedAsh.“You’renotaregularontheEBOCHforumthen,Itakeit?”
“No.”Ashactuallylaughed.“IfIwanttoknowwhatmynanandhermatesthinkaboutlastweek’sbincollection,I’llpopdowntheretirementhomeandaskthem.”
“Fairenough.Althoughpersonally”—themanshrugged,hiseyesstillonAsh—“Ialwaysfinditquiteinterestingwhatpeoplecareenoughtobitchabout.”
AnoddtensionthatKierancouldn’tevenbegintoreadpassedbetweenthetwomen.
“Sorry,mate.”HejumpedinbeforeAshcouldrespond.“YousaidsomeonewasseenwithBronte?Doesitsaywho?”
Themanscannedhisscreen,thenshookhishead.
“Notyet.”Hedroppedhisphoneinhispocketandheadeddownthesteps.“Butgiveitfiveminutes.”
Ashlookedlikehewasabouttosaysomethingmorewhenhisownphonebuzzed.Hepulleditout,reliefflashingacrosshisface.Kieranwatchedhisexpressionchangeashereadthetextmessage.
“Shit,”hebreathedashereaditagain.
What?Kieranwantedtoask,butallatoncehefoundhimselfpicturingBronte.Standingknee-deepinthesea.Holdingoutthelostpropertybox.Lyingverystillonthesand.Andsuddenlyhedidn’twanttobetheonetoask.
“Shit,”Ashsaidagain,turningthescreensoKierancouldreadthemessage.“FromSean.ThepersonseenwithherwasLiam.”
8
“OhmyGod.”Lynbrokethesilence.“Liam.”
ShebreathedoutthenamewithahazeofsmokeastheyalllookedatthedarkenedwindowsoftheSurfandTurf,wheretwelvehoursearlierLiamhadbeenflippingburgerswhileBronteservedtables.Kieranwaitedfortherushofdenial,thesurely-not-I-can’t-believe-he-would-everbreathlessastonishment,butLyn’slipsstayedwrappedaroundhercigarette.Shetookadeep,slowdrag.
Ashwasstaringblanklyathisphone,histhumbhoveringabovethescreen,whileMiare-tiedAudrey’shatfirmlyunderherchin,fumblingwiththestraps.
Kieran’sownthoughtswerelurchinghaphazardlythroughthenightbefore.Throughthedrinks,thechat,thekindgesturefromacasualwaitress,beforecirclingbacktoonespecificmoment.
Youkillsomeone—Liam’swordshadfloatedfromthekitchenhatch—youdeservealltheshitthat’scomingyourway.
SomewhereinsideKieran,deepbeneathsofthoarylayersofguilt,ameanwormpulsatedandrolledover.Hebreathedinandout,andopenedhismouth.
“Isupposeweshouldwaituntilweknowmore,”hesaidoutloud,becausehefeltsomeoneshould.
Theyknewplentymoresoonenough.Thewhispersandhearsayandheatedexclamationswerealreadybouncingfrommouthtoearuntil,infitsandstarts,thestoryseepedout.
Kick-outtimeattheSurfandTurfwassetinstone,andthenightbeforehadbeennoexception.At11:00p.m.,themusicwascut,customerswereshownthedoor,andthemopsandscrubbingbrushescameoutforthethirty-minutenightlycleanandreset.
ButitbeingtheendofthesummerandJulianWallisbeingareasonableman,thefront-of-houseandkitchenstaffwereonebyonegiventhenodtoheadoffearlyastheywrappeduptheirtasks.
At11:13p.m.,LiamGilroywasrecordedonthemainstreetCCTVcamerasstandingontheemptypavementnotfarfromtherestaurant’sentrance.Twominutesandfortysecondslater,BronteLaidlerappearedintheframe.ShestoppedafewpacesawayfromLiam.Theyappearedtobetalking.Liamhadpointedtohiscar,afive-year-oldwhiteHolden.Brontehadnodded.Fourminutesandsixsecondsafterhefirstappearedoncamera,Liamclimbedbehindthewheel,Brontegotintothepassengerseat,andtheybothshuttheirdoors.Thecardroveoutofsight.Therewerenoothercamerastocapturewhathappenednext.
Shortlybefore11:30p.m.,theneighborwhohadboughtthehometotheleftofFisherman’sCottagethirty-eightyearsearlierforapricethatnowsoundedlikepocketchange,rosefromhercouchastheendtitlesofaJamesBondfilmrolled,andmovedtothewindowtopullclosedagapinhercurtains.Asshetuggedthefabrictogether,shenotedavehiclethatdidn’tbelongtoanyofthenearbyhomesparkedonthestreetoutside.Lightincolorwasallshecouldremember.
Sometwentyminuteslater,thesameneighbor—teethbrushedandalarmclockset—openedherbackdoortoallowherterrier-crosstostretchitslegsforafinaltime.Asshewaited,shethoughtsheheardfaintvoicesfloatingfromthedirectionofthebeach.
Shewasunabletocommittoeitheramaleorfemaletone,norcommentonthetopicofdiscussion.Theyhadbeentalking,shehadinsisted.Nothingmore.Notarguingandcertainlynotfighting,orasanactivememberoftheEvelynBayNeighborhoodWatchshewouldhaverecalledhertrainingandsummonedthepolice.
Eitherway,bythetimeshehadcalledherdoginsideandtakenherselfofftobed,shehadforgottenallaboutit,untilSergeantChrisRennhadknockedonherdoorthenextmorningandaskedhowwellshe’dknowntheyoungwaitresswhohadbeenstayinginthecottagenextdoor.
Ash’sphonerangatlast.
“Finally,”hesaid,hisfeaturesslackeningwithreliefasOlivia’spictureflashedonthescreen.HeturnedhisbackontheSurfandTurfandliftedthephonetohisear.“Areyouokay?Whereareyou?”Ashlistened.“No,don’t.”Hiseyesflickedtothegrowingcrowd.“Look,Sean’satthemarina.Gothereinstead.I’monmyway.”
HehungupandturnedbacktoKieranandMia.
“Canyoucome?Seandidn’tsoundgreatandI’mnotsurewhatLiv’llneed.”
KieranglancedatMia,whowastryingtosootheafractiousAudrey.
“Sheneedsfeeding,”shesaid.“Yougo.ButtellLivI’llcallher.I’llfindsomewheretositandgetthisfeeddoneand…”
MiahesitatedasbothsheandKieranlookeddowntheroadthatledhome.PastFisherman’sCottage,pastthepolicetape.PastwhateverhadhappenedtoBronteontheshoreline.
Kieranshifted,uneasy.“Areyouokaytowalkbackalone?”Washeokaywithit?
“Yeah.”Miashrugged.“Imean,yes.Youknow,it’sbroaddaylight.Therearelotsofpeopleabout.Thepoliceareprobablyallstilloverthere.”
“Isuppose.”
“Yeah.”Shefrowned.“SoIthinkit’sfine.Right?”
Theylookedateachother,tryingtoworkoutexactlywherethelinefellbetweencautiousandoverdramatic.
“I’llwalkwithyou,”Lynsaidsuddenly.Shefinishedherlatestcigaretteandgrounditout.“I’mgoingthatwayanyway.”
“Really?”Miasaid.“You’rehappytodothat?”
“Noworriesatall.”
Shemeantittoo,Kieranthought.Thatwasinteresting.Lyn,whohadbarelysaidawordsinceLiam’snamewasfirstmentioned,wasreallynotworried,atall.
Ashwasalreadymoving.“Let’sgetgoing,”hesaidtoKieran.“Liv’swaiting.”
Theyheadedoutoftown,eachlostinhisownthoughts.Astheypassedthepolicestation,Kieransawthefewparkingspotsoutthefrontandontheroadwereallnowtakenupbybothpatrolandunmarkedvehicles.ReinforcementsfromHobart,heguessed.
“Hey,isRenngettingthebootorsomething?”Kieranasked,rememberingwhatLynhadstartedtosayearlier.
“Wholestation’sgettingtheboot,”Ashsaid.“Budgetcuts.ThinktheplanistosendacoupleofcopsoverfromPortOsborneinsummer,butthere’llbenoonefull-timeoverwinter.IheardRennwasprettypissedoffaboutit.HecouldhavegonetoPortOsbornebutdecidedtoquitinstead.”
“What,altogether?”
“Well,whenthestationclosesnextmonth.He’smovingtothemainland.Goingtoworkforhisbrother’shaulagebusiness.”
“That’llbedifferent.”
“Yeah.Imean,Igetit.Hewasn’ttheonlyoneannoyedaboutthestationclosing.Mymum’sontheNeighborhoodWatchandtheypetitionedandstuff,butitwasadonedeal.Youknowwhatit’slike,though;it’sonlyRennandwhateversidekickstheysendhimforthesummer.Probablycostsmoretokeepthelightsonthanit’sworth.”Ashthoughtforamomentasthemarinacameintoviewupahead,thewatergleaminginthelate-morninglight.“Althoughafterlastnight,whoknows?”
Themarinawasclosetodeserted,withsomeoftheboatsalreadypreparedforoff-seasonstorage,tarpsstrewnlikeshroudsacrosstheirdecks.
KieranspottedtheNautilusBlueimmediately.Seanwasstandingbythehelm,hisarmscrossedashestaredfarouttosea.Sean’shadbeenaclosefamilyevenbeforethestorm,Kieranknew.Butafterward,seven-year-oldLiamhadreactedtothedeathofhisdadbyclinginghardtohisuncle.Sean,barelyeighteenhimselfatthetimeandreelinghard,hadclungback.
ItwasinterestingthatLiamhadbeenseenoncamerawithBronte,though,Kieranthought.Attheveryleast,itaddedanewedgetoJulian’scaginessearlier,whenthemanhadstoppedbytheSurfandTurf.
Julian’sgentlecourtshipwithLiam’smother,Sarah,intheyearsfollowingthestormhadbeenoneofthefewpositivethingstoemergeintheaftermath,andthewillthey–won’ttheygreenshootsofromancehadkepttheentiretownenchantedoveralongwinter.Theyhad,atlast,inamuch-celebratedhappyending,andthreeyearsafterlosinghisdad,Liamgainedastepfather.
FromwhatKieranknew,Julianhadembracedstepfatherhoodwiththesameearnestdedicationwithwhichheapproachedanynewchallengeand,perhapsagainsttheodds,hehadwonLiamover.Itprobablyhelped—KieranpicturedJulianhunchedtenselyinhiscaroutsidetheSurfandTurfearlier—thatJuliangenuinelyseemedtogiveashitabouthisstepson.
SeanwasthefirsttospotKieranandAshapproachingandhesaidsomethingtoOlivia.Shehadbeensittingonthedock,verystill,herfacedown.HerheadsnappedupandshestartedtostandbutAshwasalreadythere,takingthreelargestridesacrossthedockstraighttoher.Sheturnedwordlesslyandburiedherfaceinhisshoulder.Fromtheheavingofherback,Kierancouldtellshewascryinghard.Ashputhisarmsaroundherandwaited.
“What’shappeningwithLiam?”KieransaidquietlytoSeanasheclimbedaboard.
“He’satthestationwithSarah.Julian’sgotalawyercomingfromHobart.”
Kieranwaitedforhimtosaysomethingmore,butSeanturnedbacktothewater,hiseyesunseeing.Onthedock,AshmurmuredsomethingtoOlivia,whogaveamuffledreply.
“Areyoudoingokay?”KieranaskedSean.
“Yeah.Idunno.”Herubbedahandoverhisface.“God,thisisallsowrong.Whataretheysayingintown?”
“Nothingimportant.”
“Yeah,right.”Seanturnedbacktothewater.“Icanguess.”
KieranlookedoveratOlivia,whowaswipingherfacewithatissue.Ashwasrubbingherback.
“She’dforgottenheryogamat,”AshsaidtoKieranquietly,andOlivialookedup.
“That’showyoufoundBronte?”Kieransaidtoher,andshenodded.
“Mumhadn’tsleptwell,soweweregoingtotheearlyclass.Theyusuallyrunoutofmats,though,sowestoppedbymyplaceontheway.Mumwaitedoutsideinthecar—ohmyGod.”Oliviaputherhandstohereyes.“CanyouimagineifMumhadcomewithmeandseenher?”Shelookedillatthethought.“Iwasonlygoingtoruninandout,butBronte’sbedroomdoorwasopen,whichwasabitweirdbecauseitwasstillearly.AndIcouldn’thearherinthehouse,so—”
Shestopped.Theonlysoundswerethewaterlappingagainsttheboatsandthedistantcallofgulls.
“Icouldtellfromtheback-doorhandlethatitwasunlocked.SoIwentoutside,toseeifshewashavingacoffeeorsomething.”Oliviastaredattheshreddedtissue.“Isawherlyingnearthewater.Shewasstillinherworkclothes.Shemusthavebeenoutthereonherown,allnight.”
Asilencefollowed.
“Liv.”Sean’svoicewasquiet,hiseyesstillonthewaves.“DidRennsaywhattheythoughthadhappened?”
“No.”Oliviashookherhead.“ButatthestationIoverheardoneofthecopsfromHobartsaytheythoughtBrontehadbeenoutonthebeachforatleastfiveorsixhours,soIthinkthat’swhy”—OliviaglancedatSean,whodidn’tlookback—“whytheywantedtotalktoLiam.”
“Right.”AshadowcrossedSean’sface.“Didtheyaskaboutanythingelse,orwasitjustLiam?”
“Otherthings.TheywantedtoknowifBrontehadaboyfriend.Itoldthemaboutthatguyshewasseeingearlierinthesummer.”ShelookedatAsh.“Youknow,thattourist?Marcosomething.Icouldn’trememberhislastname.”
“ThatSpanishblokewhowasreallyloudinbed?”Ashshookhishead.“Iwouldn’tevenhaverememberedhisfirstname.I’vemanagedtoblockhimout.”
ThewayAshsaiditmadeKieranthinkherememberedtheguyquitewell.
“HewasPortuguese,notSpanish.”Olivialookeddown.“Probablydoesn’tmatter,he’sbeengoneforweeksanyway.”
“IsthereachancethatblokehadanythingtodowithBrontehearingnoisesatnight?”Kieransaid.“Maybehimcomingaroundtovisither?Botherher?”
SeanlookedoveratthatasOliviafrownedandshookherhead.
“Ithinkhe’dleftbeforethatstarted.ThecopswereveryinterestedinwhyBrontehadn’treportedit,though.Orme.Imean,God.”Sherubbedhereyes.“IsaidIobviouslywishwehad.”
Ashfrowned.“Youdidn’tdoanythingwrong,Liv.”
“Didn’tI?”Agustofwindblewthroughthemarinaandtheemptymastswhistledandswayed.“IfI’dbeenthere—”
Ashshookhisheadsharply.“No.Ifyou’dbeentherelastnight,whoknowswhatmighthavehappened?”
“Maybenothingwouldhavehappened.”
“Yeah,ormaybeitwould.”
Theyallfellquiet.Kierancouldhearthedockcreakastheboatsrockedandresettled.Beyondthetrees,theredbrickofthepolicestationwasvisible.
“DoyoualwaysstaywithyourmumonSaturdaynights?”heasked.
“LatelyIhavebeen.IfI’mnotworkingwe’llwatchamovieorsomething.Gotoyogainthemorning.”
“Sopeoplemightknowthatwasaregularthing?”Kieransaid.“ThatBrontewouldbealoneinthehouse?”
Oliviawentverystill.“Yeah.Isupposesomepeoplemight.”
“Peopledoknowthat,Liv.”Sean’svoicewascaughtbythewind.Hedidn’tlookoverashespoke.“Mostpeoplewhoknowyouknowthat.”
Oliviastaredathim,herfacetense.Thensheblinkedhard.“OhmyGod,IwishI’d—”
“Stop.”Ash’svoicewasfirm.“Stopthatnow.”
OliviafellsilentbutKierancouldguesswhatshewasthinking.Theroadnottraveled.Hehadenoughofthosethoughtshimself,andtheyneverledanywheregood.
“Ashisright,”hesaid,andOlivialookedup.“Iknowyouknowthat,Liv,butit’strue.Imean,MiaandIsatonthebeachfortwentyminuteslastnight.Ifwe’dwalkedbackalongthesandinsteadof—”
Kieranstopped,rememberingthewalkhome.Darkandstill,andthen,allofasudden,not.
“What?”Seansaid.
“Wesawacar.Lastnight.DrivingwaytoofastnotfarfromFisherman’sCottage.”
“Whatkindofcar?”Seanasked,butKierancouldheartherealquestionloudandclear.WasitLiam’sfive-year-oldwhiteHolden?Kierandidn’tknowwhattherightanswerwas.
“I’mnotsure,”hesaid,truthfully.
Seanfrowned.Hedidn’tknowwhattherightanswerwaseither,Kieranthought.
“YoushouldtellSergeantRennaboutthat.”Ash’svoicewasoddlylightandSean’seyesflickedover.Hestaredathisfriend,tryingtogaugehistone.Ashpretendednottonotice.
Kieranlookedfromonetotheother.Hecouldn’treadAsheither,whichwasalittleunusual.“Yeah,”hesaid.“Iwill.”
Seanturnedbacktothehorizon,hisheadtiltedinthewayKieranknewmeanthewasthinking.Atlast,heopenedhismouth.“Listen,guys,aboutLiam—”
HewascutoffasOlivia’sphonerang.Theywaitedassheanswered,listeningandoccasionallynoddingatthevoiceontheotherend.
“Okay.Thankyou.”Shefrownedasshehungup.“ThatwasChrisRenn.Heneedsmebackatthehouse.”
Ashlookedather.“Whatfor?”
“Idon’tknow.Hesounded…”Oliviashookherhead.“I’mnotsure.I’dbettergo.”
“Hangon,”Seansaidasshegottoherfeet.“AboutLiam—”
Hewaiteduntiltheywereallfacinghim.
“Liamwouldn’tdothis.Okay?Hewouldn’t.”
OliviastoodhandinhandwithAsh,neitherquitemeetingSean’seye.Thealready-strangeatmospherehadtakenasharpawkwardturn.SeanlookedtoKieran.
“YouheardLiamandBrontetalkingtogetherlastnight,right?Notarguingorshouting.DidLiamsayanythingatallthatsoundedlikearedflag?”
HewaiteduntilKieranshookhishead.
“SoifRennorsomeoneasks,”Seansaid,“canyoutellthemthat?”
Kieranhesitated.“IsupposeIcantellthemwhatIheard.But,mate,Ididn’treally—”
“Butyoudidhearthem.Imean,ifLiamhadbeenactingweirdoraggressivelyorwhatever,you’dhavenoticed,right?Butyoudidn’t.Yousaidyourselflastnightthatitwasfine.SoallI’maskingisthatyoutellthepolicethat.Mate?Please?”
ThewindsenttheboatsrockingandcreakingagainasKieranlookedathisfriendandmadehimselfpictureLiam.
NottheLiamoflastnight,sullenwithhisgrease-stainedapronandthemopinhishand.ButLiamoftwelveyearsago.Stillalittleboythen,dressedinablackshirtthathadbeenboughtespeciallyfortheoccasion.Liam’stearshadrununderhischinandsoakedintothestiffcollarashewashandedflowerstoplaceonhisdad’scoffin.
“Kieran?”Seanwaspleadingnow.“Ifthepoliceask?”
KieranwastryinghardtothinkofLiam,buthismindinsteadkeptcirclingbacktoSean.NotSeanatthefuneral,though.Afewdaysbeforethat.StandinginKieran’slivingroom,bothofthemeighteenandface-to-faceforthefirsttimeafterthestorm.
Itwasanaccident,Kieranhadstartedtosay.SomewhereinthefamilyhousethatnowfelttoobigwereVerityandBrian,bothsooddandstrainednow,eveninsilence.Kieranhadmadehimselftryagain.He’dforcedhimselftospeak,knowingthereweren’tenoughwordsintheworldtofixthis.Hatingit,hatinghimself.
Seanhadstoppedhim.
Iknow,mate.It’sokay.
Thereliefhadbeenblinding.
KieranlookedatSeannow.Hisfriendwasstillwaiting.
“Listen,ifthepoliceask—”KieranheardthedeckgroanasAshshiftedhisweight,butheignoredit.Ashknewhowthingswere.Whateverhisproblemwas,he’dgetoverit.“Ifthepoliceask,yeah,Icantellthemthat.”
“Thankyou.”Sean’sfacecrackedalittle.“Thanks,mate.Itprobablywon’tbeenoughtogethimoutoftheshit,butitmighthelp.”
Kierandoubteditwouldevendothat.“Noworries.”
“Andlook,IknowLiamcanbeabit—”Seanstopped,andgaveahelplessshrug.“ButIappreciateyoudoingthisforhim.”
Iknow,mate.It’sokay.
Itwasn’tLiamhewasdoingitfor,butKierandidn’tbothertocorrecthim.
9
KieranthoughtAshandOliviamightwanttowalkalonetoFisherman’sCottage,butwhenhehungbacktogivethemthechance,Ashwaitedforhim.
“You’regoingthisway,aren’tyou?”
Kierannodded.Miahadtextedtosayshehadgotbacktohisparents’housesafely.Whilehehadn’ttrulyexpectedanydifferent,hestillfeltrelieved.
TheyleftSeanpullingonhiswetsuit.
“You’regoingouttothewreck?”Kieranaskedinsurprise,andSeanshrugged,hisfacegrim.
“Ican’tseeanyofthisputtingofftheNorwegians.I’mfine,seriously,”hesaidwhenhesawKieranglanceattheoxygentanks.“Checkthemoveryourselfifitmakesyoufeelbetter.”
KieranhadfollowedAshandOliviaoutofthemarinaandontotheroad.Noonesuggestedgoingthebeachway.
“So,Liam,”Ashsaidassoonastheyhitthetarmac.Sandblewacrosstheroad,crunchingunderfoot.Behindthem,SeanandtheNautilusBluewerewelloutofsightbutstill,Ashkepthisvoicelow.“ThethingaboutLiam—”Ashstoppedagain,choosinghiswords.“Look.Igetit.He’sSean’snephew.They’reclose.Butdon’tgetsuckedintosayinganythingabouthimthatyoudon’twantto.”
“I’mnotplanningto,mate,”Kieransaid.“Why?SomethingIshouldknowabouthim?”
“No,”Ashsaidquickly,shakinghishead.“I’mnotsayingthat.Imean,IthinkLiam’sabitofanarsehole,that’snotnews.Butlet’sbereal.Wewereallaroundwhenthestormhit,weallknowthebloodybackgroundplayingouthere.Soyeah,Sean’sprobablyentitledtoaskforafavorandyeah,maybehedeservestogetit.”
Theyroundedthecornerandupahead,KierancouldseethefirstglimpseofFisherman’sCottage.Overhead,swoopinggullsfoughtagainstthewind.Twopolicecarswereparkedontheroadoutside.
“Butwhateverhappenedbackthenisdone,”Ashsaid.“That’snotgoingtochange.Sodon’tletittangleyouupinsomethingyou’renothappywithnow.”Atinypause.“Eitherofyou,eh?”
Kierancouldn’thelpit.HeshotasidewaysglanceatOlivia.Shedidn’treact,butthenshealwayshadbeenbetteratcontrollingherselfthanhehad.
Ithadbeenaverylongmorning.HecouldthinkoffiftygoodreasonsoffthetopofhisheadforthetensionhecouldseeacrossOlivia’sshouldersandneck.Hedidn’tknowherwellenoughnowtobeabletotellwhatshewasthinking.Butthathadn’talwaysbeenthecase.AndKieransuddenlyfoundhimselfwondering,forthefirsttimeinyears,howmuchhisgoodfriendAshactuallyknewaboutthatdayofthestorm.
Ithadbeenabigsummer.Withtheirfinalyearexamsdoneanddusted,KieranandSeanhadlaunchedthemselvesheadfirstintothebooze-soakedcelebrations.Goodweatherhadbroughtalotoftouriststhroughthatyear,includingplentyofboredteenagegirlswhocouldthinkofafewplacesthey’dratherbethanonholidayinTasmaniawiththeirparents.Kieranconsideredithispersonalcivicdutytoshowthesegirlsagoodtime,andwheneverthebeachorcampgroundsorsomeone’srentedhousecamealivewithmusicplayingandbeerflowing,Kieranwasgenerallythere,watchingthesunbothsetandrisethroughblearyeyes.
Ashhadbeenrighttherebesidehim,ofcourse,despitehavingalreadycalleditquitsatschool.WhenthestudentsatEvelynBay’ssecondaryschoolfinishedyearten,thestate’seducationsystemmeantanyonewhowantedtocompletehighschoolhadtodigouttheirbuspassandspendtheirfinaltwoyearstravelingtoandfromthenearestcollege.
Ash,whohadcoastedeffortlesslyinthetopthirdofhisclassforhisfirsttenacademicyears,hadgonetovisithisdadandreturnedwiththeviewthattrailingninetyminuteseachwayonaschoolbuswasforbloodyidiotswithnothingbettertodo.Hecouldn’tbetalkedaroundand,withthat,Ash’sformaleducationhadcometoanend.
Itwasgreat,though,Ashhadusedtosay—alot—overthosenexttwoyears.He’dshoweduponthefirstmorningtowaveKieranandSeanoffonthebuswithagrin.Thenhe’dturnedaroundandgotajobattheplantnursery,workedoutprettyquicklythathewasprettygoodatit,andstartedfindinghisowngardeningwork.Hehadmoneycomingin.Notloads,butmorethanKieranandSean.Thebestbit,though,Ashreckoned,wasthefreedom.Beingabletospendhisdayshoweverhechose.Maybeso,Kieranhadthought,butitstillseemedthatmostdayswhatAshchosetodowashangaroundthebusstopintheevenings,waitingforhisfriendstocomehomefromschool.
ForKieran,thesummerofthestormhadfeltalmostlikeareunion,withtheclassroomfinallybehindthem.They’dallbeenworking.Ashhadcookedupsomeideatolaunchhisownlandscapingbusinessandwasflat-outturninghisgrandmother’sgardenintoashowpiece.KieranandSeanhadworkedfortheirolderbrothers,sameaseveryyear.FinnandTobydidn’tmuckaroundwhenitcametothedivingbusinessanditwashardwork—“Minimumwageformaximumshit,”KieranusedtocomplaintoVerity,buthehadn’treallymeantit.
Oliviahadbeentheretoo.Downatthebeachinherbathers.GettingabeerfromthefridgeataFriday-nighthouseparty,lookingasrelievedasanyonetohaveputthetediousbusridestocollegebehindher.She’dbeenaroundalot,butnotwiththem.BecausewhileKieranandAshhadastrongpreferencefortheholiday-happygirlswhostayedatsea-viewcabinsorthecampgroundsbeforedisappearingbacktothemainlandtwoweekslater,OliviaandherfriendshadastrongpreferenceforguyswhowerenothinglikeKieranandAsh.
ShehadtimeforSean,though.
Kieranwouldsometimesglanceupfromwhateversaggingcouchhe’dlandedon,tryingtorememberthenameofthegirlhewastalkingto,andacrossthepartyhe’dseeOliviaandSeanleaningagainstthekitchencounter,chattingquietlyaboutsomethingKierancouldonlyguessat.KieranwouldlookoveratAsh,whowouldalsobewatchingandshakinghisheadwiththesamebaffledlook.
“Idon’tgetit,”Ashhadsaidmorethanonce.“Isshejustreallyintohiswholeshyvirginthing,orwhat?”
Kieranhadgrinnedintohisdrink.“Idunno,mate.”
“Imean,lookathim.Andthenlookather.”
“Yeah.I’mlooking.”
“Thenexplaintomewhat’sgoingon.”
Kieranlaughed.“Ican’t.”
Thatwasn’ttrue,though.WhenKieranthoughtaboutit,whichhefoundhimselfdoingsurprisinglyoften,theanswerwasprettyobvious.OliviaandSeanwerefriends.Theyhadtakenacoupleofthesameclassesduringthefinalschoolyearandhadbeenpairedtogetheronajointproject.ThishadonceinvolvedSeanspendingawholeafternoonworkingfromOlivia’sbedroom—aboutwhichhewasinfuriatinglylightondetail,despiteanextendedgrillingfromAsh.
“That’sit,”Ashhadsaid,puttinghisbottledownonastickycountertopafewweekslaterandafewdrinksdeeperthanheshouldhavebeen.“I’mgoingtorescueher.”
Andhehadtried,marchingacrossthepartyandthrowingaheavyarmaroundSeanbeforecuttinghimoffmidsentence.Olivia,tothesurpriseofnoonebutAshhimself,hadblankedhimuntilhe’dbeenforcedtoslinkaway,red-faced,andspendtherestofthenightmutteringfuriouslyintohisbeer.
“YouandOliviaareniceandtight,mate.You’reofficiallyoneofthegirlsnow,”Ashhadsaidcasuallythenextday,wipingthetinyhintoftriumphoffSean’sface.
SeanhadlookedtoKieran,whohadcheckedhisphoneandpretendednottonotice,partlybecause—forreasonshecouldn’tquitearticulate—hefoundthewholesituationalittleirritatinghimself.Afterthat,Seanhadmostlygonebacktostandingaloneatparties,andeveryonewashappy.
ThepolicecarsparkedoutsideFisherman’sCottagewereempty,Kierancouldseenowastheydrewcloser.Cautiontapehadbeenstrungbetweenthegateposts,barringentry,andauniformedofficerKierandidn’trecognizestoodwatchoutside.Otherthanthat,hecouldseenoactivityatthefrontoftheproperty.Whateverwashappening,itwasgoingonwithinthehouseordownonthebeach,Kieranguessed.
“DoyouthinkI’llhavetogobackinside?”Oliviaslowedastheygotnearertothecottage.
“Idon’tknow,”Ashsaid.“Maybe.”
Theyslowedwithher,eventuallycomingtoacompletestopashortdistancefromherhome.
“Liv,hey.”Ashturnedtofaceher,hisvoicesoft.“It’sokay.Yeah?It’llbeokay.”
WhenOliviadidn’tmakeanysignthatsheagreed,Ashreachedoutandtookherhand.
ThenexttimeKieranhadseenOliviaproperlywasafewweekslaterassummerwasslippingaway.Kieran,foronce,hadn’tmindedtoomuchwhentheheatbegantodipandthetouriststhinnedout.Hisexamresultshadcomeinandwereacceptable,ifnotoverlyimpressive,andinamatterofweekshe’dbeheadingtoSydneywheretherewasauniplacewithhisnameonit.
Ithadbeenawarm,lazydaywhenKieranhadfoundhimselfclimbingthecliffpathtothelookout.Atthetop,he’dstoodontheedge,peeringover.Below,hecouldseethestripofdesertedsandybeachleadingtothecaves.Thepathdownwasnotformallymarked,butitmayaswellhavebeen.Theworngroundshowedthewayasclearlyasanysign.
ThesurfaceoftheseawascalmabovetheMaryMinervaasKieranpickedhiswaydown.Ontheedgeofarockyoutcropthatwasalmostalwaysunderwater,thesculpturalmemorialtothewreckglintedinthesun,facingouttowardthesite.
Theseaitselfwasempty,though.Itwastooearlyintheseasonforwreckdiving,andevenifithadn’tbeen,Kieranknewhisbrotherwouldn’tbeoutontheboatthatday.FinnandToby’srequesttoaddacavetourtotheirprogramhadlanguishedinthecouncil’sin-boxformonthsbeforeunexpectedlyreceivingtentativeapproval.Thenewshadsentthemscramblingtopulltogetherroutesofvaryingdifficultythatshowcasedthelabyrinthoftunnels.
Kieranreallywasn’tsurewhatallthestresswasabout.Thecavesweretechnicallyoff-limits,buttheyhadallbeenthereenoughtimesovertheyearstoknowwhichoftheroutesledtocavernousroomslitbyinternalshaftsofnaturallight,andwhichledtobottlenecksanddeadendsthatdippedbelowsealevel.Eitherway,Finnhadwantedtoalterthebeginnerroute,Tobyhaddisagreedand,whenbothhadbeensummonedtoameetingbytheiraccountant,theyhaddispatchedKieranwithinstructionstofollowbothcoursesandtakephotosattheturns.
Kierangotthroughthejobinaboutfortyminutesand,backoutinthebrightlightoftheemptybeach,haddroppedhistowelandbagonthesandanddivedintothewater.He’dsimplyfloated,staringatthevividblueskywithnooneelsearound.Hehadbeenenjoyingthepeacewhenhesensedratherthanheardsomeoneheadingdownthecliffpath.Findinghisfeet,hewipedthesaltwaterfromhisfaceandwatchedthefiguredescend.
Olivia.
ShewaswearingshortsandaT-shirt,andherhairwastiedup.Shewasalone.Shespottedhiminthesea,slowedforhalfastep,thencontinueddowntothebeach.Kieranstoodandwadedtowardshore,suddenlyveryawareasthewaterdrippedfromhisbarechestthatthefootyoff-seasonstrengthprogramhe’dbeenfollowinginthegymallsummerhaddonehimnoharmatall.
Oliviathoughtsotoo,hehoped,fromthetinyflickerofhereyesasshetookhersunglassesoff.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
“IranintoSeanyesterday.”Sheglancedaroundtheemptybeach.“Hesaidyouguyswereworkingdownherethisafternoon.”
“Justmenow.Hehadtohelphismumwithsomething.”
“Thisisworking?”OliviasmiledatKieran’stowel,hiswethair.“Ineedtogetmyselfajoblikethis.”
Kierangrinned.“I’vefinished.”
“Checkingthecaveroutes?”
“Justtheeasyone.Seantoldyou?It’sthisthingourbrothersarestarting.”
“Yeah.HesaidifIstoppedbyhe’dshowme.I’llbegoneforunibythetimetherealtoursstart.”
“Right.Well,he’snotheretoday.”
“Oh.”Oliviaglancedbacktowardthepathshe’djustwalkeddown,thenhesitated.Sheturnedherheadandlookedoutinsteadatthewater,thenraisedahandandshieldedhereyesasshestudiedthememorialtotheMaryMinerva
“Theylookdifferentfromthisangle,”shesaidafteramoment.
Kieranfollowedherlineofsightalongthefurthestrocksthatsnakedoutfromthecavesandintothesea.Attheverytip,thethreelife-sizeironfiguresstoodguard.TheSurvivors.
Sidebyside,theygazedoutward,unflinchingagainsttheelements,theirsculptedfacesturnedforevertowheretheMaryMinervalaysunkbeneaththewaves.
“Icanseewhypeoplelikethem,buttheyalwaysseemkindofcoldtome,”Oliviasaid.
“Yeah?”Kieranstudiedthethreefigures.TheSurvivorswerepermanentlyvisiblefromthecliffsandthesea,tallenoughthateveninthehighesttidesandtheworstweather,theyneverfullydisappearedunderwater.Therewasnodangerofthattoday,astheystoodknee-deepandwatchedovertheplacidocean.
“Maybeit’sjusttheirnameandthewreckandeverything.”Oliviashrugged.“Itallfeelsabitsad.”
“Doyouknowtheyweren’toriginallycalledthat?”Kieransaid,andOliviaturnedtohim.
“No.Really?”
“Theywere,like,TrioinIronorsomething,butthensomeonefromthecouncilheardaboutthemandhadthebrightideatoputthemoutthere.Sotheypaidtheartistextratochangethename,pointthemintherightdirection,andsaytheywereatributetothewreck.”
“Areyouserious?”Olivialaughed.
“Yeah.Mybrothertoldme.Hefoundoutbyaccidentwhenhewashavingtodoheapsofpaperworkforthedivepermits.IguesstheythoughtTheSurvivorswascatchier.”
“Theythoughtright,”shesaid.“Noonetellthetourists,hey?”
“It’sweird.Ikindoflikethembetterforknowingthat,though,”Kieransaid.“Howtheynearlyhadthiswholeotherlife,standingaroundinasunnyparkorsomethinginsteadofstuckoutthere.Itmakesthemseemmore—”Heshrugged,suddenlyfeelinglikeanidiot.“Idon’tknow.Humanorsomething.”
Olivialookedathimthen,somethinglikesurprisecrossingherface.
“Yeah,”shesaidfinally,turningbacktoTheSurvivors.“Igetwhatyoumean.”
Theystoodtogetherandwatchedtheswellofthetide.
Afteraminute,Olivialookedathimagain.“So,Sean’snotgoingtobehereatall?”
“No.”KieranbentdownandslippedonhisT-shirt,thefabricstickingalittletohisdampskin.Whenhestoodup,hereyeswerestillonhim;herhairshininginthesun,herlegslongbeneathhershorts.Herexpressionwasunchanged,buttherewasanemberofsomethingnewsparkinginthatfreshseaairabovethedesertedbeach.
Ormaybenotsomethingnew,Kierancouldadmittohimself.Somethingthathadbeenthereforquiteawhile,onhispartatleast,atschoolandonthebusandatallthosebooze-soakedparties.ArushhefeltwheneverOliviawasnearby.
Kierancheckedthecliffpath.Itwasasemptyasthebeach.Noonewasaround.NoSean.NoAsh.JusthimandOlivia,foronce.Thecaveslayacrossthebeach,coolandinviting.
“Icouldshowyouaround,”hesaid.“Ifyouwant.”
Kieranwaited.Herealizedhewasholdinghisbreathandletitout.
Oliviawasstillwatchinghim.“Yeah.”Shesmiled,slowly.“Okay,then.”
10
OliviastoppedatthegateofFisherman’sCottageandgavehernametotheofficerstandingguardoutsideherownhouse.Hemotionedforhertowaitanddisappearedinside.Aminutelater,thefrontdooropenedandSergeantRenncameout.
Hisbaldheadwashiddenbyhispolicehat,makinghimappearlesslikeanightclubbouncerthanhesometimescould.NotyetfortyandhelookedtoKieranlikeamanwhohadabsolutelyhadenough.Itwasashame,Kieranthought.WhenChrisRennhadarrivedinEvelynBaytwelveyearsearlier,hisenthusiasmforsmall-townpolicinghadseemedgenuineratherthansimplydutiful.
HehadspentallsummerdiligentlyshadowingthensergeantGeoffreyMallott—acreakingsackofamanwhopreferredwarningsdispensedwithagrandfatherlytwinkletoactualchargesandpaperwork.Mallotthadmarkedoffthedaystohisretirementonacalendarhanginginpublicviewatthestation,andbeenmorethanhappytoletyoungConstableRennsolveanypressingcasesofgraffitiandlitteringandtheoccasionaltheftofatourist’swalletfromunderabeachtowel.AndRenn,forhispart,hadbeenhappytooblige.
KieranknewtherewasageneralconsensusamongEvelynBayresidentsthattheywereluckyChrisRennhadstuckaroundaslongashehad.Heseemedcompetentandambitiousenoughtoprogresselsewhere,buthehadreassuredthemthathesimplylikedboththepeopleandtheplace.Therehadbeensomefearthey’dlosehimafewyearsagowhenhestartedgettingseriouswithawomaninLaunceston,butRennwasstillhereandshehadn’tjoinedhim,soKieranguessedithadn’tworkedout.
Now,though,SergeantRennsimplylookedtired.HesawKieran,Ash,andOliviaatthegateofFisherman’sCottageandliftedthepolicetape.
“Justyou,please,Olivia.Fornow,”Rennsaid,holdingupahandasAshstartedtofollow.
Ashlookedlikehewasgoingtoargue,butOliviashookherhead.“It’sokay.”
SheduckedunderthetapeandRennturnedbacktothehouse.
“Hey,Chris,”Kierancalledout,andtheofficerstopped.“Isawacararoundherelastnight.”
“Ohyeah?”Rennwalkedafewstepsback.“AlongBeachRoad?”
Kierannodded.“Abitfurtheralong.Comingfromthisdirectiontowardtown.”
“Time?”
“Abouteleventhirty.”
“Makeandmodel?Color?”
“Four-wheeldrive.Holden,maybe.”Kierantriedtothink,butwhatherememberedmostwerethelightsandthenoise.Rennwasstillwaiting.“Sorry.Itwasdrivingprettyfast.Miasawittoo,though.”
“Okay.Trytorememberwhatyoucan.We’llgrabastatementoffyoubothwhenwegetachance.”RennturnedbacktoOlivia.“Ready?”
Renn’stonewasneutralandtherewasnothingunusualaboutthewayhegesturedtothefrontdoor,openandwaitingforOlivia.ButsomewheredeepinKieran’sprimalsurvivalinstincts,awarningpinged.Treadcarefully.
Oliviaherselfpaused,onehandstillonthepolicetape,andKieranwonderedifshefeltittoo.ThenshestraightenedandfollowedSergeantRennintothehousewhere,untilyesterday,Brontehadlived.
Thetideswelledinandout,slowandsteady,asKieranledOliviaacrossthebeach.TheSouthCavewasthefurtherofthetwofromthecliffpath,butitwashisfavorite.
Kieranavoidedthedipattheentrance,thenreachedoutandofferedOliviahishandtohelpherover.Shetookitastheycrossedthethresholdfromthebrightlightintothecooldarkshadow.
“Wow,”shebreathedashetookouthistorchandshowedheralongoneofthesamerouteshe’dracedthroughanhourorsoearlier.Therocksarchedoverthem,mostlyaboveheadheight,sometimeslower.Thedampsandthatformedthesoft,widepathrepaireditselfquickly,theirfootprintsvanishingalmostassoonastheyweremade.
“It’sreallybeautiful,”Oliviasaidastheystoppedandstoodsidebyside,examiningthewaythenaturalpatternsintherockywallsformedstrandsofcolor,woventogetherovermillionsofyearsandwashedtwicedailybythesea.
Kieranhadtoagree.Itwasalwaysbeautiful,evenifherarelystoppedtonoticethesedays.Hetookhistimeleadingthemthrough,givingOliviaachancetoabsorbthecavesatherownpace.
“What’sdownthere?”OliviaaskedastheycametoajunctionandKieranguidedherleftratherthanright.
“Deadend,eventually.”Heshonehistorchdownthegloomypath.Fromwheretheystood,thetunnellookedthesameastheotherone.“Itgoesprettydeep,though.Youcangoafairwaybeforeyouhavetocomeback.”
“You’vebeendownit?”
“Yeah,once.”Byaccident,whenhehadn’tbeenpayingattention.
Kierancouldstillrememberthestartledleapofpanicwhenhe’drealized,toolate,thathehadgonewrong.Finnhadwarnedhimaboutexactlythis,manytimes.Kieranknewallaboutthetunnelssotwistyyoucouldgetlosttenstepsdeep.TheroofoverKieran’sheadhadinstantlyfeltlower,hangingdarkandheavy.Hehadcheckedhiswatch,strugglingsuddenlytocalculatetheminutes—hours,inreality—leftuntilthetidewasduetorushin.
AllhecouldthinkofwasFinn’swarning:Ifyou’restillinhereathightide,mate,you’renotcomingout.
Kieranhadmadehimselftakeafewdeepbreaths,allaloneinthatunfamiliarspace,andthenturnedaverycareful180degreesandstartedtowalk,slowly.Whenthefirstsliverofdaylighthadreappeared—literallyattheendofthetunnel—hehadlethimselfruntowardit,embarrassedbyhisfearevenastheadrenalinestillcoursedthroughhim.
“There’snotmuchtoseedownthereanyway,”hesaidtoOlivianow,turningthetorchaway.“Thisroute’sbetter.”
Theyhadtracedthetrailonwardthroughtherocks,andeventuallytheycouldheartheseaandemergedoncemorenearthewide-opencaverninsidethemouth.
“Backagain,”Kieransaid.“Safeandsound.”
“Thankyou.”Olivia’scheekswereflushedandhereyesbright.“Thatwasamazing.”
“It’sgood,hey?You’veneverbeendownherebefore?”
“No,mymumsaysit’soff-limitsforareason.”
Kieranshrugged.“Imean,youdon’twanttobearoundathightide,butit’sokaynow.”
“Yeah.”AndOliviahadsmiledastheystoodaloneinthedarkcozycavewiththewarmbeachbreezefloatingin.“It’sprettygoodnow.”
AndKieran,whofounditbestnottooverthinkthings,hadtakenthatashiscueandkissedher.Shehadkissedhimbackand,afteraminuteortwo,hehadputhishandoutandledheralittledeeperintothecave,wherealargeflatrockjuttedoutfromthewall,creatingasecludedledge.
Andhehadshownher,ashehadshownacoupleofothergirlsthatsummer,howtoclimbup,andthey’dsatonhistowel,hiddenfromview,andkissedsomemoreastheafternoonlightfilteredin.Theyhadstayedthere,closeandundisturbed,untileventuallyKieranhadveryreluctantlycheckedhiswatch.
“We’dbettergo,”he’dsaid.“Thetide’llbecominginsoon.”
He’dhelpedherdownandhe’dbeenalittlesurprised,astheyemerged,howthinandnarrowthesliceofbeachhadbecome.Timehadslippedbyfasterthanhe’dthought.Outonthewater,TheSurvivorswereuptotheirwaists.
KieranandOliviaclimbedupthecliffpathtogetherandatthetop,she’dstopped,lookingbackdownatthehiddenbeach.
“So,areyougoingtotellallyourfootymatesaboutthis?”
“No.”
“Really?”
“Notifyoudon’twantmeto,”Kieransaid.“IknowAshandsomeoftheotherscanbedickheadssometimes,butI’mnotlikethem.”
“But—”Olivia’sforeheadcreased.
“What?”
“Kieran—”Shelookedathim.“Youarelikethem.”
Heopenedhismouthtoargue,butsomethinginthewayshe’dsaiditstoppedhim.
“Well,”hesaid,finally.“Istillwon’ttellanyone.”
AndsomewhateventoKieran’sownsurprise,hehadkepthisword.
KieranandAshstoodatthegatepost,behindthepolicetape,staringatFisherman’sCottage.Auniformedofficerhadcomeouttofetchsomethingfromthepolicecars,leavingthefrontdooropen.
Kierancouldseeabrighthallwayleadingfirsttowardwhatheknewwouldbethekitchenandlivingarea.Whatlittlehecouldseeofthehouselookedneatandcaredfor.
FromwhatOliviahadsaid,itsoundedlikeshehadn’tnoticedanysignsofviolenceorastruggleinside.Kieranpicturedthelayoutofthehouse.Bronte’sbedroomwindow,lookingoverthebeach.Thebackdoor,leadingouttothesmallbackyardandthesand.Whathaddrawnheroutthere?
Fromsomewhereinthehouse,heheardSergeantRenn’slowvoice.
Therewasnothing,thenashortresponse.Olivia.
Kierancouldn’tmakeoutwhateitheronewassaying.
KieranandOliviahadmetatthecavesforasecondtimeseemingly,ifnotactually,bychance.Kieranhadhungaroundthedesertedbeachallafternoon,eventuallyresortingtodoingsomeroute-mappingworkforFinnandTobyasanexcuseforbeingthere.He’dsighedwithreliefwhenhe’dseenOlivia’ssunlitheadpeeringoverthecliffs.He’draisedahandandshe’dwavedback,bothsmilingasshemadeherwaydown.
Twodayslater,he’dleftSeanandAshsittingintheSurfandTurfandjoggedoutsidetocatchheralone.He’dledheroutofsightbehindthecommunitycenterandstraightupaskedwhenshecouldnextmeethim.
Thefollowingday,theyhadbeenontheledgetogetherandOliviahadlookedupandspottedwhereAshhadusedhiskeystocarvehisnameintotherockfaceafewmonthsearlier.She’drunafingeroveritandraisedaneyebrow,andKieranhadshrugged.
TheledgewastechnicallyAsh’sdiscovery.He’dstumbledacrossitthesummerbeforeinthemidstofanenthusiasticcampaigntoconvincesomegirlfromtheice-creamshoptotakeherclothesoffforhim.Ithadworked,AshhadreportedtoKieranlater,withagrin.Bymutualunspokenagreementtheyhadn’tmentionedittoSean,whoinhisownquietwaycouldsometimestaketheshineoffstufflikethat.
Kieran’sonlyrealconcernwheneverhelaidhistoweloutontheflatrockwithOliviawasthatAshmightturnupunexpectedly,apotentialconquestofhisownintow.Ashhadbeentostaywithhisdadandhisdad’snewgirlfriend—nottheonehe’dleftAsh’smumfor,anotherone—andbeeninafoulmoodeversincehe’dgotback.
Butthankfullynooneeverappeareduninvitedatthemouthofthecaveand,forthoseweeksatleast,KieranandOliviahadhadtheplacetothemselves.
Bythedayofthestorm,theyhadestablishedsomethingofaroutine,andKieranwasalreadywaitingbythetimeOliviaappearedonthecliffpath.Hewassittingbythecaveentrance,gladhe’dbroughtanextrahoodieandtowelashefeltabreezewhipacrossthebeach.Theseastretchedoutemptyinfrontofhimashe’dstooduptokissher.TheNautilusBlackwasnotsailingtoday,heknew.Highwindswereforecast.FinnandTobywouldkeephersafelyinthemarina.
“Ican’tstaytoolong,”Oliviasaidwhentheybrokeapart.“It’smymum’sbirthdaytomorrow.Gabbywantsustomakeheracake.”
“Noworries.Lookslikeitmightrainanyway.”
Above,theearlierblueskieshadgivenwaytodarkeningcloudsthathunglowwithapregnantweight.Inside,though,thecavewasoddlywarm,therockshavingabsorbedtheheatofthemiddaysun.
AsKieranandOliviaclimbedontotheirledge,tuckedawaysafelyfromtheelements,Oliviahadglancedbacktowardthebeach.Theweatherwasn’tgood.
“Maybeweshouldleaveittoday?”
“No,”Kieranhadsaid.“Stay.Please.”
Andhe’dkissedheragainandshe’dkissedhimback,andafterthathehadbarelyheardtherainstartastheylayonthesofttowelsinthesnugwarmthoftheshelter.Whenthelightninghadbeguntoflashoutside,itwasnothingshortofromantic,andKieranhadthoughttohimself—thisalmostmadehimlaughlater—thathewouldrememberthisday.
Hewassurprised,whenhefinallysatup,toseehowdarktheskywas.Hecheckedthetime.Itwasn’teventhatlate.HelookedoveratOliviaandsawherstaringdown.
“OhmyGod,”shesaid.
Itwasthenoteinhervoicethatmadehimstop.Helookedtowhereshewaspointing,beneaththeledge.Acrossthebottomofthecave,thesandwashiddenbyadarksheetofwater.
AshleanedonthegateoutsideFisherman’sCottageand,distracted,reachedoverthepolicetapeandpulledoutaweedgrowingnearthefenceline.
“Sorry,”hesaid,tossingtheweedonthegroundastheuniformedpoliceofficeratthedoorfrowned.“Christ,what’stakingsolong?”
Kieranglancedathiswatch.Ithadn’treallybeenthatlong,butheknewwhatAshmeant.Itwasunnervingtojuststandthere,notknowingwhatwashappening.
“Bronteseemednice,”Kieransaid,forsomethingtofillthespace.“FromwhatIsaw.”
“Yeah,shewas.Allright,calmdown,mate.”Ashhadreachedovertopulloutanotherweedbutdroppeditasthefrowninguniformedofficerlookedpoisedtoact.Ashturnedhisbackonthehouseandleanedagainstthefence.“Brontewasgoodfun.Easytobearound,youknow?Easygoing,Iguess,”hecorrectedhimself.“IknowshedroveLivabitnuts,butitwasn’tdeliberate.Imean,Liv’sgototherthingsgoingon,stuffwithhermum.Itwasn’tallaboutBronte,evenifLivthinksitwas.”Ashglancedsideways.“Don’ttellOliviaIsaidthat.”
Kieranshookhisheadwithasmallsmile.Ashturnedbacktothehouse,hisownsmilefading.
“Iknowit’sdifferentwhenyoulivewithsomeone,butIthoughtBrontewasallright.”Hefrowned,andfellquietforamoment.“Liamlikedher.Alot.WhateverSeanreckons,thatkidwasintoher.Bloodyobviousaboutittoo.”
“AndwhatdidBrontemakeofhim?”
Ashreachedoutandranaroughfingerandthumboverthepolicetapeloopedacrossthegate.“Whoknows,eh?”
Oliviapointedasthegreen-blackwatersurgedslickandstrongacrossthecavefloor,foamingangrilyagainstthewalls.ThesightofitwasKieran’slastcompletelyclearmemoryofthatday.Everythingafterthatcameinsnatches.
Herememberedslidingofftheledgefeetfirst,andtheshockofdiscoveringthewaterhe’dthoughtwasankle-deepwasabovehisknees.Comeon,comeon,hehadurged,watchingindisbeliefasOliviatookvaluablesecondstoreachupandsnatchthewaterproofbagwiththeirphonesinit.
Jesus,leaveit,hemusthavesaid,becauseherememberedherlookingathiminastonishment.
Areyoukidding?Noway.Hereyeswerewide.
Butno,Kieranwasserious.BecauseallhecouldthinkofwasFinn’swarning.
Ifyou’reinhereathightide,youarenotcomingout.
KieranhadgrabbedOlivia’sarmandthey’dwadedthroughtheoilyblackness.Thereliefastheyhitopenairhadvanishedimmediatelywhentheysplashedoutofthecaveandintodaylightthatwasmorelikenight.Thebeachhaddisappeared.Thepeakofeachwavereachedhischest.Hisskinstunginthedrivingrainandtheseaslappedhighagainsttherock.
Thedarktwinmouthsofthecavesinhaledhugelungfulsofwaterbeforespewingthemoutagain,andthecurrentsclawedatKieran’slegs,tryingtoknockhisfeetoutfromunderhim.Hewipedthewaterfromhiseyesandtriedtoworkoutwhichwaytoaimtopickupthecliffpaththatledawayfromthebeachanduptosafety.Hecouldn’tseeit.Everythingseemeddifferent.
“Shit,Kieran,look.”Olivia’svoicewassnatchedawayandhehadsquintedagainsttherainhammeringdownontheopensea.Anditwaswideopen,herealized.Therewasnothingbetweenthemandthehorizon,andallatonceheknewwhyeverythingfeltsowrong.
TheSurvivorsweregone.
Wheretheyshouldhavebeenstandingsolidandsecurewiththeirheadsalwaysrisingabovethewater,therewasonlyangryoceanandagray-blackhorizon.Theywerefullysubmerged,swallowedwholebytheswell.Kieranhadneverbeforeseenthat.Thefearthathadbeenbrewinginsidehim,stronganddarkanddeep,explodedtothesurface.
“Wehavetogethigher.”
He’dgrabbedOlivia’shand.Thebottomofthecliffpathwasunderthewavesbuttheyhadforcedtheirway,halfswimmingandhalfwading,towhereitshouldhavebeen.Olivialostherfootingfirst,andKieranheardhergaspasshewentunder.Heplungedinhisotherhand,draggingherupuntilsheappeared,red-facedandchoking.Momentslater,hestumbledandtheworldwasinstantlyswallowedup.
HefelthimselfdraggedinonedirectionbythewaterandanotherbyOlivia,andthenitwashisturntoburstthroughthesurface,backintotheroarofthestorm.Theypushedforward,Kierancountingthestepsinhisheaduntilhefeltthesandgivewaytorockunderhisfeet.Hefeltlight-headedwithrelief.Theyhadfoundthepath.
Asthetidesuckedout,gatheringmomentum,heputhishandsaroundOlivia’swaistandhoistedherup.Sheclamberedhigher,herbarelegsleavingabloodysmearwhereshegrazedthemagainsttherock.Shehadlainflatonherstomach,shieldingherfacefromthesheetsofrain,stretchingdowntohelphim.She’dyelledsomethingthatKierancouldn’thearovertheshriekingwind.
Heneverreachedher.Thewaterslammedintohimandnexttimehecouldseehewasfaraway.
Oliviahaduntangledthewaterproofbagfromaroundherwristandwrencheditopen,usingherphonetocallforhelp.Kierandidn’tknowifhereallyrememberedseeingherdothat,orifhe’dconjuredthememoryfromwhathe’dlearnedafterward.He’dheardasnatchofhisnamebeingshoutedintothesquallandfoughttoswimtowardhervoice.Hecouldn’tmakeanyground.
Thewavesweremonstrous.Hewastossedupward,thenpulledsodeephecouldn’ttellwhichwaytofightforthesurface.Hedidn’tknowhowlonghewasunder.Longenoughthathislungswereemptyinawayhehadneverfeltbefore.
Andthen,suddenly,wheretherehadbeennothingbutwater,therewasrock.Hardandbrutal,ithurtledtowardhimwithenoughforcetomakehisteethrattle.Whenthewaterpulledback,Kieranwasstillchestdown,hisfaceslickagainstthesolidsurface.Breathlessandbleeding,hehadraisedhisheadandseenOliviascreamingsomethingathim.Shewaspointinginafranticgesture.
“Goup!Up!Gethigher!”
Kieranhadstumbledtohisfeetand,musteringeveryshredofthemusclehehadworkedsohardforallsummerinthegym,startedtoclimb.Hehauledhimselfuptoacraggyholeinthecliffface,buoyedattheendbythetipofawavethatasecondearlierandameterlowerwouldhavedraggedhimbackunder.
Kieranclungtothatspot,suckinginraggedbreathsandhearinghisheartpoundashepulledhimselffurtherin.Hecouldmakeouttheedgeofthecliffpathashortwayupandacross,butitmayaswellhavebeenamillionmilesaway.Hecouldn’tfindthestrengthorcouragetomove.Hewasstilllyingthere,withstingingeyesandachinglungs,whenhesawaflashofcoloroutonthewater.Ittookhimalongslowmomenttorealizewhathewasseeing.
Itwashisbrother’sboat.
TheNautilusBlackwasbarelyvisibleasitforgeditswaythroughthecrashingwaves.PastthehiddenwreckandpastthepointwhereTheSurvivorsshouldbestanding.On,towardthecaves.
Finnishere.ItwasKieran’sonlyclearthought.Finnhadcomeforhim.And,amidthepainandcoldandtheheavyacheinhislungs,inthatsinglemoment,Kieranhadfeltsafe.
11
FinnhadtaughtKieranalltheimportantstuff.Howtoswim,howtokickafooty,howtodrink.Howtotalktootherguys.Howtotalktogirls.PeoplelikedFinn.TheylikedKieranbecauseheremindedthemofFinn,butFinnwastherealdeal.
FinnElliottbroughthomesportingtrophiesforEvelynBaywhenhewasyounger,andbroughtintourismdollarswhenhewasolder.FinnwasthekindofguywhocouldwalkintotheSurfandTurfandneverhavetobuyadrink,buthedid,often,becauseFinnwasalsothekindofguywhostoodhisround.
FinnhadpoundedthestreetsasapacesetterwhenVeritywastrainingforahalfmarathon,andhe’dgotouttheladderandhelpedBriancleartheleavesfromthegutterseveryautumn,andhe’dstoodchest-deepinthefreezingoceanandshowedKieranhowtoimprovehisopen-waterfreestyletechnique.
Fortwenty-sixyears,Finnwasthereforthepeopleinhislife,andthenhewasn’tthereatallanymore.
Kierancouldn’tremembermuchofthelasttimehesawFinn,andhewasgratefulforthat,mostly.IfKieran’smemoriesofleavingthecavewerepatchy,theyshranktoalmostnothingoncehesawtheboat.Therewasnomedicalorphysicalreasonforthis—thatdoctorintheHobarthospitalhadbeenright—becausehisbodyhadrecoveredwell.
Kieranknewwhathadhappenedashewasclingingtotherockswiththewavespoundingbeneathhim,butonlybecausehe’daskedandhe’dbeentold.TheNautilusBlack,acatamaranspecificallychosenbyFinnandTobyforitsstabilityandmaneuverabilityandallthosethingsthatreallymatterinroughseas,hadbeenunlucky.Inaliteralperfectstormofevents,ithadcrossedabreakingwaveandrolled.
Itstillhadn’tsunk,despitethesea’sfullfury.Thecatamaran’snaturalbuoyancyhadkeptitonthesurface,driftingdrunkenlyintherollinggreenwaveswithitsundersidehideouslyexposed.
Tobyhadnotevendrowned,technically.He’dbeenslammedagainstthehull,theimpactshatteringpartofhisskull.Hehaddiedfacedownintheseawithouttakinginabreathofwater.Goneatthirty,leavingbehindhiswife,Sarah,andtheiryoungson,Liam,aswellashisownbrother,Sean.
Finnhaddrowned,though.Hehadbeentangled,lifejacketandall,whentheboatflipped,trappinghimbelowthesurface.Finnwassubmergedintheendfornearlyanhour,ofwhichonlythefirstfourminuteshadcounted.
Kieranshouldbeabletorememberallthatifhewantedto,he’dbeentoldafewtimes.Thelackofclaritywasadefensemechanism,notaphysicalproblem.Buthedidn’twanttoremember,sohedidn’t.Kierandidn’targue,buthedidn’treallybelieveiteither.Becausesomethingsherememberedveryclearly.
Hisparents’facesinthehospitalcorridor,forexample.KieranhadseenthemthroughtheviewingwindowandtriednottolistentotheurgentwhisperedconversationthatendedwithVerityenteringKieran’streatmentroomalone.Kieranhadwatchedtheopendoor,butBrianhadneverappeared.
Herememberedcominghome,later.Theshockatthesightofthetorn-aparttown,stillreelingfromthestormdamage.ThestrangeandunsettlingquestionnowhoveringaroundGabrielleBirch’swhereabouts.Brianretreatingtohisstudyforhoursandthendays.Thesoundofmuffledcryinginthehouse.
Kieranwouldhavegivenalotnottorememberthosethings,andyethedid,allthetime.
AshhadrungthefrontdoorbellonKieran’sseconddayhome,andthepairhadsatinsilence,watchingTVwithblankeyes,neitherabletothinkofathingtosay.Ashhadcomebackagain,though,andonthefourthvisithe’dbroughtSeanwithhim.
“Itwasanaccident.”KieranhadstoodoppositeSeaninthehousethatfelttoobig.Brianlockedinhisstudy,Veritysleepingalot.Sean’sgazehadmovedaroundthelivingroomhe’dbeeninathousandtimesandlandedonaframedphotoofFinn.Finn,smilingandhappy,andjustasdeadasSean’sownbrother,Toby.
KieranwasstillstrugglingtofindthewordswhenSeanhadstoppedhim.
“Iknow,mate.It’sokay.”
Thereliefhadbeenblinding.
“Itwasanaccident,”Seanhadrepeatedinaquietvoicethatsoundedlikeanattempttoconvincehimself.HeseemedtoneedtohearitalmostasmuchasKieran.“Thestormwasworsethananyofusthought.”
ThingswithSeanhadbeendifferentafterthat,buteverythingwas.Kieranwasjustgratefultheywerestillspeaking.
NooneknewthatOliviahadalsobeendowninthecaves,Kieranhadrealizedinthehospital.Bythenthereseemednopointindraggingherintoittoo.She’dbeentheonetosoundthealarm,butinthechaosithadbeenassumedshe’dbeenuponthecliffpathwhenshe’dspottedKieraninthewater.
Bythetimeanyonewouldhavethoughttocheckthefinerdetails,thesearchforGabbyBirchwaswellintoitsurgentphase,andeveryquestiondirectedOlivia’swaywasfocusedexclusivelyonattemptstofindherfourteen-year-oldsister
KieranhadtriedafewtimestocallandtextOlivia,butshe’dneverreplied.Kieranhadn’tbeentotallysurprised.Hewasn’tsurewhathewouldhavesaidifshehad.
AjointfuneralwasheldforFinnandTobyonthebasisthatthelistofmournersoverlappedalmostentirely.Oliviahadn’tcome,butKieranhadn’tbeensurprisedaboutthateither.Afterall,bythenGabby’sbackpackhadbeenfound.
ThedoorwayofFisherman’sCottageremainedempty.Oliviawasstillinside.Ashcheckedthetimeyetagainonhisphone.
“Doyouthinkthere’ssomething—”Hebrokeoffastwomencamearoundthesideofthehouse.KieranwasalittlesurprisedtoseethatoneofthemwasJulianWallis,lookingmorecomposedthanhehadearlierattheSurfandTurf.Hisgranitefeatureswerebackinplaceashepointedoutsecurityfeaturestoapoliceofficerarmedwithacamera.
“Deadlocksontheexteriordoors,”Julianwassaying.
“Youinstalledthem,ortheywereherewhenyouboughttheplace?”theofficerasked.
Apause.“Theywerealreadyin.”
Hemadeanote.“Howlonghaveyouownedthishouse?”
“Sixyears.”
“Changedthelocksatallinthattime?”
“No.Imean—”Julianlookedthrown.Heranahandoverhiscroppedsilverhair.“ShouldIhave?”
“Justconfirming.”Theofficermadeacarryongesture.Juliangatheredhimselfandpointedup.“Securitylightupthere,aswell.Motionactivated.Iinstalledthat.”
“Yourlocalsergeantsaidthatbulbhadblown,”theofficersaidneutrally,snappingaphoto.
Julianstaredupatit,betrayalineveryfeature.“Thegirlsdidn’treportit.I’dhaveputinanewoneiftheyhad.”
Theofficersimplyraisedhiscameraagain,noncommittal,andtookanotherphoto.Hesquintedatthescreen.
“Allright,”hesaid.“Waithere.I’llcheckifyoursergeantneedsanythingelse.”
Julianwatchedthemandisappearthroughthefrontdoorofhisinvestmentproperty,hisjawset.Heturned,seeminglynoticingKieranandAshforthefirsttime,andwalkedover,leaningheavilyagainstthefence.
“How’sLiam?”Ashsaid.
“You’veheard,then?Abouthimdrivingherhome?”
“Thinkeveryonehas,mate.”
“Well,that’sallhedid,ifanyone’sasking.”Juliansighed.“He’snotdoingwell.Sarah’swithhim.She’snottoogoodeither.”
“No.”
“Theydon’tdeservethis.”Juliandidn’texactlylookatKieran.“Neitherofthem.Reckonthey’veearnedtheirpeaceandquiet.”
Thenoteofaccusationwasfaint,butitcamethroughonafrequencytowhichKieranwashighlyattuned.Hesaidnothinginresponse,simplylettinghisreactionriseandfadeandpassashislastcounselorhadrecommended.
Instead,Kieranlookeduptheroad,whereinthedistancehecouldnearlymakeouthisparents’house.Miawastherewaitingforhim,andhehadtheurgetobenearher.Hepushedhimselfawayfromthefence,thenstoppedastherewasmovementandOliviacameoutofthecottage.Shewasclutchingafewsmallitemsinherhandsandhadatroubledlookonherface.
SergeantRennfilledthedoorwaybehindher.HesawJulianandbeckoned.
“Quickword,please,mate.”
“Ofcourse.Noworries.”JuliandutifullyheadedupthepathtowardRenn.Theydisappearedinside,andthedoorshutagain.
“Areyouokay?”AshreachedouthishandtoOlivia.“Whatdidtheywant?”
“I’mnotsure.”Sheseemedalittleshell-shocked.“Hekeptaskingthesamethingsasthismorning.StuffaboutBronte.Whatdidshetalkabout?Whatdidshedowhenshewasn’tatwork?Whocametovisitheratthehouse?Butitwaslikehewantedsomethingspecific.”
“Likewhat?”Ashsaid.
“Idon’tknow,butIdon’tthinkIwasgivingittohim.”
“Whatdidyoutellthem?”
“EverythingIcouldthinkof.Thatshehadthatboyfriend,Marco,forawhile.Howshewasoutofthehousealotgettingideasforherart.Bringingbackseaweedandstuffshe’dfound.”Oliviastoppedastheshadowofanofficerappearedinthefrontwindowthenmovedawayagain.“Chrisaskedifanythingwasmissing.”
“Wasthere?”Kieransaid.
“Allmythingswereokay.Bronte’spurseandphoneareonthecounter.Andtherentmoney’sincashontopofthefridgeandthat’sstillthere.But—”Sheheldoutherhandstoshowapacketofbirthcontrolpillsandacontactlenscaseandsolution.“Thisisalltheywouldletmetake.Chrischeckeditover.Andthey’restillinherroom.Ithinkthey’relookingforsomething.”
Ashranhistongueoverhisteeth.“Andhewouldn’thelpyouout?”Helookedathisgirlfriend.“Giveyouaclue?”
Oliviahadspentmuchofhereighteenthyearpretendingnottonoticethatthenewyoungconstableintownhadanembarrassinglyobviouscrushonher.Shehadneveracknowledgedit,andthethentwenty-seven-year-oldChrisRennhaddonehisveryprofessionalbesttohideit,butthetelltaleblushthatusedtocreepuphisnecktendedtobetrayhim.
“No.Hewouldn’t,actually.”Olivialookedatthehouseandseemedunsurewhattomakeofthat.
TheyalljumpedalittleasthedooropenedandJulianreappeared.KierancouldseeChrisRenninthehallway.Hewastalkingintohismobile.HenoticedKieranwatchingandslowlyreachedoutandtappedthedoorshutagain.
Juliancamedownthepathandduckedunderthepolicetapeatthegate.
“Listen,Liv,thisgoeswithoutsaying,butdon’tworryabouttherentfornow.Ifyoustillwanttostayonafterward”—Julianjerkedhisheadawkwardlyatthepolicecar—“we’llworksomethingout.”
“Thanks,Julian.”
Therewasapause.“Youdidn’ttellmethesecuritybulbwasblown.”Hetriedandfailedtokeepthenoteofreproachoutofhisvoice.
“IthoughtBrontementionedit.”
“Shedidn’t.”
“Oh.”Oliviarubbedhereyes.“Well,Idon’tknowwhatIcantellyou,Julian.Youknowwhatshewaslike.”
“Yeah.Ofcourse.”Hecheckedhimself.“Sorry.It’sjustbeenabloodylongdayalready.You’llbestayingatAsh’sfornow?”
Oliviashookherhead.“Mymumwantsmeathomewithher.”
“Fairenough.Iprobablywouldtoo.Allright,well,callmeifyouneedanything,yeah?Don’thesitate,okay?”
ShenoddedandAshputhisarmaroundher.
“Let’sgetgoing,”hesaid,andthenturnedbacktoKieran.“Speaktoyousoon,mate.”
“Yeah.”Kieranwatchedthemwalkawaytogether.
HehadnevertoldAshabouthismeetingswithOliviaatthecaves,orthatshehadbeenwithhimonthedayofthestorm.WhetherOliviahadtoldhim,hesupposed,dependedonhowclosesheandAshwere.Kierancouldn’tguess.
Heturnedtowardhomehimself,raisingahandtoJulian.“Seeyouaround.”
“Sure,”Juliansaid.“Andhey,isyourdadokay?Afterlastnight?”
Kieranstopped.“What?”
“Hopehewasn’tlefttooconfused.Itwasmewhofoundhimthistime.”JuliannoticedKieran’sownconfusionandfrowned.“Sorry,IthoughtVeritywould’vesaid.Brianwasoutwanderingagain.”
“Wandering?Again?”Kieranstaredathim.“Howlonghashebeendoingthat?”
“I’mnotsure,”Juliansaid.“Buthewasdoingitlastnight.”
“Where?”ButKieranwasalreadypicturingthehallwayofhisparents’housethatmorning.Thebroomproppedupagainstthewall.Thesandscatteredacrossthefloorboards.Hefeltasuddenoverwhelmingurgetogethome,rightnow.
“Hewaswalkingalongtheroadhere,abitaftermidnight,whenIwasdrivinghome.”
“Andyousawhim,didyou?”
“Yeah,luckily.Iwasdoingthequarterlypayroll,soittookmeawhiletocashup;otherwiseImighthavemissedhim.IcalledVerity,letherknow.Yourdadwon’tgetinthecarwithanyonehedoesn’trecognizethesedays,so…”Julianshookhishead.“Well,youknowhowheis.SoIfollowedhimalongtheroad.Drovebehinduntilyourmumcameoutandgothim.”
“Right,”Kieransaid.“Thankyou.”
“Noworries.Ididn’twanthimgettinghimselfintoanytrouble.”
Throughthecottagewindows,Kierancouldseetheoutlineofpoliceofficersmovingaround.Helookedback,hisunspokenquestionofwhetherornotJulianhadsharedthisinformationwiththemansweredbytheshadowofguiltontheman’sface.Heabsolutelyhad.
“Look,Itoldthemstraight,”Juliansaid,readinghismind,hisvoicelow.“I’veknownyourfolksforyears;I’mnotlookingtocauseproblemsforthem.ButI’veknownLiamhiswholelife.Ilovethatkidlikemyown.Sarah’sdevastated.Weallwantthissortedout.AndnotevenforLiam,forBronte.”
WhenKierandidn’treply,Julianshrugged.
“Imeanit.Brontewasagoodgirl,thecustomerslovedher,alltheotherstafftoo.Wejustwantwhateverbastarddidthistoherfoundbeforehe’shalfwayacrossthemainland.Ifhe’snotalready.I’mserious.ThecopsarewastingtheirtimelookingatLiam.”
ItwasanechoofwhatSeanhadsaidearlierandKierandidn’treply.HecouldseeJulian’ssilverfour-wheeldriveparkedalittlewayalongtheroad,surfboardstillstrappedtothetop.
“That’stheonlyreasonIeventoldthecopsaboutyourdad,”Juliansaid.“Sothey’dknowthatitwaspossibleotherpeoplewerearoundlastnight.Peoplewhoweren’tnecessarilyseen,youknow?”
“I’mnotsureChrisRennneedsyourhelpremindinghimwhathisowntown’slikeatnight,”Kieransaid.
“Maybenot,butit’snothimrunningthisshow,isit?”Juliansaid.“They’vegotsomewomanoverfromHobart.”
Throughthewindow,KieranthoughthecouldseeSergeantRenntalkingtoanotherofficer.Itwashardtotellfromthatdistance,butRennseemedtobewatchingthemthroughtheglass.
“Andwhoknows?”Juliansaid.“Maybeyourdadcouldtellthemsomethingthatmighthelp.”
Kieranlookedathim,annoyednow.“Haveyouseenthestateofmydadlately?”
“Ihave,mate,yes,”Juliansaidpointedly.“Haveyou?”
“Yeah,allright.”
“Look.Sorry.”Hesoundedcontrite.“ButthecopswastingtimeonLiamdoesn’thelpanyofus.”
“Okay.”Kieransighed.“Renncansortitout.Idoubtmyfolkswould’vereallyknownBronte.”
JuliansaidnothingbuthisfacemadeKieranstop.
“What?SoshehelpedMumclearouttheshedonce.”
Juliannodded.“Yourplacehasgotareasonable-sizedshed,isall.Wasn’taone-dayjob.”
Kieranstaredathim.“You’dbettertellthecopsthat,too.”
Noresponse.Healreadyhad.
Kieranopenedhismouthagain,buthisphonebeganringinginhispocket,quietandinsistent.Hecheckedthescreen.Mia.Itwenttovoicemailandimmediatelystartedringingagain.
“I’vegottogo.”Kieranstartedtowardhome.
“Givemybesttoyourfolks.”
Kieranturnedatthat.“Seriously,mate?”
“Yes,actually.”Julian’shandrestedonthegatetoFisherman’sCottage.“Whateverhappenedheredoesn’thaveanythingtodowithus,oryou,oranyonefromthistown,Ireckon.”
Kierandidn’tanswer,justbegantowalk.
“Weneedtobelookingoutforeachother,notateachother,”theotherman’svoicefloatedbehindhim.
Kieranwasn’tsureyetifheagreedwiththatornot.Buthefoundhimselfthinkingaboutit,allthewayhome.
12
MiapulledopenthefrontdoorbeforeKieranreachedit,Audreyinherarms.
“Thepolicearehere.”Hervoicewaslow.
“Now?IjustsawChrisRennatthecottage.”
“Notlocal.FromHobart.”
Thewomanwaswaitinginthelivingroom,lookingoutofplaceamidtheboxesandclutter.Shewaswearingplainclothesandasomberexpression,andhadherhandsclaspedbehindherbackassheexaminedaframedfamilyphotostillhangingonthewall.Brian,Verity,Finn,andKieranonthebeachrightoutsidetheirhouse,allsmilesandsunlight,theirarmsaroundeachother.TheofficerlookedupasKierancamein,andextendedherhand.
“DetectiveInspectorSuePendlebury.”Shewastallandherdarkhairwasstreakedwithstrandsofgray.“Iwasexplaining—oh,wonderful.Thankyou.”ShebrokeoffasVeritycameintotheroomwithatrayofcoffeemugsandBriantrailingbehindher.“AsI’msureyou’veguessed,I’mhereaboutBronteLaidler.”
“Right,”KieransaidasVeritygesturedforthemalltosit.Theydid,otherthanMia,whohoverednearthedoor,jigglingAudrey.
“Doyouknowwhathappenedyet?”KieransaidasPendleburyacceptedacoffeemug.
“That’swhatwe’retryingtofindout.”Shetookasip.“DidyouknowBrontewell?”
“Ididn’tknowheratall,”hesaid.“MiaandImetherforthefirsttimeyesterday.”Hehesitated.“Shedrowned?”
“WebelieveBrontewasdrowned.”Pendleburywascalminmakingthedistinction.“Shehadsomebruisinginjuriesthatindicateshewasheldunderthewater.”
AudreywhimperedandMiashushedher.Verityverycarefullywipedaspotofmilkoffthecoffeetable.
“That’sterrible,”shesaidquietly.
“Sheshouldn’thavebeenoutonthebeachalone.”Brian’svoicerosesuddenlyfromhisarmchairinthecorner.Theyallturnedandheblinked,surprisedbytheattention.
“I’msorry?”Pendleburysaid.
“Itoldhersheshouldn’thavebeenoutthere.Notwiththestormwarning.”
KieranheardVerityexhalewithasharpshakeofherhead.
“He’stalkingaboutsomeoneelse,”shesaidquicklytoPendleburywho,afterabeat,draggedhersteadygazeback.“Wewerehitbyabigstormhere.Yearsago.He’sthinkingofthat.Sorry.He’snotwell.Ignorehim.”
Pendleburynoddedslowly.Sheglancedathernotes.“IhearBrontespentafewdayshere.Helpingyouclean,wasit?”Hereyeswanderedovertheboxesliningthewalls.
“Clearingtheshed,”Veritysaid.“Shewascollectingafewbitsandpiecesforasculptureshewasworkingon.Wehadalotofjunk.Isaidshecouldhelpherself.”
“Whatdidshetake?”
“Somewire,Ithink.Somesheetingfromwhenwefixedthebackdeckingafewyearsago.”Verityshookherhead.“I’mnotsure.Itreallywasjunk.”
“Anddidyoutalkatall?Sorry—”Pendlebury’sphonevibratedsilentlyagainstthecoffeetable.Aphotoflashedonthescreenofhersmilingalongsideagray-hairedmanandagirlandboyintheirtwentieswholookedabitlikebothofthem.Shepressedabuttonandturnedthephonefacedown.“Sorry.Yes,Bronte.Didshetalktoyouaboutherlifehere?Boys?Work?Herimpressionsofthetown?”
“Shewasverykeenonherartwork.Iknowthat,”Veritysaid.“AndhergrandmotherinCanberrahasdementia.Shetalkedalittleaboutherandwhatthathadbeenlike.Brontesaidthey’dbeenclose,youknow,before.”
PendleburylookedoveratBrian,stillwatchingfromhisarmchair,thenbacktoVerity.
“DidBronteshowyouanyofthepiecesshewasworkingon?”Pendleburysaid.ShesoundedgenuinelycurioustohearwhatVerityhadtosay.Kierancouldn’ttellifherinterestwasauthenticorprofessionallyhoned,buteitherwayitwassmart,hethought.Pendleburyprojectedthekindofnaturalopennessthatmadehimwanttopullupachairandtellherthings.Kierancrossedhisarmsandsatback.
“Sheshowedmeafewdrawingsshe’ddoneofplacesaroundhere,”Veritysaid.“Theywerelovely.OrIthoughtso,anyway.Shewasagoodartist.”
“Shewasn’tanartist.”Brianwasfrowning.“Shewasstillatschool.”
“Brian,no.We’retalkingaboutBrontenow.”Verity’swordswereclipped,andsheturnedbacktoPendlebury.“Sorry.It’sbeenabitdifficult.”
Pendlebury’seyesstayedonBrian.“Whodoeshethinkwe’retalkingabout?”
“Noone,”VeritysaidatthesametimeasKieransaid,“GabbyBirch.”
Theyexchangedaglance.
“Asin,OliviaBirch?”Pendleburysaid,frowningathernotebookastheynodded.Shelookedupagain.“I’msorry,sowhoisGabby?”
WhowasGabby?GabbyBirchwasOlivia’syoungersisterandMia’sbestfriendandprettymucheverythingKieranknewabouthercamefromthem.Shewasfouryearsyoungerthanhimandshytothepointthathewasn’tevensureheknewwhathervoicehadsoundedlike.
OnwarmlateeveningswhenGabbywassentbyhermothertofetchOliviahomefromthebeachortheSurfandTurforwherevershewashangingoutwithherfriends,Gabbywouldskulkupalonetodeliverthemessage,inaudibleandflush-faced.
Gabbywasagirlwhobyrightswouldhaveslippedthroughherteenageyearscompletelyunnoticed,exceptforthefactthatatagetwelveshedevelopedoveronerapidsummerintothespittingimageofheroldersister.Herfacelostitsbabyishcurvesandinsteadbecameonethatattractedsecondandthirdglances.Shegrewtallandgentlyrounded,andcladintheirwetsuitswiththeirlongcurlyhairtiedup,itwashardtotellOliviaandGabbyapart.
Shewasveryeasyontheeye,asAshhadpointedoutinmuchbluntertermsoncewhenGabbywastakingoffherwetsuitonthebeach.Olivia,whohadbeenwithinearshot,hadpunchedhimontheshoulderhardenoughthatKierancouldseeithadhurt.She’sthirteen.Don’tbedisgusting.ButAshhadbeenright.
KieranhadneverbotheredtotalktoGabby,butheknewacoupleofblokeswhohadtried,occasionallyafterbeingrebuffedbyOlivia.Theywerewastingtheirtime,though.GabbywouldshrinkintoherselfasthoughtryingtovanishandwouldshuffleoffflusteredtofindMia,herbestandonlyfriend.Thepairwouldholeupeverylunchtimeinthecornerofthelibrary,wheretheywouldwhisperandreadanddrawpencilsketchesofhorses.
GabbyBirchwasagirlwhohaddiedinthestorm.Butbeforethat,forthreedays,shewasagirlwhowasmissing.Andbeforethat,forfourteenyears,shewasagirlwhowaslovedbyherfamily,butdidherverybesttodisappeararoundprettymucheveryoneelse.
KieranlookedatPendleburyandhernotebook.
“GabbywasOlivia’ssister,”hesaid.“Butshediedtwelveyearsago.”
“How?”
“Shedrowned.”
“Really?”Pendlebury’seyebrowmovedafraction.
“Itwasduringthestorm.”VerityfrownedasPendlebury’spenbegantoscratchagainsthernotebook.“Itwasafreakweatherevent.Noonewasproperlyprepared.Oursondrownedtoo.Andanotheryoungman,TobyGilroy.”
“Liam’sdad,”Kieranadded.
“I’mverysorrytohearthat,”Pendleburysaid,likeshemeantit.Shewaitedarespectfulmoment,thenturnedtoafreshpage.Notunsympathetic,butawomanwithajobtodoandlimitedtime.ShelookedatVerity.
“I’llgettothepoint.I’vebeentoldthatyourhusband—you,Mr.Elliott—youwereseenontheBeachRoadareaaroundmidnightlastnight.”
“Whyareyouaskingthis?”Briansnapped,anewedgeinhisvoice.Heturnedtohiswife.“Whyissheaskingallthisagain?I’vealreadybeentothestation.I’vetoldthemwhathappened.”
KieransensedVeritystiffenasPendleburyleanedforward.
“Mr.Elliott—”
“No,”Briansaid.“I’mnothavingyoucomeheretomyhouselikethis.Upsettingmywife.We’vejustlostourson,isn’tthatbadenough?I’vealreadytoldyou.Isaidhellotoher.Toldhertogohomebecausethestormwascoming.I’vebeenthroughthisdownatthestation—”
“Hewasoutlastnight,”Veritycutin.Herfacehadsheditshelpfulmaskandwasnowtightandalert.“Forafewminutes.Hegetsconfused.Hegoesoutwalking.Ican’twatchhimtwenty-four/seven.”
Pendlebury’seyesmovedtoher.“Howlongexactlywasheoutfor?”
“Notlong.IwasasleepandgotacallataboutquarterpasttwelvefromJulianWallis—heownstheSurfandTurfandFisherman’sCottage.HesaidBrianwasontheroad.Ithrewsomeclothesonandwenttofindthem.Theywereonlyfiveminutesaway—thatway.”ShepointedfirmlyintheoppositedirectiontoFisherman’sCottage.
“Thecallwokeyouup?Soyoucouldn’tknowexactlywhattimeyourhusbandlethimselfout?”
Therewasasilence.“No.”
“Doeshegooutoften?”
“Ithappensafewtimesamonth.”
“Hasheeverbeenfoundwanderingonthebeach,ratherthantheroad?”
Verityhesitated.“Lastnighthewasontheroad.”
“Okay.”Pendleburysoundedsympathetic.Kieranwonderedagainifitwasadeliberatetactic.“Look,I’mnotimplyinganythinghere.IknowyouthinkIam,butatthispointI’mjusttryingtogetaclearsenseofwhathappened.There’ssomechancethatthepersonwhowaswithBrontemayhavebeendisturbed.Maybehadtoleaveinahurry.”
“Whatmakesyouthinkthat?”Veritywaswatchfulnow.
Pendleburypaused,butKieranthoughthecouldguess.HewasprettysureVeritycouldguesstoo.Whywouldanyoneleaveabodyinplainsightonthebeachwhenwithafewshortstepsitcouldbesentfloatingawaywiththeoceancurrents?Giventheopportunity,Kieranthought,that’swhatanyoneintheirrightmindwoulddo.NotonepersonintheroomwaslookingatBrian.
“Thesandpatternsuggestsinterruption,”Pendleburysaidneutrally,andVeritysimplynodded.Bothpretendingthatmadesense.
“Eitherway,”Pendleburywenton,“noone’scomeforwardsofartosaytheysawanything.So,ifyourhusband’sabletoaddsomethingtothepicture,nowwouldbeareallygoodtime.”
KierancouldsenseVeritywrestlingwithherself.
“Well,askhimthen,”shesaid,finally.“Forwhatit’sworth.”
PendleburyattemptedtolookBrianintheeye.Hedidn’tcooperate.
“Mr.Elliott,”shesaid.“Iwanttoaskyouaboutlastnight.Doyouunderstand?DidyouseeBronteLaidleronthebeachlastnight?”
“I’vealreadysaidIdid.Itoldherthestormwascoming.”Brian’swanderinggazestilledsuddenlyandforthefirsttimesinceKieranhadcomehome,hehadthestrangesenseofthecloudinessalmostlifting.Brian’seyesmovedagainandwhentheysettledthistime,itwasonMia,stillstandingnearthedoorwithAudrey.
“YoushouldtalktoMia,here,”Briansaid.“They’dbeenarguing.Miawaswithheronthebeachtoo.Youshouldhaveawordwithher,ifyou’rehavingawordwithanyone.”
“Jesus,Dad—”KieranstartedasMiawasalreadyshakingherhead.
“No,Iwasn’t—”
Theybothstopped.KieranturnedtoBrian.
“MiawasonthebeachwithGabby,Dad.NotBronte.Andthatwasyearsago.SheandIweretogetherlastnight.Here.Wedidn’tseeanyoneonthebeach.”
PendleburylookedatMia.“Isthatright?”
Mianodded.Audreywassquirminginherarms,thrashingherheadbackandforth,andMiatightenedhergrip.Pendleburyflickedthroughhernotes.
“Apologies,justtomakesureI’mcompletelyclear—”Shelookedupandfrowned.“WhatexactlyhappenedtoGabbyBirch?”
13
Itwasagoodquestion.Ithadbeenaskedalotovertheyears,andKieranwasasfamiliarasanyoneintownwiththelastknownmovementsofGabbyBirch,agefourteen.
OnthedaythestormwouldlaterhitEvelynBay,Gabbyhadbeenwokenat9:00a.m.byhermother,Patricia,whowasleavingforherSaturdaynursingshiftatthetown’smedicalclinic.Gabbyhadpromisedtogetupbuthadn’t,andwasstillinbedanhourlaterwhenhereighteen-year-oldsister,Olivia,gothomefromthegym.Gabbyblamedherlatestartonthefactthatshedidn’thaveherphone,whichalsoservedasheralarm.IthadbeenconfiscatedbyTrishaweekearlierafterateacherhadreportedGabbyfortextinginclass.Gabby’sbestfriend,Mia,wassufferingthesamepunishmentinherownhousehold.
GabbyhadeatenabowlofcerealwhilesheandOliviabrieflydiscussedplansfortheirmum’sbirthdaythefollowingday.Inwhathadbecomesomethingofatraditionsincetheirparents’divorcesixyearsearlier,thegirlswouldbaketheirmother’sbirthdaycake.TheywoulddoitthatafternoonwhileTrishwasatwork,theyagreed,soitwouldbereadyforthenextday.TheirgrandmahadbookedatableforlunchatthebighotelinPortOsborne.
Oliviaofferedtostopinatthesupermarkettobuybirthdaycards,butGabbysaidshewantedtomakeherownbyhand.OliviatoldthepolicelaterthatGabbyhadbeenveryupsetwhenherphonewastakenaway.ShewashopefulthatTrish,buoyedbythebirthdaycelebrations,wouldfeelinclinedtoreturnit.
Bothgirlsknewrainwasforecast.
Oliviawentoutatnoon—tovisittheshopsandgoforawalkalongthecliffpath—whileGabbywas,notunusually,lefthomealone.
ExactlywhatGabbydidbetweennoonand2:00p.m.wasunknown.Shemadenophonecallsfromthelandlineandwasnotseenleavingthehouse.Abirthdaycardthatread“HappyBirthdayMum!”inglittergluewaslaterfounddryinginherbedroom.At1:27p.m.sheusedhermother’slaptoptologontotheinternet,whichshehadbeenexpresslyforbiddentodowhileherphonewasconfiscated.Shehadspentafurtivetwenty-threeminutesbrowsingsocialmediasites.Shethengrabbedherpurple-stripedbackpackwithakangarookeychainattachedtothezipper,filleditwithlibrarybooksdueforreturn,andwalkedtheeightminutestoherfriendMia’shome.
ThetwogirlsleftMia’shousetogether,walkinganothertwelveminutestotheEvelynBayCommunityLibrary.Theyhadtakenaone-daywritingworkshoptherethatsummerandwantedtoworkontheirshortstories.Theyreturnedtheirbooks,borrowedsomemore,andgotstarted.Afternearlyanhour,thelibrarianheardwhatsoundedlikeamuffledargumentfromtheirtablebehindtheshelvesandaskedthemtokeepitdown.
The“Asiangirl,”thelibrarianhadtoldSergeantMallottandConstableRennlater,wasintearsandpackingherbelongings,whilethe“tallone”appearedtobetryingtoconvincehertostay.Shewasseeminglyunsuccessful,asbothgirlsleftafewminuteslater,togetherbut—thelibrarianwasn’tsure—perhapsnotspeaking.Shehadwarnedthemasthey’dleftthatrainwasexpected.
ThewalkhomehadtakenthempastGabby’shouse,whichwasquietandempty,MiahadtoldMallottandRennwhenitwasherturntobecalledintothestation.Theyhadn’tstopped,insteadcontinuingdowntothebeach.
Why?MiasaidRennhadasked.Becauseyouwerearguing?
Theyhadn’tbeenarguing,Miahadinsisted.GabbyhadgivenMiasomehonestfeedbackonhershortstoryandMiahadtakenittoheart.Shehadn’twantedtostopatGabby’shouse,soGabbyhadfollowedher.Ithadallseemedimportantatthetime.
ByMia’saccount,sheandGabbyhadwalkedashortwayacrossthesand,watchingthedarkcloudsgatheringonthehorizon.BythenMiawasgettingcold.Shewantedtogohomebeforetheraincame.Gabbyhadtriedtopersuadehertostayalittlelonger,butMiahadpickedupherownbackpackoflibrarybooksandsaidgoodbye.ShehadleftGabbysittingaloneonthebeach.
Theyhadpartedongoodterms,MiatoldMallottandRenn.ThiswasslightlycontradictedbyMia’sownmother,whowaslateroverheardconfidinginafriendthatshehadbattledherwayhomefromarained-outengagementpartytofindherdaughter“upset”inherbedroom.Mia,inturn,hadinsistedthatwasn’tthecase.Shehadsimplybeentiredandincreasinglyunsettledbythestormnowragingoutside.
Gabbywasofficiallysightedonlyoncemorethatday,thirtyminuteslater,at3:50p.m.Shewasseenstandingonthelargeflatrocksthatjuttedoutfromthebeach,herhairbillowingandherstripedbackpackoverhershoulder.Thenthecloudsdrewcloserandthewavesbegantoswellandrollinawaytheyrarely,ifever,didalongthatstretchofcoast,andGabbyBirchwasneverseenagain.
Astringofstorm-relatedinjuriesbeganfloodingintoEvelynBay’soverwhelmedmedicalclinicshortlyafter5:00p.m.Themostserious,includingKieran,weretransportedtothehospitalinHobart.Withinninetyminutes,thephonesystemwasdownalongasixty-kilometerstretchofcoast.Thestreetsweredeserted.Motoristswereadvised,thenwarned,thenforcedbyconditions,tostayofftheroads.Themedicalcenterremainedoverrunastreatedpatients,includingOlivia,hadnooptionbuttostayandshelterinplace.Thebodiesofthetwolocalmenrecoveredfromthewaternearthecaveslaycoveredbysheetsinclinicroom2.
Andsoitwasn’tuntilthenextmorningthatPatriciaBirchwasatlastabletoleavetheclinicafteradoubleshift,withherdaughterOliviaintow.Theyreturnedhome,bothwearyandbattered,todiscoverthatGabby’sbedhadnotbeensleptin.
Neighbors’doorswereknockedon,schoolacquaintancesweresummoned,andwhentherewasstillnosignofthegirl,asearchwasmounted.Volunteershelpedpickthroughthedebrisoftheirbrokentownasboatsscouredthewater.Ahandfulof“missing”posterswereprinted,butinthechaosnoonemanagedtoputupasingleone.PerhapsbecauseintheirheartsnooneinEvelynBayreallythoughtGabbywasmissing.Theyallknewwhereshewas;itwasjustaquestionofwhetherornottheseawouldgiveherup.
Thesearchcontinuedfortwolongdays.Onthethirdmorning,Gabby’spurple-stripedbackpackwashedashore.
KieranandVeritygavePendleburytheshortversion.Thegirl,thebeach,thestorm,thevanishing,thebag.Thegriefthetownsharedwithherfamily,andthequestionsthatinevitablylingered.Thedetailswereallonfilesomewhere,ifPendleburywasthatinterested.Miaperchedonthearmchairnearestthedoor,holdingherbabydaughter.Shesaidalmostnothing.
Whentheyhadfinished,Pendleburytappedherpenagainstherchin.SheglancedatBrian,whowaswatchingthemfromhiscorner.
“IsthereanyparticularreasonwhyMr.ElliottthinksI’mherenowaboutGabbyratherthanBronte?”
“No.”Verity’sgazewasunflinching.“He’sjustconfused.”
KieranblinkedinsurpriseandalsosensedMiatensealittlebehindhim.NeithercorrectedVerity.ButKieranfeltuneasy.They’dalreadytoldPendleburythatthedetailsofGabby’sdisappearancewereallonfile.Ifshewasatallcurious,itwouldtakehertwominutestodiscoverwhatVeritywasnowfailingtomention.Kierandebated,thentookabreath.Verityturnedherheadandmethiseyes,andheclosedhismouthagain.MaybePendleburywouldn’tbother.Shehadenoughonherplate.
Theofficeraskedafewmorequestionsandtheytoldherwhattheycould—howBrontehadchasedAudrey’shatintothesea;howKieranandMiahadseenacardrivingbysofastthatMiacouldn’tevenbesureofthecolor;howtheyboththoughtthatBrontehadseemed“fine”attheSurfandTurf,whatevertheopinionoftwopeoplewhodidn’tknowheratallwasworth.
Atlast,Pendleburyflippedhernotebookshutwithawordofthanksandstood.Shemadeherwaytothedoor,takingoutthreebusinesscardsandhandingoneeachtoKieran,Mia,andVerity.HerfingertappedonafourthassheglancedthroughatBrian,stillsittinginhisarmchair;thenshereturnedittoherwallet.
“Callmeifyouthinkorhearofanythingelse,”shesaid.
Theynoddedinunisonastheywatchedherwalkdownthepathandthroughthegate.Veritywaiteduntiltheofficerwassafelybackontheroadbeforesheshutthedoor.Inthelivingroom,Kierancouldhearhisdadmumblingsomethingtohimself.
Verityignoreditandwentthroughtothekitchen.KieranandMiafollowedher,watchingassheputonthekettleandleanedagainstthesink,staringatherreflectioninthewindow.Shereachedoverandopenedthedoorofthefridge,scanningitscontents.Kierancouldtellshewascountingherbreathing,in-two-three-fourandout-two-three-four.Whenshestraightened,herfacewasoncemoreasplacidasalake.
“We’llgettakeoutfordinnertonight.”Sheshutthefridgedoorcarefully.
“Whydidn’tyoutellPendleburyaboutDadandGabby?”Kieransaid.
ThekettleshriekedandVeritygotoutfourmugs.
“Ididn’tthinkitwasrelevant.”
“Mum—”Kieranstared.“Itabsolutelywas.”
Noresponse.
“Mum—”
“Icanhearyou,Kieran.”
Veritysimplytiltedthekettle,thewatersteamingasitstreamedout.
“She’llfindout.”Miawasstrokingherdaughter’shead.“I’mnotgoingtobetheonewhotellsher,Verity,butsomeonewill.Evenifshedoesn’treadthefile,whichIalsothinkshewill.”
“Well,I’lldealwiththatasitcomes.Ifitcomestoanythingatall.”Verityputhermugdownonthetablewithasoftclick.“Imean,itwasallsortedoutatthetime.”
Veritywasrightaboutthat,Kieranthought,whichwasallthemorereasonnottohideit.
Thefactsremainedthefacts.AmongthemthatBrianElliotthadbeenGabby’steacher.AndKieran’s,andSean’s,Ash’s,Olivia’s,Mia’s.AstheonlyPEteacheratthetown’ssecondaryschool,hehadatsomepointyelledinstructionsateverysinglestudentacrossthefootyovalornetballcourtorgym.
Onthedayofthestorm,BrianhadseenGabbyatthebeach.Shewasstandingaloneontherocksandstaringatthewaves.AfishermangivinghisdogahastywalkastheweatherdrewinhadspottedBriantalkingtoagirlwhoselongbrowncurlyhairwasblowingallovertheplace.Brianhadneverdeniedit.
Brianhadbeenintownbuyinganewbikelockandwasrushinghomehimself,helatertoldSergeantMallottandConstableRennatthepolicestation.He’dbeenwalkingbriskly,hopingtobeattherainthatwasthreateningtostart.
Gabbycaughthiseyesimplybecausethebeachwasotherwisedeserted.Hehadcalledhernameandshe’dturnedandgivenashywaveofrecognition.Atthatpoint,BrianElliottmadehiswayacrossthesandtowardher.
“Whatdidthepolicewanttoknow?”KieranhadheardVerityasklaterwhenBrianhadreturnedfromthestation.HervoicefloatedintoKieran’sbedroom,softandlowfromthebackveranda.
Brian’sreplyhadbeenmuffled,andKierancouldpicturehimsittinginoneofthebeachchairs,hisheadinhishands.“TheyaskedwhatI’dsaidtoher.”
TherocksGabbywasstandingongotslipperyinbadweather.Briantoldherthisandwarnedthatrainwascoming.Itwasn’tsafe.Sheshouldcomebackontothebeach.
Gabbyhadagreed,soBrianhadhelpedheracrosstherocksuntilshewassafelyonthesand.
“Thatbloodyannoyingnewcop—”Brian’svoicewasstillmuffled.“Theyoungone.What’shisname?Ben?”
“ChrisRenn,”Veritysaid.
“HeaskedifIhadtouchedherwhenIhelpedher.Jesus.”Aheavysigh.“Isaidyes.Once,onherelbow,andonlybecauseshenearlybloodywentin.”
“Whatdidhesaytothat?”
“Hedidn’tsayanything,Ver.”Brian’swordswereclearernow.“Christ,Ihopesheturnsupsoon.”
“Yes,”saidVerity.“Ihopesotoo.”
Bothhadfallenquiet.
“Whatelsedidyoutellthepolice?”KieranheardVeritysayeventually.
BrianhadaskedGabbyifshewasallrightandshe’dsaidshewas.Sheseemedperhapsalittlesubdued,inhindsight,butnotenoughforhimtofeelconcerned,asheexplainedtotheofficers.BriantoldGabbytogohomebeforethestormhit.Gabbysaidshewasleavingsoon.
Theyoungconstable,Renn,hadobservedthatBrianlivedverynearby.Hadheofferedtogethiscaranddriveherhome?
Briansaidhehadnot.
HadBrianconsideredit?Afterall,thecloudsweregrayandheavy.
No.Itwasagainstschoolpolicytoallowstudentsinyourcar.
Eveninastorm?
Eventhen.Besidestherainhadn’tstartedyet,Brianhadpointedout,quiterightly.Andnobodyknewthenhowbaditwouldbe.
Whathappenednext?Rennhadasked.
Nothing.
BrianhadsaidgoodbyeandleftGabbystandingonthesandbesidetherocks,herhairblowingandherbackpackonhershoulder.Hehadwalkedtherestofthewayhomealone.Hehadseennoone,beenseenbynoone,lethimselfintoanemptyhouse,andintheprocess,officiallybecomethelastpersontoadmittoseeingGabbyBirchalive.
14
IfitwaspossibletofindanykindofsilverliningatallinthedeathsofFinnElliottandTobyGilroy,itwasinthetiming.
Whenthewordspread—andithad,fast—thattheNautilusBlackhadrolled,VerityandBrianElliottwereamongthefirsttoreachthecliffs.Theyhadbracedthemselvesagainstthewind,theirhandspressedtotheirmouthsandwethairplasteredtotheirskullsaswaterstreameddowntheirfaces.Theyhadwatchedtheboatrockingupsidedowninthewavesandevenwhilebeingtreatedbyafirstresponder,KierancouldhearthepulseoftheirsilentincantationPlease,please,please.
Theminutestickedon.Finndidnotemergefromunderthevessel.
Eventually,Verityhadcoveredhereyes.BrianhadseemedunabletolookawayastherescueoperationledbyJulianWallisfoughtitswaythroughtheswellsandwasalmostimmediatelyabandonedwhentheysawtheconditions.Itwasalreadytoolateforthistoendwell,butdowninthewaterJulianwouldhavebeenabletoseethedesperateobserversuponthecliffs.BrianandVerity,stillclingingtoahopetheybothknewhadlongpassed.Toby’sparents,KevinandAnne,whohadracedoverfromtheirplaceontheothersideoftown.Theirotherson,Sean,wastheretoo,aswasToby’swife,Sarah.Theyallstoodbesideeachotherinnumbdisbelief.Toby’sheadwoundwaswashedgrotesquelycleanandthehigh-visibilitystripsonhislifejacketkepthimintheirsightthewholetimeashefloatedfacedowninthewaves.Intheend,bothmen’sbodieswererecovered,aswastheboat,andthatwasmorethananyonecouldreasonablyhaveaskedfor.
InthedaysfollowingGabby’sdisappearance,KieranguessedthatSergeantMallottandConstableRennhadconsideredthedualfatalityatthecavesanddecidednottopushBrianElliotttoohardwhentheyinquiredaboutthelastknownsightingofthegirl.BecausewhereverGabbywasjustoveranhouraftershewaslastseenonthebeach,itwasnotwithKieran’sfatherashestoodontheclifftopwithadozenfellowtownspeopleandwatchedhiseldestsondrown.
KieranwasstillthinkingaboutthatwhenheandVerityenteredtheSurfandTurfthatevening.HeandMiahadspentalongafternoonclearingoutthehallcupboardswhileVerityhadtriedtodistractBrianfromhelping.
“Brian.Sit.Iambeggingyou,”KieranhadheardhersnapfromthelivingroomassheturnedupthevolumeontheTV.
TheSurfandTurfwasquietasKieranpushedopenthedoor.HecouldseenosignofJulian,eitherfrontofhouseorinthekitchen,butLynthewaitressgreetedthemwithanod.Shefinishedclearingatray,thenthreadedherwaythroughthemostlyemptytables,wearingthesameorangeuniformandfaintauraofcigarettesmokeasshehadthatmorning.
“Nobabywithyou?”ShelookeddisappointedatKieran’semptyarmsandheshookhishead.
“Weweren’tsureyou’dbeopen,”VeritysaidtoLynasshewrotedowntheirtakeoutorder.
“Juliandidn’twantto,butIsupposehefeltheshould.”Lynnoddedtoacoupleoftablesfilledwithahandfulofpoliceofficers,includingoneortwoKieranthoughtherecognizedfromFisherman’sCottageearlier.Theylookedsubduedastheyate.SergeantRennsatattheendofoneofthetables,sippingcoffeeandtalkingtotheofficernexttohim.DetectiveInspectorPendleburywasnotwiththem.
Athirdtablebythewindowwasoccupiedbytwoothermen.Kieranwouldhaverecognizedthebetter-lookingofthepairevenwithoutthehintofmakeupandtheimpracticalsuitthatwasalreadydampandsandyaroundtheanklecuffs.ThereporterhadbeenappearingonthelocalTVnewssincehishairhadbeenthatdarknaturally.Hewasflickingthroughhisphone.Acrossthetableacameraman,morecomfortableinflannelanddenim,yawnedandcheckedhiswatch.Killingtimebeforethe10:00p.m.liveremote,Kieranguessed.
“TheywereinterviewingJaniceManningoutsidethesupermarketearlier,”Lynsaid.“Idon’tknowwhattheythinkshecantellthemaboutanything;she’sonlybeenheresincethelatenineties.Anyway”—shepunchedtheirorderin—“this’llbeasquickaswecan.They’reshort-handedinthekitchenobviously,andI’monmyownouthere.”Sheglancedatthedoor.Outside,theroadwasdark.“Julianaskedmetocover.Thetwogirlswhowererosteredontonightrefusedtocomein.”
“Isthatright?”saidVerity.“Youdidn’tmind,though?”
Lynshrugged.Sheavoidedlookingatthekitchen,whereLiamusuallyworked.
“Gotmybillstopay,likeeveryoneelse.Andlook,I’mnotsayingaword—”Shetookadeepbreathandlickedherlips.“Butthatboyisapieceofwork.Justbecausehisstepdadownsthisplace,heswansaroundhere,thinkshecangetawaywithmur—”Shestoppedherselfinthenickoftime.“Withanything.Youshouldhearthewayhespeakstomesometimes.AndJuliandoesnothing.Spoilshim,giveshimchanceafterchance.AndLiamwasalloverBronte,evenwhenshetoldhimshewasn’tinterested.”
“Didshe?”Kieransaid.“Youheardhersaythat?”
“Notdirectly,butIknowshewould’ve.Agirllikeherwouldn’tbeinterestedinLiam.Shehadaboyfriendforawhileanyway,foreignbloke,butstill.Liamdidn’tlikethat,Icantellyou.”Hereyesslidtothefewoccupiedtables.“Itoldthepolicethat,aswell.”
Verityfrowned.“Itfeelslikeyoumightbemakingabitofaleap,Lyn.”
“Sometimesyoujustknow,though,don’tyou?”Lynsuckedontheendofherballpointpenlikeitwasacigarette.“Canfeelitinyourgut.Youknowwhatmyfirstthoughtwasthismorning,whenwehearditwashim?”Shepausedforeffect,drawingoutthemomentuntilKieranandVeritybothshooktheirheads.“Ithoughttomyself,‘Yeah.That’dberight.’”
Kieranwasn’tsurehowtorespondtothat.“Right,”hesaid,finally.
Lynwasclearlywaitingformoreofareaction,andtheywereallsavedbythesoundofabellringingfromtheservinghatch.VerityblinkedandshookherheadasLynwalkedaway.
“Backinaminute,”shesaid,andheadedinthedirectionoftherestroom.
Kieransteppedasidetoletthecameramanpassonhiswayoutforasmoke,andwanderedovertothecommunitybulletinboard.Amongtheusualnoticesforprivatepianolessonsandsunriseyoga,acollectionhadbeenstartedforBronte.Orherfamilyatleast,Kieranguessed.Agrainycolorprintoutofherstaffphotowaspinnedtotheboard.Shewassmiling,hereyesalittletoowide,asthoughshe’dbeencaughtoffguardbytheflash.Amoneytinsatonasmalltablebelow.Acandleplacednexttoithadblownout,itsblackwicklookingsadandshriveled.
Kieranfishedoutwhatlittlecashhehadinhispocketsandputitin.Theboxfeltquiteempty,butitcouldn’thavebeentherelongandLynwasright:Thereweren’tmanypeopleabout.Thewalkintotownhadbeenevenquieterthanusual.HeandVerityhadseenacoupleofmenwalkingtheirdogsinthedeepeningtwilight.Nowomen,though,Kieranrealizednow,otherthanVerity,whohadclearlybeendesperateforabreakfromBrian.
ItsimplyhadnotoccurredtoKierannottostepoutside.HehadofferedtobringAudreywiththemandbeensurprisedwhenMiahadlookedoutatthegatheringgloomandhesitated.
“Doyouthinkyoushould?”
“Yeah,whynot?”
“Idon’tknow.It’sgettingdark.Maybeit’sbetternotto,untilweknowforsurewhat’sgoingon.”
“Maybe,but—”Heshrugged.“Imean,whoeverdidthattoBronte,they’renotafterblokesandbabies,arethey?”
Miawavered,thenshrugged.“Howcanwereallyknowthat?”
“Because…”Becausetheyjustdid,Kieranthought.HeknewitforthesamereasonsMiadid.Becausethatwaslife.Becausewhateverelsemightcomethewayofgrownmen,theydidn’twindupstrangledtodeathinthesurf.KieranhadnoproblemwalkingaroundEvelynBaynowforthesamereasonthathedidn’tthinktwiceabouttakingshortcutsthroughunlitparks,andfeltnoneedtoquickenhispacewhenheheardfootstepsonthepavementbehindhimatnight.Forthesamereasonthathewouldhavegonehomealongthedarkbeachthenightbefore,whereMiahadtakenonelookandbalked.Kierandidn’tknowwhathadhappenedtoBronte,butfromthirtyyearsoflivedexperienceheknewthatwhateveritwas,itwasn’tcomingforhim.Miaknewallthistoo.ButshestillmadehimleaveAudreyathome.
KieranlookedagainatthephotoofBronte.HerememberedwhenaphotoofFinnandTobyhadbeenpostedinthatsamespotafterthestorm,withasimilarcollectionboxunderneath.
Kierancouldstillpicturetheexactimage.IthadbeentheoneofFinnandTobywiththeirarmsslungaroundeachother’sshoulders,anunopenedbottleofchampagneinhandandtheNautilusBlackgleamingbehindthemastheycelebratedthefirstdayoftheirnewdivingbusiness.KieranhadbeensixteenandstandingoutofshotonthedockwhenBrianhadtakenthepicture.Ithadbeenagoodday,heremembered.
ThephotohadstayedonthebulletinboardfornearlyayearbeforeJulianhadtactfully,andafterconsultationwithbothfamilies,removedit.KieranwonderedhowlongBrontefromCanberra’spicturewouldstayup.Probablylessthanthat,heguessed.
KieranstartedheadingbacktoVerity,whohadcomeoutoftherestroomandwastalkingtoanothercustomerbythecashregister.ThemanturnedandKieranrecognizedhimastheblokewiththelaptopwhohadtriedandfailedtogetintotheSurfandTurfthatmorning.Thefoldednewspaperwasgone,buttheleathercomputersatchelwasonceagainslungacrosshischest.
“Kieran,”Veritysaid,beckoninghimover.“ComeandmeetG.R.Barlin.”
“Really?”Kieransaid,theman’sfacialfeaturesclickingintoplaceastheyshookhands.“Webrieflymetthismorningactually.Sorry,Ididn’trecognizeyou.”
“JustGeorgeisfine.Anddon’tworryaboutit.”Themanwavedhishand.“Doesanyoneeverrecognizeauthors?”
Kieranhesitated.“Idon’tknow.”
“Theydon’t.”
“Oh.”ButKierancouldseeitnow.G.R.Barlin’sjawwasratherlesschiseledandhisgazenotnearlyaspiercingasthephotointhebackofhisbookswouldsuggest,buthehadthesulkyfarawaylookdownpat.
“GeorgehasmovedherefromSydney,”Veritysaid.
“Right,”Kieransaid.“Forthesummer?”
“No.”Theman’stonehadthehintofannoyanceofsomeonewhohadbeenaskedthequestionafewtimes.“Full-time.I’mrenovatingWetherbyHouse.”
“Ah.”Ash’sgrandmother’sformerhome.“Gardentoo?”
“Wholething.Itneededit,”Georgeadded,slightlydefensive.
Whetheritdidordidn’t,Kierancouldn’tsay,butatleastthatwentsomewaytoexplainingAsh’sunveiledhostility.
Everyone,includingpossiblyAshhimself,hadbeensurprisedwhenAshannouncedhewasstartinghisownlandscapingbusiness.Andnoone,againpossiblyincludingAsh,hadtakenhimtooseriouslyatfirst.Buthehadrolleduphissleevesandspentthewholespringandsummerdiggingandplantingathisgran’splace,turningthegenerousgardenaroundthesandstonehomeintoalivingadvertisement.KieranandSeanhadspentthesamesummerloungingaboutonthedeckoftheNautilusBlack,chattingwithtouristsanddippingintothecoolsea,beforeswingingbyWetherbyHousetofindAshwithhisbackhunchedandsweatrunningdownhisface.
HaditbeenSean,orevenpossiblyKieran,stuckdoinggruntworkinhisgran’sgardenintheheat,theyprobablywouldhavecoppedabitofshitforit.ButAshsimplydidn’tcare.Hedidwhathelikedanddefendedittonobody.Andthepropertyhadlookedgreatbytheend.Ash’sgranhadbakedhimacakeasathank-youforhismonthsoflaborandhe,Kieran,andSeanhadcelebratedbygettingsteamingdrunkbythebeach.
Thegardenhadbeenbeautifulforthreewholeweeks;thenthestormhadhit.Ash’sworkwasdestroyed,withplantingsrippedapartanduprootedbushesandtreesleavingdeeptrenchesofexposedsoil.ButAshhadbeenbackouttheretheverynextday,hunchedandsweatingagaintorestorethechaos.Hehadsucceeded,Kieranhadthought,butapparentlynottoahighenoughstandardforG.R.Barlin.
Kieranlookedattheauthornow.Upclose,hewasyoungerthanKieranwouldhaveguessed,givenhisbodyofwork.Earlyfortiesatthemost.Hewaswearingachunkyknitcardigan,whichhadtheworn-inrusticlookofsomethingthatcouldonlybeexpensive.Kieranwonderedifhe’dboughtitespeciallyforhismovetotheTasmaniancoast.Itwasthekindofthinghethoughtawritermightenvisagehimselfwearingdownhere,searchingouttoseaforhismusewhilethebrisksaltyairchappedhisface.AndGeorgeBarlinwouldn’tbethefirstcreativetypetohavecometoEvelynBayseekingsomesortofelusiveinspiration.
“Whatmadeyouchoosehere?”Kieransaid,andGeorgeshrugged.
“Nostalgia,really.MyparentsbroughtmeonholidayafewtimeswhenIwasyounger,andIvisitedagainmyselfonandoffovertheyears.Alwayslikedit.Anditseemedlikeasgoodaplacetoworkfromasany.”
“You’rewritingsomethingnew?”Kieranasked.
“Yep.”Georgetappedhislaptopbagwithanoverstatedeyeroll.“Alwaysonthetreadmill.ButIprefernottotalkaboutmyworktoomuch,ifyoudon’tmind.”
“Notatall.”Kieransuppressedasmile.HehadoncegonewithMiatoseeG.R.BarlinappearataliteraryeventinSydney.Thewriterhadbeenonapanelwithtwowomenauthorsandspokenforeasilyhalfthetime.“Well,mypartnerwillbesorryshemissedyou,”Kieransaid.“She’sabigfan.”
Thatwastrue,andKieranhimselflikedthebookstoo.Theywerethekindofthrillerspeopleboughtintheairport,stayedgluedtobesidethepool,andthenleftintheirhotelroomtosaveonluggageweight.Theysoldbytheshedload.
LynbustledbacktoswipeGeorge’screditcardandcaughtthelastcomment.
“I’msurprisedMiahasanytimeforbooks,withthatbeautifulbabyathome,”shesaid.“IknowIwouldn’t.”
“Notabigreader?”Kieransaid.
Lynscrunchedupherface.“Ididreadabookonce.Wasn’tforme.”
“YoushouldtryoneofGeorge’s,”Veritysaid.“They’regood.”
“SoI’veheard.Onlytheearlyones,though.”Lynflashedanaffablegrinatthewriter,asthoughexpectingconfirmation.“Don’tbotherwiththerest.That’swhatFionareckons,anyway.”
“Fiona?”George’svoicewascompletely,determinedly,neutral.Lyndidn’tnotice.
“Fromtheplantnursery?Youknow,shecutsthosehedgesintotheshapeofanimals.”
“Right.Yes.”Georgereturnedhiscreditcardtohiswalletandcloseditwithafirmsnap.“Well,it’sashameshefeelsthatway.AndI’vealwaysthoughtsohighlyofhercreativetalents.”
Lynfrownedslightly,sensingsomethingalittleoffbehindGeorge’ssmile.Shewasdistractedbyoneofthepoliceofficerssignalingforawaterrefillandbustledaway.
“AndyetifIweretostopbythenurserytotellFionaherhedgeanimalsareunrecognizable,I’mthearsehole,”Georgemurmuredasheadjustedhislaptopbag.“Anyway,nicetomeetyou.”HeshookKieran’shand.“Givemybesttoyourpartner.Wasthatheryouwerewiththismorning?”
“Yes.”
GeorgenoddedandlookedpastKierantothemakeshiftmemorialtoBronteonthebulletinboard.KieranrememberedseeingBrontebringthewriteraglassofwinethenightbefore,managingtoraiseasmilefromhimashe’dgloweredathislaptop.
“Whatadreadfulbusinessthatis,”Georgesaid.“PoorBronte.Unbelievable.”
“Didyouknowherwell?”Veritysaid.
“Onlyfrominhere,”Georgesaid.“ButI’minherequitealot.Didyoueverseeanyofherdrawings?”
“Acouple.Andsheshowedmealittlewiresculpturecreatureshewasworkingon.Sheseemedverygood.”
“Ithoughtsotoo.Seriousaboutitaswell,whichyoudon’talwaysgetinthemorecreativefields.Shewasfocused.Hadaprofessionalapproachtoitall.”George’smouthwasaharddownturnedline.“Iwouldneverhaveexpectedsomethinglikethattohappenaroundhere.”
“Itwouldn’thave,afewyearsago,”Veritysaid.“Isupposethat’stheriskwiththetourists.Youneverknowwho’sintownnow,withsomanypeoplecomingthrough.”
Thereweren’tthatmanypeoplethough,Kieranthought.Acoupleofweeksearlierinthesummermaybe,whentwooutofeverythreepeopleonthestreetwerestrangers.Butnotatthistimeofyear,withitsemptytablesandclosedshopsandvacantparkingspots.
KieransuspectedGeorgewasthinkingthesamethingasthemanlookedaroundthehushedrestaurant.Hisgazecametorestonthetableofpoliceofficers.
“Ihearthey’rebringingLiamGilroyinforquestioningagain,”Georgesaidquietly.HeglancedatLynbytheservinghatch.“She’llbehappy.Thinksthepolicehavegottheirman.”
“Andwhatdoyouthink?”Kieranasked,interested.
“Me?”Georgeshrugged.“Ithinkit’simportantincivilizedsocietytorespectdueprocess.”Heturnedhisphoneoverinhishand.“DespitewhatthekeyboardwarriorsofEBOCHmaythink.”
“Theonlinecommunitypage?”Veritysaid.“Ididn’tthinkanyonereallyusedthat.”
“Well,peoplehavefoundauseforitnow.Still,I’msurethepoliceknowwhatthey’redoing.”
Curious,Kieranhadpulledouthisownphonetolookupthiscommunitypage,andfeltalurchashesawthescreen.EightmissedcallsfromMia.Hestartedtoraisethephonetohisear,thenstopped,hisfingerhoveringovertheredialbutton.GeorgehadgonesilentandwasfocusedonSergeantRennoveratthepoliceofficers’table.
Kieranfollowedhisgaze.Rennwasspeakingsoftlyintohisowncellphone.AsKieranwatched,theofficerraisedhiseyesandlookedonce,directlyandunmistakably,atVerity,thenawayagainalmostasquickly.Rennendedthecall.Hesatforamoment,thenpulledhimselfoutofhischairandbegantoheadacrosstherestaurant.TheTVreporterglancedup—nothingtoseebutRenn,slowandcasual,coffeecupstillinhand—anddroppedhisattentionbackdowntohisphone.RennendedhisstrollrightnexttoVerity.Hetookadeepswallowofcoffeeasthecameramanreturnedfromhissmokebreak.Shesimplywaited.Rennwatcheduntilthemanwassafelyoutofearshot.
“Sorry,Verity.”Hisvoicewaslow.“It’saboutBrian.”
15
ItwasstillearlywhenKieranhitthecliffpaththenextmorning.Audreywaswideawake,herdarkeyesalertasshebouncedalongstrappedtohischest,hernappybagslungoverhisshoulder.Kieran’sownheadfeltthickandheavy.IthadtakenalongtimebeforeheandMiaandVerityhadbeenabletogettotheirbeds,andeventhenKieranhadlainawakeforwhatfeltlikehours.
HeandVerityhadlefttheirorderuncollectedattheSurfandTurfandfollowedSergeantRennoutside,wherehehaddriventhemthethreeminutestoFisherman’sCottage.Theyhadduckedunderthepolicetapeatthefrontgateandrundownthesidetrailandoutontothedarkbeach.Kierancouldhearshoutsandthesoundofhisdaughtershrieking.Miawasalreadyonthesand,Audreyangryinherarms.
“I’msosorry,”Miawassaying.“Itriedtostophim.I’msorry.”
Kieranhadruntothemfirst,thenchasedVeritydowntothewater’sedge.
Brianwasinthesea,neck-deep.HisT-shirtbrokethesurfaceasheswamthroughtheblackwaterwithstrong,confidentstrokes.ThepolicetapethathadbeentiedtostakesonthebeachwhereBronte’sbodywasfoundnowtrailedbehindhimlikeseaweed.
Apairofyoungofficersweresoakedtotheirarmpits,theirshoesandsockspairedneatlyonthedrysandwhiletheyflounderedinthewater.Kieranreachedtheshorelineintimetoseeonecatchhisdad.Brianbellowedandflailedhisarmsastheothermanjoinedthestruggletopullhimout.Brianhadfought,draggingbothcopsandhimselfunderthewaterasVerityherselfhadkickedoffhershoesandwadedinwithoutbreakingstride.Kieranwasrightbehindher.ThepoliceofficershadbackedoffwhenheandVeritymanagedtoreachBrian.ThethreeofthemhadswayedtogetherinthefreezingwaterwhileVerityheldBrian’shandsbeneaththesurfaceandwhisperedsoftly.
Brianeventuallyallowedhimselftobeledout.KieranandVerityhadwalkedhimtothebeach,theirtrioofmoon-castshadowsformingagrotesqueechoofTheSurvivorsagainstthesand.Brianhadlaidhimselfdownflatonhisbackneartheshoreline,hisarmsandlegsstretchedoutasthoughhewasenjoyingtheweather.Kieranhadlaindownnexttohim,histeethchattering.
Onhiswayintothewater,BrianmusthavetraipsedthroughfloraltributesleftonthebeachforBronte.RibbonandcellophanewerestrewnaboutlikedeadseacreaturesandKierancouldseeMiaclutchingAudreywithonearmasshetriedtogatherandreassemblethepile.Heknewheshouldhelpherbutinsteadhadstayednexttohisdad,staringupatthestarsandlisteningasBrian’sraggedbreathingmingledwithhisowndaughter’shigh-pitchedscreams.WhenKieranturnedhishead,hecouldseeVeritysittingsomedistanceaway,herfaceinherhandsandhershirtstucktoherback.Kieranwasn’tsureifshewasshiveringorcryingorboth.
Kieranhadfeltlikehehadn’tgottheenergytomove,everagain,buteventuallySergeantRennhadcrouchedandsuggestedquietlythatitmightbeagoodideatogetgoingbeforetheTVguyshauledthemselvesoutoftheSurfandTurfandwandereddowntosetupfortheirbulletin.
Itwasonlylater,backatthehouse,thatKierannoticedthereddeningaroundMia’sjawlineandthebeginningsofabruiseonherwrist.Heheldherarmunderthelamp.
“Whathappened?”
“It’snothing.Let’sgettobed.”Shewasstillshaken,though,hereyesbrightwithunshedtears.
“But—”
“It’sfine.Itoldyou.Itriedtostophim.Just—”Mialetherarmslipfromhisgrasp.“Don’tleavemealonewithhimagain,okay?”
Kieranwaswalkingfuriouslynow,theoceanbreezewhippingacrossthecliffpathandsnatchingathisclothes.
Whenmorninghadcome,KieranhadtoldMiatostayinbedandgetsomesleep.Shehadblinkedawake.
“Wedidn’tevenoffertowalkherhome.”Mia’seyeswereswollenandKieranwonderedifshe’dbeencryinginthenight.
“Who?”Kieranscrambledtocatchup.“Bronte?”
Mianoddedagainstherpillow.“AttheSurfandTurfonSaturdaynight.WeaskedOliviaifshewantedustowait,butwedidn’taskBronte.Weweregoingrightpastherhouse.Wecouldhavewalkedherhome.”
TheylookedateachotherforalongtimeandfinallyMiarolledover.KieransaidhewouldtakeAudreyout,andthistimeMiadidn’tprotest,justclosedhereyeswithoutsayinganything.
Outinthehall,KieranhadheardVerityinthekitchen.Hervoicewasalowmurmur,andshestoppedasKieranentered.ShewassittingoppositeBrian,rubbingsunscreenintohisarms,thewayshehadwithKieranwhenhewaslittle.Kieranwasn’tsurewhatVerityhadbeensaying,butfromthelookonBrian’sface,hewouldn’thavebetonhimabsorbingawordofit.
“Miahasbruisesfromlastnight.She’shurt.”
Verityfrowned.HerpalmswereslickasshesmoothedthecreamintoBrian’sskin.“Badly?”
“Notbadly,butsheshouldn’tbehurtatall.”
“Ofcoursenot.I’mverysorry.”
“Jesus,I’mnotlookingforanapology.”Kieranlookedathisdad.“I’msayinghe’sgettingoutofhand.MiahadAudreywithher.”
“Hewouldn’thavemeantit.”
“Iknowthat,but—”
“Butwhat?”Veritysaid,hervoicesuddenlyhard,herhandsstillonherhusband’sarm.“Butwhat,Kieran?Hedidn’tmeanit.Lookathim.”SheliftedBrian’shand.Hehelditout,obedientandchildlike.“Hedoesn’trealizehe’sdoneanything.Sowhatisityouwant?Doyouthinkheshouldbepunished?Forsomethinghedoesn’tevenknowhe’sdone?Doyouthinkthat’sfair?”
Verityhadstaredathimuntilhe’dlookedaway.Briandidn’tmove.
Kieranhadn’tgivenherananswer.Hedidn’tknowwhathethought.
Hereachedasplitintheclifftrailnowandstopped.Totherightlaythetrackuptothelookout,andtothelefthecouldseetheirongatesguardingthebackentrancetotheEvelynBaycemetery.KieranfeltAudreymoveandsettleagainsthischest.Thewalkhadsoothedheratleast,ifnothim.
Hewanderedtowardthegates.Theywereopen,withasignscrewedtothepostinformingvisitorsthecemeterywouldbelockedatsundowneachday.SomewhattoKieran’sownsurprise,hesteppedinsidenow.Thegravelpathleadinghimforwardwaswellcaredfor,withlushbuttastefulshrubsplantedalongside.Ash’shandiwork,Kieranguessed.He’dheldthemaintenancecontractforawhilenow.ItalllookeddifferentfromhowKieranremembered,butthenagainhehadn’tbeentheresinceFinnandToby’sfuneral.He’dmeanttocome,afewtimes.Hejusthadn’t.
Kieranfollowedthepathway,realizingwithastabofshamethathecouldn’trememberwherehisbrother’sgravewas.Hecouldpicturethefuneral,partsofitatleast,butifhehadabsorbedanyspecificdetailsoftheburiallocation,hecouldn’trememberthemnow.Hewasn’tevensurewheretobegin.Thecemeterylayoutwasdisordered,withgenerationsofEvelynBayresidentshavingchosentoseeouteternityrightthere,andallwithaslightlydifferentideaofhowthey’dliketolie.KieranknewhehadmadethejourneytoFinn’sburialwithhisparentsbyroad,thecarrideconductedinmutegriefastheyfollowedthehearses,andheturnednowtowardthemaingatestothewest.
Hedidn’tgetthatfar.Theentrancewasn’teveninsightwhensomethingflappinginthewindcaughthiseye.Hestopped,recognizingthecolorsstraightaway
WithonehandonAudrey’sback,Kieransteppedoffthegravelandpickedhiswaythroughtheneatlymowngrassuntilhefoundhimselfstandinginfrontofagrave.AfootyscarfinEvelynBay’steamstripeshadbeencarefullyknottedaroundtheheadstone.Itwasn’tnewbuthadtheworn-cleanlookofsomethingthathadbeenmachinewashedregularlyovertheyears.Kieranreachedoutandmovedthescarftoreadthenameontheheadstone.
TobyGilroy.
AmemoryKieranhadforgottenheevenpossessedshottothesurface,fullcolorandcrystalclear.LiamGilroyinhisbox-freshfuneralclothes,drapingafootballscarfacrosshisdad’scoffin.Kieranwonderednowifthiswasthatsamescarf,retrieved,washed,andreturnedbyLiamforthepasttwelveyears.Heinvoluntarilysnatchedhishandaway,andAudreywhinedinprotestatthesuddenmove.
“Oh.Good.It’sonlyyou.”
Kieranspunaroundatthesoundofthevoice,hisfingersstilltinglingfromthefeelofthewool.Ittookhimasecondtofindthespeakeramongtheheadstones.
Olivia.Herhairwastangledfromthebreezeandshewaswearingjeansandarust-coloredpulloverthatKieransuspectedhadbeenborrowedfromhermum’swardrobe.
“IwaslookingforAshandIheardsomeone.”ShewasalittleonedgeandKieranrememberedthenear-emptystreetslastnightandthewaitressesrefusingtheirshifts.
“Onlyus,”hesaidasOliviacamecloserandleanedintolookintothebabycarrier.
“SothisisAudrey.Wow.”Olivia’shairbrushedagainsthisshoulderandshestraightenedandtookasmallstepback.“She’sbeautiful.”
“Thankyou.”Helookedoutacrossthequietcemetery.“IsAsharound?”
“Ithoughthesaidhewouldbe.He’snotansweringhisphone,though.”Ashadowcrossedherface.“Hemustbewithaclientorsomething.Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“I’mnotsure.”
“NotvisitingFinn?”
“Iactuallydon’tknowwherehisgraveis.”
“Oh.”Shefrowned.“I’mnotsureeither.Ashcouldprobablytellyou.Whenheresurfaces.”
Ashprobablywouldknow,Kieranthought,andnotonlybecauseheworkedthere.AshandFinnhadalwaysgotalongwell,especiallyafterAshhadleftschoolandwashangingaroundtownalotmoreduringthedays.Onweekends,FinnwouldsometimeswanderupandheandAshwouldchataboutstuffthathadbeengoingonwhileKieranwasstuckinclass.Anythingfromsmall-businesstaxbreakstotourist-girlarrivals.Kieranwouldsitandwatchandtrytojoininwhenhecould.
“MaybeI’llhavealookaround.”Kieranranhisgazeovertherowsofheadstones.“Ifeelabitbadnotknowingwhichone’shis.”
“Don’tfeeltoobad,”Oliviasaidastheystartedtowalk.“Visitingsomewherelikethisdoesn’thelpeveryone.Lookatmymum.She’sneverletanyoneputupanythingforGabby.”
“Really?Nothingatall?”
“Nope.Noheadstone,noplaque—”Olivianoddedastheypassedamemorialbench.“Notoneofthose.WenevertalkaboutGabbyanymore.”
“Whynot?”
“Idon’tknowexactly.Ithoughtweshould,butthenI’vealsoreadthatrehashingthepastcandomoreharmthangoodforsomepeople.Breaksdowntheirdefensesorsomething.Dependsontheperson,Iguess.”
“Right.”Kieranhadn’theardthatspecifically,butunexpectedlyhethoughtofVerity.Thewayshewasalwaysdoingsomethingwithhertherapybooksandonlinesupportgroupsandself-improvementhomework.Thebrittlefaceofherconstant,unceasing,grindingstriveforinnerserenity.
“SonowIjustletMumleadtheway,”Oliviawassaying.“It’snotgreat,though.Shestillreallystrugglestoacceptwhathappened.”
“Evennow?”
“IthinkmainlybecauseGabbywasneverfound.”
“Yeah.”Kieranhesitated.“But—”
“No,Iknow,”Oliviasaidastheytookaleftturn,pastsomeofthenewerheadstones.“It’sridiculous.I’mnotsayingshethinksGabbyisinhertwentiesandwalkingaroundsomecityonthemainlandoranything—”TherewasthetiniestpauseinwhichKieranwonderedifdeepdownthatwasexactlywhatTrishBirchoccasionallyletherselfthink.“ButMumusedtoworryaboutGabbyevenbeforethestorm.Becauseshealwayslookedolder,youknow,soshe’dgetabitofattention.Peoplewouldforgetshewasonlyfourteen.”
Theyturnedintothenextrow,readingthenamesastheywent.
“Itprobablydoesn’thelpthattheyweren’tongreattermsattheendeither,”Oliviasaid,fiddlingwiththesleeveofherborrowedpullover.“ThatwholethingwithMumconfiscatingGabby’sphone.Gabbywasreallyupset.AndthenMum’sstuckknowingthatherdaughterdidn’thaveaphonewithherwhenshewentmissing.It’sthekindofthingthathauntsyou,Isuppose.Oh,hey—”Oliviapointedatasimplegrayheadstoneneartheendoftheline.“Isthatit?”
Yep,Kieranthoughtashesteppedclosertoreadtheengraving.Thatwasit.FinnElliott,twenty-sixyearsold,belovedsonandbrother.Gonetoosoon.
Therewerenoflowersorfootyscarvesonthisplot,butitdidlooklikesomeone—Ash,probably,orperhapsVerity—keptitweededandtrimmed.Kieranstoodthere,lookingdownattheearthwherehisbrotherlayburied.HehadlovedFinn.Hestillmissedhim.HelookedupatFinn’sheadstoneandwaitedtofeelsomething.Somethingmore,atleast,thanwhathefelteveryday.
“Don’tworryaboutit.Mymumwouldagree,”Oliviasaid,whenitfeltlikethey’dbeenwaitingawhile.Shewassittingonanearbymemorialbench,watchinghim.“Visitingagravedoesn’tdoitforeveryone.”
Hesteppedawayandsatdownnexttoher,theirclothesflappinginthewind.KieranreachedintohisbagandmixedupabottleofformulaforAudrey.
“Shetriedtokillherself,actually.”Olivia’svoicewasquiet.
“Yourmumdid?”Kieranlookedover.“Shit,Liv.I’msorry.That’shard.”
“Yeah.That’swhyIhadtomoveback.Don’tspreaditaround.”ShesighedasKieranshookhishead.“Ithinkafewpeoplesuspectanyway,though.Mumreckonsitwasamistake.Shesaidshemessedupherdose,butshe’sbeenonsleepingpillsfortwelveyearsandalwaysmanagedtokeeptrackbefore.”
“Whenwasthis?”
“Afewmonthsaftertheten-yearanniversary.Ithinkitwastoomuchofareminder—thedatecomingandgoingandnothinghavingchanged.”
Kieranhadfoundtheten-yearmarkdifficulthimself,andhesuspectedVerityhadalsostruggled,althoughshehadn’tadmittedit.Hehadn’tbeenabletobringhimselftocomebacktoEvelynBaythatyear,oratallsince,infact.
“Bronte’sparentsareduetoarrivetoday,”Oliviasaidsuddenly.She’dbeenstaringattheheadstones.“Theywerestuckonacruisesohavehadtoflyback.”
“Haveyoumetthembefore?”
“Once,whenshefirstmovedin.They’rebothcivilservantsinCanberra.Quitehighup,Ithink.Hermumwasinvolvedinthatcommitteethattightenedalltherestrictionsaroundseafoodexport;doyourememberthat?Itcausedabacklogandalotofthefishermencouldn’tgetridoftheircatchesforawhile?”
Kieranshookhishead.“Notreally.”
“Well,anyway.ItoldBrontenottomentionthattooloudlyaroundhere,”Oliviasaid.“Hermumanddadseemednice,though.Very…efficient.Godknowshowtheymustbefeelingnow.”
“Anymorefromthecops?”
“No.”Oliviashifteduneasily.“Buttheywerebackatthehouseearlythismorning.”
“Didtheytellyouwhy?”
Sheshookherhead.“Iheardtheywerecheckingtheneighbors’gardens.Goingthroughtheirbins.”
“Lookingforsomething?”
“Mustbe,butIdon’tknowwhat.IaskedRennstraightoutwhenhecalledlastnighttocheckhowmanysetsofkeyswehad.Hewouldn’ttellme.Justdancedaroundit.Saiditwasprocedure.”
“Maybeitis.”
“Maybe.”Oliviapickedatherthumbnail.“AshsaysIshouldbecareful.HereckonstheythinkIknowsomethingI’mnottellingthem.”Shelookedover.“Idon’t.Fortherecord.”
“Ididn’tthinkanydifferently.”
Inthesilence,Kierancouldheartheseagullscalling.
“IfIdid,”Oliviasaid,“Iwouldtellthem.BronteremindedmeofGabbyabit.”
“Didshereally?”Kieranwassurprised.
“Yeah.Notphysically,obviously,andnoteveninhermannerisms.More…”Oliviathoughtforaminute.“Theywereboththekindofgirlwhofelttheyhadtopleasepeople.It’slikethiswholethingwithLiam.”
“Whataboutit?”
“Imean,Sean’sright.”Oliviashrugged.“LiamandBrontedidgetalongokay.Shenevercomplainedabouthimoranything.Butshewasquitesensitivetopeople’sfeelings,andLiamcanbe…intense.Othergirlsmighthavetoldhimtogetlost,butBrontewouldhaveworriedaboutembarrassinghim.Shewould’velethimknowshewasn’tinterested,butitmighthavebeenprettysubtle.”Olivialookeddown.“Andsomeguysdon’tunderstandanythingbutaloud,firmno.Somedon’tevenunderstandthat.”
“DoyouthinkLiam’soneofthoseguys?”
“Yeah.IguessIdo,abit.”Olivia’smouthwasahardlineassheconsidered.“HimgivingBrontearidehomebothersme.Welivesocloseitwasunnecessary,whichkindofmakesmesuspectheinsisted,whichneverfeelsgreat—”
Oliviabrokeoffasherphonebeepedwithatextmessage.“Shit.It’sJulianagain.”
“Whatdoeshewant?”
“Idon’tknow.Hesaystocallhim.”Oliviastoodup.“I’dbettergetback,anyway.Ashobviouslyisn’there.”
KieranwipedAudrey’smouthandclippedherintothesling.“I’llgetgoingtoo.”
“Areyouheadingdown?”
“No.”HepattedAudrey.“I’llgoonabitfurther.Giveherachancetosettle.”
“WhenareyouandMiagoingbacktoSydney?”
“Nextweek.”
“Lucky.”
Theystartedtowalk.“Youthinkingyou’regoingtohavetosettleinhereforthelongterm?”
“Idon’tthinkI’vegotmuchchoice.Notafterwhat’shappenedtoBronte.Ican’tseethatspeedingupMum’srecovery.”
“Atleastyou’vegotAsh.”
“Yeah.”
Whenshedidn’tsayanymore,KieranlookedoverandOliviagaveasmalllaughathisexpression.
“What?”
“Nothing.”Heshrugged.“Youguysaregood,though,aren’tyou?”
“Yeah.Weare.It’sjust,ifIstayhere,itfeelslike—”Oliviastoppedatthecemeterygatesandsighed.“Idon’tknow.Gameover,orsomething.There’snopointfinishingmymaster’s.OrhavingworkedsohardinMelbourne.NotifI’mgoingtosettledownwithAshandbangoutafewkidsandsendthemofftoNipperstrainingwithJulianeverySaturdaywhileIgowaitressing.IcouldhavedonethatstraightoutofschoolifIwasgoingto.”Ahintofasmile.“NotthatIwould’vehadanythingtodowithAshbackthen.”
“No.”Kierancouldheartherapidriseandfallofhisdaughter’sbreath.Shefeltwarmandsolidagainsthim.“Buteveryonecanchange.”
“Yeah,that’strue.AndAshis…”KieranwaitedasOliviaconsidered,genuinelyinterestedwhatitwasaboutAshthathadcaughthereyetwelveyearson.
“Hecanbealotoffun,”shesaid.“MorethanIremember.Andhe’sreallygoodaboutMum.Idon’thavetoexplainthingstohimbecausehealreadyknows”—shewavedherhandloosely—“abouteverything.”
Thewordswerevagueenoughtobemeaningless,butKierancouldreadthemperfectly.Heknowsaboutus.
Shewaslookingathimnow.Henodded.Gotit.
“Anyway—”Olivia’sphonebeepedagainandshefrowned.“Oh,forGod’ssake.Julianagain.I’dbettergo.Itwasgoodseeingyou.”
“Youtoo,Liv.”
Withawave,Oliviaturnedandwalkeddownthepath.Kieranwatcheduntilshewasoutofsight,twelveyearsagosuddenlyfeelingbothverydistantandverynear.
16
Kieranstoppedwhenhereachedthelookout,catchinghisbreath.Audreysquirmedagainsthischest,irritated.ShelikedthecomfortingrhythmofabriskpaceandKieranhadobliged,allthewayuphillfromthecemeterytothepeakofthepath.Beyondthecliffs,thetidelaycalmundertheweakmorningsun.Outonthewater,theNautilusBluewasanchoredbutKierancouldseenomovementonboard.
SoAshknewabouthimandOlivia.Thatwasinteresting,ifonlyforthefactthathe’dnevermentionedit.ThatalonewasproofofchangeasfarasKieranwasconcerned.TheoldAshwouldn’thavehadtheself-disciplinetokeepquiet.
Miaknew.
Kieranhadtoldhersixmonthsafterthey’dmet,onthenightofwhatwouldhavebeenFinn’sthirty-firstbirthday.He’dbattledthroughafrustratingphonecallwithVerity,wheretheyhadspokenforthirtyminuteswithoutreallysayinganything.Atleasthismumhadcometothephone,though,whichwasmorethancouldbesaidforBrian.Verityhadsaidhewasout.Kierandoubtedit.Thatdidn’tsoundlikeBrian.Notonhisdeadson’sbirthday.
KieranandMiahadbeenlyinginbedandhe’dstartedtalkingandthewholestoryhadcomeout.
“YouandLiv,”she’dsaid,whenhe’dfinishedspeaking.
He’dlainthere,listeningtoherbreathingandfeelingthewarmthacrossthebedsheets.
“Isitaproblem?”Herolledoverandlookedather,alreadyalittleafraidoftheanswer.
“No.”He’dgoneslackwithrelief.Shewasstillquiet,though.
“Areyousure?”
“Yeah.But—”Miaturnedherfacetowardhimonthepillow.“Gabbyhadguessed.”
“Really?”
“Ithinkso.Shetoldmeshethoughttherewassomethinggoingonbetweenyoutwo.ItoldherIthoughtshewaswrong.”
“Doesitmatter,though?”Kieranhadaskedagain.“Itwassolongago.Itdoesn’tmatter,doesit?”
“Notnow.Nottome.It’sjust—”Miaputahandunderherheadandstaredattheceiling.“Ididn’tbelieveher.SothatmighthavematteredtoGabby.”
Kieranlookedbackouttoseanowandranahandoverthewoodensafetybarrier.Ithadbeenputupwithinamonthofthedrowningsanditwassurprisingwhatadifferenceithadmadetothelookout.
Theplacewasasisolatedasithadeverbeen,butthesturdybenchandwaist-highrailingandtheprintedplasticinformationpanelsmadethewholethingfeelmonitored.Itwasn’t,Kieranknew.SergeantMallottandConstableRennhadenforcedthetrespassingfineforjustlongenoughtobreakthelocalhabitandsendteenagersseekingaquietspotawayfromthecavesandtowardtheforestedhinterlandinstead.Psychologically,thebarrierwasagooddeterrent.Nothingtoseebeyondhere,itsaid.Stayontherightsideoftheline.
Itwasacompleteillusion,though.Thetraildowntothebeachandthecavesmightbeovergrown,butitwasstillvisible.Kieranlookedatit,thentookastepout.Hedidn’tevenneedtoclimboverthebarrier;hesimplymovedaroundtheedgeoftherailing,brushedasideanovergrownbush,andtherehewas,atthetopofthepath.
Audreybegantowhineinhersling,twistingherheadbackandforthandurginghimtogetmovingagain.Kierancouldhearthesurfbelowandseeathinstripofsand.Thecaveswerehiddenfromsight.
HehadbeenuptothelookoutdozensoftimessinceFinndied,butdidn’toftengobeyondtheboundary.NeverwhenMiawaswithhim.Buteveryonceinawhileonhisown.Whenhefoundhimselfthinkingaboutthatdayyearsearlier,whenhe’dsteppedoutontothissametrack,withTheSurvivorsalreadydeeperthantheyshouldhavebeenandstormcloudsalreadygatheringonthehorizon.
KieransteadiedAudreywithonehandandbegantomakehiswaydownthepathnow.Hestartedslowly,butmusclememoryquicklytookover.Ashewalkedhetried—thewayhehadalotovertheyears—tothinkaboutthatdaydifferently.Therewerefactorsinhisdefense.Heknewthat.Hecouldrecitethemashewalkeddownthistrailhealsoknewbyheart.
Hehadbeenonlyeighteenyearsold.
Thetightbendatthejaggedrock.
Hehadn’trealizedhowbadthestormwasgoingtobe.
Thesmoothrockfollowedbyadip.
Noonehadrealizedhowbadthestormwasgoingtobe.
Thefirstviewofthecaves.
HehadreallylikedOliviaandhadonlywantedtoseeher.
Thefinalnarrowstepsasthetrailcametoanend.
FinnandTobywereexperiencedenoughtomaketheirowndecisionsonthewater.
Thesand.
Ithadbeenanaccident.
Noneofthatmattered,though.
Kieranstoodnowonthatfamiliarstripofbeach.Outonthewater,TheSurvivorswereknee-deep.Thecaveswereyawningblackholesbehindhim.Maybethatwaswhyhehadn’tfeltanythingmuchatFinn’sgrave.Becausewhateverhetoldhimself,orhowevermanytimeshesaiditwouldbethelasttime,healwayssomehowendedupdownhere.Backinthesameplace.WhereFinnwasstilldead,anditwasstillKieran’sfault.
Hebecameawareofashriekingthat,foronce,hadnothingtodowithAudrey.Aroundthecliffs,theseabirdswereprotestinghispresence,swoopingandcirclingoverhead.Theternswerenesting,hecouldseenowastheyhoveredaroundtheirbabies,anxiousandagitated.Thebirdshadrarelynestedherebefore,backinthedayswhenKieranhadtraipsedupanddownallsummer.They’dbecomelessusedtovisitorssincethesafetybarrierhadgoneup.
Kieranmovedawayfromthem,crossingthebeachtotheSouthCave,whereheandOliviahadoncelingeredwhilethedayslippedawayandthetideslidin.Hesteppedinsidenow,notfar,justafewpaces.Hecouldseetheoutlineoftheledgefromwherehestood.
Hewasstruck,asalways,byhowcloseitwastotheentrance.Hewalkedover.Itwasdefinitelytherightledge,though;hecouldmakeoutwhereAshhadcarvedhisnamenearby.
Kieranreachedupandranhisfingerovertheletters.Hehadalmostforgottenhowtheyallusedtodothat.Pullouttheirkeysandslicetheirnamespermanentlyintothesea-softenedrockfacewhenevertheyreckonedthey’ddiscoveredsomethingnewofinterestinthecaves.OnlySeanhadtriedtotalkthemoutofit,withpredictableresults.Evenhehadbuckledintheend,andunderpressurefromKieranhadgiveninandscratchedhisnameatthestartofaroutethey’dmappedtogetherintheNorthCave.Seanhadfeltbadaboutitfortherestofthesummer,whichKieranhadthoughtwasoverkillatthetime.Butlookingatthelettersnow,stilllegiblemorethanadecadeafterthey’dbeenmadeintotherockface,Kierancouldn’tbelievehehadeverbeensuchadickhead.Hecouldn’trememberhowhe’dconvincedhimselfthiswasagoodidea,orevenanacceptableone.
Heleanedhisbackagainsttheledgeandturnedtotheglowseepinginfromtheentrance.TheseaandtheskywerebothabrilliantblueandhecouldseeSean’scatamarananchoredabovethesiteoftheMaryMinerva
Kieranwatcheditforawhile,thediveflagflapping.Hehadn’tbeenabletofacegoingouttherehimselfatallinthoseearlyyears,noteventojoinhisparentsforanonboardmemorialceremonytomarkthefirstanniversaryofFinn’sandToby’sdeaths.ButSeanhadneverstoppedsailingout.Twoyearsafterthestorm,Kieranhadcrackedandaskedhimhowhecopedwithbeingonthesamebodyofwaterwherehisbrotherhaddied.
Seanhadthoughtaboutitforsolong,Kieranhadstartedtofeelbadforasking
“It’slikeabubble,”Seansaid,justasKieranthoughthewasn’tgoingtoanswer.“Isortofdrawacirclearoundit.KeepitallinthereandtrytocarryonlikeIwouldhaveifithadneverhappened.”Seangaveasmallshrug.“Itfeelsabiteasierthatway.”
Itwasthelasttimetheyhadevertalkedaboutit,butwhenSeannextaskedifKieranwantedtogooutontheboat,Kieransaidhewould.Ithadbeenaboutasbadashe’dfeared,andhehadbarelysaidawordthewholetime.Butatleasthe’ddoneit,andafterthatithadbeeneasiertodoitagain.
Kieranpushedhimselfawayfromtherocknowandtookalastlookattheledge.Inhismind,itwasalwaysfurtherbackinthecave,burieddeep.Inreality,theentrancewasfarcloserthanheremembered.Therewasnoreasonheshouldn’thavenoticedthestormdrawinginsofast.Noexcusethere.
Hewalkedwithhisdaughterbackouttothebeach,shieldingAudrey’seyesasshesquintedinthesun.Kieranduginhisbagforhercottonhat,theoneBrontehadgiventhemwhatfeltlikealongtimeagonow,butcameupempty-handed.Hemusthaveleftitathome,andKieransuddenlythoughtofMia,stillbackathisparents’placewithVerity,andBrian.
Don’tleavemealonewithhimagain.
Kierancheckedhisphone.Nomessagesandnomissedcalls.Still,helookeddownatAudrey.
“Whatdoyouthink,littleone?Timetogoback?SeeMum?”
Audrey’sbabyfaceappeareduntroubledeitherway,soKieransetoffacrossthesand.HeslowedashepassedtheentrancetotheNorthCave.
He’dneverlikeditasmuchasthesouthernone;thereweretoomanytwistsandturnsforhistaste.ButFinnandTobyhadthoughtitwasthebetterofthepair,andhadspenthoursmappingoutroutes.They’dmadetheirmarkallovertheNorthCave,quiteliterally,andevenfromthesandKierancouldseeacoupleofplaceswherethetwomenhadscratchedtheirownnames.Ashemovedforwardforacloserlook,Audreydecidedshe’dhadenough.Kieranstartedtosingalittlesongshesometimesliked,butthatonlymadethingsworse.Hisdaughterscrunchedupherfaceuntilitwashardandredandbegantoscream,thesoundbouncingoffthecavewallsandricochetingdownintothewarrenofhiddentunnels.
“Okay,allright,we’regoing.”Kieranturned,andthensuddenlystopped.
Forasecond,inthethinsliceofsilenceashisdaughterdrewbreathtoscream,Kieranthoughtheheardastrangewhisperofmovement.
No.Helookedintothedark.Notsomethingmoving.Somethinggoingstill.Thefrozenwatchfulnessofananimal.Kierantriedtolisten,hispalmfirmonAudrey’sback.Hestaredintotheblackhole.Hecouldhearnothingbuthercriesandseenothingbutblackness,buthehadtheoverwhelmingsenseofsomethingwaitingquietlyinthedark.
“Hello?”
Kieran’scallechoedbacktohimwithahollowflatness.Soundbehavedinanunusualwayinthecaves,heknew,sometimesdrawndeepthroughthetunnelsandsometimesmuffledbydeadendsandwaterpools.Now,though,Kierancouldseeandhearnothingbutthetwoofthem.Nomovement.Noanswer.Justthegapingblackhole.
Still,hefeltaprickleofcoldthathadlittletodowiththecooloceanair.Abovethecliffs,thebirdswereshriekingagain.Kieranturned,strodeacrossthebeach,and,armtightaroundhischild,climbedupthecliffpathmuchfasterthanhehadclimbeddownit.
WhenKieranemergedalittlebreathlessatthetopofthepath,hesawstraightawaythatheandAudreyweren’talone.Hesuckedinsomeair,buyinghimselfaminute.Theotherpersonstaredback,nothappytoseehimeither.
“Hi,mate,”Kieransaidcautiously.
Liamwassittingonthesafetyrail,hislegsdanglingovertheedge,hisbroadshouldershunched,andhisfaceturnedtowardthesea.
“Wereyoujustdownthere?”Liam’seyeswerealittleredandwatery,butitcouldsimplyhavebeenthewindandtheglare.
“Yeah.”
“Noone’ssupposedtogodownthere.”
“Iknow.”
“Thebirdsarenesting.You’llscarethem.What?”hesnapped,noticingKieran’ssurprise.Heturnedback,sullen.“Mydadusedtoshowmetheseabirds.”
“Oh.Well…”Kieransteppedclearoftheunofficialpathandbackontotheformallookout.“Sorry.”
“Oneruleforyou,hey?”
“Mybabywas…”
Liamlookedover.
“Unsettled,”Kieranfinished,cringinginwardlyathisownexcuse.
Liamrightlyrolledhiseyesandturnedhisattentionbacktothesea.HewassittingcloseenoughtotheedgeoftherailtomakeKieranfeeluneasy.Thecliffwasanotorioussuicidespot,ifthreeintwenty-oddyearswasenoughtoearnsuchareputation.
KieranlookedatLiamnow,balancedontheedge,andclearedhisthroat.
“Youwalkingbacktotown?”hesaid.“I’mgoingthatway.”
Liamgaveaweirdhollowlaugh.“I’mnotabouttojump,ifthat’swhatyou’reworriedabout.”
“I’mnot,”Kieranlied.
“It’snotevenhightide.”LiamturnednowandthistimelookedKieranhardintheeye.“That’stherealdangerzone,isn’tit?”
Kierandidn’treply.Hemadehimselfremembertheboyagedseven,placingafootyscarfonhisdad’scoffin.HowdifferentwouldLiambenowifnoneofthathadeverhappenedandhe’dgrownupinthefamilyheshouldhavehad?Hisgrandparents—SeanandToby’smumanddad—hadalwaysbeencaringintheirownquiet,reservedway.TheyhadstuckitoutinEvelynBayfortwoyearsafterToby’sdeath,battlingwiththedailyremindersoftheirgriefbeforethey’dgiveninandmovedfaraway,toQueensland,settlinginatownwheretheseawaterwassowarmandflatitwasunrecognizable.KieranknewSeanhadthoughtaboutjoiningthemforawhile,butbythenhehadreestablishedthedivingbusinessandwasonthecuspofitturningaprofit.Sean’sparentshadleftwithpromisestocomebackeveryyeartovisittheirsonandgrandson,buthadonlymanagedonedifficulttear-stainedvisitafterwhichitwasmutuallydecideditwasbetterforalliftheydidn’tmakethetriptoEvelynBayagain.KieranwasstillthinkingaboutthatwhenLiamopenedhismouth.
“Yougotwiththatchickintheend,hey?ThatChineseonewhousedtolivehere?”
Caughtoffguardbythechangeoftopic,Kieranblinked.“Mia?She’shalf-Singaporean,actually.”
“Nice,”LiamsaidinsuchawaythatmadeKieranwanttouncliphisbabysling,placeAudreycarefullydownonthegrass,standup,andpunchtheguyfullintheface.Instead,hestoodcompletelystillandtookabreath.
“I’mwalkingback,”hetriedagain,forafinaltime.Sevenyearsold.Footyscarf.Coffin.“Comewithme.”
Liamconsidered,thentoKieran’ssurprise,henodded.“Yeah,okay.”
Heswunghislegsbackovertherailingandjumpeddown.Theywerethesameheightnow,Kieranrealizedastheybegantowalk.Liammaybeevenhadtheedge.Heshouldn’tbesurprised.Tobyhadbeentall.AndLiamwasn’takidanymore.
TheywalkedwithoutspeakinganditwasonlyastheypassedtheforkleadingtothecemeterygatesthatKieranfeltLiam’seyesslideover.
“Aren’tyougoingtoaskmewhathappenedonSaturdaynight?”hesaid.
“Doyouwantmeto?”Theirongateswereopen,thegroundsbeyondthemstillempty.
“Everyoneelseseemsto.Ihadtogointothepolicestation.”
“Iheard.”
“Yeah,well.”Liamkickedarockanditbouncedaheadofthemdownthetrail.“That’swhatyougetfortryingtobenice.Ididn’thavetodriveherhome,youknow.Icould’velefthertowalk.ButIdidn’t,didI?Notlikesomeoftheotherswouldhave.”
“Whichothers?”
“Whoever.Idon’tknow.Thedickheadsoversummer.ThatSpanishblokethatwashangingaround.”
“Bronte’sboyfriend,youmean?”
“Hewasn’therboyfriend.”Liamwasdismissive.“Shedidn’tevenlikehimthatmuch.”
“Howdoyouknowthat?”
“Shesaidhewouldpissoffassoonastheweatherstartedtoturn,andshewasright.Sameasthoseotherbloodytouristblokestryingtoimpressher.”
Liamhadbeenkeepingtabsonher,Kierancouldtell.HewouldhaveputmoneyonLiamknowingexactlywhoBrontehadbeenspendingtimewithduringanygivenweekthatsummer.
Thecemeterywaswellbehindthemnow.Therewasnooneonthetrackaheadorbehind.Theonlysoundswerethecrunchoftheirfeetandthewavesbreakingbelow.KieranwatchedLiamastheywalked.Hisheadwastilteddown,hisexpressiondark.
“Goon,then,”Kieransaid.“Whathappened?”
Liamlookedupatthat.Astrangetightsmilecreptacrosshisface.“Iknewyouwantedtoask.”
17
Liamsquintedasagustofseaairblewdustanddeadleavesacrossthetrack.Havingbeeninvitedtotellhissideofthestory,henowseemedoddlyhesitant.
“I’ddrivenBrontehomebefore,youknow.”Herubbedthecornerofhiseyewithafinger.“Loadsoftimes.”
“Likeaweeklything?”
“No.Imean,Iusuallyoffered.It’s,what,twominutesoutofmyway?Butitwassocloseandshemostlylikedtowalk.”Liamshrugged.“TheSaturdayshiftwasalateone,though,sosometimes,yeah.I’dofferandshe’dsayokay.”
Oneshiftandnoteveryweek.Kieranwonderedexactlyhowmanytimescountedas“loads”toLiam.
“ShesaidokaythisSaturday?”heasked.
“Yeah.We’dbeentalking.Aboutyou,actually.”Liamglancedover.“Ididn’tevenknowyouwerebackandthensuddenlyyouturnuplikethat.”
“Right.”Kieranfoughttheinstincttoapologize.Hedidn’thavetogivenoticetocomebacktohisownhometown.
“Anyway,IwastellingBronteaboutwhathadhappenedbackthen.Shewasniceaboutit.”Liamseemedsuddenlyembarrassed.“Idunno.Sowegotinmycar,putsomemusicon,drovetoherplace.”
Kierancouldn’thelpnoticingthecozylanguage.Liammadeitsoundlikeadate
“Iparkedoutside.Shehadabookshewasgoingtolendme—somethingbythatG.R.Barlindickheadwho’salwayshangingaround.ButshesaidIshouldreadit,soIwentinwithhertogetit.”
“Sheinvitedyouinside?”
“Yeah.Shedid.”Liamsoundeddefensive.EitherBrontereallyhadinvitedhim,orhereallybelievedshehad.
“Right.”
“Shefoundthebookandwetalkedforacoupleofminutes.ButthenIhadtogetupearlynextmorningtogotothegym,soIleft.”
Noway.Kieranalmostlaughed.TherewasnowayinthisworldLiamhadbeeninsidethehomeofthegirlhelikedafterelevenonaSaturdaynightandvoluntarilypulledthepinsohecouldbefreshforhisgymsession.Kierandidn’tknowexactlywhathadhappened,butheknewwithoutashadowofadoubtithadn’thappenedlikethat.Andwhatwasmore,hewasprettysureSergeantChrisRennwouldknowittoo.
“Sowhatdidyouguystalkaboutatherplace?”hesaidinstead.
“Bronte’sart,mainly.She’dbeenworkingonthiscoastalprojectallsummer.Shesaidshe’dgotsomenewideasshewantedtosketchout.”
Thereitwas,thoughtKieran.Thepoliteexcuse.I’vegotsomuchworktodo.Probablyaccompaniedbyayawnandafaux-regretfulsmilewhilesherestedonehandontheopendoor.
“Thenwhat?”hesaid.
“Itoldyou,”Liamsaid.“Iheadedoff.Ihadtogetupforthegym.”
“Howlongwereyouatherplacefor?”
“Hardlyanything.Tenminutesorsomething.ThenIleft.”LiamstoppedwalkingnowandlookedatKieran.Thetrailhadturnedtoasphaltundertheirfeet.Theywerenearlybackintown.“Butyouknowthat.Yousawme.”
“When?”Kieranfrowned.
“OnSaturdaynight.YouwerewalkingalongBeachRoad.Idroverightbyyou.”
Kieranrememberedtheblindingheadlightscomingaroundthebend.Therushofairfromacarpassingtoocloseandtoofastinthenight.
“Thatwasyou,wasit?”
“Yeah,didn’tyousee?Isawyou.”
“AndMia?”
Atinybeat.“Yeah.Bothofyou.”
LiamwasstaringatKieranashetriedtocasthismindback.CouldthecarhavebeenLiam’swhiteHolden?HerememberedputtinghisarmouttowardMia.Hecouldheartheroaroftheengine,seethetaillightsdisappearingintothedark.Hewasn’tsure.
“Yourememberthat,right?”Liamwasfrowningnow.“Iknowyoudo.YoutoldmyuncleSeanyousawacar.”Heranhishandthroughhishair,frustrated.“Itwasmine.Leavingherplace.”
“SeantoldyouI’dseenacar?”
Liamhesitated.“OnlyafterI’dalreadysaidthatI’dseenyouontheroad.”
Kierancouldn’tdecideifhebelievedhimornot.HepicturedSean’sfaceatthemarinathedaybefore.Hewasn’tsurehowfarSeanwouldgotohelphisnephew.Prettyfar,probably.
Liamwasstillwatchinghim.“Ifthecopstalktoyou—”
“Theyalreadyhave,they’vebeentomyparents’house.”
“Ohyeah.That’sright.”AlookflashedacrossLiam’sfacetoofastforKierantoread.“Yourdadwasoutwalkingthatnighttoo,wasn’the?”
Kierandidn’tanswer.Therewasaloadedmoment,thenLiamtookabreath.
“Look,”Liamsaid.“Ialreadytoldthecopsthatitwasmedriving,so—”
“Well,I’mnotsureIcanhelpyou,mate,becauseIalreadytoldChrisRennthatIcouldn’tremembermuchaboutthecar,”Kieransaid.“Whichisthetruth.”
“Youcantellhimyou’verememberednow.Orgetyourgirlfriendtotellhim.”
“I’mnotaskingMiatodoanything.”
“Thenyou’llhavetodoit,”Liamsaid.“Please.”
Therewasachangeinhisvoicenow.Thebravadohadwornthin,andalayeroffearshonethrough,rawandexposed.
“Listen,mate,”LiamtriedagainwhenKierandidn’treply.“Ididn’tdoanythingtoBronte.Seriously.IdroppedheroffandIleft.That’sit.Thatneighborheardhertalkingonthebeachlater,didn’tshe?Sothatprovesit.Ididn’tdowhatthey’reallsaying.I—”Liamwaswatchinghimintently.“Iwouldn’t,allright?Ilikedher.”
Theylookedateachother,thenKieranshookhishead.“I’vegottogo.”
HecouldfeelLiam’seyesstillonhimashemovedtoleave.
“Wait,”Liamsaidsuddenly.
“What?”
“Doyoustillmissyourbrother?”
Kieranstopped.Thequestionhadaringofsincerityandbeforehecouldhelphimself,hehadturnedback.“Yeah.Ido.”
“Ireallymissmydad.”Liamwasquietnow.“Seandoestoo.Youshouldknowthat.”
“Idoknowthat.”
“MymumandJuliansaywhathappenedwasanaccident.Theyreckonmydadstillwouldhavegonetohelp,evenknowingwhathappened.AndIknowFinndiedtoo,sonoone’ssupposedtogiveyouahardtime.”Liam’sfacetwistedwithsomethingbothhardandsoft.“Butyoukindofruinedmylife,youknow?”
“Yeah.”TheystoodfacingeachotherwithwhatfelttoKieranlikeararesenseofconnection.“Itkindofruinedmylifetoo.Ifithelps.”
Itwasoneofthemosthonestconversationshehadhadinyears.
Liamlookedathimforalongtime.“No,”hesaidfinally.“Itdoesn’t.”
Heturnedandwalkedaway,leavingKieranstaringafterhim.
KieranwasstillstandingwhereLiamhadlefthimwhenhisphonebeepedinhispocketwithatext.Hepulleditout.Mia.
Whereareyou?
Hetextedherbackandamomentlaterherreplycamethrough.
I’mcomingtomeetyou.Ineedtogetoutforawhile.
Everythingokay?hewrote,buttherewasnoreplythistime.
HeranahandoverAudrey’ssofthead.“Let’sgoandfindMummy,hey?”
KieranstartedwalkingtowardtowninthedirectionfromwhichheknewMiawouldcome.Theclifftrailhadgivenwaytothetarmacandresidentialplotsofwhatwasnowthehistoricpartoftown,butbackinthe1800shadbeenitscenter.Thesandstonehousesweresetwellapartandhadsprawlinggardenstocompensateforthelackofseaviews.
Kieranslowedinfrontofoneinparticular.Hehadpasseditonthewayupbutnowstoppedtolookproperly.TheWetherbyplace.Ash’sgran’sformerhouse,andnowhometoEvelynBay’scurrentwriterinresidence,G.R.Barlin.
Itwasoneofthelargerhouses,setbackfromtheroad.Asmallexcavatingdiggerwasparkedidleinthedriveway,thecompany’slogoobscuredbymud.Butitshandiworkwasclear.LasttimeKieranhadseenthehouseithadbeensurroundedbyalushseaofnativetrees,plants,andflowers.Nowitwasmarkedbytrenchesofexposedsoil.
KieranleanedonthefenceandfeltastirofannoyanceonAsh’sbehalf.GeorgeBarlinmighttellhimselfthiswasarenovation,buttheplacelookedlikeabombsite.Itappearedthegardenwasbeingsystematicallydestroyedinsections.Thenorthsidehadalreadybeenrippedup,andjudgingbythevariousmarkersattachedtomatureplantsandbushes,theyweresoontofollow.NowonderAshwaspissedoff.
TherewassuddenmovementinsidethehouseandKieransawthewriterpacepastthekitchenwindow.Helookedtobewearingadifferentchunkycardigantodayandwasholdinghisphonetohisear.Inhisotherhand,hehadasheafofpapersandwasgesturingashespoke.
WhileKieranwatched,GeorgeturnedtowardthewindowandstoppedwhenhesawKieranstandingbyhisfence.Theireyesmetovertheruinedyard.Theybothstared,andKieranraisedhishand.Georgerespondedwithakindofreluctantsalute;then,withaninvisibletwistofthewrist,theshutterssnappedclosedandhedisappearedfromsight.
Kieranmovedawayfromthefenceandreachedforhisphone.Seeingthewriterhadremindedhim,andhepulledupasearchpageandtyped.EvelynBayOnlineCommunityHub.
Christ.Itwasworsethanhe’dexpected.Aclunkyforumstaggeredtolife,themeasuresandspacingblowingoutonthephonescreen.Alongthetop,hard-to-readblue-on-grayletteringdeclared:WelcometoEBOCH!Dropinforavirtualcuppaandachat!Pixelatedsteamrosefromanillustrationofacoffeecup.
Peoplecertainlyhadbeendroppingin;GeorgeBarlinwasrightaboutthat.Overtheentirepreviousmonth,theforumhadattractedaboutadozencomments,mainly,fromwhatKierancouldsee,abouttheperennialproblemoftouristsdumpingrubbishinresidentialwheeliebins.Inthethirty-sixhourssinceBronte’sdeath,therehadbeenmorethanthreehundredentries.
Kieranscrolledthrough.Thevastmajorityofthoseweighinginappearedtobebrand-newmembersofthesite.Afewhaduploadedatinythumbnailprofilephoto,butmosthadn’tbothered,lurkinginsteadbehindthedefaultanonymousgraysilhouette.Mosthadadoptedapseudonym,butKieranrecognizedsomeofthenames.JulietRaymond,forexample,whousedtobabysitKieransomedaysafterschool,wasoneofmanyexpressingdismaythat“youcan’tevenwalkthestreetsanymore.”TheresaHartley,theformermusicteacheratthehighschoolandMia’soldpianotutor,wrotethathergranddaughterwenttothesameuniinCanberraasBronteLaidler.
Meaghansaysthestudentsarealldevastated,Theresawrote.SurfGirl93hadlikedthepost,alongwiththirty-nineothers.Thankyou,Theresahadcommentedinreplytoherowncomment.
ThereweredozensofmessagesaboutBronte.Howshehadcoveredthecostofsomeone’scoffeeintheSurfandTurfwhenthey’dforgottentheirwallet.Howshehadsketchedalovelypictureofadaughter’snewpuppyonthebackofanapkinandgivenittoherastheyleft.Thecomplimentsseemedsincere,Kieranthought,butsuperficial.NooneinEvelynBayhadreallyknownhermuchbeyondtheorangeuniformandprofessionalsmile.
ThereweresurprisinglyfewreferencestoLiam.Agoodhandfulofpostsmentioned“someone”thepoliceweretalkingto,butthereseemedtobeageneralreluctancetothrowthefirststone.Kieranskimmedtheentriesashescrolled.TherewassomethingmorethanloyaltytoLiamgoingon,though,hedecided.Readingthroughthecommentsinbulk,hecouldsenseanalmostcollectiveneedforitnottobethelocalboy.Thereweredozensofmentionsoftourists,mainlanders,shadowystrangers.Apparentlyanythingwasbetterthanitbeingoneoftheirown.
Noteveryonewassocoy,though.
LiamGilroy,wroteoneanonymousgrayavatar.Isanyoneseriouslysurprised?
Why?severalpeoplehadaskedinreply.
Kieranscrolledthroughthewholechain,buttheoriginalcommenterhadremainedsilent.
“Thereyoubothare.”
Kieranlookedup.Miagavealittlewaveasshewalkedtowardthem.Sheseemedalotbetterthanshehadthatmorning,Kieranthought.AssheleanedoverthecarriertostrokeAudrey’shead,hewasrelievedtoseethebruiseonherwristhadnotcomeupasbadlyashe’dfeared.
“Everythingokayathome?”
“Ithinkso.Yourdadseemsoblivious.Calmer,though.”
“That’sgood,Isuppose.”
MiareachedinandwipedatrailofdroolfromAudrey’smouth.“Howwasyourmorning?”
“WesawLiam.”
“Really?”Mialookedupnow.“Didhesayanything?”
“Yeah.”KieranfilledherinonLiam’saccountofSaturdaynight.“HereckonsthatwashiscarwesawracingbyonBeachRoad.”
“Wasit?”Miafrowned.
“Hesaysso.Canyouremember?ItwouldhavebeenawhiteHolden.”
Shethought,thenshookherhead.“Ireallydon’tknow.”
Astheyturnedinthedirectionoftown,Mia’seyesfellasKieran’shadonwhatusedtobethegardenofWetherbyHouse.
“Lookatthisplace,”shesaid.“Whatashame.IsitstillownedbyAsh’sfamily?”
“No.Butyou’llneverguesswholivesherenow.”
“Who?”
“G.R.Barlin.”
“No.Seriously?”Miaturnedbacktothehome,anewfoundappreciationforinvasivelandscapingdawningonherface.“Howdoyouknow?”
“Imethim.HewasattheSurfandTurfyesterdaymorningtoo.Theblokewiththelaptop.”
“OhmyGod,ofcourse,”Miabreathed.“Ithoughthelookedfamiliar.Itwassooutofcontext,though,Icouldn’tworkitout.”Shefrowned.“Hedoesn’tlookmuchlikehisphotoanymore.I’msurprisedanyonerecognizeshim.”
Kieransmiled.“Theydon’t,apparently.You’llprobablygetanotherchance,though.MumandIranintohimlastnightattheSurfandTurf.AndhejustcaughtmeandAudreyspyingonhim.”
“OhforGod’ssake.”MiagaveKieranagentleslaponthearm,butshewassmiling,properlynow.“Nowhe’snevergoingtowanttobebestfriendswithus.”
Kieranhadtolaugh.“I’mnotsurethatwasonthecardsanyway.”
“Whynot?We’refun.”
“We’rereallynot.Notthesedays,atleast.”
Miasmiledandpeeredatthehousewithitsclosedshutters.“Ishouldhaveworkedoutitwashimyesterday.Heusedtocomehereforsummers.”
“Yeah,hementionedthat,”Kieransaid.“Howdidyouknow?”
“Itookoneofhiswritingworkshopsyearsago.Remember?Itoldyou.”
Kierandidremembernowbuthadn’tputtwoandtwotogether.“Thatwashere?IthoughtthatwasafteryoumovedtoSydney.”
“No,itwashere.Backwhenhewasanobodyjournalist.”Hersmiledimmedalittle.“Gabbydidtheworkshoptoo.Itwasthatonenotlongbeforethestorm.”
“Right.Ofcourse.”Kieranleanedonthefencenexttoher.
Mia’seyesweretrainedonthehouse,butthekitchenshuttersremainedstubbornlyclosed.“Sowhat’shelikenow?”shesaid,unabletohidehercuriosity.
“Dunno,”Kieransaid.“Seemsokay.Takeshimselfabitseriouslymaybe.Ashclearlyisn’tafan.”
“No,Isupposenot.”Miapickedasingleleafoffoneofthefewremainingtrees.Itwasearmarkedforextractionaccordingtothetapewrappedarounditstrunk.“Thisisactuallyprettybrutal.IfGabbywerehereshe’dbesosadtoseeitlikethis.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.Shelovedwalkingpastthisplace.EvenmorewhenAshgotgoingwithit.Youcouldseethatthegardenwasfulloflittlenooksandcranniesandhidingplaces.Wecalleditthefairygarden.Pretendeditwasmagic.”Miashookherhead.“Andthat’sobviouslyoneofthemanyreasonsweweresopopularatschool.”
Shedroppedtheleafonthegroundanditblewawayastheyturnedandbegantowalktowardtown.
“Hey,IranintoOliviaearlieraswell,”Kieransaidastheyhitthemainstreet.TheSurfandTurfwasopenagainforbusiness,hecouldseefromthelightsthroughthewindows.Hescannedthestreet,tryingtospottheCCTVcamerathathadcapturedLiamandBrontetogetheronSaturdaynight.Hefoundithighonalamppost.
“WasLivokay?”
“Notreally.ShementionedthatBronteremindedherabitofGabby.”
“OhGod,didshereally?”
“Bothpeoplepleasersapparently.Maybeabitsofthearted.”
Miafrownedalittle.“Isuppose.”
Kieranlookedoverinsurprise.“Youdon’tthinkso?”
“No,Ido.Iguess.AboutGabby,atleast.It’sjust—”Miathoughtforamoment.“Whensomeonedies,it’sprettyeasytoonlyrememberthegoodthings,don’tyouthink?Especiallyiftheydiedyoung.Imean,Gabbywasmyfriend,butshecouldalsobe”—Miahesitatedthistime—“abitdifficult.Likeweallcanbe.Obviously.”
“Inwhatway?”Kieranasked.
“Shecouldbepetty.”Miasoundeduncomfortablenow.“OftenaboutOlivia,really.Shehatedfeelingleftout,whichshewas,quitealot.Soshe’dsometimestrytostopOliviahavingfunordoingthingswithouther.Itwasn’tmean-spirited.Justjealousymostly.”
“Ididn’tknowthat.”
“Well.Itwasn’teasyforherhavingOliviaasasister.Livhadallthesefriends,andGabbywasprettymuchstuckwithme.”Miashrugged.“Gabbydidn’thelpherself,though.Shecouldbereallyimmaturealotofthetime.Webothcould,tobefair.”
Theywalkedonandupahead,Kierancouldseethepetrolstationandthesquatredbrickpolicestationcomeintoview.
“Butlook,itwasn’tGabby’sfault.”Miasoundedguiltynow.“Shedevelopedphysicallysoearlyandallofasuddenshehadallthisattentioncomingherway.Sheneverreallyworkedouthowtohandleit.”
“Oliviamentionedthat.Soundedlikeithappenedabit.”
“Abit?Honestly,menusedtostareatGabbyallthetime.We’dbeinourschooluniform,wecouldliterallybeplayingwithtoys—likeaboardgameorsomething—anditwouldn’tmakeanydifference.Soifsheactedabitchildishandannoying,Ithinkitwasherwayoftryingtodealwithit.”
Kieranfrowned.“Blokesaroundhereusedtostareather?Whichones?”
“Lookingthewayshedid?”Miasaid.“Prettymuchallofthem.”
Sheopenedhermouthasthoughtosaysomethingelse,thenstopped.Theyhadreachedthepolicestation.
Miawaslookingacrossthestreettothestation’sglassdoor.ItwasproppedopenandSergeantRennwasspeakingtoSuePendleburyonthethreshold.Itwasn’tcleariftheywerecomingorgoing,buttheybothstoppedtalkingastheysawKieranandMia.RennturnedtoPendleburyandsaidsomethingtoolowforthemtohear.Thenbothofficersstraightened,andRennraisedhishandandbeckoned.
KieranlookedatMia.“I’llgoandseewhathewants.”
HehadstartedoverwhenPendleburyliftedherchin.
“Bothofyou,”shecalled.“Thankyou.”
ShelookedatKieran,thenpasthimtoMia,thenturnedanddisappearedintothestation.
18
ThecardboardboxesstackedinsidetheglassdoorsofthepolicestationremindedKieranofhisparents’house,albeitamoreefficientversion.Preparationsforthestation’sclosurethefollowingmonthwerewellunderway,withthecabinetsbehindreceptionstandingemptyandthecorkboardstrippedofitsusualadvisoriesaboutthenonemergencyhotlinenumberandwarningsagainstleavingvaluablesincars.
Butthemothballingprocesshadscreechedtoasuddenhalt,KierancouldseeasheandMiafollowedRennandPendleburydownthehall.AlargeyellowingmapoftheEvelynBaytownshiplookedtohavebeentakendownandthenhastilytackedbackup,presumablyforthebenefitoftheHobartofficers.Thesun-fadedpaintonthewallshowedexactlywhereithadpreviouslyhung.AcoupleofofficersKierandidn’trecognizeglancedupastheypassed,thenturnedbacktotheirwork.
“Thecoffeemachinehasalreadygone,I’mafraid,”Rennsaidasheledthemintohisofficeandgesturedtotwobatteredchairs.“Butwecandoinstantifthat’sofinterest?”
“Idon’tblameyou,”saidPendleburywithasmileasbothKieranandMiashooktheirheads.Sheignoredthefourthchairinthecornerandstayedstanding,leaningherhipagainstthefilingcabinetfromwhereshecouldseeallthreeofthem.
“Right.Hopefullywewon’tkeepyoutoolong.”RennsatdownbehindthedeskthatusedtobethedomainofSergeantGeoffMallott.Itmightquiteliterallybethesamedesk,Kieranthought,lookingatthescratchedsurfaceasheunclippedAudreyandpassedhertoMia.
KieranwonderedifChrisRennwasalsocountingoffthedaystoretirement,semi-forcedorotherwise,thewaySergeantMallotthadbeenthatsummerbeforethestorm.Underthebuzzingfluorescentlights,Rennlookedolderthanhehadyesterdaymorning.Kieranhopedworkingforhisbrother’shaulagecompanywouldturnoutbetterforhimthanMallott’sretirementhad.Withinsixmonthsofhanginguphisuniform,Mallotthaddiedonhissofaofaheartattack.
Renn’schaircreakedashemovedaclearplasticboxfilledwithphones,sunglasses,andwatchesoffhisdesktomakeroom.
“Thethingspeopleleavebehind,eh?”hesaid,seeingKieranlookingatit.Heopenedanotebookandclickedhismousetofireupthecomputer.Kierancouldhearitbattlingasitwhirredtolife.
“Allright.Saturdaynight.”Rennturnedtolookatthem.“Justwanttodouble-checkafewthings.YoutwowalkedhomefromtheSurfandTurfalongBeachRoad.”
KieranandMianodded.
“WhattimedidyoupassFisherman’sCottage?”
“I’mnotsureexactly.Wouldhavebeenjustaftereleventhirtyp.m.?”KieranlookedtoMiaforconfirmation.ShewasjigglingAudreyonherkneeandgaveasmallnod.
“Didyouseeacarparkedoutside?”
Theylookedateachotheragain.Kierantriedtopicturethebeachhouseandtheroad,diminthemoonlight.Inhismind,thestreetwasempty,buthewasn’tcertainifhewasrememberinglastSaturdaynightoroneofthehundredsofothereveningshe’dwalkedhomealongthatsameroute.
“Ididn’tseeanyoneparked,”Miaanswered.Kieran,stillalittleundecided,nodded.HeheardPendlebury’sballpointpenclickandthefaintscratchofwordsonpaper.
“Lightsinthecottage,”Rennsaid.“Weretheyonoroff,didyounotice?”
On,Kieranthought,thenimmediatelysecond-guessedthememory.Hewasn’tsurehe’dglancedtwiceatthehouse.
“Therewereacoupleoflightson,Ithink.”Miawasfrowning.“Enoughthatitlookedlikesomeonewasstillup.”
Morescratchingofpenonpaper.RennwaitedpatientlyuntilPendleburygavehimsomesignalsosubtlethatKieranmissedit.
“Andyou’dobviouslydecidedtowalkhomealongtheroad,notthebeach,”Rennsaid.“Bitshorteralongthesand,isn’tit?Anyreasonnottogothatway?”
“Itwasdark.Ididn’tfeelcomfortable.”MiajiggledAudrey.“Theroad’sbetterlit.”
Pendleburydidnotbotherwritingthatdown,seemingtofindthatparticularanswerself-evident.Renntappeditintohiscomputeranyway.
“Allright.”Rennturnedback.“ThecaryousawdrivingfastalongBeachRoad.ThatwasdefinitelycomingfromthedirectionofFisherman’sCottageandheadingtowardtown?”
Theywerebothabletonodwithcertaintyatthat,atleast.
“Right.LiamGilroysaysitwashis.Hesays—”Renntappedathiskeyboard,thenreadfromthescreen.“HereckonsheleftFisherman’sCottage,wasdrivingbacktowardtownaroundeleventhirtyp.m.—speeding,headmitsthat—andhesawyou,Kieran,andputhisfootdownhardertogiveyouabitofascare.”Theofficerlookedup.“Iknowwe’vebeenthroughthis,butcaneitherofyourememberanymoreaboutthatvehicle?”
Kieranhesitated.HecouldfeelMia’seyesonhim.HetriedtofocusonSaturdaynight,andtheroad,buttheimageswerebeingnudgedoutoftheway.Youkindofruinedmylife.
“Look,”Kieransaid.“ItcouldhavebeenLiam’scar.”
HefeltMiashiftinsurprisenexttohimandRennlookedatthemboth.
“Yesterdayyoureckonedyoudidn’tknow,”hesaid.
“No.But—”Kieranshrugged.“Imean,I’mprettysureitwasafour-wheeldrive.AndI’mprettysureitwaslightcolored.WewerewalkingalongBeachRoadataroundeleventhirty,likeLiamsaid.Wesawacardrivingfast,likehesaid.Soifyou’reaskingmeifitcouldhavebeenLiamGilroy’swhiteHolden,thenyes.Ifhesaysitwashis,Ican’tsayforsurethatitwasn’t.”
Therewasasilence,thenPendlebury’spenbeganscratchingagain.Renn’sfingerslaystillonthekeyboard.HeturnedtoMia.
“Andwhatdidyouseeofthiscar?”
MiaswitchedAudreytoherotherarm.“Idon’trememberwhatitlookedlike.Icouldn’tsayeitherway.”
Pendleburystoppedwritingandtappedherpenthoughtfullyonhernotebook.
“Liamsaidhehadn’tknownyoutwowerebackintown,sohewasabitupsettoseeyouintheSurfandTurfonSaturdaynight,”shesaid.“Whoseideawasittomeetthere?”
“Ashsuggestedit,”Kieransaid.
“Anditwasjustageneralcatch-up,isthatright?”ShelookedupatMia,herpenhovering.“Youdidn’twanttoinviteanyfriendsalong,Mia?”
“Well,Oliviawasgoingtobethere.Ihaven’treallykeptintouchwithanyoneelse.IleftwhenIwasfourteen,andbeforethatIonlyreallyhungaroundwithGabby.”
“WereyouandGabbyBirchveryclose,then?”
“Ofcourse.”Miafrowned.“Wewerebestfriends.”
“Sure.It’sjustthat,knowingteenagers,that’snotalwaysthesamething,”Pendleburysaid.“It’sacomplicatedtime.”
Thatwastrue.KieranthoughtaboutAshandSeanandhowtheirownthree-waybalancehadshiftedandresettledovertheyears.IthadbeenjustKieranandSeanforalongtimeaskids,andthenithadfeltlikeAshhadbeentheonefirmlybyhissideforthosebigcrazyhighschoolsummers.NowitwasAshandSeanwhosaweachothereverydayandonlysawKieraneveryonceinalongwhile.
“Whatdoyoudoforwork,Mia,bytheway?”Pendlebury’squestioncaughtKieranbysurprise.Forareasonhecouldn’tquiteputhisfingeron,thewayPendleburywaswatchingMiamadehimalittleuneasy.
“Nothingrightnow.”ShefishedoutatissueandwipedAudrey’snose.“Stay-at-homemum.”
“Andbeforethat?”
Apause.“IworkedinimmunologyresearchforabiotechcompanyinSydney.”
“Impressive.”
Miashrugged.Shedidn’ttalkaboutitmuch,mainlybecauseshemisseditbutfeltbadadmittingit,Kieranknew.Hecouldn’tblameher.Theinkhadbarelybeendryonheremploymentcontractwhentheanniversaryofthestormhadrolledaroundand,bothfeelingsorryforthemselves,they’dtakeneachotheroutforafewtoomanyMia’sMayhems.WhetherMia’svomitingthenextdayhaddilutedtheeffectsofMia’sPillornottheywereneversure,buteitherway,ninemonthslatertheyhadAudrey.Andtheywerehappy,Kierancouldsaythatwithouthesitation.Theyhadsatdownandconsideredtheiroptionsandmadeaconsciousdecision.TheylovedAudrey,butitwaspossibletobebothwelcomeandasurprise.Withaneight-yearagegapbetweenhimselfandFinn,Kieranhadlongsuspectedthatmightinfacthavebeenhisownsituation.
“Andwhataboutyou?”PendleburyturnedtoKieran.
“Sportsphysio.”
“Alsoimpressive,”shesaid,buthecouldtellshedidn’tmeanitasmuch.Shestraightened.“Allright.Ithinkwe’refinishedherefornow.”SheflashedaglanceatRenn,whopushedhischairawayfromthedeskinconfirmation.
Miastoodupaswell,alittletoofast,promptingAudreytoregurgitatedownbothoftheirfronts.“Shit.”
“I’llshowyoutotherestroom,”Pendleburysaid.“It’sonthewayout.”
“Iknowwhereitis.”Mia’stonewasbrisk.“I’vebeeninherebefore.”
“Ofcourse,”Pendleburysaidmildly.“Still.I’lltakeyouanyway.Thereareboxesandallsortsofthingslyingaround.Idon’twantyoutotrip.”
Kieranwatchedthemgo,thenturnedbacktoRenn,whowasshuttingdownhiscomputer.
“Let’swaitoutside.Getsomefreshair.”Renncheckedhisphone.“I’vegottoheadovertoFisherman’sCottageanyway.”
Kieranfollowedhimalongthehallandthroughtheglassdoors.Onceoutside,Rennleanedagainstthebrickwork.Herubbedahandoverhishead.
“Youdon’toweanyoneanything,youknow.”
Kieranlookedoverinsurprise.Rennwasn’tlookingback,insteadgazingoutattheservicestationnextdoor.Abluecarhadpulledupatoneofthepumps.
Kieranwasn’tsurewhattosay,sohesaidnothing.
“WhateverpressureLiammightbeputtingonyou,”Rennwenton.“OryourgoodmateSean,forthatmatter,you’vegotnoobligationtothem—”
“Iknowthat.They’renot.”
“Right.”
Rennfellquiet,andunexpectedlyKieranfoundhimselfpicturingthefuneral.NotrememberingLiamthistime,foronce,orevenFinnorToby.Instead,hecouldseeRenn—young,newlymintedConstableRenn—staringatthecoffins.Hisuniformhadbeenperfectlypressed,buttherewasnowsomethingabouthimthatseemedweather-beatenandstormdamaged,likeeverythingelseinEvelynBay.FromwhatKieranremembered,ConstableRennhadbarelysaidawordallday.Butthen,Kierandidn’tremembermuchfromthatdayatall.
“WhenIfirststartedhere,underSergeantMallott—”RennwasstilllookingpastKieran.“Well.Geoffhadhisownwayofdoingthings,asyouknow.SoIsupposeallI’msaying—”
Hebrokeoffagain.Acrosstheservicestationforecourt,thewomanwiththebluecarhadfinishedfillinghertankandgoneinsidetopay.
Renn’seyesfollowedher.“I’msayingIknowwhatit’sliketowanttodotherightthing.AndIknowsometimesitcanbehardtoknowexactlywhatthatis.Especiallyifyou’rebeingaskedtosupportsomeoneyoutrust,likeyourboss.”RennlookedatKieran.“Oryourmate,forexample.”
Kieranshrugged.“Youaskedmeaboutthecar,I’vetoldyouwhatIthought.”
“Yep.Allright,then.Just—”
HestoppedastheglassdoorsofthepolicestationopenedandMiacameout,followedbySuePendlebury.Miawascleanedup,mostly,whileAudreylookeddisgruntledbythefuss.
“Okay?”Kieransaid,andshenodded.Helookedattheofficers.“Arewerighttogo,then?”
“Youare.Areyouheadinghome?”Renn’stonewasonceagainallbusiness.“I’mwalkingthatway—”
“Mia?”
Theyallstoppedandturnedatthesoundofthevoice.Thecallhadcomefromtheservicestation,andKierancouldseethatthewomanwiththebluecarwasstandingbythedriver’sdoor,keysinonehand.Shewasshieldinghereyeswiththeother.
“Mia?”shecalledagain.Shestartedwalkingover.“Itisyou.”
MiaplacedherbeforeKierandid.“Trish.Hello.Hownicetoseeyou.”
KieranhadnotseenPatriciaBirchupclosesincebeforeGabby’sdisappearance.Shehadneverlookedthatmuchlikeeitherofherdaughters,andKieranguessedOliviaandGabbytookaftertheirfather.
TrishBirchhadagedinthepasttwelveyears,notsurprisingly.ButtoKieransheseemedolderinawaythatwashardtodefine.Herhairwasstillaneatshoulder-lengthbob,shinyandmaybealittlelighterincolorthanheremembered.ShehadputonabitofweightandhadthefarawaylookofawomanwhoKierancouldbelievereliedonsleepingpills.Therewassomethingdifferentaroundtheeyestoo.Kieranhadn’tknownTrishwellbeforethestorm,buthewaswillingtobettheheavinesshesawtherenowhadn’tbeentherethen.Itlookedtohimalotlikegrief,specificallyoldgrief.Thekindthatleftapermanentmark,likeringsinatreetrunk.BrianandVerityhaditaswell.
“Howareyou,Mia?”Trishsaid.Therewasaslightpause.“AndIheardaboutyourbaby.Congratulations.”
“Thankyou.”MiatwistedherbodytoshowAudreyinherarms.
Trishglanceddown,buthergazebouncedstraightbackup.ShestaredatMia,whohadoncebeenthesameageasGabby.Whohadsharedhomeworknotes,sleptoverattheirhouse,eatenattheirtable.Mia,whogottogrowupandhaveachildofherown.Liveherlife.Kierancouldalmostseethewhat-ifsswirlingintheairaroundTrish.SheturnedsuddenlytoPendlebury.
“Youhaven’tworkedoutwhathappenedtoBronteyet?”
“No.”Pendleburyshookherhead.“Butwewill.”
SkepticismflickeredonTrish’sface.“Yousoundsure.”
“I’msurewe’lldoeverythingwepossiblycan.”
Trish’sgazeslidtoSergeantRenn.Hetriedhisbesttomaintaineyecontact,Kierannoticed,butseemedtobestruggling.Kierandidn’tblamehim.Hefounditquitehardtolookintothoseeyeshimself.
“Becauseit’sthesamebeach,isn’tit.”Trish’svoicewassteady.Anobservation,notaquestion.Gabby’snamehoveredunspoken.
“Mrs.Birch.”Pendlebury’stonewascareful.“Patricia.Ifyou’reworriedtheremaybesomeconnectionbetweenwhathappenedonSaturdayandwhathappenedtoyourdaughter,I’vesaidI’mveryhappyforyouto—”
Trishwasalreadyshakingherhead.Shegaveasmall,tiredlaugh.
“Youdon’tneedmetotellyouwhattheconnectionsare.Everyoneknows.It’sthesamebeach.Sametimeofyear.Thesamerespondingofficereven.SoI’msurethesergeantherecantellyouallaboutthosedays.Whatwasandwasn’tdone.”ShelookedsquarelyatRenn.“Hewouldknow.”
Pendlebury’seyesalsoflicked,swiftlyandjustonce,inRenn’sdirection.Audrey,sensingthetension,screwedupherfaceandbegantocry.Trishreachedoutandstrokedthebaby’shead.
“Mrs.Birch,”Pendleburysaid.“Ifyouwanttocomeinsideand—”
“No.I’vegotanappointmenttogetto.”Trishdroppedherhand.“Butit’sgoodtoseeyou,Mia.Takecareofyourself.”
Sheturned,thenpausedinfrontofthetwoofficers.Hermouthwaspressedtight,butintheendshecouldn’tstopherself.“Justtakeitseriouslythistime.Please.”
19
OliviawaswaitingontheroadoutsideFisherman’sCottage,herarmscrossedoverherchest.Kierancouldseeshewasstaringatthesmallcollectionofbouquetslaidatthegatepost,theflowersalreadywiltingasthecellophaneflappedinthebreeze.Shestraightenedasshesensedmovement,lookingalittlesurprisedtoseeKieranandMiaapproachingwithSergeantRenn.
Noonehadsaidanythingasthey’dwatchedTrishBirchturnandwalkbacktotheservicestation.She’ddrivenaway,Renn’sgazefollowingthecaruntilitwaswelloutofsight.He’dturnedtoKieran.
“Let’sgo.”HenoddedatPendlebury.“Seeyoushortly.”
“Yes,”shehadsaidsimply,hereyesonhisface.“Seeyou.”
RennhadnotsaidanotherwordallthewaytoFisherman’sCottage.Nowhepulledasetofkeysoutofhispocket,duckedunderthepolicetape,andwenttoopenthefrontdoor.
“They’relettingyoubackin?”MiasaidtoOliviaastheystoodbythegateandwatchedRennfindtherightkey.“That’sgood.”
“Notpermanently,justtogetsomeclothesandthings.AndJulian’saskedmetogetBronte’sworkkeysback.Shewassupposedtobeonearliesthisweek,soshe’sgotoneofthesetsforthebackdoor.”Oliviawaswearingthesameborrowedoutfitshe’dbeeninthatmorningandtoyedwiththehemofherpullover.“Chrissaysthey’llgiveBronte’sparentsthechancetovisitthehouse—iftheywantto,Iguess—andthenImightbeabletocomeback.”
Oliviadidnotlookatallkeenonthatidea,Kieranthought,asRennopenedthefrontdooranddisappearedinside.
“Ifyou’reallowedin,doyoureckonthatmeansthey’vefoundwhatevertheywerelookingfor?”Kieransaid.
“Idon’tknow.Maybe.”Oliviashookherhead.“Orelsethey’vedecidedit’snotinthehouse.”
Rennreappearedinthedoorway.“Allyours,Liv.”
Oliviarestedahandonthegatepostbutwentnofurther.Kieransawherglanceatthedyingflowersatherfeet,thentothedarkenedhallway.
“Doyouwantustocome?”Miasaid,andraisedhervoiceasOlivianodded.“Chris?Sorry.Isitokayifwecomeinwithher?”
RennsawOlivia’sexpressionandconsidered.HelookedatKieran,empty-handedotherthanAudreyinhersling,andMia,holdingonlythesmallnappybag.
“Allright,”hesaid.“Yougrabwhatyouneed,Liv,butI’llhavetomakeanotebeforeyoutakeit.”
RennsteppedasidetoletthempassandKieranfollowedOliviaupthepathandintothecool,dimhallway.
“Comethrough,”shesaid.Thecottage’skitchenandlivingroomwerecozyandfeltliketheywouldbewelcomingunderdifferentcircumstances,butevenwithKieran’suntrainedeyehecouldtellbothareashadbeensearched.Itlookedlikesomeefforthadbeenmadetorestoreitemstotheirrightfulspots,butevenhavingneverbeentherebefore,Kierancouldtellthingswereslightlyoff.Thecushionsonthecouchlookedsomehowinthewrongorder,andtheentirecontentsofthebookshelffeltmisaligned.
Evennow,KierancaughtRenncastinghiseyeovertheroom.WhateverheandPendleburyandtheotherofficershadbeenlookingfor,theystillhadn’tfoundit,Kieranfeltsure.Theymustbefairlycertainitwasn’tinthehouse,though,orKierandoubtedthey’dhaveletOliviabackin,letalonehimandMia.Rennalsohadn’tseemedworriedaboutthemsmugglingsomethingoutintheirpocketsorthenappybagMiawascarrying,Kieranrealized.So,probablynothingsmallthen.
Whatwasit?Hecouldn’thelpglancingaroundaswell,awarehewouldn’trecognizeamissingitemevenifhetrippedoverit.
Oliviabarelylookedaround,walkingstraighttoherbedroom.MiafollowedherinandsatontheedgeofthebedasOliviaopenedadrawerandbegantopileunderwearonthedresser.Kieranhoveredinthehall,givingthemsomespace.
RennpeeredintocheckwhatOliviawasdoingandduckedstraightbackoutagain.Hewenttothebackdoorandunlockedit,steppingoutontotheveranda.Hestoodframedinthedoorwaywithhisarmsfoldedandhisgazerestingonthefloraltributesneartheshoreline.Twocameracrewsweredownthere,Kierancouldsee.TheguysfromtheSurfandTurftheothernight,plusanewpair.Theywerebothinterviewingamanwhowaspointingatsomethingouttoseawhiletryingtostophisdogfromchewingtheflowers.
Kieranturnedawayandcameface-to-facewiththelastroominthehallway.Thebackbedroom.Inhisparents’house,thiswashisroom.InFisherman’sCottage,ithadbelongedtoBronte.Thedoorwaswideopen.Noprivacyforthedead,Kieranguessed.
Bronte’sroomhadthespecifictypeofsparsenessthatsuggesteditsoccupanthadn’tplannedtostaylong,Kierancouldtellfromthehallway.Adoublebedwithagreenandwhiteduvetcovertookupmostofthespace,alongwithanopenclothesrackwhereshehadhungupasinglerowofdressesandtops.AspareSurfandTurfuniformdangledfromtheend,garishagainstherownclothes,whichweremostlyblackandgray.Afull-lengthmirrorwasproppedagainstthewall,withahairstraightenerandamakeupbagonthefloorbesideit.ThesinglewindowinBronte’sroomlookedoutontothebeach,acrossthesand,anddowntotheplacewhereherbodywasfound.
Adeskhadbeenpushedunderneaththewindow.Bronte’sartstation,Kieranthought.Itwastheonlyclutteredspaceinthewholeroom,thesurfacecoveredbydifferenttypesofpencilsstackedincups,smallpotsofpaint,andapileofnotebooksandpapers.Ontopofathicksketchbooklayayellowindustrial-lookingtorch.SEANGILROYwasprintedalongthesideincapitalletters.
KieranlookedatthetorchandthedeskandsuddenlyimaginedBronteinthatroomatnight.Settlinginwiththeblindspulleddownandthenhearinganoiseoutside.Gettingupfromthebedordeskchair,reachingforthetorch,andgoingtothewindow.KierantriedtopicturewhatBrontewouldhavedonenext.Wouldsheturnoffthemainlightandpeeraroundtheedgeofthewindowframe,lettinghernightvisionadjusttogiveheranadvantage?Orwouldshehoisttheblindupandstandthere,brazenandbacklitassheaimedthatbeamofthelightoutontowhateverwaswaitingonthedarkbeach?Kieranhadn’tknownherwellenoughtoguess.
Heturnedawayfromthebedroomandwalkedacrossthehallandtothebackdoor.Rennlookedupashesteppedout.
“OliviatoldyouBrontethoughtsheheardnoisesatnightafewtimes?”KierankepthisvoicelowsoasnottowakeAudrey.
Rennsighed.“Yeah.”
“Anyideawhatthatwas?”
“No.”Rennrubbedhiseyesandturnedhisbackonthebeach.“Youknowwhatit’slikealonghere.Couldhavebeenanythingatall.Dog,anotheranimal,anything.Aperson.Whoknows?”
Heseemedveryflat.Kieranwasn’tsureifitwasdowntobeinghereinthehouse,orthesightofthetributesonthesand,ortheencounteroutsidethestationwithTrishBirch.Takeitseriouslythistime.Perhapssimplytheinvestigationingeneral.KieransuspectedhavingPendleburyasashadowwouldmakeanyonewanttomakesuretheyweredoingthingstotheletter.KieranlookedbackatBronte’sroom.
“AmIokaytotakeSean’storch,doyoureckon?”hesaid.“Heneedsitforthewreck.”
“Thatyellowone?”Rennsaid,hiseyesstillontheshoreline.“Yeah.You’rerighttograbthat.”
“Thanks.”Kieranwentbackinside,blinkinginthesuddendarknessofthehallway.AshesteppedintoBronte’sroom,hecouldhearMia’sandOlivia’svoicesfloatingfromthemainbedroom.
“Brontelentmethatbook.”Oliviasoundedsubdued.“Shesaiditwasherfavoriteofhis.”
“Yeah,it’soneofmyfavoritestoo.Theymadeitintoamovie.”
“IthinkIsawthat.Itwasgood.”
“Yeah.Thebook’sstillbetter,though,”Miasaid,andKierancouldheartherustleofpages.“‘ForBronte,thankyoufortheinspiration.Yours,GeorgeBarlin.’Weretheyfriends,then?ThemostI’veevergotfromhimwasasignature.‘Allthebest’once,whenthesigningqueuewasshort.”
“Friends?No,Idon’tthinkso,”Oliviasaid.“Georgemusthavetwentyyearsonher.IthinkhejustknewherfromaroundtheSurfandTurf.”
“Ishiswifeherewithhim?”
“He’snotmarried,ishe?Hedoesn’tseemmarried.He’salwaysintherealone.”
“Oh.”Therewasapauseandamufflednoise,andKieranrealizedMiawascheckingherphone.“No,you’reright,itsaysherethatheandhiswifehavesplitup.That’ssad.Maybethatexplainstheseachange.Ithinkthey’dbeentogetherforawhile.”Miawasquietforanothermoment.“TheymetwhentheywerebothinterningasjournalistsatanewspaperinSydneyandhaveafive-year-olddaughter.Separatedlastyear.Amicable,blahblah.He’sinthisarticlegoingonaboutmutualrespectandhowhe’sneverfeltsocreativelyfree.”
“Heshouldtrytellinghislaptopthat,”Oliviasaid,andKieranheardthesoundofadraweropeningandshutting.“Heseemstospendalotoftimefrowningatit.”
“Wow,she’salreadyengagedagain,”Miasaid.“TookhisdaughterandmovedtoAmericawithhernewfiancé.”
“Thatsoundsquick.”
“Yeah,”Miasaid.“Readingbetweenthelinesofmutualrespecthere,I’dsayhethinkssotoo.”
KieranwentovertoBronte’sdesk.Hereachedamongtheartsuppliesforthetorchandstopped.Lyingnearitwasasmallpairofwirecuttersandatinyskeletalsculptureofacrayfishspunfromintricatelytwistedcopperstrands.Kieranpickeditupandhelditgentlyinhispalm,lookingatthewireheguessedhadcomefromhisparents’shedandthatBrontehadbroughttolife,almostunbelievably,asthiscreature.Hewonderedhowmanyhoursshe’dspentonit,andsuddenlyfeltverysad.
“Ashcan’tstandGeorge,though.”Olivia’svoicefloatedoutfromherownroom.“It’sabitawkwardatworksometimes,whenthey’reboththere.”
“Becauseofthegarden?”heheardMiaask.
“Yeah,”Oliviasaid.“WhichIcanunderstand.Ashtriedreallyhardtobuytheplacefromhisgran,butsheneededacertainpricetocovertheretirementhome,andintheendtheycouldn’tmakeitwork.ThenGeorgecomesalong,andhecanaffordit,fairenough.ButwhenAshheardhewasrippingupthegarden,hewenttotalktoGeorge—professionally,youknow—andaskedhimtoconsiderkeepingpartofit.Georgedidn’twantto,soAshofferedtodothelandscapinghimself,atleasthaveahandinit,butGeorgewantedtobringinsomegardenerfromHobart.Award-winning.”Oliviasighed.“IfeelbadforAsh,butthere’snothinghecando,it’sGeorge’shouse.AndGeorgetriesnottorubitin,andhe’salwaysbeennicetomeatwork.I’mnotsurethisisquitewhatheexpectedwhenhemovedhere,though.”
“Buthewouldhaveknownwhathewasgettinghimselfinto,”Miasaid.“Small-townlife.It’snotlikehehasn’tbeenherebefore.IwastellingKieranbeforehowGabbyandItookhiswritingworkshopthatsummer.”
“Oh.”Oliviasoundeddistracted.“Yeah,Georgementionedsomethingaboutthatatworkonce,butMumwastherewithmesoIkindofshuthimdown.Igotthesensehedidn’treallyrememberGabbyanyway.Notwell,atleast.”
“Probablynot.Thegroupswereprettybig.Theywerefreecommunitythings,youknow?One-dayworkshops.Soyouhadtouristsandeveryonemixedinthere.”Miagaveasmalllaugh.“Andweweretwofourteen-year-oldgirlswritingstoriesaboutrunningaponystable.Imean,IneversawG.R.Barlinrollhiseyesatmywork,buthemayaswellhave.”
AcupboarddoorslammedandAudreystartedinhersleepandbegantostirasKieranheardfootstepsinthehall.
“Chris?”Olivia’svoicecamefromnearthebackdoor.“I’mdoneinmyroom.I’veleftmybagoutifyouwanttocheckit.IjustneedtofindBronte’sworkkeys,ifthat’sokay?”
Anotherslam,thistimethescreendoor.Renncominginside.“Thereweresomekeysinherdesk,ifyouknowwhichonesyou’relookingfor.”
“Thanks.Oh—”OliviaappearedatthedoorofBronte’sroomandlookedsurprisedtofindKieraninthere.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Hejiggledanowwide-awakeAudreyintheslingandnoddedatthetorch.“Rennsaiditwasokay.”
“Right.”Oliviamovedovertothedesk.Therewerethreedrawersandshepulledopenthenearestone.KierancouldhearMiaandRenntalkinginthehallbutcouldn’tmakeoutwhattheyweresayingoverAudrey’ssoftgrumbling.
Kieranmovedthewirecrayfishbacktowherehe’dfoundit.Brontehadstartedanothersimilarsculpture,hecouldsee,buthadn’tgotfarenoughforhimtotellwhatitwouldhavebeen.Itlaytwistedandunfinishedbesidethelargesketchbook.StillbouncingAudrey,Kieranturnedthebooktowardhim,curiousnow.
“Youshouldtakealook.Ithinkshe’dwantpeopletoseeherwork.Shewasreallygood.”Oliviadroppedherheadassherummagedthroughthedrawers.“Sheworkedhard.Idon’tknowwhyIhadtobesuchabitchaboutit.”
Kieranlookedover.“I’msureshedidn’tthinkthat.”
Oliviamanagedatightsmile.“Iwouldhave,ifIwereher.”Shepulledoutasetofkeys,examinedthem,thentossedthembackinandshutthedrawer.ShemovedtothenextoneandKieranhesitated,thendraggedoverthedeskchairandsatdown.Audreywaswrithinginthesling,sohetookheroutandsatheronhiskneewhileheopenedthecoverofthesketchbook.
Brontehadn’tbeenkiddingwhenshe’dsaidshedabbledindifferenttypesofartwork.Thebooklookedliketheplacewhereshehadworkedthroughherideasandthepageswereswollenwithpaint,glue,andpencilmarks.Kieranlingeredoverdozensofoutlinesofthewirecrayfish,aswellasdesignsforaseadragon.OverthepagewerewatercolorpaintingsoftheviewofthecoastfromBronte’swindow.Shehadtakenreferencephotosatdifferenttimesofdayandslippedtheprintedpicturesbetweenthepages.
Brontehaddefinitelybeenintodrawing,andtohiseyeshe’dbeengoodatit.HeflippedthroughsketchesofEvelynBay’stowncenterandscenesherecognizedfromalongthecliffpathtothelookout.Shehadalsodrawnpeople.KieranturnedapageandJulianstaredoutfromthepaper,hisfaceallangles.OnthenextpagetherewasanoutdoorsyyoungguyKierandidn’trecognize.Areferencephototuckedintothespineshowedhehaddarkhairandstubbleandwasmuscular,wearingjustapairofboardshorts.Brontehadfocusedonlyonhisfaceinherdrawing.
“ThisthePortugueseboyfriend?”Kieransaid,andOlivialookedover.
“Marco?Yeah,thatwashim.Seanmanagedtodiguphislastname,bytheway.HeandBrontehadgonesnorkelingonce,soitwasinthepaymentrecords.”Oliviashutanotherdrawerandopenedthefinalone.“Jesus,wherearethey?”ShenoddedatAudrey.“She’sgotholdofsomething,bytheway.”
Kieranlookeddownathisdaughter,whohadfallensuspiciouslyquiet.Shehadmanagedtograspablackelectricalcordthatwassnakingacrossthedeskandwasclutchingitinherchubbyhand,doingherbestwithlimitedcoordinationskillstogetitintohermouth.
“No.Sorry,Audrey.”Kieranreachedforthecord.“Whathaveyougothere,anyway?”
Thecordwasalittleunusual,thickerthanaphonecableandwithanodd-shapedattachmentatthelooseend.He’dseensomethinglikeitbefore,though,hefelt.Morethanonce,probably.Heranhishandalongitslength,tryingtoplaceitashetuggeditawayfromAudrey.ShehadatightgripandintheendKieranhadtopryitfromherfist.Audreyshriekedinprotest.
“What’ssheafter?”Miasaid,thesoundbringinghertothedoor.
“Nothing.Achargerorsomething.”
KieranpushedthecordasideandswappedAudreytotheotherkneeasheturnedbacktothebook.Moresketches.Lynthewaitresswipingatable.GeorgeBarlin,lookingmuchmorecandidandrealisticthaninhisauthorphoto.Oliviawithherheaddown.
KieranwasabouttopointoutthedrawingtoOliviawhenhestopped.Apairoffamiliareyesgazedoutfromtheoppositepage.Verity.Shewasstaringintothemiddledistance,herchintiltedup,andhadbeencaughtseeminglyunawareinthepose.Kieranlookedathismother.Itwasalittleunnervingtoseeherinthissetting,inthisdeadgirl’srentedroom.Itwasanexcellentlikeness.ItwasimpossibletoignorethehollowlookinVerity’seyes.
Whenhaditbeendrawn,Kieranwondered,andunderwhatcircumstances?Hecouldn’timagineVerityposingwillingly,butwhenheflippedthroughtothehandfulofloosereferencephotostuckedinsidethebackcover,theywereonlyofscenery.Heleafedthroughthem.Thebeach,thetown,thelookout.Nofaces.
MaybeBrontehaddrawnpeoplefrommemory,ormaybeshe’dgotridofthephotoswhenshewasfinished.ShehadkeptthephotoofthePortugueseboyfriendthough,Kieranthought,whatevercouldbemadeofthat.
Heturnedanotherfewpagesandtheportraitsgavewaytowatercolorsofthecoastandseascapes,withmorereferencephotostuckedinalongside.Helookedatthepaintingsofthebeachandthoughtaboutthefirsttimehe’deverseenBronte,downatthewater’sedge.Shehadobviouslybeenlookingforideasthen,herealizednow.Herememberedherholdingalengthofseaweedinherhands.Crouchingdownbytheshore.
Audreywasgrizzlingagainonhisknee,stilltryingtoreachtheblackelectricalcharger.
“ForGod’ssake,Audrey.”
Kierantriedtowindthecordoutoftheway,butitwaspluggedinunderthedesk.Hebegantopushitoutofsightinstead,thenstopped.Somethingwasedgingitswayintohisthoughts.Afteramoment,heslowlyreacheddowntotheskirtingboardandpulledtheplugfree.
Besidehim,Oliviaextractedasetofkeysfromadrawerwithanoiseofrelief.
“Finally.”Sheheldthemupinfainttriumph,thenlookedovertoseeKieranholdingthecharger.“Everythingokay?”
“Yeah,”hesaidbut,curiousnow,hestoodandranhiseyeoncemoreoverBronte’sminimalbelongings.Thebed,theclothesrack,asmallchestofdrawers,thedesk,themirrorproppedagainstthewall,asmallbookshelf.Notmanyplacestoputsomething,andyetthewholeroomhadthatsamerummaged-throughfeelastherestofthehouse.Moreso,infact,whichwasnotsurprising.Thepolicewouldhavebeenparticularlythoroughinhere,heguessed.
Kieranwoundthecablearoundhishand,stillkeepingitoutofreachofAudrey,muchtoherdisappointment.Hecouldseenosignofwhathewaslookingfor,butthatdidn’tnecessarilymeananything.Forthesakeofcompleteness,heputAudreyoverhisshoulderandleaneddowntocheckunderthebed.Afewpairsofshoeswerelinedupbeneath,alongwithabatteredsuitcase.Streaksinthedustsuggestedthepolicehadalreadycheckedthere,andmorethanonce.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Olivia’svoicehadanedgetoitandKieranlookedup.Thedaylightstreamingthroughthewindowcastherfaceintoshadow.
Miaappearedatthedoorway.“What’sgoingon?”
Kieranstoodagainandfrowned.Heheldouthishand,dustynowfromwherehe’dpresseditagainstthefloor.Theblackchargerdangledfromhispalm.
“ThatfirstdaywesawBronteonthebeach,”hesaid.“Didn’tshehaveacamera?”
20
Kieranheldoutthecameracharger.Olivialookedatit,thenovertoBronte’sdesk,wheretheblacklengthofcordhadbeenpluggedintothewallatoneendandintonothingattheother.Finally,shereachedoutandtookitfromKieran,windingthecordslowlyaroundherpalm.
“Excuseme.”Olivia’svoicewasstrangelycalmassheedgedpastMiainthedoorway,walkingdownthehalltothelivingroom,whereSergeantRennhadherovernightbagopenandwaswritingdownthecontentsinhisnotebook.Itwasverydifficultnottolookfurtivecarryingoutatasklikethat,Kieranthought,andRennwasnoexception,straighteningquicklyastheycamein.
Oliviawentuptohim,thecordinheroutstretchedhand.
“Isithercamera,Chris?Isthatwhatyou’relookingfor?”
Renn’seyeswenttothecharger,thentoOlivia’sface.Hedidn’treplyoutloud,butatlasthisheadinclinedafraction.Yeah.
“Doyouthinksomeonetookit?”Olivia’svoicewasveryquiet.“Thepersonwhohurther?”
Asmallshrugthistime,perhapsinvoluntary.Possibly.
“Why,though?”shesaid.Renndidn’treactatalltothatone,Kierannoticed
Oliviawasstaringupathim.“Whydidn’tyoufeelyoucouldaskme?Chris?YoucouldhavejustaskedmeifIknewwhereitwas.”
“Wedid,Liv,”Rennsaidfinally.
“No.No,youaskedifanythingwasmissing.”Oliviasoundedlikeshewantedtobeangrybutdidn’thavetheenergytobeanythingbutsad.“Thatisaverybroadquestion,isn’tit?Imean,Brontekeptallherstuffinherownroom.”Shelookeddownatthechargerinherhand.“ShehadtokeepallherstuffinherownroombecauseIhadagoatherinherfirstweekforleavingthingslyingaroundthehouse.”
Oliviasqueezedhereyesshutatthememory.
“Iansweredeverythingyouaskedme,Chris,thebestIcould,”shesaidwhenshefinallyopenedthemagain.“IfImissedsomething,itwasbecauseI’dcomehometopickupmymatonthewaytoyogawithmymumandfoundBrontewasdead.”
SergeantRennlookedather,andKieranrememberedthehotflushthatusedtocreepuphisneck.Therewasnosignofthatnow,buthisexpressionhadsoftenedanotch.
“Yeah.Allright,”hesaidquietly.Henoddedatherovernightbag.“Look,I’llhelpyoucarrythistothestation.Getsomeonetogiveyoualifttoyourmum’s.”
“IwasgoingtostopbyAsh’splace.”
Rennstrokedhischin,almostcertainlythinkingofTrishBirchoutsidethepolicestation.“Notreallyanyofmybusiness,Liv,butIreckonyourmummightneedtoseeyoumore.”
FreshanguishcrossedOlivia’sface,andshebentdowntozipupherbag.
Afigurewastrudgingalongtheroadastheyallsteppedoutthroughthefrontgate.Sean,Kierancouldsee.HeturnedhisheadashepassedRennandOliviasettingofftogethertowardtownandslowedhispace.Theyacknowledgedhimbutdidn’tstop.
“What’shappened?IsLivokay?”SeanaskedashereachedKieranandMiaoutsideFisherman’sCottage.Helookedfreshfromthesea,hisskinstilldampwhereitmethisshirt.TheNautilusBluemustbebackinthemarina.SeansawhisowntorchinKieran’shand,thenlookedup,confused.“What’sgoingon?”
“Thegoodnewsisthatyougetthisback.”Kieranhandedoverthetorchandexplainedaboutthemissingcamera.Sean’sfacecreasedashelistened.
“Dotheythinksomething’sonthecamera?”
Kieranshrugged.“Renndidn’tsay.ItlookedtomelikeBrontewasmoreintodrawingthanphotography,anyway.”
“Yeah.That’swhatIheard.”Seanstaredatthehouse.“Sowhatdoesthismeanforeverything?”
Kierancouldseetheconcernbut,behindtheflickeroftheeyes,somethingelse.Acalculation.WhatdoesthismeanforLiam?
“Idon’tknow,mate,”Kieransaid,honestly.
“DidRennsayanythingelse?”
“Hebarelysaidanythingatall,”Miasaid,andSeanlookedover.“I’mprettysureheonlyconfirmedthecamerathingforLivbecausehefeltbadaboutwhathermumsaidearlier.Trishcorneredhimoutsidethestation.Wasgoingonabouthowtheyneedtotakethingsseriouslythistime.IguessshestillthinksheandSergeantMallottdidn’tdoenoughforGabby.”
Seanturnedhistorchoverinhishands,hisfacetroubled.“IthoughttheydidtakethingswithGabbyseriously.Itallfeltprettythoroughconsidering—”Hestoppedawkwardly.Didn’tglanceatKieran.“Consideringeverythingelsegoingonduringthestorm.”
“Yeah,theydidtakeitseriously,”Miasaid,hervoicehardandflat.“IhadtogointothepolicestationwithmyparentsthreetimesinthosedaysbeforeGabby’sbagwasfound.”
“Thatmany?”Seanlookedsurprised.“Whatfor?”
“BecausethelibrariantoldthemGabbyandIhadbeenarguing.”
“Wereyou?Whatabout?”
“Nothing,”Mialied.“Weweren’t.”
Shedidn’tlookatKieran,andhedidn’tlookather.Theyhadalreadyhadthisconversation,withinthefirstyearthey’dbeentogether,onwhatwastheanniversaryofthestormandofGabby’sdisappearance.TheyhadbeeninKieran’sstudentflat,tryingtogoaboutthingsasnormalbutbothbecomingincreasinglywithdrawnasthedaystretchedout.Miahadbeenmakingdinnerandfinallydroppedtheknifeshe’dbeenusingonthecuttingboardwithaclatter.
“Ididn’ttellthepolicethetruth,”shesaid.“Backthen,whentheyaskedwhatGabbyandIwerefightingabout.”
Thewordsseemedtocomeoutofnowhere,butKierancouldtelltheyhadbeenbrewingallday.Longer.Foryears,probably.Helookedupfromthecouchandwaited.Surprised,butatthesametime,strangelynot.Thedayofthestormhadbeensosurreal,hefelttherewasnothingaboutitthatcouldsurprisehimnow.
Miabreathedout.“Wewerearguingaboutyou.”
“Me?”SoKierancouldstillbesurprised,hewasinterestedtofind.
“Ihadthisstupid—”Miarolledhereyes.“God,Idon’tknow.Schoolgirlcrush.Onyou.Itwasridiculous.Youdidn’tevennoticeIwasaliveback—”
“Mia,Idid—”
“No.”Sheheldupahandtocuthimoff.“Youdidn’t.Andthat’sexactlyhowitshould’vebeen.Iwasfourteen,youwereeighteen.Soit’sfine.Butallthegirlsinouryearknewyou—youandAshanyway—andI’dtoldGabbythatIhadthisthingforyou.Thenonthedayofthestorm,inthelibrary—”
Miafiddledwiththepartiallychoppedvegetablesinfrontofher.
“Gabbysaidshe’dfoundoutyouandOliviaweresneakingaroundtogether.AndIwassojealous,whichwassostupid,becauseit’snotlikeIwasevenonyourradar.”Shesighed.“ButitwaspartlythewayGabbytoldmeaswell.Weweresupposedtobebestfriendsbutshewassogleeful.Likesheknewitwouldhurtmebutshecouldn’twaittotellmeanyway.”
Miabeganchoppingagain.
“Anyway,ItoldherIdidn’tbelieveher,eventhoughIkindofdidreally.Shegotupset,Igotupset.Iwantedtogohome.Shefollowedme.ItwasobviousIwasannoyedandshespenthalfthetimetryingtoconvincemeshewastellingthetruthandtheotherhalfapologizing.Andafterallthat,shewasright.Youtoldmeyourself,youreallyweremeetingupwithOlivia.”
Kieranhadstoodupandgoneovertoher.“I’msorry.”
Miahadwipedhereyeswiththebackofherwrist.“No,it’snotyourfault.Anditwasn’tGabby’sfault.I’mjustsadthatthatwasthelasttimeIeversawher.Iwishithadbeendifferent.”
“Whydidn’tyoutellthepolicethiswhentheyasked?”
“BecauseIwasfourteen.AndbothmyparentswereintheroomwithmethewholetimeIwasbeinginterviewed,andIwastooembarrassed.AndIknewifI’dtoldthetruthmymumwouldhavebeenworriedbecause,youknow—”Miashrugged.“NoneofthemumsinEvelynBaywerethebiggestfansofyouandAshbackthen.”
KieranhadpicturedMia’smum.Regal,soft-spoken,verykind.“IthoughtNinalikedme?”
“Shedoes,”Miasaid.“Now.”
KieranthoughtaboutthisashelookedatMiastandinginfrontofFisherman’sCottage.Thecellophanearoundtheflowersrustled.Thehouselookedlifelessoncemore.
“ButthepolicespoketoheapsofpeopleinthosedayswhenwewereallsearchingforGabby,”Seanwassaying.“Imean,howmanytimeswasyourdadcalledin,Kieran?”
“Acouple,Ithink,”Kieransaidquickly,notwantingtogetintothatagain.“Livsaidhermumhadhadabitoftroublecomingtotermswiththings.Maybethat’sallTrishreallymeant.”
“Okay,butJesus.”Sean’sfacedarkened.“Iknowshe’sbeenthroughalot,butjointhebloodyclub.We’veallhadtocometotermswithstuffwedidn’twantto.”Hetookabreath.“Sorry.I’msorry.Thatsoundedreallyharsh.”HeshookhisheadasthoughtoclearitandlookedatKieran.“Areyouguysgoinghome?Iwasactuallyonmywaytoyourplace.”
“Ohreally?”Kieransaid.Theystartedwalking.
“Yourmumcalledme.Saidshe’sclearingstuffoutandhasacoupleoflifejacketsshe’sgettingridof.”
Kieranpicturedthecupboardsstillfilledwithallthetrashandtreasurethatnoonehadyetbeguntotackle.“Yeah,notlongleftnowuntilthemove.”
Seandidn’tanswer.Hewasdistracted,staringhardattheroadinfrontofthemastheywalked.Finallyhetookabreath.
“Listen,mate,I’msorrytoask,butdidRennsayanythingelseatallaboutthiscamerathingbackthere?OrLiam?”
Kieranhesitated.“TheyaskedusaboutLiam.Earlieratthestation.RennandPendlebury.”
Seanlookedup.And?Theunspokenquestionhungintheair.
“IsaidIthoughtitcouldhavebeenhiscarwesawonSaturdaynight.”KierancouldfeelMia’seyesonhim.“Drivingtowardtown,likehesaid.”
“Andthatwasit?That’salltheyaskedabout?”
Kierandidn’tlookover.“Prettymuch.”
“Okay.Thanks,mate,”Seansaidquietly.Itseemedlikehewantedtoaddsomethingmore,butstoppedastheyreachedKieran’sparents’house.
Veritywasonherkneesinfrontofakitchencupboardwhentheyarrived,sweepingthingsintoboxes.
“Ohgood,I’llgetthoselifejackets,”shesaidwhenshesawSean.Shedisappearedoutsideandreturnedholdingthemoverherarm.
“Thanks,”Seansaid.“I’vegotafewontheirlastlegsafterthesummer,sothisisgreat.”
“It’sgoodyou’vebeenbusy,”Veritysaid.“Itmustbenearlytimetoopenthewreck,isn’tit?”
“Yeah,gettingclose,”Seansaid.“Gotthefirstclientsinacoupleofweeks.”
“God,IusedtoloveitdowntherewhenIwasyounger,”Veritysaid.“Brianaswell.That’skindofhowwemet.”
“Really?”Seansaid,andMiaalsolookedoverininterest.Kieranjustwaited.HeandFinnhadheardthestoriesplentyoftimesovertheyears.
“Yeah.”Verity’ssmilechangedherface,andKieranrealizedhowlongithadbeensincehe’dseenthat.“Imean,IknewwhoBrianwas,I’dseenhimaround.ButthenagroupofusbegangoingouttotheMaryMinervaonsomeone’sdad’sboat,anditwasouttherewhereIreallygottoknowhim.Westartedtalking,andthenwestarteddivingtogether,andthenwestartedmeetingupbackonshore.”Veritysmiledtoherself.“Weusedtogooutthereallthetimetogether.Evenwhenweweren’tdiving.We’danchoraboatnearthewreck,swimovertothecaves,andspendthedayonthebeach.”
KieranrememberedstandinginthatkitchenwithFinnandhearingthatverysamestory.
“OhGod,please,I’mbeggingyou.Juststopthere.”Finnhadrolledhiseyesgood-naturedlyasVerityandBrianexchangedintimatesmilesacrossthetable.“NoneofusneedstohearthatIwasconceivedonthatbeachoranything,thanksverymuch.”
“Notyou,mate,”Brianhadsaidwithagrin,throwinghisarmaroundKieran,whohadgroanedwhileFinnlaughed.
VeritylookedattheoldlifejacketsnowinSean’shands.
“Brianusedtoloveitoutonthewater,”shewassaying.“Weusedtofreedive.Notaroundthewreck,obviously,butintheshallows.”
“Seriously?”Seanlaughed.“That’sprettyhard-core.EvenIdon’tdothat.”
“No.”Verity’ssmilefadedandshetouchedoneofthepackingboxeswiththetoeofhershoe.“Well.Itwasadifferenttime.”
AmuffledthumpcamefromBrian’sstudy,followedbyabarkedswearword.Veritywatchedthedoor.Whensheturnedback,herfaceseemedtenyearsolder.
“Youshouldcome,”Seansaidsuddenly,andtheyalllookedathim.“Tomorrow.Comeforadive.Conditionswillbeokay.I’llbegoingoutanyway,it’dbegoodtotakeacoupleofpeopledown.Doapracticerun.Come.Allofyou.”
KieransawMia,whohadnevertakentobreathingunderwater,alreadyshakingherhead.SeanlookedbacktohimandVerity.“Orbothofyou,then.Seeitagainbeforeyouleave.”
“Well—”Verityglancedagainatthestudydoor.“IsupposeIcouldcheckiftherespitecarerisavailablebut…”Shewastempted,Kierancouldtell.Therewasanothersmallthumpfromthestudy,andwhatwasbecomingafamiliarshadowcrossedherface.“Butit’sprobablynotagoodidea.Thankyou,though.”
“Yeah,noworries.”Seanshrugged.“Letmeknowifyouchange—”
Hebrokeoffasthestudydoorsqueakedopen.Asthoughfeelingtheheatoftheircollectiveattention,Briansteppedout.Hestoppedinthekitchendoorwaywhenhesawthemallstandingthere.Hisfeaturesfoldedwithbewilderment,annoyance,andsomethingthatlookedverymuchtoKieranlikefear.Hisdaddidn’tknowwhotheywereorwhatwasgoingon,andhewasscared.Brian’suncertaingazedartedaroundtheroombeforefixingsuddenlyonAudrey,whostaredbackfromMia’sarms,unsurewhetherornottoburstintotears.
“Everythingallright,love?”Verityaimedforlightandairybutfellsomewayshort.
Brianpointed.“Who’sthatbaby?”
“That’sAudrey,our—”
“No.Imeant,what’sitdoinghere?”
“Brian—”
“Idon’tunderstand.”Hiseyescloudedwithconfusion.“IthoughtthatgirlofFinn’sdecidednottogoaheadwithitintheend.”
Veritylookedlikeshe’dbeenslapped.Hermouthhardened,andsheshookherhead,stiffandtight.
“AudreyisKieranandMia’sbaby.Ourgranddaughter.She’svisiting.”
BrianstaredatAudreyamomentlonger,thenmadeanirritatednoiseinthebackofhisthroat.Hedismissedherwithaflickofhishandand,withoutanotherword,turnedandshuffledbackintohisstudy.Thesoftclickofthedoorechoedthroughthekitchen.
Thewaterwascold,Kieranknew,buthehadstoppedfeelingitawhileago.Hewasneck-deep,histoesjustabletoscrapethesandduringthedipbetweenwaves.Thelightwasfadingfastastheeveningdrewin.Kieranletthenextwavelifthim,treadingwaterasitsurgedandpassed.Hehadswum,longfastlaps,andwastirednow.Buthecouldn’tseemtomakehimselfgetoutofthewater.
AfterBrianhadreturnedtohisstudy,Seanhadgatheredhislifejacketsandtorchandmadetoleave.
Verity,whohadbeenstaringglassy-eyedatthekitchentable,blinked.“OhSean,I’msorry.He’svery—”
“Comediving,Verity.”Seanhadstoppedher.“Beforeyoumove.Anytimeyouwant.Youknowwhatit’slikedownthere.Focus,breathing,allthatgoodstuff.”Hegaveherasmallsmile.“Doesn’tleavetoomuchspacetoworryaboutanythingelse.”
“Thankyou.I’llthinkaboutit,”she’dsaid,inawaythatsuggestedsheactuallymight.
KieranhadleftMiaintheirbedroom,rereadingaG.R.Barlinnovelshe’dfoundonhisbookshelfwhiletryingtopersuadeAudreytosleep.He’dgrabbedsomeemptypackingboxesandstartedsystematicallystrippingtheclutterfromeverycupboardandshelfinthelivingroom.Afteralittlewhile,he’dheardVerityclatteringwithboxesofherowninthekitchen.Hecouldhearnothingfromhisdad’sstudy.
Kieranworkedfast,makingthedecisionsonfirstsight—boxorbin,boxorbin.Heskimmedentirelyoverpaperwork,boxingitblindlywithoutreadingit.Hehadmadethemistakeoflookingtoocloselyoncebefore,twoyearsafterFinnhaddied,whenKieranhadbeensearchingforhisownbirthcertificate.He’dinsteadstumbledacrossaworksheetthatBrianhadhalfcompletedduringwhatcouldonlyhavebeenacounselingsession.
Kieran’simmediatereactionhadbeenutterastonishmentthatBrianhadengagedwithanykindoftherapyatall.HewonderedifVerityhadbulliedhimintoitor,morelikely,Kieransuspected,Brian’sgriefhadmanifesteditselfphysically.IthadhappenedtoKierantooforawhile,withpersistentheadachesandstomachproblemsthatseemedtohavenorealcauseorcure.BrianElliottwouldneverhavesoughthelptogethisheadstraight,Kieranknew,buthemighthaveifhisbodywaslettinghimdown.
TheworksheethadbeenmarkedCONFIDENTIALacrossthetop,soKieranhadofcoursereaditinitsentirety.Hewasn’tsurewhatthetaskhadbeen,butBrianhadfiledhisthoughtsintotwocolumns.
Kieranwasonlyeighteen,Brianhadwritten.Kieranwasoldenoughtohaveknownbetter.Kieranmadeanhonestmistake.Kieranputhisbrotherindanger.
Theargumentcontinuedallthewaydownthepage.
Finncouldmakehisownchoices.Kieranshouldneverhaveputhiminthatposition.FinnwouldhavedoneeverythinghecouldtosaveKieran.Kieranneededhishelp.
Attheverybottomofthepage,aconclusion:Kieranis
Brianhadn’tfinished.Kieranhadspenttherestofthatweekransackingthehousetryingtofindasecondpageoranotherworksheet,butifBrianhadevercompletedhisthought,ithadnotbeenonpaper.
Kieranis…what?
He’dreturnedtothatquestionalotovertheyears.
Kieranhadturnedbacktothetaskathandandwasabouttoshoveanotherfolderofdocumentsintoashoeboxwhenhe’dheardmovementinthedoorway.
“Thanksfordoingthis.”Veritywasrunninghereyesoverthenear-emptyshelves.“You’vemadegoodprogress.”
“Noworries.CanIdoanythingtohelpwithDad?”
Veritygaveableaksmile.“Ithinkthat’sabitbeyondbothofus,unfortunately.”
Shepickeduponeofthestacksofpapersandleafedthroughthem.Acornerofaphotostuckoutandshepulleditfree.
“Thatwasaniceday,”shesaid,turningtheimagesoKierancouldsee.“Irememberthatbeingtaken.”
Finn,Toby,andtheNautilusBlack.Itwasn’texactlythesamephotoastheonethathadbeenpinnedupontheSurfandTurfbulletinboardforayearaftertheirdeaths,butitwasaclosevariation.Thecompositionwasessentiallythesame—thetwomen,theirarmsaroundeachother,thechampagne,thenewpaintshiningontheboatinthebackground—butithadbeentakenafewsecondsearlierorlaterandtheoveralleffectwasweaker.Themen’ssmileswerealittlelessnatural,andFinn’seyeswerehoodedonthecuspofablink.Itdidn’thavethebuoyancyoftheoriginalbutsomehowseemedalittlemorereal.VerityranherthumbacrossFinn’sface.
“We’vegotthebetterversioninanalbumsomewhere,”shesaid,almosttoherself.
“Hey,”Kieranhesitated.“WhatwasDadtalkingaboutearlier?AboutFinnandababy?”
HecouldtellthatVeritywasconsideringbluffing,buteithertheinclinationortheenergyfellawayandsheshookherhead.
“Ihonestlydon’tknow.Finnwasalwaysclosertoyourdadthanhewastome.”
ShebrokeoffastherewasaclatterfromBrian’sstudy.Sheclosedhereyesandtookseveraldeepbreaths.Whensheopenedthem,herfacewastight.
“DoyouthinkyoucouldcallSean?”shesaid.“Askifwecangodivingtomorrowafterall?”
“Sure.Ifyouwantto.”
Verity,ignoringanotherominousthump,putthephotoofFinnbackonthepile,facedown.“Yes,”shesaid.“IthinkIdo.”
Kierandrifteduptohisneckintheseanow,stillthinkingaboutVerityandBrianandFinnashewatchedthetwilightcreepin.Hehadgoneoutdeepandswumafewmorelapsbackandforthbetweenhisparents’houseandFisherman’sCottage,andwasnowtreadingwatersomewhereinthemiddle.
Hehadseenonlytwodogwalkers—bothmale—onthebeachthewholetimehe’dbeenout,butashebobbedinthegrowinggloomnow,hecaughtasuddenflashofmovementofsomeonecuttingdownoneofthesidepaths.Kieranstilledinthewaterashewatched.Notcomingafterblokesandbabies,hetoldhimself.Hebelievedit,buthewasstillalittlerelievedwhenthefigurecameintoview.Olivia’smum,TrishBirch.
Shewaswearingthesamedressasearlierinthedaywhenshe’dconfrontedSergeantRennatthepolicestation,butnowshewasholdingsomethinggrayandbulkyunderonearm.
Thebeachwasdesertedasshecheckedbothwaysalongthesand,hergazeskimmingrightoverKieran,submergedtohischininthewavesunderthedarkeningsky.
HewatchedasTrishcrossedthebeachandpickedherwayovertheflatrocksthatcutoutintothesea.ThesamerockswhereGabbywaslastseenbyBrianElliott,twelveyearsearlierasthestormcloudsgrew.Therockswereslipperythenandwouldbeslipperynow,Kieranthoughtashewatchedthewomanedgeherwayout,stillclutchingthebulkyobject.Hefrowned.Whatwasshedoing?
TrishreachedthetipoftherocksandKieranwasabouttocallout—awarningorsomething,hewasn’tsure—whentohisastonishment,shetookthebulkinbothhandsand,withsomeeffort,swungherarmsthroughagracefularcandhurleditstraightintothesea.
Kieran’smouthopened,lettinginsaltwater.Localsneverthrewthingsintotheirocean.Hecouldn’trememberthelasttimehehadeverseensomeonetosssomethingin.EventhefloraltributestoBrontehadbeenplacedwellabovethetidelinesotheplasticwrappingwouldn’tfloataway.Trishwatchedthegrayshapebobonceortwiceandthen,withKieranstillwonderingifithadsomehowbeenanaccident,shesteppedawayfromthebrink,pickedherwaybackovertherocks,andwalkedstraightacrossthebeachtodisappearthewayshe’dcome.Thewholethinghadtakenlessthanaminutefromstarttofinishandthebeachwasdesertedonceagain.Itwaslikeshehadneverbeenthere.
Except—Kieranswivelednowinthewater,turningbacktotheoutcrop.Thegrayobjectwasstillvisible,floatingouttosea.He’dmadethedecisionbeforehe’devenfullyformedthequestionandwascuttingthroughthewaterwithlongfreestylestrokes.Hecouldfeelthecurrentpullinghimanddidaquickcheck,headup,wipingthewaterfromhiseyes.Theshapehaddriftedevenfarther,wellintothedeepwater.AllaroundKieran,thelightwasfadingandthehorizontotheeastwasasilveryline.HethoughtaboutMiaandAudreyandslowed.
Hecouldseetheobjectwastakingonwaterfastnow,itsairpocketsleaking.Ithunglowandheavyinthewater,barelybreakingthesurface.Onetry,Kierandecided.Heputhisfacedownandkickedhard.
Itwasgonebythetimehereachedthespot.Hedrewinafullbreath,upendedhisbody,anddived,fingersoutstretched,eyesopenbutblindintheblackwater.Hislungsweretightfromtheeffortoftheswim,andheknewassoonashewasunderthathehadn’tgotenoughairtogodeep.Hewasonthevergeofkickingup—backtothesurfaceandtheair,backtoMiaandAudrey—whenhisfingersgrazedfabric.
Abag.Kieranswunghisarmandcaughtastrap,clampingittightlyinhisfist.Hepulled.Thebagwasheavyanditjerkedhisarm,dragginghimdeeper.Hetightenedhisgrip,turnedhisfaceupward,andkicked.
Hegaspedashebrokethroughtotheair,treadingwaterforaminuteashecaughthisbreath.Heranhisfreehandoverthebag.Somesortofbackpack,hecouldtellnow.Itfeltlikeitwasgrowingheavierbythesecondandatlast,worriedhewoulddropit,Kieranbeganbattlinghiswaybacktoshore.
Hecarriedthebagout,dumpingitfaceupinthesand,andfloppeddownnexttoit,hisheartpounding.Itwasanordinarygraybackpack,fromwhathecouldseeinthedyinglight.Itappearedingoodconditionotherthanbeingsoakingwet.Possiblyevenbrand-new.Kierankneelednexttoit.Hehesitated,butonlyforasecond.Hereachedout,unzippedtheflap,andlookedin.
Kieranblinked,notunderstandingwhathewasseeing.Thebagwasfilledwithrocks.Heputhishandinandpulledoutthetopone.Itwasdefinitelyarock,thekindthatlayaroundeverygardenorpathwayinEvelynBay.Heturneditoverinhishand.Itseemedcompletelyunremarkable.Heputitdownonthesand,thenreachedinagainandagain.Soonhehadasmallpileofrocksandacompletelyemptybackpack.Kieranfeltaroundinside,checkingforanythingcaughtintheliningoraninsidepocket.Therewasnothingelseinthere.
Hesatbackonthesandandpickedupthebagitself.Therewasnonametag,nothingtoindicatewhoitbelongedto,butasheturneditoverhestopped.Acrosstheback,andhardtomakeoutinwhatwasleftofthelight,hesawsomething.Thewritinghadbeenmadeonthepalegraycanvasinpermanentblackmarker.Ithadsurvivedthewaterunscathed.
Aphonenumber,andtwowords:Pleasecall.
21
Kieranstaredatthetwowordsuntilthelettersstartedtolosemeaning.Thenhereplacedeachrockinthebagandcarriedthewholethingbackalongthebeachtowherehistowel,clothes,andphonewerestillwaitingforhimonthesandbeyondhisparents’veranda.Hepickeduphisphone,turnedthebagover,anddialedthenumber.Helistenedwithoutspeaking,thenslowlyhungup.
Kieranslippedhishoodieonand,atalossastowhattodonext,satonhistowelwiththebackpackathisfeetandtheclearstarryskyabovehim.Hestaredoutattheperfectstraightlinewheretheinkyskymettheblacknessofthewater,thinking.Hedidn’tknowhowlonghestayedlikethat,buthisboardshortshadalmostdriedwhenhisphonepingedinhishand.
Kieranwasn’tsurewhathe’dbeenexpecting,butwhenhecheckedthescreenitwassimplyanalertthatremindedhimtostopfortwominutesandbefullyawareandpresentinhissurroundings.Hewassupposedtodoiteverydaybuthadn’tmanagedoncesincehe’dbeenbackinEvelynBay.Hewasstillgazingathisphoneanddebatingwhetherornothecouldfacedoingitnowwhenanoisemadehimjump.
“G’day,”avoicecalled.“What’sgotyousoengrossed?”
“Hard-coreporn.”KieranswipedthescreenclosedasheturnedtoseeAshshutthegatebehindhimandapproachacrossthesand,asix-packofbeerdanglingfromhishand.“What’sup?”
“Inthatcase,you’veprobablygottimeforatleastone,”Ashsaid,offeringhimabottle.“Miasaidyouwereouthere.”
“Thanks.”KierantookthebeerandAshkickedoutacornerofKieran’stowelandsatdown.Theybothlookedoutatthewater,drinksinhand,thewaytheyhadahundredtimesbefore.
“Beenswimming?”
Kierannodded.“Weirdestbloodythinghappened.”
“Ohyeah?”Ashliftedthebottletohislips.
“Yeah.”KieranpulledTrishBirch’swetbackpackcloserandtoldhimwhathe’dseen.
Ashwasquietwhenhe’dfinished.“Right.”
“Godknowswhatshe’sdoing.”Kieranmovedthebagsotheycouldseethewriting,hardtomakeoutnowinthedark.Pleasecall.“That’sTrish’sowncellnumber.Irangit,wentthroughtohervoicemail.”Hesatback.“So,whatdoyoureckon?DoItellsomeone?Renn?”
“Well—”Ashstrokedhisstubble.Hedidnotseemassurprisedbyallthisashemightbe.“Maybedon’t.Ifyoudon’tmind.Trishdoesthissometimes.”
Kieranstared.“Sorry,doeswhatexactly?”
“This.”Ashpointedatthebackpack.“Chucksabagofrocksin—yeah,Iknow,mate,it’sinsane—”HegrinneddespitehimselfatKieran’sexpression.“Sorry,no,it’snotfunnyatall.AndIshouldn’tsay‘insane,’that’snotfair.”Ash’ssmilefaded.“Ididn’tknowTrishhadstartedagain,though.Livhasn’tsaidanything,somaybeshedoesn’tknoweither.”
“Whatisitshe’sdoing,though?”
Ashtookalongpullonhisbeerandswallowed.“It’ssomethingtodowithGabby’sbackpack,andwhereitwasfoundaftershewentmissing.Thebagwashingashorethreedayslater,rightbytheplaceGabbywaslastseen?”Ashshrugged.“Trishhasgotitintoherheadthatthere’snowayitcouldhavehappenedlikethat.”
“Butitdid,”Kieransaid.“That’swhereitwasfound.”
“Yeah,Trishreckonsitwasdumped.”
Therewasalongsilence.
“ShethinksGabby’sbagwasdumped?”
“Yep,”Ashsaid.“Deliberately.Iguesssoitwouldbefoundinthewaterandthesearchcalledoff,whatever.Idon’tknow.”
“Areyoukidding?”
“No.”
Kieranlookeddownthedarkbeach.HecouldnolongermakeoutthespotwherehehadwatchedTrishBirch.ThesamespotwhereGabbyhadlastbeenseenbyBriantwelveyearsearlier,andwhereherpurple-stripedbackpackfulloflibrarybookshadbeenfoundsandyandseadrenchedontheshore,afterthreedaysofsearching.KieranturnedbacktoAsh
“Dumpedbywho?”
“Whoknows?”Ashshrugged.“That’dbethebigquestion,Iguess.”
“HasTrishtalkedtoRennaboutit?”
“Yeah,shehas.Imean,IonlyknowallthisthroughLiv.Butitstartedawhileago,aroundtheten-yearanniversarymark—”KieranrememberedOliviamentioningtheanniversaryinthecemetery.Whathadshesaid?Mumfoundithard.Clearly.
“AndIguessTrishfeltRennwasn’ttakingherseriouslyenough,”Ashwassaying.“Soshestartedtestingitout.Throwingbackpacksin,seeingwhathappenedtothem.”
“Andwhatdidhappen?”
Ashshrugged.“Ithinkmostdisappearedwithoutatrace,soGodknowshowmanyshechuckedin.Butonewaspulledupinafishingnet,andthenanothergotcaughtaroundMikeTate’sboatpropeller.Didafairbitofdamage,soTrishhadtocomeclean.Rennmanagedtosmooththingsover,kindofmadeitgoaway—”
“Thatwouldn’thavebeentooeasy.Expensivemistaketofix.”
“Yeah,well,youknow.”Ashdrainedhisbottleandshrugged.“Renn’salwayshadabitofathingforLiv.OrmaybehefeltguiltyfornotlisteningtoTrishinthefirstplace,whoknows?Anyway…”Ashreachedforanotherbeer.“Whatever.HemadeTrishpromisenottodoitanymore,butthatwasaroundthetimeshegotabitheavy-handedwiththeoldsleepingpills,sothat’swhenLivmovedbacktokeepaneyeonher.”
Kieranlookedatthebackpack.“DoyouthinkTrishhassecretlybeendoingthisthewholetimeorjuststartedagain?”
“Hardtosay.”Ashshookhishead.“Bestguesswouldbeshe’sstartedagain.ThiswholethingwithBrontehassenteveryoneabitcrazy.Haveyouseenthatonlineforum?It’sgoingnuts.”
“EBOCH?Yeah.”
KieranhadventuredbackintothepixelatedworldoftheEvelynBayOnlineCommunityHubthatafternoontofindthingsweregettingheated.ThedamhadbrokenandLiam’snamewasbeingbandiedaboutfreelynow.Divisionlineswereemergingbetweenthosewhowantedthiswholemessresolvedsotheycouldfeelcomfortableforgettingtolocktheirdoorsoncemore,andthosewhocouldn’tbelievethecopswerewastingtheirtimelookingatalocal.Bronteherself,Kierannoticed,wasbarelymentionedatall.
HeturnedbacktoAsh.“IcanseewhathappenedtoBrontewouldfeelprettybloodyclosetohomeforTrish.Butwhat’sshehopingforwiththisbackpackthing?Thatshe’llthrowenoughoftheseintobeabletoprovesomepointaboutGabby?”
“Ihavenoidea.Isupposeso.”
“Howmanyhavewashedupinthatspot?”
“Tobefair,notmany,asfarasIknow.”Ashkickedthebagwithhistoe.“Butwe’renotexactlytalkinghardscientificconditions,arewe?”Hesighed.“Livwon’tbepleased.ShewassayingbeforeallthisthatshethoughtTrishmightbeturningacorner.ThinkshewashopingshemightbeabletoheadbacktoMelbourne.”
“Wouldyougowithher?”
“ThinkI’dbeinvited?”Ash’stonewaslight,butKierancoulddetectthehintofagenuinequestioninthere.
“Idunno,mate,”hesaid,honestly.
Ashdidn’treplystraightaway.“Liv’sabitpissedoffIwasn’taroundearlier,whenyouguyswereatherplacewithRenn.Shesaysshe’sfinebutthatthingaboutBronte’scamerahaslefthershakenup.”
“Yeah,thatwasweird.Makesyouwonderwhat’sonit.”
“Orwho,eh?”Ashrubbedhiseyes.Hesoundedtired.“Iwould’vebeentherewithLivifIcould,butIhadclients.Icouldn’tjustdropthem,they’vegotthreerentalplaces.I’llneedthebusinessoverwinter.”
“Workgoingokay?”
“It’sokay,”Ashsaid,butaflatnoteinhistonesuggesteditwasgoingnobetterthanthat.
“IwalkedbyWetherbyHouseearlier.”
Ashlookedupatthat.“SawG.R.Barlin’shandiworkonthegarden?”
“Yeah.”
Ashtookaswallowofbeer,alongonethistime.“Yeah,”hesaidfinally.“I’mnotsurewhatI’mgoingtodoaboutthat.”
“There’snotmuchyoucando,isthere?Notifheownstheplace.”
Ashdidn’treplyand,afteramoment,shrugged.ThemoonhadmovedacrosstheskyandKieranwasatthebottomofhissecondbottlewhenhestifledayawn.
“Ishouldletyougo.”Ashmadetostandupandbrushedthesandoffhisshorts.“You’veprobablygotbabydutiestoattendto.”
“Yougoinghomenow?”Kieransaid.
“Inawhile.”
Kieranlookedathim.“AvoidingSean?”
Ashgaveahalfsmile.“Maybe.Hehasn’tbeenaroundmuchhimself,though.He’soutatthewreckalldayeveryday,thenIthinkhegoestoSarahandJulian’splacetoseeLiam.Thingsareweirdnow.Theatmosphereinthehouseisshit.Sean’sbeen—”Ashpaused.“Idon’tevenknowhowtodescribeit.”
“Isupposehe’sworriedaboutLiam.”
“It’sabitofthat.ButIthinkhealsoknowsifitcomesdowntoit,Iwouldn’tdefendLiam.”
AnywarmththesandhadcapturedduringthedayhadslippedawaynowandKieranfeltcoldashestoodup.“Whynot?”
“Noinsideknowledgeoranything.”Ashtookhistimedrainingthelastofhisbeer.“Liamjustremindsmeabittoomuchofus.”
“Seriously?”Kieranthoughtaboutthesullenboyandfeltalmostinsulted.
“Yeah.Youdon’tthinkso?”
“No—”Kieranstarted,thenstopped.Maybe.
“It’safewthings.Thefootystuff,theboozing,thegirls—it’sallthesameasitwasthen.Youknowwhatitwaslike.Isupposeitwasallgoodfun,but—”Ashfrownedandexaminedhisemptybottle.
“Right.”
Becauseitmusthavebeengoodfun,Kieranthought,otherwisewhydidtheydoiteveryweekend?Butitwasinterestinglookingbackhowthegoodfunhadsometimesfeltalotlikehardwork.LikethetimeFinnhadcongratulatedAshforsuccessfullytalkingsomegirlintotakinghimbacktoheraccommodation.Onhearingthis,Kieranhadrolleduphissleeves,gonetoapartyatthebeachthatverynight,anddeterminedlycastoffhisvirginityinsuchajoylesslytransactionalexercisethatthebestbithadbeenbeingabletotellAshandFinnithadhappened.
Oralltheothertimeshe’dfoundhimselfstandinginthestickykitchenofyetanothercrustyholidayrental,shoutingoverthemusicatagirlhewasbarelyinterestedin.Hopingshedidn’twanderoff,though,becausethenAshwouldlaughandKieranwouldhavenochoicebuttojoinSean,whowasinevitablystandingawkwardandaloneinsomecorner,flushingredeverytimeanygirlevenlookedhisway.
Ithadallseemedsoimportantatthetime,Kieranthoughtashestoodonthebeachnow.Lifeanddeath.
“Well”—KieranlookedoveratAsh—“evenifLiamisabitofadickhead,itdoesn’tmeanhedidsomethingtoBronte.”
“No.”Ashsighed.“AndI’mnotsayinghedid.Butthere’salwaysbeensomethingabitoffabouthim.LikethewayhelooksatLivintheSurfandTurfwhenhethinksI’mnotwatching.Stuffhesaystoher.Idunno.Seancan’tseeit.HestillthinksofLiamasthismessed-uplittlekidwho’sstrugglingtomakehiswayintheworld,andwhateverLiamis”—Ashshookhishead—“he’snotthat.”
Athinshaftoflightbrokeoverthesand.Acrossthebeachandthebackfence,KierancouldseeMiasilhouettedinthedoorway.Sheheldahanduptoshieldhereyesandwasscanningthedarknessforthem.Shedidn’tstepout,though,Kierannoticed.Evenknowingtheyweretheresomewhere,shestillwasn’twillingtobeonthatbeachatnight.
“I’llletyougo,mate.”AshlookeddownatTrishBirch’sbackpack.“Doyouwantmetotakethat?”
“It’sallright.I’lldosomethingwithit.You’lltellLivaboutit?”
“Yeah,I’llhaveto.Shewon’tbehappy,though.”
Kieranpickedupthebagandweigheditinhishand.Herememberedswimmingafterit,drawinginhisbreathashediveddowntochaseit.Ithadbeensinkingfast.Ifhehadn’tcaughtit,wouldithavewasheduponthesandafewdayslater?
“Whatdoyoureckonaboutallthis?”Hecouldn’treadthewritingonthebaganymore.“Doyoureckonthere’sanychanceTrishmightberight?”
Ashranahandoverhishead.“God,whoknows?Itrynottogetinvolved.JusthelpoutLivwhereverIcan.AllIknowis,thatwasacrazyday.Astormlikethat?”Heshrugged.“Alotofthingshappenedthatdaythat’llneverhappenagain.”
Theireyesmetthistime,andsomethingKierancouldn’tquiteputhisfingeronpassedbetweenthem.ThenAshlookedatthehouse,andatMia,whowasstillwaiting.
“Allright.I’dbetterbeoff.”Ashturnedtoleave.Helookedoutintothenightaheadofhim.“Christ,theyactuallyshoulddosomethingaboutthisbeach.Youcanbarelyseeabloodythingoutthere.”
KieranwatchedasAshraisedahandandwalkedaway.Withinafewsteps,hewasgone.
22
OneofKieran’sfavoritethingsaboutlivinginSydneywasnolongerneedingacold-waterwetsuit.HestoodamongtheracksofrentalequipmentinSean’sshedatthemarina,fightinghiswayintothethickmaterial,andwonderedhowhehadeverusedtofindthiseasy.
Verityhadslippedintoherborrowedsuitwithnotrouble,andhervoicenowfloatedinfromoutsidetheshed,whereshewasstandinginthesuntalkingtoGeorgeBarlin.
“Isitokayifhecomestoo?”SeanhadaskedwhenKieranhadcalledtosaytheywouldliketoseethewreckafterall.“He’sbeenhopingtogodownforweeks.”
“Noworries.He’scertified,ishe?”Kieranwasn’tsurewhyhewassurprised
“Foraroundtheoutside,yeah.We’dallbettersticktothatanyway.I’mstillnotsureifanyone’sgoinginthisyear.”Seanhadpaused.“Andlisten,Liam’llbethereaswell.”
“Right.”
“He’spartofthebusiness.HeneedstobereadywhentheNorwegiansarrive.”
“Ididn’tsayanything,mate,”Kieransaid.“It’syourdecisionwhoyoutakedown.”
“Yeah,sorry.”Seanhadsighed.“Heneedssomethingtokeephimbusy.Julianreckonshecan’thavehimbackintheSurfandTurfforawhile.AndLiamsaidsomethingtheotherdaythatmademethinkpeoplearegivinghimahardtimewhenhe’sout.Hesaysthey’renot,butnowhejustsitsathomealldaywithhismum.”
KieranhaddulyexpectedLiamtobesubdued,buthadstillbeentakenabackwhenthey’dapproachedtheNautilusBluethatmorning.Liam’sheadhungdownandhismovementswereoverthoughtandslow.He’dbarelyglancedupfromloadingtheoxygentanksastheywalkedover,andeventhenhiseyeshadsuchafarawaylookthatKieranhadimmediatelydecidedtodouble-checkeverypieceofequipmentLiamhandedthem.
GeorgeBarlin,atleast,wasingoodspirits.
“I’vebeenwaitingforthisallsummer,”KierancouldhearhimsayingtoVeritynow.“I’vewantedtogodowntothewreckforyears,butIwasn’tqualifiedforthedepth.”
“Ihaven’tbeendownthereinagoodwhile,”Veritysaid.
“Howlong?”
“Idon’tknow.Longenoughthatifthecertificationcouldexpire,itwouldhave.I’vedonealotofshallowerdives,though.Myhusbandusedtoreallyenjoyittoo.HaveyoubeenouttotheMaryMinervasiteatall?”
“Onaboat?No,butI’veseenitfromland.WentuptothelookouttoseeTheSurvivors.Interestingpieceofart.”
“Itis.Itlooksdifferentfromthewater.BrianandIusedtosailouttothatspotaboutonceayear—”
Kieranstopped,onearminhiswetsuit,listening.Hewasalittlesurprised.Hehadn’tknownthat.
“Well,actually,weusedtogoexactlyonceayear,”Veritywassaying.“Fortheanniversaryofourolderson’sdeath.Hedrowned,sadly.”
“Iknow.I’msorry,”Georgesaid.“Finn,right?Itwastragic.”
“Yes.”VeritysoundedalittlesurprisedthatGeorgeknewhisname.“Thankyou.”
“Iwasheremyselfthatsummer,runningawritingcourse.I’veneverseenanythinglikethatstorminmylife,”Georgesaid.“I’vebeenreadingarounditabitatthelibrarysinceIgotback.Havingalookattheoldphotosandthings.ButIrememberitmyself.Itwasterrible.Verydifficultifyou’recaughtoutonthewaterinthat.Liam’sfatherwasonthesameboat,wasn’the?”
“Toby.”Verity’svoicewassosoftKieranhadtostraintohear.“Theyweren’tcaughtoutonthewater,though.TheywererespondingtoanemergencycallforKieran.”
“That’swhattheyweredoing?”George’swordswerealsoclosetoinaudible.“IknewKieranhadanaccident,butIhadn’trealizedthetwowereconnected.”
“Yeah.FinnandTobywentoutontheboattotrytosavehim.”
“Oh.”Georgepaused.“But,sorryVerity,Ithought—”
Kierancouldn’tlistentoanymore.Heforcedhisotherarmintothewetsuit,zippeditup,andshutthesheddoorbehindhim,loudlyenoughtomakethevoicesoutsidefallsilent.
TherushofthewindandwavesmadeithardtotalkonboardtheNautilusBlue,butastheyroundedthepointandthecavescameintoviewinthedistance,Georgeshiftedfromwherehewassitting.
“Amazing,”hesaidasTheSurvivorscameintosight.Thetriostoodstrongandstraight,thewaterlappingattheirwaists.
Strugglingundertheweightofhisgear,Georgescrabbledtotheothersideoftheboatandpulledhisphoneoutofhisbackpack.Hisarmlurchedashetriedtolineitupstraightwiththehorizonandtakeaphoto.
“Howmanyactuallysurvivedtheshipwreck?”hesaidtonooneinparticular.
“It’snotknownexactly,”Veritysaid.Shewasalsowatchingthesculptureastheydrewnearer.“Officiallytwelve,buttheythinktheremighthavebeenafewmorethanthat.”
“Therecordsaren’tgreat?”
“Therewereacoupleofmenwithvariouschargespending.”Veritygaveasmallsmile.“Theydidn’tmanagetomakeittoshoretohavetheirdayincourt.Andafewotherswhoprobablyhadmistressestheypreferredtotheirwivesandkids.”
“Isthatright?”Georgesaid.“So,what?Theydisappearedintothewaterandresurfacedassomeoneelse?”
“Maybe.Whoknows?”
“That’swhyyoucan’ttrustanyoneinEvelynBay,”Liamsaidsuddenly.He’dbeenstaringoutatthewaterwithhischininhishand.Ifhe’dmeantitasajoke,itfellflat.
Seanclearedhisthroat.
“NottoendorsewhatLiam’ssaying,”hesaidwithforcedlevity.“Butifyouwanttolockyourbagawayinthedrybox,George,I’llsecureitbeforewegounder.”
“Phonetoo?”
“Yeah,bestplace.Theboxiswatertight,it’llbefineinthere.”
Georgesnappedacouplemorephotos,thenhandedhisthingsover.Heturnedbacktotheshore.
“IwonderwhatthepassengersontheMaryMinervamadeofthatsight?”Georgesaid.“Oneofthelastthingsmostofthemwouldhaveseen,Iguess.”
Kieranfollowedhisgazetothecaves,theirgapingmouthsopeningontothethinstripofbeachthatflashedwhitewitheachbreakingwave.TheSurvivorsstaredbackathim,impassive.Aparticularlylargewavecrashedintothesculpture,andthewomanattheedgeofthetriodisappearedcompletelyforasecond.Kieranlookedaway.
Seanwassquintingintothewaterasheguidedtheboat.
“Right.”Hecuttheengine.“We’rehere.”
Theytookturnsjumpingfromthecatamaranintothewater,andasKieransubmergedhewasimmediatelygratefulforhiscold-watersuit.ThewavesthathadbeenroughatthesurfacebecamecalmoncethewaterclosedoverKieran’shead,andtheweightofhisequipmentdissolved.
Theydescendedinsinglefile,followingtheanchorlinedown.Liamledtheway,disappearingfirstintothemurkygreen.Georgefollowed,andthenitwasKieran’sturn.Hetracedthelinewithhisglovedfist,listeningtotheinwardhissandoutwardroarofhisownbreathing.SomewhereaboveKieranwasVerity,withSeanthelastontheline.Kieraninhaledandexhaledashelethimselfsinkdeeper,tothewreckagewaitingbelow.
Hepeeredthroughthecloudygreenwater,watchingfortheMaryMinervatotakeform.Theskeletaloutlineemergedfirst,likeacrudebird’s-eyesketchofaboat.Italmostlookedintactforafewmoments,throughthatdensewateryfilter,butasKierandescendedfartheratanglednestoffallenbeamsandcollapsedwallssharpenedintodetail.Theremainsoftheshiplaysilentandstillonaclearbedofsand,toodeepforseaweedtogrow.
Kieranletgoofthelineandfloated,watchingfishdriftinandoutashesawVerityappear.Sheglideddownnexttohim,almostanonymousinhersuitandmask.
“Verity,youpairwithKieran,”Seanhadsaidbackuponthesurface.“AndGeorge—”SeanhadhesitatedandglancedatLiam,whoseexpressionhadbeendark.“YoustickwithLiam,andI’llgobetweenyouall.”
NeitherLiamnorGeorgehadlookedparticularlyhappywiththisarrangement,butnowKierancouldseethetwomenmovingtogetherupahead.Thepairswamslowlyalongthesideofthewreck,thickwhitecloudsbubblingfromtheirmasksinregularbursts.Georgemayhavebeencertified,buthe’ddonehistraininginwarmwater,Kierancouldtell.Hehadtheuprightswimmingstyleofdiversusedtobettervisibility,andratherthanstickingtoafrogkick,hekeptlapsingintoaflipperkickthatstirredupsedimentincoldwater,makingithardtosee.
KieranandVerityexchangedalookasbesttheycouldthroughtheirmasksandturnedandswamintheotherdirection.TheypassedSeanhoveringinthemidstofthetangledmessasheexaminedsomethingwithhistorch.Heraisedhishand,thumbandfingerformingacircle.Okay?Theyreflectedthegesture.Okay.
KieranletVerityleadtheway,floatingalongsideherastheymovedaroundtheship’sbow,stilltallandtowering.Veritykicked—withthecorrectfrog-likemotion—andswamupthelengthofthemetal,tracingitscurve.SheturnedbacktoKieranandgesturedforhimtojoinher.
ThishadbeenagoodideaofSean’s,Kieranthoughtnow.Thebreathing,thebuoyancy.Everythingaboutitwasotherworldly.NowonderVeritylikedit.Itfeltasthoughtheywereinadifferentreality.Helikedittoo.
Theyswamsidebyside,stoppingforafewminutesbytheship’sanchor,nowthickandswollenwithrust.VerityreachedoutandtouchedKieran’sarmasafishwhippedoutfromthewreckandflashedby.Kieranfeltthemildswayofcurrentasshemoved.
Gabby’sbackpack.
Thethoughtcametohimwiththeflowofwater.Kieranhadneverreallystoppedtoconsiderthatbagbefore,beyondthetragicallyobviousimplication.Buthethoughtaboutitnow.Thesearchhadgroundtoahaltafterthebagwasfoundwasheduponthebeachbyagroupofdogwalkers.ThesoakedpurplemasshadbeenpulledoutofthewaterwithinsightoftherockswhereGabbyhadlastbeenseenbeforethestormhit;thesamestormthathadtornuptreesanddestroyedhomesandroaredintothecavesandswallowedTheSurvivorswhole.Thesamestormthathadflippedaboatanddraggedtwostronglocalmentotheirdeaths.
Kieranpausedbesidethewreckandfelttheweightoftheunderwatercurrentspressagainsthiswetsuit.Apushandpull,firmandpersistent.Thewaterdidwhatitwanted.Soitwaslucky—perhapshe’devengosofarastosayconvenientlylucky—thatGabby’sbaghadbeenfoundatall.Kieranthoughtaboutthisnowashefloated,andfeltastrangecoldnessseepthroughhimthathadnothingtodowiththeocean.
Heswamon,distractedenoughbyhisthoughtsthatittookhimasecondtorealizethatVerityhadpulledupshort.Shewaspointingatsomethingthroughthewater,andKieranlookedovertoseeGeorgeswimmingtowardthem,veryfast,hislegsflipper-kickingupacloudofsediment.Immediatelyonhighalert,Kieransurgedforwardtomeethim,onehandreadytograbhisbackuprespiratorlineincaseGeorgereachedupwiththatterriblecut-throatslashingsignal.Noair.
Butno,Kierancouldseenowastheycameface-to-face.Georgestillhadhisprimaryrespiratorinhismouth,theburstsofbubblesflowingnormally,ifalittlefast.
Kieranputhisfingerandthumbtogether.Okay?
George’sexpressionwasdistortedbyhismaskbuthishandimmediatelywentoutflat,palmdown,twistingbackandforthatthewrist.Somethingwrong.
Kieranpointed,tryingtoworkoutwhat.Mask?Oxygen?Georgewasshakinghishead.Heraisedahand,histhumbandfirstfingerforminganLshapewithhisglove,andsuddenlyKieranrealizedwhatwasrightinfrontofhim.Georgewasallalone.Kierantwistedaround.Nearthestern,hecouldmakeoutonlythebeamofSean’storchasitbouncedandsweptoverthetwistedwreckage.Hecouldseenootherdiver.NoLiam.
GeorgewasmakinganLshapeagainandafranticthumbs-upmotion.
Kieranrepeateditbacktomakesurehe’dunderstood.Liamhasgonetothesurface?
Georgestartednoddingbehindhismask.
Kieranputouthisflatpalmandtwistedhiswrist.Somethingwrong?
Yes.Amirroredreply.Somethingwrong.
23
TheascenttothesurfacefeltlikethelongestoneKierancouldremember.TheyhadfoundSeanandimmediatelybeguntheslowcrawlupward.KierancouldtellSeanwasconsideringpullingahead,calculatinghowfarhecouldpushthesafetystandards.Hewasstartingtodriftup,andKieranhadreachedoutandcaughthiswrist.Don’t.Stay.Kierancouldseetheeffortittookhimtoslowdown,buthedid,andthefourofthemmovedtowardthesurfacetogether.Anotherminute,anotherninemeters.
Liamwasontheboat.
Hewassittingcross-legged,hunchedoverashestaredacrosstheseatothecavesontheshore.Hehadstrippedoffallhisequipmentincludinghiswetsuitandwasshiveringinjusthisshorts,atoweldrapedaroundhisshoulders.Helookedupastheyemerged.
“Whathappened?”Seanwasthefirstonboard,hisfearvisiblywaningatthesightofhisnephewalive,ifperhapsnotcompletelywell.Seanwaited,butLiamwouldn’tmeethiseye.
“Idunno.”
“Youdon’tknow?”
KieranhadnotoftenseenSeanangry,buthewasfastgettingtherenow.
“Liam?”Seantriedagain.“Oi.Hey.Youlistening?What’sgoingon?”
“Isaid.Nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“I’dhadenough,allright?”
Seanstaredathisnephew.“Areyouserious?So,what,youjustdecidedtocomeup?Didn’tbothertellinganyone?”
“Georgesawme.”Hedidn’tglanceatthewriter,whowaswatchingLiamclosely,hisbrowcreased.
“That’snotwhatIbloodymeant,”Seansaid.“AndleavingGeorgeisawholeotherthingforyouandmetohaveaverylongchatabout,bytheway.”
“Yeah,okay.Icanhear.”Liamshookhishead.“Idon’tknowwhatIcantellyou.I’dhadenoughofbeingdowntheresoIcameup.”
Seanlookedathim,shiveringonthedeck.“Didyouevenascendproperly?”
Asmallnod.Theonlysoundwasthewaterlappingagainsttheboat.
“Allright,”Seansaid,finally.“Let’sgetback.We’lltalkaboutthislater.Yougotanythingyouwanttosaytoeveryone?”
Noanswer.
“Liam?Jesus,you’restillnotevenlistening—”
“Iam.Sorry.It’sjust—”Liamwasfrowningnow,hiseyesfocusedontheshore.
“What?What’sgoingon,mate?”
“There’ssomethingwrongoutthere,youknow.”
Seanblinked.“Downatthewreck?”
“No.Outthere.”TheyallturnedtofollowLiam’sgaze,towardTheSurvivorsandthecliffsandcavesbeyond.
“Whatareyouonabout?”Seanfrowned.
“Thebirdshavebeenallrileduplately.”Liam’svoicewasstillflat.“Onandoff.Something’sbeenscaringthem.”
Georgetiltedhishead,squinting.Abovethecliffs,theskywasmostlystillandclear.“Theylookfinenow.”
“Andwhatwouldyouknowabouthowthingsarearoundhere,mate?”Liamsnapped.“Youdon’tevenknowhowtokickproperly.”Hesighed,hisenergyspent.“They’refinerightnow,butthey’vebeengettingworkedupaboutsomething.”HejerkedhisheadinKieran’sdirection.“Ithappenedtheotherdaywhenheandhisbabyweremessingarounddownthere,andthedaybeforethat.”
“Youwentdowntothecaves?”Veritysaidsharply,fixingKieranwithagazethatmadehimsquirm.“WithAudrey?”
“Yeah.Onlyonce,though.Andnotforlong.”
Hismotherdidnotlookaway.“Whywouldyoudothat?”
“Ihadn’tplannedto,I—”Kieranstopped.Hecouldn’texplain.“Thetidewasout.Itwasfine.”
Veritydidn’tanswerbutcontinuedtostareathiminawaythatsethimonedge.
“What,Mum?”hesaid.“ForGod’ssake,she’smychild.”
Veritystilldidn’treply.Kierancouldfeeltheotherswatchingandheturnedaway,annoyed.
“Perhapsitwasaseaeagle,”Georgesaidoutofnowhere,andtheyalllookedover.HeshruggedatLiam.“Upsettingthebirds.Couldtherehavebeenaseaeaglearound?Tryingtogetatthebabies?”
Liamblinkedathim.“Idon’tknow.”Helookedverytired.“Yeah.Maybe.”
TherewasaroarasSeanfireduptheengine.“Christ.Let’sjustgetbacktoland.”
Ifthejourneyouttothewreckhadbeenquiet,thejourneybackwassilentinadifferentway.Themoodwasstillsomberastheydisembarked.
Georgewasofftheboatassoonastheydocked.Hestrippedoutofhiswetsuit,pulledonaT-shirtfromhisbag,andwithathank-youthatmanagedtosoundatleastpartlysincere,hedisappearedthroughthemarinagate,shakinghishead.
AsLiamtookthewetsuitawaytorinseitdown,SeanturnedtoKieranandVerity
“I’msosorry,”hesaid,rubbingahandoverhisface.“Ifyouwanttogooutagainanothertime—”
“It’sfine,Sean.Iwantedtoseethewreckoncemore,andIdid,”Veritysaidastheyheadedtotheshedtogetchanged.“So,thankyou.Really.”
Kieranhadlesstroublegettingoutofhiswetsuitthanhe’dhadgettingintoit,andthistimeitwashimwaitingoutsidetheshedforVerity.Stillalittlecoldfromthewater,hemovedaroundtostandinthesunandleanedagainstthewall,feelingtiredsuddenly.Overthesoundofequipmentbeinghoseddownaroundtheback,hecouldhearSean’svoice.
“—knowyou’renothavinganeasytimebut—”
Liamgaveashorthollowlaughatthat.Seanignoredit.
“—butyoucan’tleavepeopleinthewater.It’sbadenoughnow,butyoudothatwiththerealclientsandIcouldlosethisbusiness.Orsomethingworsehappens.”
Noanswer.
“Imeanit,mate.Liam?It’saserioussafetyissue.Youknowthat.Youcan’t—”
“IhadtocomeupbecauseIcouldn’tstaydownthereanymore.”Liam’sreplywassolowKieranbarelycaughtthewords.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Seansaid.
“IgotwaterinmymaskandIwasclearingitbutIsuckedsomeinand—”Liamstopped.
“That’snothingnew,though.”Sean’svoicewassoftnow.“Howmanytimeshasthathappened?Hundreds.”
“Yeah,Iknow.Butthistime—”ItseemedforasecondlikeLiammightnotsayanymore.“WhenthewaterwasinmynoseandmouthIfeltlikeIcouldn’tbreathe.Imean,Icould—theairwascomingthroughandeverything—butIfeltlikeIcouldn’t,youknow?Icouldn’tstandit.Beingdownthere.Sothat’swhathappened.Allright?Ineededtobreathe,soIcameup.”
Therewasasilence.
“Okay,”Seansaid.“Allright,mate.Youshouldhavecomeandfoundme,though.Oranyone.Notdisappearedlikethat.”
“Iknow.But—”Liamsoundedembarrassednow.“Ididn’tknowhowlongIhad.IwasscaredIwasgoingtoripmymaskoff.”
Neitherofthemspokeforanothermoment.
“Isitthatbad?”Seansaid.
“PeoplethinkingIkilledagirl?Yeah,it’sprettybad.”
Kieranheardmovementaroundthefront.Veritywasready.Still,hestayedwherehewas.
“Allright.”Sean’swordswerealmostinaudible.“Maybe—”Apause.“Maybedon’tmentionthistoanyoneelsefornow,mate.”
Verity’sheadappearedaroundthecorner.
“Ready?”shesaid,andLiam’sreplywaslost.
“Yeah.”Kieransteppedawayfromtheshed,andheandVeritywalkedtogetheroutofthemarina.Astheyhittheroad,theybothopenedtheirmouthsatthesametime.
“Sorry,”Kieransaid.“Yougo.”
“IwasjustgoingtosayI’mgoingtogetacoffeetotakehometoyourdad.”Verity’svoicewaslightbutstillfrosty.“ApparentlytheSurfandTurfcoulddowiththebusiness.Doyouwanttocome?”
“Isuppose,”Kieransaid.“YouknowitwasJulianwhotoldthecopsaboutDadwandering,don’tyou?”
“Ido.ItwasalsoJulianwhokepthimsafeuntilIgotthere.Notforthefirsttime,either.”
“Right,”Kieransaidastheystartedtowalk.“Listen,though,I’msorryabouttakingAudreytothecaves.You’recompletelyright.IwasonthelookoutandIcouldseethetidewasoutand—”Helookedover.
“Okay,”Veritysaidsimply.Ahead,theSurfandTurf’ssignwaslitup.
“Iwon’ttakeherdownagain.”
“That’suptoyou.”
“Mum—”
“Likeyousaid,Kieran,she’syourchild.”Verity’svoicewassteelycalm.“Butyou’dbeverysorryifanythinghappenedtoher.”
Kieranstoppedwalking.Afterafewpaces,Verityrelentedandstoppedaswell.Sheturnedandtheystoodonthestreetandlookedateachother.
“Istheresomethingyouwanttosaytome,Mum?”
“No,Kieran.”
“Areyousure?AboutFinn,maybe?”
“No.”
“BecauseI’msensingalittlepassiveaggressionhere.”Hewasgoadinghernow,usingthesameplacidtoneVeritywassofondof.
“Well.”Shelookedhimintheeye.“I’msorryyoufeelthatway.”
“Mum—”
“Kieran.”Veritysighedheavily.“Let’snot.Okay?You’reright.Audreyisyourchild.Butifsomethinghappenedtoher,youwouldbesorry.Andthat’sallIwanttosay.”
Itwasn’t,ofcourse,butshewasalreadyturningaway.“I’mgettingcoffee.You’rewelcometocome,ornot.”
Kieranwatchedherforafewmomentslonger,thenfollowed.
ThelargescreennormallyreservedforsportswaslitupwiththelocalnewsbulletinastheypushedopenthedoortotheSurfandTurf.Thesoundwasoffandimagesflickeredaspipedeightiesmusicfilteredfromthespeakersintotheroom.
Lynwasagainbackinuniform,frowningasshepointedaremoteatthescreenandstabbedatthebuttons.
“Theyhadthenewscrewherethismorning,”shesaidtoKieranandVerityastheycamein.“Wantedtoseewhattheygot.”
“HaveBronte’sparentsarrived?”Veritysaidassheplacedtheirorder.
“Yeah,ChrisRennbroughttheminhere.Theyonlystayedforaminute.Didn’tsaymuch.”LynnoddedatthebulletinboardwhereaprintedsheethadbeenpinnedupnexttothephotoofBronte.“There’sacommunitymeetingbeingsetupfortonight,though.Reckonthey’llbetherethen.”
Kieranwalkedover.ThenoticeannounceddetailsofthemeetingattheEvelynBaylibrary.SergeantRenn’sphotocopiedsignaturewasatthebottom.KieranlookedatBronte’sface,thentouchedthecollectiontinonthetablebelow.Itbarelymoved,heavynow.
“Herewego,”Lynsaid,pointingattheTVnews.Shetriedoncemorewiththeremote,thengaveupandresignedherselftowatchingwithoutsound.
Thedark-hairedreporterwasstandingonthefamiliarstretchofbeachoutsideFisherman’sCottage,speakingintoamicrophone.Thecamerapannedout,capturingfromarespectfuldistancetwopeoplestandingbytheshallows,theirfacesashen.Kierandidn’tneedthecaptiontoknowwhotheywere.Bronte’sfatherhadcroppedgrayinghairandwaswearingasmartwoolcoatoverjeans.Thewomanwasshort,likeBronte,andthesameshadeofblond,cuttoacrisplineathershoulders.Theywerebothdressedinnavy.Notquiteafuneralcolor,butclose.Bronte’sdadpressedacrumpledtissuetohiseyesashiswifeplacedahugebunchofpinkrosesonthepilethathadcollectednearthewater’sedge.Thewindcaughtthecellophaneandtoppledthebouquetontoitssideassoonassheletgo.Bronte’sparentsdidn’tmove,simplystaringattheheapofdecayingflowersasthoughitmightholdsomeanswers.
ThefootagewasreplacedbyasmilingphotoofBronte,anewoneKieranhadn’tseenbefore.ShewasbeaminginfrontofaframedpaintingKieranguessedwasoneofherown.
TheimagedisappearedandSergeantRennfilledthescreen.Hespokeintothecamera,formalandstone-faced.Kierancouldn’treadhislips,buthecouldguesswhathewassaying.Ifanyonehasanyinformation…
“Areyougoingtothiscommunitymeeting,then?”Kieransaid.
“Absolutely.”Lynlookedawayfromthetelevisionasaclose-upofBronte’spinkflowersflasheduponthescreen.HereyesfellinsteadonthekitchenwhereLiamhaduntilrecentlyworked.“Wouldn’tmissit.”
24
Theywereearly,butotherswereevenearlierandthelibrarywasalreadybusy.
Ash’sdog,Shifty,wastetheredbyhisleashtothebikerackoutside,andKieranrubbedhisheadastheypassed.HerememberedthedayAshhadfoundthedog,lostorabandonedandlurkinginashiftymanneraroundthedeliveryentranceoftheSurfandTurf.Ashhadfeltbadandtakenhimhome,whereboththedogandthenamehadstuck.
KieranlookedpastShiftynowtoanoticetapedabovethereturnschuteinformingvisitorsthatthecommunitymeetingwastobeheldinthefunctionroom.Itwasunnecessary.Thethickhumofchatterdriftedoutthroughthebookshelves,andtheroomwasalreadynearcapacityasKieranedgedhiswayinwithMia.VerityandBrianwerebehindthem.Miatookonelookatthestandingroomonlyandturnedthebulkystrolleraround.
“I’llparkitinthelobby,”shesaidasKieranliftedAudreyout.Shewheeledthestrolleraway,disappearingpasttheaudiobookstand.
Kieransurveyedtheroom.SomeonehadofferedBrianaseatandVeritywastryingtoconvincehimtotakeit.Eventually,thepersoninthenextchairstoodandgesturedtoVerity,wholookedembarrassedbutsatthembothdowngratefully,hergriptightonBrian’swrist.KieranswappedAudreytohisotherarmandfoundaplacetostandnearthedoor
Therowsofseatingfacedaraisedareaatthefrontoftheroom,wherefourchairssatemptybehindatable.AlaptopwasopenandBrontesmiledoutfromtwolargephotosprojectedontoapresentationscreen.Shewasdressedlikeshewasgoingsomewhereinthefirstimage,smilinglikeitwasaspecialoccasion.Intheother,shewassittingonawallinagardeninjeansandbarefeet,herarmaroundalargesleepy-lookinggoldenretriever.
Liamwasnotthere;Kierancouldtellsimplyfromtheatmosphere.Seanhadcomethough,ashadJulian.Theystoodtogetherinthefarcorner,theirbacksagainstthewallandarmsfoldedacrosstheirchests.Theweather-beatenmantoJulian’sleftwasleaningtowardhimconfidentially,chattingawaywhilestabbingattheairwithhisfoldedsunglassestomakeapoint.ThenextcouplealongwerelookinganywhereelseastheypretendednottohavenoticedeitherJulianorSean
Julianseemedtobetryinghisbesttoignoreeveryone,staringstraightaheadwithafixedgazeandnoddingonlyoccasionallyasthemanrambledon.Seanhadhisheaddownasherubbedthebridgeofhisnose.Kierantriedtomakeeyecontact,butSeandidn’tlookup.TheroomwastoobusyforKierantofighthiswayoverand,tohisshame,hefeltafaintstirringofreliefthathedidn’thavetomakethechoice.
KierannoticedmovementandsawAshraisingahandtohimthroughthecrowd.Hewasseatedinthesecondrow,hisotherarmslungoverthebackofOlivia’schair,rubbinghershoulderbladewithhisthumb.Olivia’smum,Trish,satonherotherside,herbackperfectlystraight.Theywatchedsilentlyasacameracrewsetupnearthelectern.
“Hey,guesswhat?IfinallymetG.R.Barlin,”MiawhisperedassheslidinnexttoKieran.“Icaughthimsigninghisownbooksintherecentreturnssection.Webothpretendedhewasn’t,though.”
Kieransmiled.“I’msureyouwereverytactful.”
“Iwentforgushinglycomplimentary.ImeanttosayIlovedhisbooksandaccidentallysaidIlovedhim.Hewasverygracious.”Mialookedaroundtheroomherselfforthefirsttime,hersmilefadingnow.“NoLiam?”
“No.”
KierancouldseeLynsittingafewrowsover.HereyesflickedtoJulian,thensheleanedoverandmurmuredsomethingtothewomansittingbesideher,wholookedsimilarenoughtobeasister.Thesecondwoman’sfacetightened.
Kieranheardavoicebehindhim.
“Sorry.CouldI—?”
HeturnedtoseeGeorgeBarlinsqueezinginandtookastepsidewaystomakeroom.
“Thanks.”Georgelookedgrateful.Hewaswearingyetanotherchunkycardigan.Kieranwonderedexactlyhowmanyheowned.GeorgesmiledatMia.“Andhelloagain.”
Ifhewasatallembarrassed,hehiditbetterthanshedid.Georgetookstockoftherowsofchairsfilledwithpeoplepackedshouldertoshoulder.
“Behereorbesquare,hey?”Georgesaidwithouthumor.“Atleastpeoplearemoreciviltoeachotherinreallifethantheyareonline.”
Kierannodded.“Iseethatcommunityforum’sbeentakingoff.”
“Itreallyhas.”George’sfacewasserious.“Peopleneedtowatchthemselves,actually.Alotofdefamatorycommentsarebeinghurledaroundinthere.Especiallyasnoone’sbeenchargedyet.”HeglancedtowardSeanandJulian,whohadbarelymoved.
“Isanyonemoderatingit?”Miaasked,reachingouttotakeAudreyfromKieranasthebabystartedtogrizzle.
“Thereusedtobeacoupleofpeople.Volunteers,I’mguessing,butthatwasbackwhenitwasmostlyratesandrubbishcomplaints.Ifanyone’sdoingitnow,they’reoverwhelmed.There’vebeenpostsontherefordaysthatshouldneverhavebeenallowedupinthefirstplace.”
“AboutLiam?”Miaasked.
“Some,”Georgesaid.“Notall—”
Hebrokeoff,takingastepbackasDetectiveInspectorPendleburyattemptedtoedgeherwayinthroughthedoor.
“Excuseme,”shesaid,herwordssuddenlyveryaudibleasahushofanticipationfellovertheroom.
PendleburyignoreditandthreadedherwaythroughthecrowdtowhereOliviawasseated.ShesteppedinandleanedoverAsh’schair,bendinginclosetomurmursomethingtoOlivia.Kieranwatched,alongwiththerestoftheroom,asPendleburytiltedherheadtowardthewaitingstageandthenthedoor,possiblyexplainingprocedureasacourtesytoBronte’shousemate.Oliviasatverystillwhileshelistened,asdidAshnexttoher.Itwasinteresting,Kieranthought,hownooneseemedparticularlycomfortablebeingseenbytheirfriendsandneighborshelpingthepolicewiththeirinquiries,nomatterhowinnocenttheexchange.KieranlookedovertoSean,whowaswatchingthemlikeeveryoneelse.
“Thepolicearemonitoringitnow,though,”Georgesaidquietly,hiseyesonPendlebury.
“Theforum?”Kieransaid.
“Yeah.Ithinkso.Occasionallyapostwilljustdisappear.Butthere’samountainoflibelousstuffleftupthere,somyguessisthey’refocusingonpullingthingstheythinkhavesomeconnectionwiththeinvestigation.”
“Stufftheydon’twantpeopletoknow?”Kieransaid.
“Ortalkabout,maybe?”Georgeshrugged.“Whoknows?I’vebeentryingtokeepaneyeonit.Workoutwhat’sgettingdeleted,butit’smovingtoofastformetokeepup.”
Kieranpulledouthisphone,unabletohelphimself,andsawMiadothesame.WelcometoEBOCH!Dropinforavirtualcuppaandachat!
Peopleweredoingalotmorethanthat,Kierancouldsee.AnargumentoverwhetherornottoboycotttheSurfandTurfranoverthreepages.KieranlookedupandsawJulian’seyestrainedonPendlebury.TheSurfandTurfwouldsurvive,surely,hethought.Peopleneededsomewheretoeator,morecrucially,drink.Still,thefactthatanyonewasevensuggestingavoidingtheplacewastroubling.Kieranturnedbacktohisscreen.
Brontelikedtohavesexonthebeachatnight.Ananonymousgrayavatarinsistedso.He—she?—knewsomeoneatthegymwhohadseenherdowntherewithaguylastmonth.Kieranhadnoideaifthatweretrue.Judgingbytheresponses,nooneelsedideither.Helookedaroundthecrowdedroom,tryingtomatchfaceswithsomeofthecomments.Hedidn’tknowwheretostart.
Onereplyhadbeendeleted.
Thegrayavatarstillremainedbutthecommentboxwasshadedout.ThiscommentbyBlainey82hasbeenremovedforviolatingEBOCHguidelines.
Kieranlookedatitforaminute,thenmovedon.Directlybelow,Mia’soldmusicteacher,TheresaHartley,hadchosentoweighinagain,commentingontheoriginalpost.
Idon’tbelieveforaminuteBrontewaslikethat.Mygranddaughtersaysshewasoneofthenicestgirlsatuniversity.Youcantellfromthis,shehadwritten,andpostedawebsitelink.Hercommenthadinturnpromptedastringofresponsesrangingfrompatienttofurious,informingTheresathatitwasentirelypossibletobeanicegirlwhilealsoenjoyingconsensualsexinasemi-secludedplace.
Curious,KieranclickedonTheresa’slink.ItwentthroughtoapageonasocialmediasitethatKieranhadheardofbuthadfelttoooldandjadedtogettogripswitheverytimehe’dtriedtocheckitout.ItwasanonlinetributetoBrontewherevisitors—mostlyherfellowartstudentsinCanberrafromwhatKierancouldtell—hadputuppicturesandvideomessages.SomehadsharedsketchesandpaintingsofBronte,andquiteafewhadpostedpicturesBrontehaddrawnforthem.Ican’tbelieveshe’sgone,onegirlhadwritten.Theresa’sgranddaughter,Kieranguessedbythesurname.
KieranfeltMiatouchhisarm.ShewasstilllookingattheEBOCHpage.Shetwistedherscreensoonlyhecouldseeandsubtlytappedapostwithhernail.
BrianElliottwasseenonthebeachthenightBronteLaidlerwaskilled.Kieranfelthischestgotight.Hecheckedtheavatar.Anonymousandgray,ofcourse.Notevenapropernickname,justastringofnumbers.Hewalksaroundatnight.
Don’t,areplysaid.He’sgotdementia.
HewasalsothelastoneseenwithGabbyBirch.Rememberthat?
Kieranfeltsick.Acrosstheroom,hecouldseeJulianwasnowlookingathisownphone,tappingatthescreen.
“Itcouldhavebeenanyone,”Miawhispered,readinghismind.“Liamwillhavetoldpeopleaboutyourdadwandering.Anyonecouldhavewrittenthat.”
“Thatdoesn’texactlymakeitbetter,”Kieransaid,glancingovertowhereVerityappearedtobetryingtotalkBrianintostayingseated.
“No,but—”Miabrokeoffastherewasamovementbehindthemandthecollectiveattentionoftheroomwasimmediatelyfocusedonthedoor.
SergeantRenncameinfirstandnoddedtoPendlebury,theirfacesidenticallyhard.Therewasahushandastillnessinwhichitseemedforamomentlikenooneelsewascoming.Rennhalfturned,thenBronte’sparentsappearedatthedoor.Pendleburyhadclearedarouteandeveryeyeintheplacefollowedthemonthelongjourneyfromthebackoftheroomtothefront.
TheywerecivilservantsupinCanberra,KieranrememberedOliviasaying,andtheydressedlikeit.Theyhadchangedclothessincethenewsbulletinandbothlookedasthoughtheycouldbeontheirwaytoabusinessbreakfastmeeting,incrispshirtsandsuitmaterial.Kieranimaginedthemintheirhotelroom,tryingtodecidewhattowear.Silentlytakingturnstousethewobblyironingboard.Whatwasappropriateforspeakingonbehalfoftheirdeaddaughter?Nothing,wastheanswer.Oranything.Kieranguessedtheyhadfallenbackonthefamiliarclothesthatatleastintheirnormallivesofferedsomesenseofbeingincontrol.
SergeantRennremainedstandingastheotherthreetooktheirseats.Hepickedupthemicrophonefromthetableandfiddledwiththebutton.
“Caneveryonehearmeallright?”Therewasanaffirmativemurmurintheroom.“Right.Well,thanksforcoming,everyone.Ithinkmostofyouknowme.I’mSergeantChrisRenn,I’veworkedhereinEvelynBayforclosetothirteenyears.AndthisismycolleaguefromHobart”—hegestureddownthetable—“DetectiveInspectorSuePendlebury,whosomeofyouwillhaveseenaroundwithherteamthesepastfewdays.”
Renncheckedhisnotesonthetable.
“You’reallawareofthetragiceventonSaturdaynightinvolvingBronteLaidler,whoalotofushadcometoknowthroughherjobattheSurfandTurf.Brontehadn’tbeenwithuslongbuthadquicklybecomeapopularfacearoundhere,andIknowhowshakenwe’veallbeenbywhat’shappened.TonightwehavewithusBronte’sparents,NickandAndreaLaidler,whojoinusfromCanberra.”Rennturnedtothecouple,whohadbothbeenstaringoutattheseaoffaces.Theyblinkedtoheartheirnamesmentioned.“We’reverysorryyou’rehereundersuchsadcircumstances,butourcommunitywelcomesyou.”
Bronte’sfatherinclinedhishead,shortandsharp,whilehermothermouthedsomething,tight-lipped.Thankyou
Rennturnedbacktothecrowd.“Weknowthisisadifficulttimeandnaturallyraisesalotofquestions,butwewanttoassureyouthatweareouttherespeakingtoalotofyou,pursuinganumberoflinesof—”
TherewasanindistinctmurmurfromsomewheretotheleftoftheroomandRennfrownedandstumbled,histrainofthoughtbroken.
“Ah—”Hecheckedhisnotes.“Yeah.We’repursuinganumber—”
“Isaid,whyareyouharassingthelocals,Chris,mate?”Therewasnothingindistinctaboutthewordsthistime,andeveryfaceturnedtolook.Kierancouldseethespeakernow.Ablokeinhisforties,withthebodyofasurferunderhiscollaredcheckedshirt.Hishandwasrestingontheshoulderofaboyofaboutthirteenwhocouldonlyhavebeenhisson.Kieranrecognizedtheman.Heathsomething.HerantheNipperslifesavingprogramwithJulian.
“We’renottakingquestionsnow,Heath,mate.”Renn’svoicewasfirm.“Talktomelater.”
“Yeah,okay,butI’mjustaskingwhyyou’rewastingallthistimetalkingtous,whenweallknowwhoeverdidthishasbeenbackonthemainlandfordays.”HeathnoddedtoBronte’sparents,whosefaceswerefrozen.“Look,I’mverysorryforwhathappenedtoyourdaughter.Believeme,Iam.I’vegotkidsofmyown.”Heathliftedhishandonhisson’sshoulder.“Butwe—us,here—wedidn’tdothistoyou.AndIwanttoknow,Chris,whatI’msupposedtotellmyboywhenhecomeshomeaskingwhyhismate’sdadsarebeinghassledbythepolice?”
“Howaboutyoutellhimthat’swhathappenswhensomeoneisharmed?Peoplegethassled.”Renndidn’tbothertousethemicrophonethistime.HeheldHeath’sgaze,thenlookedaroundthegathering.“Now,thisisyourcommunity.Minetoo.AndIamhappyforyoualltosithereandlistentowhat’sbeingsaid.Butlet’shavesomebasicrespect,yeah?”Hewaited,thenturnedbacktohisnotes.“Right.”
TherestofRenn’sintroductorywrap-upwasbriskand,Kieransuspected,evenshorterthanhe’dplanned,andthenitwasPendlebury’sturn.ShestoodandtappedthekeyboardofthelaptopandthephotosofBrontedisappeared.
“Pleasetakealookatthescreen.”Shetappedthekeysagainandtwofreshimagescameup.
Acamera.Andalaptop.
Kieran’seyessnappedtoMia’s—Laptop,too?shemouthed—andtheybothimmediatelyglancedoveratOlivia.Thebackofherheadwasperfectlystill.Ash,partlyinprofile,wasstaringatthescreen,hishandslacknowagainstthebackofherchair.
“Thesearetwoitemsofinterest,”Pendleburycontinued,pointingtothepictures.Theimageswerecatalogshots,withclose-upinsertsofthebranding.Pendleburytappedtherelevantidentifiersoneach,holdingherfingeragainstthescreenuntilshewassureshehadtheaudience’sattention.“Takenote,please,ofthemake,hereandhere,andthemodelnumbers—here,here.Therewillbeflyersatthedooronyourwayoutwiththisinformation.Iaskthatyoupleasetakeoneormoreandpassthemontoyourneighborswhoaren’theretonight.”
Pendleburyturnedbacktothescreen.Bronte’sparentswerebothstaringatthetable.
“WebelievethesetwoitemsbelongedtoBronteLaidler,”Pendleburysaid.“Wehavenotbeenabletotracethem,andbelievetheymayhavebeendiscardedlocally.Weareaskingyoutocheckyourproperties,yourbins,yoursheds,yourgardens,yourwalkingtrails.Anywherethattheseitemscouldhavebeendisposedofhastily.”
Therewasamutedmutteringatthat,whichPendleburychosetoignore.ButKieranguessedsheknewitaswellaseverypersoninthatroom.TogetridofsomethinginEvelynBay,allyouhadtodowasstepoutofyourbackdoorandtherewereamillionlitersofwaterwaitingtotakeitoffyourhands.Although—Kierancouldn’thelpbutglanceatTrishBirch—notalways.Sometimesthingscameback,apparently.
Pendleburypointedoutsomedistinctfeaturesofboththecameraandthelaptop,leavingthepicturesupsotheTVcameramancouldgethisshotwhilethejournalistscribbledthedetails.Sherepeatedthehotlinenumber,tappedthekeyboardoncemore,andtheimagesofBrontereturned.
ShemadeeyecontactwithRenn,andtheybothlookedattheLaidlers.Pendleburyleanedinandexchangedafewwhisperedwordswiththem,thenstraightened.
“Bronte’sparents,NickandAndrea,willnowmakeastatement.Theywillnotbetakinganyquestionstonight.PleasedirectqueriesorinformationtomeortoSergeantRennafterward.”
PendleburypassedthemicrophonetoBronte’sparents,whoweregettingtotheirfeet.Theystoodstraight-backedandgrim-facedintheirsharpsuits,Bronte’sfatherhandlingthemicrophonewithmoreeasethaneitherRennorPendleburyhad.Hewaswearingatie,whichmadeittheonlyoneintheroom.
Kieranlookedatthemstandingsidebysideinthelibrary’stiredfunctionroom,infrontofphotosoftheirlatedaughter.Theylookedoutofplace,hethought.Quiteliterally,asthoughtheydidn’tbelonghere.Thiswasn’ttheirlife,hecouldalmostseethemthinking.Thiswasn’thappeningtothem.
NickLaidlerputhisphoneonthetableandtappedthescreenonce.Hisheadwasbowedandhetookadeepbreathbeforelookingup.
“Brontewasouronlychild,”hesaid.Hisvolumewasperfectlycalibratedforthemicrophoneandthesizeoftheroom,andhespokewiththeclearmeasuredpaceofsomeoneusedtoaddressinggroups.Hereferredbrieflytothenotesonhisphone.“Shewasajoyous,much-lovedlittlegirlwhogrewintoabeautiful,talentedwoman.Brontewasakeenartistandafriendtomany.Shewas—”
Nickpausedashiswifesuddenlyreachedoutandlightlytouchedherfingerstohissuitsleeve.Heglanceddownatherhand,thenupatherface.AndreaLaidlerhadbeenstandingperfectlystillasherhusbandspoke,buthereyeshadbeenmoving.Shewaslooking,Kieranrealizednow,ateveryfaceinthecrowdinturn.Atone,thenthenext,thenthenext,thenthenext.
Sheturnedtowardherhusbandandbeckonedforhimtopassherthemicrophone.KieransawPendleburyandRennexchangealook.
Nickloweredhisheadandwhisperedsomethingtohiswife.Herreplywasinaudibleasshemotionedagainforthemicrophone.Thistimehepasseditover,thenslidhisphonealongthetablesoshecouldreadthenotes.
Andreaignoredit.Sheraisedthemicrophonewiththepracticedmovementofsomeonealsoaccustomedtopublicspeaking.Shefixedhereyesonthecrowd.
“Whodidthis?”
Bronte’smother’swordscutthroughtheair.Shewaited.Noonemadeasound.Hergazecontinueditsslowcrawl.Everysinglepersonwasstaringback,butKieransawmorethanonedroptheireyesasthewomanturnedtheirway.
“Whodidthis?”shesaidagain.Herhusbandreachedoutandtappedthescreenofhisphonefirmly,turningitsquarelyinfrontofher,butAndreastayedfocusedontheroom,herscrutinyclearandcold.
Kieranknewhecouldn’thavebeentheonlyoneexpectingtearful,wet,messygrief.Hecouldfeeltheatmospherethickenasheandeveryoneelsescrambledtocatchup,allreachingthesameconclusionatmoreorlessthesametime.Bronte’smotherwasnotsad.Or,atleast,notjustsad.Shewasfurious.
Andrea’shandwastremblingassheraisedthemicrophoneagain,buthervoicedidn’twaver.
“Weweren’tsurewhyourdaughterwantedtocomehereforthesummer.Whyshewouldchoosetospendmonthshere—”Asmallbristlefromthecrowd,andherhusbandfrowned.Andreaignoredthemboth.“ButwelovedBronte.Shesaiditwasimportantforherart,sowesupportedher.Wealwaystriedtodothat.AndwhenBrontecamehere,shedidherbesttofitinandshewaswelcomed,mostly—”
ThelastcommentwasdeliveredpointedlyinthedirectionofOlivia,whowasstaringdownintoherlap.AshtightenedhisarmaroundherandTrishsimplylookedstunned.KieransawRennshootanunspokenquestionatPendlebury,whohesitatedthenshookherheadinanalmostinvisibleresponse.
“Brontecameherewithanopenmind,”Andreawassaying,hervoicetight.“Curiousaboutlifehere.Interested.Trusting.”
Shestopped,hergazestillstealingacrosstheroom.ToGeorge,thenMia,thentoKieranhimself.Helookedbackandastheireyesmethethought,suddenly,ofVerity.Hecouldseehismotherleaningforwardinherchair,herlipspartedasshewatchedtheotherwomanspeak.
“Mychild’slastmomentswouldhavebeenhorrific.”BothAndrea’svoiceandhandswereshakingnow.“Ican’tletmyselfthinkabouthowscaredshemusthavebeen.Canyouimaginewhatthatwouldhavebeenlikeforher?Inthewater?Shecouldn’tbreathe.”
Sheswallowedandherwordshungintheair.KieranfeltGeorgeshiftnexttohim.Acrosstheroom,JulianwasstaringbackatBronte’smother,hisdefiancealmostconvincing.Seanhadahandoverhisface.
“Iknowyou’rewaitingformetoaskforyourhelp,”Andreasaidatlast.“SoIwill.Please.I’mbeggingyou,ifyouknowanythingaboutwhathappenedtomydaughter,pleasetellus.”Shetookabreath.“Butyoushouldalsoknowthis:Iwillfindouteitherway.I’mnotgoingtopretendIknowwheretostart,butI’llpaypeoplewhodo.Investigators.I’lldrainourbankaccounts.I’llmortgageourhouses.WhateverIneedtodo.BecauseIthinkthisman—”AndreapointedatHeath,wholookedlikehewishedhecoulddisappear.“Ithinkhe’swrong.Ithinkthepersonresponsibleisprobablyinthisroom.Ithinkit’soneofyou.”Therewasasilence.“Butmaybenot.Idon’tcare,Ijustwantthetruth.Soeitherway,nostoneleftunturned.Ifyou’reoutthere—”Shescannedtheroomagain,notsoslowandsteadynow.“Ifyou’rehopingthiswillgoaway,you’regoingtobewaitingalongtime.SomeonehurtBronte.Iwanttoknowwho.Sounlessyouwanteverysecretinthisplacedraggedtothesurface,Irecommendeverybodyinthisroomopenstheirmouthsandstartstalking.”
Therewasmorethanamurmuratthat,andRenngottohisfeet.
Andreaheldupapalm,stoppinghim.Shelookedaroundtheroomoncemore,thenshookherhead.
“Nevermind.”Sheputthemicrophonedownandspokeinhernormalvoice.“I’vesaidwhatIwantedtosay.”
25
Thewateratdawnwasascoldasiteverwas.Kieranduckedhisheadunder,hisbreathcatchinginhischest.Hestartedtoswim,pullinghimselfthroughthesurf,raisinghisheadeverytenstrokestocheckonAudrey,whowastuckedinhersleepingbagonhistowelonthedesertedbeach.
Kieranhadwokenupinthedark,alertedbythestutteringwarningcryfromthecot,andhadcrawledreluctantlyoutofbed.HehadfedAudreyandreadtoherfromapicturebookthathintedheavilyonitsfrontcoverthatitwouldunlockhergeniuspotential.Instead,ithadsentherbacktosleep,whichinthatmomentseemedlikeanevenbetterresult.Theyshouldhaveputthatonthecover.Bythen,theskywasstartingtolightenbutthehousewasstillsleeping,soKieranhadwrappedherup,grabbedhistowel,andtakenthembothoutintothecrispmorningcold.
Hisheadwasstillfullofthecommunitymeetingasheswam.RennhadmovedfastafterBronte’smother’sspeech,Kieranhadtogivehimthat.Herwordshadbarelylandedbeforethesergeanthadtakentwoswiftstridesacrossthestageand,handsfirmlyontheirbacks,shepherdedAndreaandNickthroughthecrowdandoutofthedoor.
Ithadtakeneveryoneelsealittlelongertoreact,theresponseswellingfromarumbletoalowroar.Miahadbeenquickoffthemark,dartingoutwithAudreytoreclaimthestroller,leavingKieranandGeorgepressedcloserthanwascomfortableastheyandseveralhundredoftheirneighborsattemptedtosqueezethroughthebottleneckatthedoor.Apairofuniformedofficerswerepassingoutfistfulsofflyersastheyspilledoutthroughthemainlibraryandintothecoolnightair.Whentherewasspacetostop,Kierancranedhisneckbackoverthecrowd,tryingtoseeVerityandBrian.
“Well,Ihavetoadmit,Ididnotexpectthat.”GeorgeexaminedhisleafletwiththeprintedimagesofBronte’scameraandlaptop.Hefrowned.“Thesehavetobelonggone,surely?”
“Iwouldthinkso.”
“Iwonderifthepoliceknowwhatwasonthem.Imean,stuffgetsbackedup,doesn’tit?ItseemstohappentomewhetherIlikeitornot,sometimes.”
“Isuppose,”Kieransaid.“Dependswhatkindofsetupshehadinplace.”
KieranspiedthetopofBrian’sheadandcouldseehimbeingsteeredbyVerity,whowasholdinghisarm.Pendleburyhadslowedtohelpandwassubtlyclearingapaththrough.Astheypassedanofficerhandingoutflyers,Pendleburytookacouple.Shefoldedoneinhalflengthwise,creatingacrispedge,whichshepresentedtoVerity.Takethis.Itwasanunremarkablegesture,buttherewassomethinginsistentaboutitthatputKieranonedge.
“Well,eitherthepolicedon’tknowwhatwasonthem”—GeorgelookedupfromtheflyerandovertoPendlebury—“ortheydoknowandhaven’tmanagedtoworkoutthesignificanceyet.”
Perhapssensingthescrutiny,Pendleburyturnedherheadtheirway.HereyesmovedbetweenKieranandGeorge,andsomethingpassedacrossherface.ItwasgonealmostimmediatelyasshewasforcedtobringherattentionbacktoBrian.Pendleburyhadbarelyhelpedhimdownthelaststepwhenshewasaccostedbyanangrywomaninapinkfleece.
“I’mgoingtoheadoff,”Georgesaid,thenhesitated.HeturnedbacktoKieran.“Listen,mate,now’snotthetimeorplace,buttherewassomething—”
HewasstoppedshortbymovementoverKieran’sshoulder,andKieranturnedtoseeAshapproaching,dogleashinhand,hislargeframebacklitbytheglowfromthelibrary.Georgemadetoleave.
“Catchyouanothertime,”hesaid,raisingahand.
“YouseenSeananywhere?”Ashsaid,lightlyshoulder-bargingthewriterashepassedbutotherwiseignoringhimcompletely.
“No.ThinkheandJulianmusthavemadeaquickexit.”
“Don’tblamethem,thatwasbloodyintense.”Ashshookhishead.“I’dbettergotoo,then.Liv’swaiting.She’sprettyupset.”Heloweredhisvoice.“Notgoingtobetheonlyone,Ireckon.Peoplelookfreakedout,don’tyouthink?AllthatstuffBronte’smumwassayingaboutthingscomingout?”
“Yeah.”Kierancouldseepeoplesnatchingglancesateachother.Theatmosphereoutsidethelibraryfeltloaded.“Theydo.”
“Makesyouwonder,hey?”
“Itdoes.”
Kieranfinishedswimminghislapintheseanowandliftedhishead,wipingthewaterfromhiseyes.HecouldtellAudreywasstillasleep,snuginherblanketbeneaththered-goldmorningsky.Kieranplungedunderthesurfaceoncemore,feelingtheburnofthecold.Heswamseveralfaststrokes,hismuscleslooseningashefoundhisrhythm.Hestayedunderlongerthistime,andwhenheliftedhisheadagain,healmostbreathedinalungfulofwater.Audreywaswherehehadlefther,butthebeachwasnolongerempty.Kierancouldseeafigureonthesand,theirshadowfallingoverhisdaughterassheslept.
Kieranhadfoundhisfeetinseconds,drivinghiswaythroughthewatertotheshore,ignoringthefrigidairstinginghiswetskin.
“Oi!”
Thefigureturnedathisshout.Kieranswipedthesaltwaterfromhiseyes,blinkingasthefacetookshape.TrishBirch.
Heslowed,justalittle.Trishstraightenedandraisedherhand.Shetookastepawayfromhisdaughter,andKieranstoppedrunningandstartedwadinginstead.It’sokay,hetoldhimself,whilehisheartstillpounded.
“Hello,”shecalledashehitthesand.“I’msosorry.Iwas—”
“No,I’msorry.”Kieranreachedthemandbentdownforhistowel,alittleunsurewhyhestillfelttheurgetopositionhimselfbetweenTrishandhisbabyashedriedoff.Audreywasasleep,peacefulandoblivious.“Ijustgotasurprise.”
“Ofcourse,”Trishsaid.“Iwasonly—”Shefaltered,atinyfrownonherfaceassheglancedaround.“Imean,doyouthinkit’ssafetoleaveheronthebeach?”
Notblokesorbabies,Kieranthought,althoughfromthewayhisbloodwasstillpumping,hewasn’tsurehebelievedithimself.HepickedupAudreyandshestirredinhiscoldarms.
“Ididn’tthinkanyoneelsewashere,”hesaid.
“No.Plusit’sabsolutelynoneofmybusiness.”Trishgavehimasmallsmile.“Iusedtohatepeopletellingmehowtoparent.I’msorry.Don’tletmedisturbyourswim.”
“ProbablytimeIfinishedupanyway.”
Trish’sfacehadahealthyglowfromthemorningair,butalsoapinchedlookthatmadehimwonderifshehadbeencrying.Theoceanhadsoakedupthereddishtingeofthemorningsky,andhereyesfollowedthemovementofthetideasshelookedoutatthewater.No,Kieranrealized.Notjustlooking.Scouring.Hehesitated.
“Trish,Ihaveyourbackpack.Ifthat’swhatyou’researchingfor.I’msorry,Ipulleditoutoftheseaafteryouthrewitin.Ididn’tknowwhatitwas.”
“Oh.Oliviasaidyou’dfoundit.”Trishlookedembarrassed,butstillhergazecreptpasthimonceagaintothewaves.Kieranwonderediftherewasanotherbagoutthereyettoturnup.Maybemorethanone.
“Doyouwantitback?”hesaid.“It’sinourshed.Icangetit.”
“No.”Shelookeduncertain,thenrallied.“No.IpromisedOlivia.”Shegaveaself-consciouslaugh.“Ican’timaginewhatyou’rethinking.Itmustseemcompletelycrazy.”
“No.”Kieranshookhishead.Itdidn’t,actually.WhenKieranfelthisdaughter’sweightinhisarmsandimaginedhimselfinTrishBirch’sposition,itdidn’tseemthatcrazyatall.
“Well.I’mnotsuremostpeoplewouldagreewithyou,butthanksforsayingitanyway.”TrishreachedoutandgentlymovedAudrey’sblanketasidetobetterseeherface.“Itneverchanges,youknow.Evenwhenthey’reolder.You’dtakeabulletforsomeonewhowon’tevenwavetoyouattheschoolgate.Thensuddenlythey’rerippedawayand—”Trishshrugged.“Well,youweretherelastnight,I’mguessing?HeardBronte’smum?”
Kierannodded.
“Iusedtobelikethat,”Trishsaid.“Notasarticulateorwellresourced.Angry,though.Behindcloseddoorsatleast.Ineverhadthecouragetodoitinpublic.IfeltIhadtobepoliteandnice,givepeopleareasontowanttohelpme.”Herfacehardened.“Itdidn’tmakeanydifference.Mydaughter’sstillgone.MaybeIshouldhaveletitallout,likeBronte’smum.”
ShelookedsounsettledbythethoughtthatKieranfeltworriedforher.Beyondhisparents’backfence,henoticedalightburninginthehallway.Someonewasawake.
“Whydon’tyoucomeinforacoffee,Trish?HaveachatwithMia.Mymum’sintoo.Youcanholdthebaby.”
Trishwasalreadyshakingherhead.“No.Thankyou,though—”
“It’snotrouble.”
“It’shonestlybetterifIkeepwalking.Truly.Thanksanyway.”Trishglancedatthehouse,alittleawkward.“DoesVerityknowaboutthebackpacks?”
“No,”Kieransaid.“Iwon’ttellher,ifyoudon’twantmeto.”
“Thankyou.”Trishlookedrelieved.“I’msureyourmumwouldunderstand,butshe’salwaysbeenso—”Sheconsidered.“Together.Evenaftereverything.”
Kieranthoughtabouthismotherandherbrittlecalmanddidnotreply.Trish’seyeswereonAudrey.
“She’llburnout,”shesaidoutofnowhere.“Bronte’smum.Shedoesn’tthinkshewill,butshewill.Youcan’tmaintainitforever.She’llendup—”Trishsighed.“Idon’tknow.Doingherownsecretcrazythingsliketherestofus.”
Shelookedupfromthebabyandoutalongthestilldesertedbeach.
“I’vekeptyououtofthewaterlongenough,”shesaid.“Youmustbefreezing.”
Kieranwas,abit.Theskywasfullylightnow.Theglowfromthehousewasstillvisible.
“Yousureyouwon’tcomein?”
“No.I’mgoingtokeepwalking.”ShegaveAudreyalastsmileandturned.
Kieranwatchedherforafewpaces.
“Hey,Trish,wait,”hecalled,andshelookedback.“Howmanytimeshaveyoudonethat?Withthebackpacks?”
“I’mnotdoingitanymore.IpromisedOlivia.”
“Butsofar?”
Alongpause.“Dozens.I’mnotsure,exactly.”
“Andhowmanywashedupatthatspotneartherocks?”
“Two.”
“Two.”
“Orthree.”Sheshrugged.“DependingonwhetherornotyoucountGabby’s.”
“Right.Doyoucountit?”
“Somedaysyes.Somedaysno.”Trishlookedawaynow,embarrassedandexposedbyhergrief.“Anyway,enjoyyourtimewithyourlittleone.Theygrowupfast.”Ifyou’relucky.
Thewordshungintheair,butshedidn’tsaythem,justraisedahandinfarewell.Kieranwatchedasshewalkedawayalongthebeach,herfaceturnedyetagaintowardtheoceanandtherelentlesspush-pullofthetiderushinginandout.
26
Miahadn’tstirredwhenKieranhadcreptoutofthebedroomearlier,butshewasupnow.Hefoundhersittingaloneatthekitchentable,staringintothelightofherphonescreen.
“Hello,”shewhisperedashelookedinfromthehall.Thehousehadaheavystillness,buthehadthesensethatbehindcloseddoors,hisparentswereawake.IthadbeenhardworkconvincingBriantocomehomewiththemafterthemeeting,andanexhaustedVerityhadsteeredhimstraighttothebedroomassoonasthey’dgotintothehouse.MiahadsatdowntofeedAudrey,andKieranhadlaiddownjusttoresthiseyes.Whenhe’dnextopenedthem,ithadbeentheearlydarkofmorning.
“Didyougetsomesleep?”hesaid.
“Onandoff.Ikeptwakingupandcouldn’tstopthinkingaboutthings.”
“Whatkindofthings?”
Miaturnedherphonesohecouldseethescreen.Agirlsmiledoutfromanewspieceonthescreen.NotBronte,asKieranhadmaybeexpected,butGabby.
“Thearticle’sanoldone.Fromthetenthanniversary,”shesaidinanswertohissurprise.ShestoodtotakeAudrey.“Nothingnew.Idon’tknow.Itwasjusteverythinglastnight,listeningtoBronte’smum.”
“IsawTrishBirchoutwalkingjustnow,”Kieransaid.
“Really?Shedidn’thaveanotherbackpack,didshe?”
“No.Butitsoundslikeshe’sthrownloadsoftheminovertheyears.Shewasn’tevensurehowmany.”KieranmixedupabottleofformulaforAudreyandhandedittoMiaasshesatbackdown.“Shereckonstwoofthemhavewashedback,likeGabby’sdid.”
“Two.”
“Yeah,”hesaid.“So,notmany.”
“Notzero,though.”
“No,that’strue.”
Miawasquiet.
“What’sup?”hesaid.
“Nothing.Iwasjustthinking.”MiabegantofeedAudrey.“God,IwassorelievedwhenGabby’sbagwasfoundwashedup.Ithoughttheyweregoingtokeepcallingmeandmyparentsintothepolicestationeverydayuntil—well,whoknowswhen?WhenIheardthey’dfoundherbag”—shelookedbackatthegirl’spicture—“Iwasglad,honestly.Iwashappyitwasover,morethanIwassadaboutwhathadhappenedtoher.”Mia’sgazeslidtoherdaughter.“Imean,whatdoesthatsayaboutme?Shewasmybestfriend.”
“Nothing.”Kieransatdownnexttoher.“Youwerefourteenyearsold.Itdoesn’tsayanything.”
“Maybe.”Miadidn’tsoundconvinced.“But—”
Shestoppedastheybothheardthehallfloorboardscreak.ThekitchendooropenedandVeritycamein,darkcirclesunderhereyes.MiareachedoutandswipedherthumbacrossherphonescreenandGabbydisappeared.
“Morning,”Veritysaid,puttingonthekettle.
“Dadokay?”
“Aboutthesame.”Verityreachedforamugandclearedaspaceonthecountertosetitdown.Shepickedupherreadingglassesandacreasedpieceofpaper.Itwasoneoftheleafletsfromthemeeting,Kierancouldsee.Hewatchedassheturneditoverinherhand,lookingatBronte’smissingcameraandlaptop.Thekettleboiled,andshesettheleafletaside.
“Hey,didPendleburysayanythingtoyoulastnight?”KieranaskedasVeritypouredboilingwaterintohermug.
“When?”
“WhenshewashelpingyouwithDadafterthemeeting.Ithoughtyouweretalking.”
Verityfoundaspoonandstirred.“Shejustaskedhowthepackingforthemovewasgoing.”
“Thatwasit?”
“Itwasathirty-secondconversation,Kieran.”
Kieranlookedaroundthekitchenatthestacksofhalf-filledboxes.Someone—Brian,heverymuchhoped—appearedtohavepackedaglassofmilkinaboxbyKieran’sfeet.Hecouldseetheglasslyingonitssidenowagainstthebottom,theyellowingstainsoakingthecardboard.Helookedbackattheleafletonthecounter,thelinewherePendleburyhadfoldedthepaperstillvisible.
“Doyouthinkthere’sanyreasonsheaskedthat,Mum?”
“Likewhat?”Verity’sfacewasfirmlyplacid.“Ihearshe’sbeenaskingalotofpeopleallsortsofthings.”
“Isuppose,”Kieransaid.“But—”
Veritysimplywaited.
Kieranshrugged.“Afterthatmeeting,alotofpeopleweretryingtotalktoher.Butshefoundtimetoaskyouaboutthemove?”
“Orshefoundtimetohelpaconfusedmanonthestepsandmakeafewseconds’worthofsmalltalkwhileshedidit.”Veritypickeduphercoffee.“I’mgoingtotakemyyogamatoutside,ifeitherofyouneedanything.”
KieranandMiawatchedherleave.
“Sheneedstobecareful,”hesaidastheyheardthebackdoorclose.Hestooduptoheadtotheshower.“Wedon’twantPendleburytostartthinkingthingsaboutDad.”
Miaturnedbacktoherphonescreen.“Forwhatit’sworth,Ithinkyourmum’ssmartenoughtoknowthat.”
ThemorningsunwasbrighterbythetimetheygotboththemselvesandAudreyorganizedenoughtoleavethehouse.Theywalkedthroughtowntowardthecliffpath,slowingastheyapproachedWetherbyHouse.TheruinedgardenlookedevenworsethanKieranremembered,ifthatwerepossible.Acouplemoretreeshadbeenfelled,hethought,andthesoilintheexposedtrencheslookedcakeyanddry.
Mia’sgazelandedonadirtywhitepickupparkeddirectlyonthestreetoutside,takingupwhatcouldhavebeentwospots.Gardeningequipmentwasstackedinthetrayattheback.
“IsthatAsh’s?”shesaid,squintingatthelogoontheside.“TryingtopissoffG.R.Barlin?”
“Yeah,lookslikeit,”Kieransaid,althoughhecouldn’tseeAshorhisdoganywhere.HeandMiastoppedandleanedonthefenceofWetherbyHouse.Kierancouldn’tbesure,butithadasettledstillnessthatmadehimfeelnoonewashome.
“LuckyGeorgecanwritebetterthanhelandscapes,”Miasaid,thensighedasacryofprotestrosefromthestationarystroller.“Let’skeepmoving.WhatdidGeorgemakeoflastnight?”
“Surprised,Ithink,sameaseveryone.ButTrishBirchwasinteresting.ShereckonswhateverBronte’smumsaidatthemeeting,she’llrunoutofsteamsoonerorlater.”
“Really?”Miasaid.“Iwonderifthat’strue.It’salmostimpossibletoknow,isn’tit?Howyou’dreact.Ithinkpeoplewouldberelievedifthiswasresolvedsoon,though.Notjustfortheobviousreason.HaveyoubeenonEBOCHtoday?”
Kieranshookhisheadastheyreachedthecliffpath,andhebeganpushingthestrolleruptheslope.
“It’sgoingmadonthere,”Miasaidastheywalked.“It’sallanyone’stalkingabout.Andpeoplearealreadygettingonthefrontfoot,outingeachotheroverallkindsofstuff.ApparentlyPaulHollandandNatalieWhatshernamewhousedtoworkattheschoolhavebeenhavinganaffairforfouryears.There’ssomesuggestionheryoungestmightbehis.”
“Wow.”
“Iknow.Ineverwouldhavepickedthat.”
Kieranslowedwhentheynearedthecemetery.Shiftywastiedupattheentranceandwhinedastheyapproached.Kieranstoppedtostrokehisback.Throughthegates,whathecouldseeofthegroundslaydeserted.NosignofAsh.
“Anymorementionsofmydadonline?”Kieransaidastheycarriedonwalking.
“NotthatI’veseen.Sothat’sgoodatleast.”Mia’sdarkhairblewacrossherfaceastheyturnedanexposedcorner.“Hopefullyitallcalmsdownsoon.Peoplegethurtwhenoldstuffgetsdraggedup.Imean,lookatyourmumwhenBrianletthatthingslipaboutFinngettingagirlpregnant.IcaughtherinthekitcheninthemiddleofthenightafterwardandIthinkshe’dbeencrying.”
“Yeah,”Kieransaid.“I’msurprisedshetookitquitesohard,though.Imean—”TheybothlookedatAudreyatthesametime.KieransmiledandMiashrugged.“Anyonecanmessuptheirbirthcontrol.Itdoesn’tmakehimabadpersonoranything.”
“No.Ofcoursenot,”Miasaid.“ButitseemedlikeashockforVerity.IguessitwasjustanunexpectedreminderthatFinnwasn’tperfect.”
“Idon’tthinkanyofusthinksFinnwasperfect.”
Mialookedoverinsurprise.“Youkindofdo,though.”
“No,wedon’t.”
“Yes,youdo.Youreallycan’tseeit?”Mialookedgenuinelycurious.“Whataboutallthosephotosthatareusuallyeverywhereatyourhouse?Finnthefootystar,Finnthebusinessman,Finntheall-roundgreatguy.”
“Yeah,so?Hewasagreatguy.What’swrongwiththat?”
“Nothing,”Miasaidquickly.“Nothingatall.AndIdidn’tevenreallyknowhim.I’mjustsaying,yourfolks’placeisabitofashrine.Plusthewayyoualltalkabouthim.Andthat’sfine,ifithelps.But—”ShesawKieran’sexpressionandhertonesoftened.“I’msorry,I’mnottryingtoargueaboutthis.”
“No,Iknow.Meneither,”Kieransaid,pantingalittlenowundertheweightofthestrollerastheyapproachedthetop.“ButFinnreallywasagoodguy.”
Evenashesaidthewords,amemoryKieranhadalmostforgottentumbledoffadustyshelfinhismind.Hecouldn’trememberexactlywhenitwasfrom,butitmusthavebeenacoupleofyearsbeforeFinndied,notlongafterheandTobyhadstartedthedivingbusiness.
Whathadhappened?Kierantriedtodredgeupthedetails.FinnandTobyhadgotthemselvesintoadisputewithalocaltradesman.Somethingaboutshoddyworkontheboat,whichhe’dthenrefusedtorepairorrefund.FinnandTobyhadasked,Kieranrememberednow,thenargued,thenpleaded,buttheblokehadrefusedtobudge.
KierancouldpictureFinn,relaxingdownatthebeachoutsidethecavesonewarmdayacoupleofweeksafterheandTobyhaddecidedtheyhadn’tgotmuchchoicebuttocuttheirlosses.Kieranhadbeensixteenandlyingonhistowel,feelingalittlelight-headedfromthebeerandthesunandnotlookingforwardtoswimmingbacktotheboat.Tobyhadbeentheretoo,ofcourse,andSean.AndAshaswell,Kieranthought,ashepicturedFinnstandingthere,goldenintheafternoonsun.Bare-chested,beerinhand,andagrinonhisfaceashe’dmadethemlaughwithhisstoryofwhathadplayedoutthenightbefore.Howhe’dputonhisbestshirt,gonetotheSurfandTurfwherethetradie’sgirlfriendwaslettingherhairdownwithafewmatesand,withoutevenbreakingasweat,hadsweptheroffherfeetandstraightintothesparebedatherfriend’splace.
Bythenextday,anyonewhowasinterestedhadheardaboutit.Thetradiehadbeensuitablypissedoff,andeveryoneelse—Finn,Toby,Ash,perhapsnotSean,butevenBrian—hadlaughedandagreeditwasnomorethanthedickheaddeserved.
KieranslowedashewalkedalongthecliffpathwithMiaandtheirbabydaughterandwondered—forthefirsttimeever,herealizedwithaflushofshame—whatthegirlherselfhadmadeofitall.
Aheadonthepath,Miawassayingsomething.“Imean,Finnwasyourbrother,obviouslyyou’regoingtomisshim.It’sjustwhatIwastalkingabouttheotherday,howgrievingpeoplenaturallyfocusonthegoodbits.You’renottheonlyones,though.Oliviadoesittoo,TrishBirchdefinitely.SeanaboutToby.Liamtoo,ofcourse.Bronte’sparents,Iwouldimagine—”
Miastoppedastheyhitthelookout.Evenfromupthere,theycouldheartheshrieksechoingbelow.Thebirdswerescreamingagain.
“Whatisgoingon?”Miaputahandagainstthesafetyrailandleanedover.“I’veneverseenthemlikethis.”
“TheywererileduptheotherdaywhenIwentdownthere—”HestoppedasMialookedupsharply.
“Ididn’tknowyouwentdownthere.”
“Oh,”hesaid.“Yeah.”
“Ithoughtyou’dstoppeddoingthat.”
Heshrugged.
“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”Miawaswatchinghimnow.
“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“I’msorry.Butitwaslowtide.Ihadmyphoneifanythinghappened.”
“It’snotthesafetystuff.Ornotonlythat.”Mialookedout,beyondTheSurvivorstowheretheNautilusBluewasbobbinginthewavesabovethesiteoftheMaryMinerva,diveflagraised.SheturnedbacktoKieran.“Imean,areyouokay?Beingbackhere?”
“Yeah,”hesaid.“Iam.Itwasn’t—”
Hestoppedandtheybothturnedagainasanotherchorusofshrieksbouncedofftherocks,echoinganddiscordant.Kieranhoistedhimselfupontothebarrierandleanedoveratthewaist,lookingstraightdown,beyondtheoverhangtothesliverofbeachthatwasvisible.
“Canyousee—?”KieranstartedasMiaheldupahand.
Shewascraningherneckatanangle,listening,butallhecouldhearbeneaththescreechofbirdswasthewashofthesea.Neitherspoke,thensuddenlyMiapointed.
Kieranleanedoverthebarrieragain.Atfirst,hecouldseenothing.Then,allatonce,hecaughtit.Ashadowflickeringdarkagainstthesand.Fromtheangleandthepositionofthesun,ithadtobethrownbythescrambleofmovementfromoneplace.Kieranwatched.Theshadowwasgone,butonlyfromsight.HelookedatMia.Someonewasatthemouthofthecaves.
27
KierancouldhearAudrey’scriesgrowingfainterasheedgeddowntheovergrownpath.Miahadtriedtostophim.
“Don’t.Please,Kieran.Seriously.Itdoesn’tmatterwho’sdownthere.”
Hehadleanedoverthesafetyrailasfarashecould.“Whatiftheydon’tknowhowdeepthetunnelsrun?Oraboutthetide?”
Miahadleanedoutagainaswell,squintingintothewind.Theycouldseenoone.Shehadpushedherhairoutofhereyes,exasperated.
“OhGod,Idon’tknow.IsitbadifIsayIdon’tcare?Please,don’tgo.IknowyouthinkwhathappenedtoBrontecan’thappen—”
Anotherflickerofshadowandtheybothstopped.
“Tellyouwhat,”hesaid.“I’llgodownhalfwayandstayonthepath.SeeifIcanspotanyonefromthere.”
Miahadeventuallyagreed.KieranhadleftherandAudreyatthetop,lookingdownoverthewater.ThegustofwindcaughtAudrey’swail,mournfulandpleading,andKieranalmoststoppedwalking.Hewasnolongerquitesurewhythishadseemedlikeagoodidea.
Hemadehimselfgotothehalfwaypoint,wherehisviewofthecaveswascompletelyobscuredbyajuttingrock.Kierandebated,thenwentafewstepslower.Hestoppedasthepathroundedthecurve,revealingthewaterbelow,gray-blueandglistening.Theshadowhaddisappearedandthestretchofemptybeachlaybeforehim.Thebirdscircledwarilyoverhead.
“Who’sdownhere?”Kierancalled,hisvoicebouncingofftherocks.
Thefaintechowasswallowedbythesea.Noonereplied.
“Isawyou.”Hiswordsrepeated,tumblingoverthemselvesbeforefadingaway.“You’renotsupposedtobedownhere.”
Theonlyresponsewastherollofthewater,leavingafoamyresidueasitchaseditselfinandout.Thenthebirdscollectivelyseemedtobristle,andKieranfelthimselftenseasplitsecondbeforeheregisteredtheflashofmovement.
Ashadow,tightandblackinthesun,emergedfromthehiddengloomoftheSouthCave.Someonesteppedout,blinkingasthedarknessgavewaytodaylight.
Kieransquintedasthefigurebecameclear,thenhesighedandpulledouthisphone.HesentatexttoMia.
It’sfine.It’sSuePendlebury.I’mgoingdown.
“Kieran.”Pendleburyraisedahandasshesawhim.Shelookedalittlewindsweptanddampassheheadedacrossthebeach,afinedustingofsandinherhair.Shehadacomputertablettuckedunderherarm.
“WasthatyouIheard?”Shelookedbackatthecaveandfrowned.“Thesound’sunusualinthere.Itseemstogetswallowedupsomehow.”
“Yeah,itdoes.”Kieranmethernearthetideline.“It’sthetunnels.Makesithardtotellwhereit’scomingfrom.”Helookedaround.“IsRennhere?”
“Justme.SergeantRenniswithBronte’sparents.”
“Howarethey?”
“Hopefulwecangivethemtheanswertheyneed,”Pendleburysaid.“AsamI.”
“Right.”KierancouldseethatthecuffsofPendlebury’strousersweredampandhewonderedhowfarshe’dgoneintothecaves.Therouteswerestrewnwithpools,someshallow,somedeceptivelydeep.“Istheresomethingyouwanteddownhere?Becausethetide’sstillprettyhigh.Someofthecavetunnelsarebelowsealevel.Ifyougetlost,youcandrown.It’snotsafe.”
“Understood.”Pendleburynoddedouttosea.“ItwasreallythemIwantedtolookat.”
“TheSurvivors?”
“Yeah.”Shetiltedherheadasshescrutinizedthethreefigures.Kieranwaited,watchingthesaltwaterwashagainstthesculpture.
“Aretheysupposedtobehappyorsad?”Pendleburysaidsuddenly.“Imean,isitacelebrationofthepeoplewhomadeit,oramemorialtotheoneswhodidn’t?”
“Idon’tknow,”Kieransaid.“Ithinkitcouldbeeither.”
“Opentointerpretation?”shesaidasheshrugged.“Tobehonest,Idon’treallygetart.It’smoremyhusband’sthing.”
Kieranwatchedasshetookthecomputertabletoutfromunderherarmandturnediton.Shehelditataboutshoulderheight,hereyesgoingfromscreentosculptureandbackagain.Itwasdeliberatelytiltedatsuchananglethathecouldn’tseewhatshewaslookingat.Pendleburyglancedoverathim.
“Yourmumreallyshouldhavetoldmeaboutyourdad’sconnectionwiththeGabbyBirchcase,youknow,”shesaid,hergazenowbackonthestatue.“Oryoushouldhave.Lastpersontoseethegirlbeforeshedisappeared?Ihadtofindthatoutformyself,andwhenIhavetofindthingsoutformyself”—shereachedupandswipedthescreen—“itmakesmewonderwhy.”
Kieranblinkedatthesuddenchangeoftopic.“Yeah,Iknowthat.AndMumdoestoo.There’snothinginit,though.”
“I’mverygladtohearit,”Pendleburysaid,stillstaringatTheSurvivors.
KieranpicturedVerityinthekitchenthatmorning,themilk-stainedpackingboxwhereBrianhadagainattemptedtohelpher,andhefeltapowerfulneedtoprotectthem.
“Listen,ifyou’rethinkingmyparentshadsomethingtodowithBronte—orGabbyforthatmatter—you’rewrong.”
“AmI?”Pendlebury’svoicewasneutral.
“Yes.Imean,obviously.Look,Iknowit’snotgreatthatmydadwasoutonSaturdaynight—Igetthat,wealldo—butyoucan’tspendfiveminuteswithhimandseriouslybelievehe’dhavethepresenceofmindtostealalaptopandcamera.”
“Ididn’tsayhedid,Kieran.”
“No,okay.Butwereyouhintingatit?Lastnightatthemeetingwhenyouweretalkingtomymum?”
Pendleburyclickedthetabletscreenoff.“Itsoundslikeyou’vebeenthinkingaboutthisabit.”
“Abouttheconsequencesofmyfather’sirreversiblydeterioratingmentalhealth?Yeah,surprisingly,Ithinkaboutitquitealot.”
“Fairenough.”Pendleburylookedathim,herhaircatchinginthewindassheconsidered.“Sotellmethis.You’realocal.Ifyouwereme,wherewouldyoubesearchingforBronte’smissinglaptopandcamera?”
“Ireallyhavenoidea.”Kieranmethergaze.“AlthoughGeorgeBarlinreckonsyoumightalreadyknowwhatwasonthemanyway.”
“Doeshe,now?”
“Yes.”Kierannoddedpointedlyatthecomputertabletshehadbeenscrutinizing.“Hedoes.”
PendleburyturnedbacktoTheSurvivors.Acloudclearedoverheadandthewatersparkledagain.
“HasGeorgeBarlinbeensayinganythingelse,outofinterest?”
KieranrememberedGeorgeoutsidethelibrarythepreviousnight,theirconversationinterruptedbyAsh’sarrival.Hefrowned.“Likewhat?”
“Anything.Justcurious,”Pendleburysaid,andKieranhadtheoddsenseshewasweighingsomethingup.
Hewaited,butwhenshedidn’tsayanymore,helookedtowardthepath.“Ishouldgetback.Mia’swaiting.Youprobablyshouldn’tstaydownherealone.”
Pendleburynodded,andtheyturnedandtogetherbegantowalkacrossthesand.
“Doyoucomedownheremuchyourself?”Pendleburyasked.“Thinkaboutyourbrother?”
“Notreally.Icanthinkabouthiminotherplaces.”
“That’strue.Wereyoutwocloseassiblings?”
“Ofcourse.Hecameoutinastormtosavemylife.”
PendleburylookedatKieran,againwiththatexpressionhecouldn’tread,thenglancedbackouttowheretheNautilusBluebobbedonthegentlecurrent.
“Liamspendsabitoftimeoutthere,though,doesn’the?HelpingSeanwiththebusiness.Theydon’tfindithardafterwhathappenedtoToby?”
“You’dhavetoaskthem.”Kieranshrugged.“Look,theyprobablydo.Butthewreckiswhereitis,sothere’snotmuchtheycandoaboutthat.”
“Anditseemsyouallenjoyedsomegoodtimesdownhereaswellonce,”Pendleburysaid,astheyapproachedtheNorthCave.EvenfromacrossthesandKierancouldmakeoutthescratchedlettersintherock,andastheydrewcloserhecouldseehisownnameclearly.Finn’swasaboveitandAsh’ssomewherebeyondthat,heknew.Yearslater,stillthere,stillperfectlyvisible.Hefeltafreshburstofirritationathisyoungerself.
“Markingterritory,wasit?Whoseideawasthis?”Pendleburywalkedrightuptothecaveentranceandranherfingeroverthelettering.
“Wealldidit.Ican’tremember.”
IthadbeenFinn’sidea.Stufflikethatusuallywas.Kieran’sphonebeepedinhispocketandhecheckedit.Mia.
“I’mgoingbackup,”hesaid.“Youshouldcometoo.”
Pendleburydidn’tsayanything.Shewasstaringdeepintothecave,unmoving.Kieranfollowedhergazeandforamoment,lessthanthateven,Kieranagainhadtheuneasysensationofsomethingwaitinginthedark,holdingitsbreath.Herealizedhisownlungsweretightandheexhaled.Pendleburyturnedsuddenly,andthefeelingwasgone.Kieranhadnoideaifshe’dfeltittoo.
“Don’tkeepMiawaiting,”shesaid.“I’llbeafewmoreminutesyet—”Sheheldupahandbeforehecouldprotest.“Literally,afewminutes.I’mnotgoingexploringonmyown,don’tworry.”
“Areyousure?”
“Absolutely.Yougo.”
Shewantedtogetridofhim,Kieranthoughtashisphonerangthistime.
“Allright,”hesaid.“Becareful,though.”
“Always,”Pendleburysaidwithasmile.Hecouldfeelherwatchingashetrudgedoverthesandandstartedupthecliffpath.Ashenearedthehalfwaypoint,justbeforethebeachdisappearedfromview,hestoppedandlookedback.
Pendleburyhadturnedawayfromthecaves.Shewasholdinguphertabletoncemore,standingverystillasshestaredoutatTheSurvivors.
28
Kierancouldtellsomethingwasdifferentassoonasheunlockedthefrontdoor.HeandMiahaddissectedhisconversationwithPendleburyallthewaybackdownthecliffpath,pausingonlytogiveShiftyanotherpatontheheadastheypassedthecemeterygates.TheSurfandTurfhadlookedclosetoemptyastheywalkedby,sotheyhadstoppedandorderedtwocoffeestogofromawaiterKierandidn’tknow.
Now,asKieranusedhisfreehandtopushopenthedoortohisparents’place,itimmediatelyfeltodd.Thedoorswungfreeandunimpeded,ashaftofdaylightilluminatingthehallway.Kieran’sfootstepsrangoutwithastrangehollowechoashewalkedinside.Miawasrightbehindhim.
“Oh,”shebreathed.
Thehallwaywascompletelyclear.
Everysagginghalf-packedboxwasgone.Kierancouldseetheduststreakswheretheyhadstood,andloosesandcrunchedundertheirshoes.Hehadgrownusedtothefrontdooropeningonlythree-quartersoftheway,andtohavingtoedgearoundatowerofcardboardeverytimehewentinorout.Nowhewalkedstraightthrough,hisstepssoundingtooloudagainstthebarefloorboards.
“It’sthesameinhere,”Miasaid,andKieranlookedpastherintothelivingroom.Thecouchandcoffeetablewerestillthere,butthesmallmountainofboxesthathehadhelpedpartfillhimselfwasgone.Brianwassittinginhisarmchairbythewindow.HehadbeengazingoutbutliftedhisheadashesawKieran.Hefrownedasthoughtryingtograspathought.
“Areyouallright,Dad?”Noreply.KieranturnedbacktoMia.“What’s—?”
HestoppedandtheybothturnedasVeritycameoutofthekitchen,dryingherhandsonateatowel.Herfacewasmottledpinkandshehadhalf-moonsweatstainsunderthearmsofherT-shirt.
“Oh,”shesaid.“Hello.Goodwalk?”
Kieranstaredather.“Wherearealltheboxes?”
“Someareintheotherroom.Somearestackedoutonthebackveranda.”
Kieranwaitedbutshesaidnomore,justfoldedtheteatowelintoasquare.“ForGod’ssake,Mum,”hesaid.“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Whatdoesitlooklike?Gettingorganized.”Veritywentbackintothekitchenandtheyfollowedher.Shehadstartedbutnotyetfinishedtheprocessinthere.“Theclutterwasgettingridiculous.”
“Youmovedthoseboxesallbyyourself,Verity?”Miasaid.“Youshouldhavewaiteduntilwewereback.”
“Mostofthemweren’theavy.Cushionsandornaments.”Verityputthekettleon.“Icouldslidetheonesthatwere.”
NeitherKierannorMiasaidanything.Asthekettlerumbled,Veritystaredatthesink.Atlast,sheturnedandlookedatthemproperly.
“I’vebeentryingtopretendthismoveisn’thappening.Butitis.Andignoringitandputtingthingsoffisn’thelping.It’sbadenoughhavingtoleaveherewithouthalfmyclothesandbelongingsgettingdestroyedintheprocessbyyourdadtryingtohelp.Ineedtoacceptthisandmakethebestofit.”Shereachedforthekettle.“Sothat’swhatI’mdoingfromnowon.”
Kierantookabreath.Whatshesaidseemedgenuine,butitwashardtotellwithVeritythesedays.HelookedatMia,whogaveatinynod.
“I’llgetAudreysettled,”Miasaid.“Thenwe’llgiveyouahandinhere,Verity.”
“Youdon’thaveto.Icanmanage.”
“Wewantto,Mum,”Kieransaid.“That’swhywecameback.Soyoudon’thavetodoitallonyourown.”
Itwasalongafternoon,butbytheendatleasttheycouldseethemainsurfacesandfloorsagain.Aseveningrolledaround,KieranwasreadytodonothingmorethanflopintobedandhecouldtellMiafeltthesameway.Hegroanedwhenhisphonebeepedwithatext.Sean.
“He’saskedifwe’llgofordrinkstonightattheSurfandTurf,”hesaidtoMia.“Hesaysit’sbeendead.Julian’sworried.”
“Ishe?Iknowitwasprettyemptyearlier,butIdidn’trealizeitwasthatbad.”Miastifledayawn.“AreLivandAshgoing?”
“Soundslikeit.”
Theylookedateachother.Audrey,fractiousallday,hadatlastsettled.Thebedwasrightthere.Miaclosedhereyesbutstayedstanding.
“Weshouldgo,”shesaid,“ifVerityfeelsuptobabysitting.”Shestillhadtracesofdustfromthepackingboxesinherhair.“Besides,onceyourmumanddadmove,thismightbethelasttimewe’rehere.”
Kieranhadn’tconsideredthat,herealizedwithajolt.WhilehetextedSeanback,hewonderedifitweretrue.Whenhisparentsleft,wouldtherestillbeenoughheretobringhimbackagain?Maybe,hethoughtashehitthesendbutton.Ormaybenot.Hehonestlydidn’tknow.
KieranandMiadidn’ttalkmuchastheywalkedintotown.TheeveninghadanechoofthatawfulSaturdaynightthatwasimpossibletoignore,andastheypassedFisherman’sCottage,Mialookedaway.Asinglelargefreshbouquethadbeenplacedamongthewiltingones.FromBronte’sparents,Kieranguessed,butdidn’tslowdowntocheck.
TheSurfandTurfwasemptyinawayhehadneverseenitbefore.Therewasn’tasinglepersonontheoutsidedeckastheyapproached,andthroughthelitwindowshecouldseemostofthetableswereunused.KieranwasabouttoclimbthestepswhenhefeltMiatouchhiselbow.ShemadeasubtlegestureandKieranturnedtolook.
Julianwasstandingbythesideoftheroadalittlefartheralong,ashortwaypasttheCCTVcamera.Hisshortsilverhairwastingedyellowfromthestreetlightasheleanedintothedriver’ssidewindowofawhiteHoldenfour-wheeldrive.
Liam’scar,Kieranrecognizedstraightaway.WasthatthecarhehadseenonSaturdaynight?hewonderedagain.Strangely,ashelookedatitnow,hecouldpictureitalmostclearly,speedingaroundthecorneroutoftheblackness,alittletoocloseforcomfort.Whetherthememorywasrealormanufactured,Kieranreallywasn’tsure.
HecouldmakeoutLiamnowsittinginthedriver’sseat,mostlyinsilhouette.Liamheldthesteeringwheelwithonehandandwasrubbinghiseyeswiththeother.
“Ishecrying?”Miawhispered.
“Idon’tknow.”Hecouldbe,KieranthoughtashewatchedJulianreachinthroughtheopenwindowandplaceapalmonhisstepson’sshoulder.Julianwassayingsomethingnow,leaninginfurtheruntilhisfacewasalmosthidden.
Liamdroppedhishandfromhiseyesandmusthavespottedthemthroughthewindshield,becausesuddenlyJulianturnedtheirway.HestraightenedandbothmenlookeddirectlyatthembeforeJuliannoddedingreeting.
“Thanksforcomingby,”hecalled.Heshruggedinanattemptathumor.“Keptthebesttablesforyou.”
Kierannoddedbackinresponseand,astheyclimbedthestepstogoin,hesawJulianleanbackintothecar.
HeheardAshwellbeforehesawhim.
“Seemstobetakingyouaverylongtime,”Ashwassaying.“Writingthisbook.You’vebeenatitformonths.Pokingyournoseintopeople’sbusiness.”
“It’scalledaresearchphase.”GeorgeBarlinwasalreadyhalfonhisfeet,staringathislaptopscreenasheclickedthekeyboardtoshutitdown.Amostlyfullglassofredwinestoodabandonedonthetable.“Iwasajournoforfifteenyears.Iliketolookintothingsthatinterestme.”
Ashmadeadismissivenoise.HewasleaningagainstGeorge’stable,armsfoldedacrosshischest,andbarelyglancedoverasKieranandMiacamein.
“Haven’tgotwriter’sblock,Ihope?”
“Nope.Thanksfortheconcern.”
“Justwanttomakesureyoucankeepupthemortgagepaymentsonthatbeautifulhouseofyours.”
“Writer’sblockisforamateurs,mate.”Georgedidn’tbothertolookatAshashesnappedhislaptopshut.“Idothisforaliving.”
KieranshotalookacrosstheroomtowhereSeanwasseatedbythewindow.Hewaswatchingtheexchangeopenmouthed,acoupleofhalf-emptybeerglassesinfrontofhim.
“Still.”Ashwasfullyfocusedontheauthor.“Bearealshametoturninadud.”
Georgedidn’treplyashegotouthissatchel.
Ashleanedinalittle.“I’mjustsaying,lettingthosesuper-highstandardsofyoursslipwouldbe—”
“Ash,mate.”Kierantriedtojumpin,butGeorgeheldupahand.
“It’sfine.Thethingis,Ash,IonlytakecriticismfrompeopleI’dgotoforadvice.”George’stonewaslightbutcutstraightthrough.“Andwhenitcomestowriting,doyouknowhowmanypeopleareinthatgroup?Aboutthree,myfriend.Andnotoneofthemisyou.”
“Hey,I’mnotimplyinganything,mate.Idon’tevenreadthem.”Ashtookahalf-stepforwardasGeorgemovedoutfromthetable.“ButIheardreviewsforyourlastonewere—what’sthepoliteterm?—mixed.”
“Well.”Georgelookedfaintlyamused.“Thatbookletmebuyyournan’streasuredfamilyhomeforcash.SoIreckonImustbedoingsomethingright.”
Ashopenedhismouth,thencloseditagaininsuchawaythatKieranalmosthadtosmile.ThedoortotherestroomswungopenandOliviaappeared.Shelookedtiredandherheadwasdown.ShestartedtowardSean’stablewhenshenoticedAshandGeorgeintheothercornerandstoppedinhertracks.
“Butyouseemtobestrugglingtounderstandwhatallthismeans,Ash,”Georgewassaying.Hisvoicewasflatandslow,likehewastalkingtoachild.“ItmeansIownthathousenow.Andthegarden.Italsomeansyou’dbetterstophangingaroundmypropertyatallhourswiththatlookonyourface.YouthinkIdidn’tseeyououtthereagainthismorning?”
“I’vebeenkeepinganeyeonthecopsforyou,mate.Youknowhowthey’vebeenstoppingbyyourplacethelastfewdays?Yep.”Ash’svoicewashard.“I’veseenthemintheretalkingtoyou.Whyaretheyaskingyousomanyquestions,anyway?”
Georgelookedathimcloselybeforegivingasmallshrug.“Whoknows,eh?Whoknowswhatthey’veuncovered?”
“LivsaysyouwroteaprettypersonalmessageinBronte’sbook.”
“Hey,Ash.Don’t,”Oliviasaid,butGeorgesimplyfrowned.
“DidI?”hesaid.“Probably.Brontewastryingtomakeitinacreativeindustry.Iknowwhatthat’slike.Sheenjoyedmybooks.Ithoughtherpicturesweregood.Herplansformakingalivinginanartisticfieldseemedprofessionalandrealistic,whichisrare.Youdon’tseethatalot.So,yeah—”Georgenodded.“IfitsurprisesyouthatBronteandIhadenoughincommontohavesomesortofloosefriendship,thenthatsaysalotmoreaboutyou,Ash,thanitdoesaboutme.”
“Idon’tknowaboutthat,mate.Notwithherendinguplikeshedid.”
“Ash!”Oliviawasangrynow.“Enough!”
Hiseyesmethersandforthefirsttimehehesitated.Inthecorner,Seanwasonhisfeet.Thesolewaiteratthecashregisterkeptlookinganxiouslyatthedoor,probablywishingJulianwouldhurryupandreturn.AshturnedbacktoGeorge,notquitereadytoletgoyet,butGeorgehadalreadytakenasteptowardtheexit.
“Thethingis,mate,”Georgesaidasheputhissatchelstrapoverhisshoulder,“youcantrytomakethisaboutBronte—bitghoulishandtacky,ifyouaskme—butwebothknowthat’snotwhat’sdrivingthis.It’snotevenreallyaboutmerippingupthatgarden.Which,onceagain,Iown.”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’reonabout.”Ashwasfrowning.
“No?”George’svoicewassteadyandsoft.“It’snotaboutthefactthatitannoysyouthatImakemoremoneythanyoudoingacreativejobthatyoudon’trespect?Orhowyouthinkyoucouldhavedonealotmorewithyourlife,buthaverealizedlatelythatyou’llprobablyneverleavehere?”HeglancedatOlivia,herfacestormy.“Orhowyoususpectyourgirlfriendistoogoodforyou?Whichsheabsolutelyis,bytheway.You’rerighttobeworried.What?—”GeorgegaveahardlaughatAsh’sexpression.“It’snotmagic,mate.It’scalledpayingattentiontoyoursurroundings.Imean,Iknowliterallynothingaboutyourfather,otherthanthefactyouclearlyhaveaverypoorrelationshipwithhim—”
“Stoptearingupthebloodygarden!”Ashshouted.“Jesus,it’snotaboutanyofthatstuff.Juststopdestroyingmygarden,allright?”
Therewasalongsilence.Ashrubbedhishandsoverhisfaceandheldthemthere,breathinginandout.Finally,hedroppedthem.
“Forgetit,”hesaid,hisvoicequietnow.Helookeddefeated.“It’stoobloodylateanyway.”
Noonemoved,thenAshshovedachairoutofhiswaywithaclatter.
“Ineedsomeair.”
Heletthedoorslam.Oliviawasafewpacesbehind,lookingupset.Throughthewindows,KieransawherfollowAsharoundtothesideofthebuilding.Georgewaitedonlyuntiltheywereclear,thenadjustedhisbagandwalkedouthimselfwithoutaword,shakinghishead.
KieranandMiawatchedhimgo,thenlookedoveratSean,whohadsatdownagaininthecorner.
“MaybewecheckifAshisokaythencallitanight,hey?”Miamurmured.
“Yeah,Ithinkso.”
“IjustwanttoputsomemoneyinBronte’scollectionbox.Thanks,”shesaidasKieranhandedhersomecashtoaddtowhatshewasfishingoutofherownpurse.“I’llseeyouatthetable.”
KierancouldhearthefaintsoundsofAshandOliviatalkingoutsideashesatdownoppositeSean.Hecouldn’tmakeoutthewords,butthetonefloatingthroughtheclosedwindowhadthefeelofanargument.
“Whatdoyoureckon?”KieransaidasSeanlookedup.“Tryagaintomorrow?”
“Idon’tknow.Maybe.”Seanraisedhiseyestothewindowasthevoicesoutsidegrewalittlelouder,thendiedawayagain.
“Shouldoneofusgoout?”Kieransaid,butSeanjustshrugged.
“Waituntiltheycomein.Theydothissometimes.Itrunsitscourse,theymakeup.”
“EvenafterwhatGeorgesaid?”
Seanmanagedathinsmile.“Wasanyofthatnewstoyou?Wasthereanythingsaidovertherethatyoudidn’talreadyknowaboutAsh?”
Kieranthought,thenshookhishead.
“No,”Seansaid.“Meneither.OrLiv,Ireckon.”
“ItmighthavebeennewstoAsh,though.”
Seansighed.“God,you’dhopenot,bynow.”Helookedupasthedooropened,andJuliancamein,alongwithSergeantRenn.Theyweretalking,butbothfellquietastheyseemedtosensethelingeringatmosphereintheroom.JulianrecoveredfirstandbeckonedthewaitertothecoffeestationtotakeRenn’sorder.Renntookaseattowait,seemingalmostassurprisedasKieranhadbeentofindtheplacesoempty.Heleanedbackheavilyinhischair.Helookedlikehe’dhadaharddaywithBronte’sparents.
“Whatdidyoumakeofthemeetingatthelibrary?”Kieranasked,andSeanrubbedhisfacewithhishand.
“Liamdidn’tdoit,”hesaid,hisvoicesmothered.“Iknowhim.I’mnotsurewhatmoreIcansay.”
Kierandidn’treply,andeventuallySeanlookedup.
“Youtoo,hey?”Hesoundedresigned.“Throwawaythekey?”
“Mate,no.”Kieranshookhishead.“Ihonestlyhavenoidea.YouknowLiambetterthanIdo.Andthecopshaven’tmadeamoveonhim,havethey?Sothat’ssomething.”
TheybothlookedovertoRenn,whohadtakenacomputertabletoutofhisbagandwaslookingatthescreen,flickingthroughinawaythatwasunremarkablebutsuddenlyfeltveryfamiliartoKieran.
“Pendleburywasdownatthecavesearlier,”Seansaid,readingKieran’smind.“Isawherfromtheboat.”
“Yeah,Isawhertoo.MiaandIwere—”KieransawMiaheadingtowardthem,andmovedovertomakeroomforher.“IwasjustsayingtoSeanthatwesawPendleburyatthecaves.”
“Didshesaywhatshewasdoing?”Seansaid.“Seemedlikeshewasthereforawhile.”
“No.ShewaslookingatTheSurvivors.”
“Oh.”Seanfrowned.“Whyfromthebeach?Whynotthelookout?Orthewater,even?”
“Don’tknow,mate.”
Seanshookhisheadanddrainedthelastofoneofthebeerglasses.Outside,AshandOliviaseemedtohavefallenquiet.KieranwaswonderingiftheywerestilltherewhenheheardOliviasaysomething.Hertonewasblunt.Therestaurantwassoempty,itwashardnottofeelliketheywereeavesdropping.
“Ican’tbelievepeoplehaveabandonedthisplace,”Miasaid.“Afterhowmanyyears?”
“Yeah,”Seansaid.“Juliansaysthey’llcomeback,oncethisisallover.Butwhoknowshowlongit’llgoon?”Hesighed.“Haveyoubeenonthatlocalchatforum?Therewassomethingafewdaysagoaboutaboycottofthisplace,Ithink.”
“Therewas,”Kieransaid.“Alotofpeopleweren’tinfavor,though.”
“No?Ican’tfacegoingonthere.Someofthestuffpeoplewerewritingwasunbelievable.Listen—”Seanstoodup.“Ineedanotherdrink.Doyouwantanything?Whilewe’rewaitingforAsh?”
KieranlookedatMiaandtheyhadasilentconversation.
“Thanks,mate,”Kieransaid.“We’llhaveonewithyouwhilewewait.”
Miawatchedhimleave,thenturnedtoKieran.
“Listen,Imeanttosay,therewassomethingelseaboutyourdadontheforum,”shesaidinalowvoice.“Isawitbefore.It’snothingtoworryabout—”
KieranhadalreadygotouthisphoneandwaspullinguptheEBOCHsite.
“Itwassomeonesayinghelookedfrailatthemeeting,”Miasaid.“Here—”
Sheleanedoverandtouchedhisscreen,scrollinguntilshefoundthecomment.Shewasright,itwasnothingmorethanthat,butstillKieran’sheartconstrictedalittleinhischestatthesightofanonymousstrangersgossipingabouthisdad’shealth.
“MaybewecouldaskRennifhecouldgetitdeleted,”Miasaid.“Imean,likeGeorgesaidtheyweredoing.Ifthey’redeletingsomeposts,howhardisittodeletethat?”
“Hethoughtitwasonlystufftodowiththeinvestigation,though.”
“Iknow,butstill.”
Kieranscrolledthrough,scanningthecommentsforanyfurthermentionofBrian.Hecouldn’tseeanyimmediately,buttherewasanoceantowadethroughnow.Miahadbeenright,thepeopleofEvelynBaywereabsolutelyspillingtheirgutsabouteachother.Itmadehimfeeldepressedtolookatit.Kieranwasabouttoclosethescreenwhenhisgazesnaggedonararedeletedentry.
ThiscommentbyTheresaHartleyhasbeenremovedforviolatingEBOCHguidelines.
Kieranfrowned.TheresaHartley,Mia’smusicteacherwiththegranddaughteratBronte’suniinCanberra.Whathadshemanagedtostumbleacross,Kieranwondered,thatwasdeemedbythepolicetoohottoshare?Helocatedthesearchfunctiononthesite.Theresahadbeenreasonablyactive,hesawnow,withseveraldozenpoststohername.Severaldozen,butonlytwodeletedones.
KierantappedonherearliestdeletedcommentandthethreadclaimingBrontehadbeencaughtonthebeachhavingsexpoppedup.Ofalltheluridremarksonthattopic,Theresa’shadbeenremoved.Kierantriedtothink.Whathadshesaidoriginally?Therepliestoherpostwerestillvisible.Havingsexdoesn’tmeanshewasn’tanicegirl,someonehadrespondedtoher.
Thatwasit.Herememberednow.Brontewasanicegirl,Theresahadwritten.Hergranddaughtersaidso.Andthenshe’dpostedalink.Kieranpulleduphisownbrowsinghistory.Thelinktothesocialmediasitehefelttoooldforwasstillthere.HeclickedthroughandthetributepagetoBrontepoppedup.
Kieranlookedthroughthelatestposts.Thereweresomesketches,apoemthatstruggledtorhymethenameBrontewithanythinguseful,afewdrawings.Hescrolleddowntooneimageandpausedashefeltastirofrecognition.
Itwasaphoto.NotofBronte,butofabeach.EvelynBay’sbeach,specifically.KierancouldseeFisherman’sCottageinthecorner.Itwasthefirstphotoinagallerysimplyentitled“SummerScenes.”
Kieranopenedthegallery.Moreoceanshots.Alllocal,hecouldtell.Astreetscapeofthetownitself.AnartfullytakenshotoftheoutsideoftheSurfandTurf.TheSurvivors,asseenfromthelookout.
HadBrontetakenthesephotos?Shehad,Kieranfeltsure.Notonlyfromthefacttheimageswerepostedonherowntributesite,butbecausethephotoshadthefamiliarstylehe’dseenintheartbookinherbedroom.
Hescrolledon.Afewpicturesofthecliffpath,thentheywerebacktotheseascapes.Thepictureshadclearlybeentakenrecentlybut—Kieranstoppedagain,histhumbhoveringabovethescreen.
Hewasstaringatanotherphotoofthebeach.Thisonehadbeentakendownlow,nearthesandasthewavesrushedin.Kieranignoredtheclose-upsightofathickcordofseaweed,hiseyesinsteaddrawntothebackground.Inthedistance,smallbutrecognizable,threepeoplestoodnearthesurf.Amaninboardshortsholdingababy,adark-hairedwoman,andabigguywithabigdog.
Kieran,Mia,andAsh,onthebeachonSaturdayafternooninEvelynBay.
Kieranstaredatthephotoandtriedtoprocesswhatthatmeant.HeandMiahadflownin,Brontehadcapturedtheminthisphoto,shehadchasedAudrey’shat,andlessthantwenty-fourhourslater,shewasdead.HetouchedMia’sarmandheldouthisscreen.
“Thelinktothesewasdeletedfromtheforum,”hesaidunderhisbreath.
“Really?”MiaglancedovertowardRennasshetookthephone.
Kieranwatchedherfaceasshescrolledthrough,waitingtoseeifshewouldcometothesameconclusion.Likehim,shefrozeatthebeachshot,leaninginclosetothescreen.
“Wait.Wesawhertakethisone.Didn’twe?”Mia’svoicewashardtohear.“Whenwasthat?Wasitthesamedayhercamerawentmissing?”
Kierannodded.
“But—”Mialookedworried.“Ifhercamerawentmissingthatnight,arethesethephotosfromit?”Shewasstaringatthepictures.“Howaretheyonline?”
“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.
Kieransensedmovementbehindhimandturned.Olivia.
“Listen,we’regoingtoheadoff,”shesaidassheapproached,withAshhalfapacebehind.Theycametoastopatthetable,bothwearingidenticalblankexpressions.Kierancouldn’ttelliftheirargumentwasconcludedorcontinuing.
“Noworries.”HelookedatAsh,whoseeyeswererawinawayKieranhadneverseenthembefore.“Listen,mate—”
“What’sthat?”Ashcuthimoff.HewaslookingatthephotoonthescreeninMia’shand.Whenshedidn’tanswer,hereachedoutandtookthephonewithoutasking.Hestaredattheimage.Theseaweedand,inthebackground,thefiguresinthesurf.“Whatisthis?”hesaidagain.
Olivialeanedin,tryingtosee,asSeanappearedbehindthemwiththreeglassesinhishands.
“What’sgoingon?”hesaid,lookingfromKierantoAsh.
Ashdidn’tanswer,justtouchedthescreentoenlargetheimage.
Seanslidthedrinksontothetableandwipedhishandsonhisshortsandtriedagain.“What’sonthephone?”HelookedatKieran.“It’syours,isn’tit?”
KieranglancedatMia.ShehadhereyesonRenn,whowastalkingtothewaiter.
“Therearesomephotosonline.”Kieranspokeveryquietly.“WethinktheymightbefromBronte’smissingcamera.”
“Areyouserious?”Oliviastaredforasecond,thenherhanddartedouttowardthephone.Ashsimplyturnedhisshoulderslightly,blockingher.
“Wait,isthatyouinthatpicture?”HereyessnappedfromAshtoKieranandMia.“Youaswell?”
Ashheldthescreenclosetohisfaceashescrolled.Seanwascrowdingintohisotherside,tryingtosee,butAshkepthisbodytwistedandthephoneoutofreach.
“Idon’tunderstand,”Oliviawassaying.“What’sgoingon?Whyareyouinthosephotos?”
Ashstoppedsuddenly,histhumbhoveringoverthescreen,hismouthadownturnedline.Heblinkedonce,slowly,asthoughhewouldbesurprisedifhecouldfindtheenergy.
“Well,”hesaid,hisvoiceflat.“Atleastwe’renottheonlyones.”
Hedroppedthephoneontothetable,faceup,andKierancrowdedin,feelingtheotherthreedothesame.AfreshphotowasonthescreenandKieranscrambledtoregisterwhathewasseeing.
Itwasarockpool,craggyanddeep.Thewatercollectinginitscreviceslookedslickandalmostoily,reflectinganaturallyfilteredimageoftheskyandtheclouds.Andsomethingelse.
Someonewasstandingbythepool,alittlewaybehindthephotographer,possiblyunseenbyher.Themirrorimageofhisfacewascapturedinthepool,theexpressionwarpedbysoftripples,buttheidentityclear.
“Liam.”Oliviadrewinabreath.
“Wait—”Seansaid,butitwasnogood.Inacollective,instinctivereaction,theyalllookedtowardRenn.
“Wait,”Seansaidagain.HishandshotoutandlandedonKieran’s,whichwasalreadycoveringthephone.“Guys,listen.Please.Justwaitasecond—”
“It’stoolate,”Kieransaid.
Rennwaswatchingthemnow,coffeecupforgotten.Computertabletstillopeninfrontofhim,fingerpoisedmid-swipe.Helookedattheirfaces,andatthephonetheywerecrowdingaround,andhishandtwitchedagainstthetabletscreen.IfKieranhadn’tbeensurebefore,hewasnow.
“It’stoolate,mate,”hesaid.Sean’spalmwasheavyonhiswrist.“They’vealreadyseenthem.”
29
KieranopenedhiseyesinthenighttofindMiaalreadyawake,herfacelitupbyherphone.TheylaysidebysideandwentthroughBronte’sphotostogether,slowlyexaminingeachone.Thebeach,theshops,theseaweed,Liam,themselves.Eachtimetheyreachedtheendofthegallery,theyscrolledbacktothestartandwentthroughagain.Theprocessdidn’ttakelong;therewereonlyfifteenshots.
“Thiscan’tbeallofthem,”Miawhisperedatlast.“They’reso…mundane.”
Kieranshookhisheadagainstthepillow.He’dbeenthinkingthesamething.Miastaredintoherphone,thenclickedabuttonandthescreenwentblank.
“Idon’tlikeitthatwe’reinthere,”shesaidintothedarkness.
ShefinallyfellbackintoanuneasysleepbutKieranlayawakeforhours,closinghiseyesatlastonlytobewokenwhatfeltlikemomentslaterbyAudrey.
AshhadsimplywalkedoutoftheSurfandTurfthenightbeforewithoutsayinggoodbye.Hehadstoodapartwhiletherestofthemporedovertheirscreens,andthenexttimeKieranlookeduphehadgone.Oliviahadtriedcalling,andeventuallyherphonehadbeepedwithatext.
“He’sathome.”Shereachedforherbagandwasgone,thedoorslammingbehindher.Throughthewindow,KieransawherturninthedirectionofAsh’splace.Seanhadbarelysaidanything,otherthantoaskoncemorethattheynotshowRennthephotos.KieranandMiahadagreed,mainlybecauseKieranfeltsureitmadenodifferenceeitherway.Theyhadsatthereforabitlonger,allgluedtotheirphones,untileventuallySeanhadlookedup,hisfaceheavy.
“Youguysgo,ifyouwantto.I’mjustgoingtosithereforawhile.”
Theirofferstostayhadbeenturneddownuntilithadbecomeawkward,andatlastthey’dlefthimsittingalonewithhisthoughtsinthenear-emptySurfandTurf.
Themorninghaddawnedwithaflatbluesky,andMiawasyawningasKieransettledafractiousAudreyintothestroller.Briansatinhischairandwatchedthemputtheirshoeson.KierancouldhearVeritytacklingtheremainingboxesinthekitchen.
“StillnothingfromAsh?”Miasaid,andKierancheckedhisphone.Heshookhishead.He’dleftafewmessages.AllhadgoneunansweredandMiaeventuallytextedOlivia.
“Okay,shesaysAshletherinlastnight,butdidn’tcometobed,”Miasaid,readingthereplyastheysteppedoutside.“Whenshewokeupthismorning,he’dsleptonthecouchandhadalreadygoneout.”
“Towork?”
“Iguessso.”
“Right,”Kieransaid,startingdowntheroadnow.HestoppedasherealizedMiawasn’tfollowing.Shewaslookingtheotherway,shadinghereyes.
“Let’sgothebeachway,”shesaid.
“We’vegotthestroller.”
“We’llcarryherdownthen.Justalittleway.”
“Why?”ItwouldbethefirsttimeMiahadsetfootproperlyonthesandsinceSaturdaynight,asfarashewasaware.
“Idon’tknow,really.IwanttoseethespotwhereBrontetookourphoto.Andtheothers.”
“I’mprettysurethecopshavealreadydonethis,”hesaid,noddingatthephoneinherhand.“Tracedhermovements,orwhatever.That’sgottobewhyPendleburywaslookingatTheSurvivorstheotherday,hasn’tit?”
“Still.”Miashrugged.“Doyoumind?”
“No,”hesaid.“ButI’mnotsurethere’llbeanythingtoseethatwehaven’tseenbefore.”
Hewasright,atleastaboutthebeach.TheyidentifiedasaccuratelyastheycouldwheretheyhadfirstseenBronte,beachcombingandcrouchinginthesurftolookatseaweed.Nowtherewasnothingatalltodistinguishthatspotfromthelongstretchofsandoneitherside.Fartheralong,though,abovethetidelineoutsideFisherman’sCottage,Kierancouldstillmakeoutashimmerasthewindranthroughtheplastic-wrappedbouquets.Miastoodnearthesurf,holdingherhairinafistasshefollowedhisgaze.
“Let’sgobacktotheroad”wasallshesaid.
Kierancouldn’tseetheNautilusBlueindockastheynearedthemarina.Ontheoffchance,heknockedatthedoorofAshandSean’sbeachhouse,butitwasclearnoonewashome.
“Hopefullyhe’satworkatthecemeteryorsomewhere,lickinghiswounds,”Miasaid,butshewasfrowning.
“Probably,”Kieransaid.“KnowingAsh.”
Although,reallyknowingAsh,Kieranthought,itwasunlikehimnottobouncestraightbackfromsomething.
Theywalkedon,pastLynhavingacigarettebesidethedeliveryentranceoftheSurfandTurf.MiaslowedalittlefurtheralongastheycomparedtheirpositionwiththeangleonBronte’sphotoofthestreetscape.
“Maybethisisstupid,”Miasaidasshefoundherselfedgingupagainstthedustywindowofthenewsstandtogettherightlineofsight.
“Maybe.”Kierannoddedupthestreettowardtheresidentialend.“Butatleastwe’reingoodcompany.”
Pendleburywasleaningagainstalowwall,hercomputertabletoutagain.ShehadbeensquintingfromthescreentoasandstonecottagebutwasnowwatchingMiaholdherownphoneout.Theyalllookedateachother,thenPendleburyraisedahandandbeckoned.Apoliteorder,ratherthananinvitation.
“Greatminds,”shesaidlightlyastheyapproached.“SergeantRennsaidhewasintheSurfandTurflastnight,thoughtthatlinkhadleaked.”Pendleburylookedalittleputout,butnotparticularlytroubled.“So,ifyou’refollowingthosephotos,I’mguessingyou’llbeheadingupthecliffpathtothelookout?”Shepushedherselfawayfromthewall.“I’llwalkwithyou.I’mgoingthatwaymyself.”
“Sowe’reright,then?ThesephotosarefromBronte’scamera?”Kieransaidastheystartedwalkingthroughtheoldpartoftown.
PendleburyreachedoutahandforMia’sphone.Herthumbmovedoverthescreenrapidlyastheywalked,checkingtheimages,andafterafewpaces,shehandeditbackwithanod.“They’resomeofthem.”
“Howdidtheygetonline?”heasked.
“Bronte’suniprovidedonlinestoragespaceaspartofhercourse,”Pendleburysaid.“Artstudentshavealotofhigh-resfiles,I’mguessing.Bronteuploadedherstuffmostdays.”ShenoddedatMia’sphone.“Ideallytheywouldn’thavegoneonthatsocialmediasite,butatsomepointshe’dallowedotherstudentssharedaccesstosomeofherfolders.Groupprojects,apparently.”
“Youcouldn’tblockthem?”Kieransaid.
“Wecould,butthenpeoplestarttowonderwhyandthat’snotalways—”Pendleburystoppedshort.Herpaceslowedandshemadeanoiseoffrustration.“ForGod’ssake.”
TheywereapproachingGeorgeBarlin’shouse,ripped-upgardenandall.ParkedontheroadoutsidewasAsh’sdirtypickup.
KierancouldseeAshthroughthewindshield,sittinginthedriver’sseat,engineoff,armscrossedagainstthesteeringwheel.Shiftywasnexttohimonthepassenger’sside,headoutofthewindowandtonguelolling.
“He’sbeenwarnedaboutthis.”PendleburyglancedatKieran.“Hehastomoveon.Iamveryhappyto—”
“No,it’sokay.”Kieranputthebrakeonthestroller.“I’lltalktohim.”
AshhadalreadyfireduptheenginebythetimeKieranhadcrossedtheroad.
“It’sallright,I’mgoing.Ihadsomethingtoseetobut—”AshleanedoutofhisopenwindowandraisedhisvoiceinPendlebury’sdirection.“I’mleavingnow,okay?Youdon’tneedtocallyourmates,I’mgoing.”
Ashsatbackheavilyintheseatandreachedforthegears.Kieranputahandonthedoor.
“Hey,waitasec,”hesaid.
“What,mate?I’vegotworktodo.”
“Imessagedyou.”
“Yep.”Ashsighed.“I’matwork,mate.”
“Yeah,okay,but—”
Ashfinallylookedover.HisfacestillcarriedahintoftheexposednerveKieranhadseenthenightbefore,buttodayhesimplyseemedtired.
“What?”Ashsaidagain.
“Areyouallright?Afterlastnight?”
“Fine.”
“Right.”Kieranstilldidn’tmovehishandoffthedoor.“BecausethatstuffGeorgewassaying—”
“Oh.”AtinycreaseappearedaroundAsh’seyes.“Yeah,no,that’sfine.Look,mate”—heputthetruckintogear—“I’vegottokeepmoving.”
“Well,givemeacallifyou—”
ButAshwasalreadyraisinganarmoutthewindowinpointedfarewelltoPendlebury.Kierandroppedhishandandtookastepbackasthetruckmovedaway.Theyallwatcheduntilthevehiclewasoutofsight,thenKieranreturnedtothestroller.Theystartedwalkingagain.
“Whatdidthatgardenlooklikebefore,outofinterest?”Pendleburysaidastheyhitthecliffpath.
“Beautiful,”Miareplied.
Theycoveredmostofthehikeupinsilence,eachlostintheirownthoughts.Astheynearedthetop,MiajoggedafewpacesandcaughtuptoPendlebury.
“DoyouthinkwhoevertookBronte’scameraandcomputerknewshewasuploadingthepicturessomewhere?”sheasked.
“Icouldn’tsay.”Pendleburyhadhereyesontheoceanastheywalked.“Itdependswhoitwasandwhytheydidit.”
“Andyousaidthesephotoswecanseeonlinearen’talltheonesshe’dsavedtoherstudentfolders?”
“That’sright.”
Miawasscrollingthroughherphoneagainastheywalked,herthumbmovingupanddown.“Butwouldyousaytheseonesare”—shehesitated—“areflectivesample?”
Theyhadreachedthetopofthecliffsandstoppedatthelookout.Outonthewater,TheSurvivorsstoodtall.TheNautilusBluerockedinthewavesbeyond,theblue-and-whitediveflagvisible.Pendleburyignoredtheview,lookinginsteadatMia.
“Allright,”shesaid.“Icanseeyou’reworriedbecauseyouandKieranappearinoneofthephotos,soletmeputyourmindpartlyatease.Youarenottheonlyones.”
“Really?”
“Notbyalongway.”
Kieranwasn’tsurewhyhedidn’tfeelmorerelieved.
Pendleburyturnedbacktothesafetyrail,hereyesonTheSurvivors.
“How’sthattidelooking,Kieran?”shesaid.“Lowenoughforatripdown?”
“Now?”
Pendleburytuckedhercomputertabletunderherarm.“Nowwouldbegood.”
Miadidn’tlookhappybutshedidn’targue.Kieranpassedherthestroller,andheandPendleburysteppedaroundthebarrierandmadetheirwayalonedowntheunmarkedtrail.WhenPendleburyhitthesandatthebottom,shestopped,ignoringthebirdsthathadrisenintotheairalmostasone.Shetookinthegapingvoidsofthecaves,thenraisedherfaceandsquintedbackupthesteepclifffacetowherethey’dbeen.Shetookoutthetabletagain,frowningasshemovedherindexfingeracrossthescreen.
“Allright,”shesaid.“Now,IwantyoutobearinmindthatBrontewasatwenty-one-year-oldgirlwithadigitalcamera.SoI’mnotkiddingwhenItellyoushetookalotofphotos.Havingsaidthat—”PendleburyheldthescreensoKierancouldseeit.“Canyouidentifythelocationsofanyoftheseimages?Takeyourtime.”
KierantookthetabletandbegantoflickthroughBronte’sphotosslowly,unsurewhathewasabouttosee.Manyofthepictureswerecroppedsoclosetheywereessentiallyanonymous.Grainsofsand,atightphotoofseaweedplasteredgreenandjewel-likeagainstadarksurface.Heflippedbackandforth,feelingPendlebury’seyesonhim.
“Sorry,I’mtry—”Kieranstarted,thenstopped,becauseallofasuddenhedidrecognizesomething.
Acraggysurfacewithsanddustedacrossthefaceandcrevassescarveddeepbythewater.Asharplineofcontrastwheredaylightmetpermanentshade.ThemouthoftheNorthCave,Kieranknew.Therewasnodoubt,noneatall,becauseinthattight-croppedphoto,amongthecrevassesandthesandandtheshade,hisownnamewascarvedintotherock.
Kieranlookedatthecasualscarsofthoselettersthathehadleftyearsago,capturednowonadeadgirl’scamera,andfeltadashoffear.
HewasstillstaringatthepicturewhenPendleburyreachedacrossandswipedthescreenagain.Asimilarshotappeared,butthistimeitwasAsh’snamecuttingthroughthecorneroftheframe.AnotherswipeandAsh’snamewasvisibleagain.Adifferentcarvingthistime,theanglemakingithardertoread.Kierancouldn’ttellwherethatonehadbeentaken.
Pendleburyreachedoverandevenbeforesheswiped,Kierancouldalreadyhalfguesswhatwascoming.Finn,thenFinnagain.TheR-A-NtailendofanotherKieran.Toby.
KieranmadehimselflookupandmeetPendlebury’seye.
“Thesearebarelyinshot,”hesaid.Anditwastrue.Helookeddownagain,thistimeattheS-E-AofSean.Theimagewasverytight,withthelettersoutoffocusanddistortedbytheshadowsfromaharshflash.KieranpointedtoapieceoffloweringlichenblossomingnexttotheS
“Brontewasclearlytakingclose-upsoftherock,”hesaid.“Thesedon’tmeananything.”
“Ididn’tsaytheymeantanything.”Pendlebury’sfacewasperfectlyneutral.“Iwasaskingifyouknewwheretheywerelocated.”
“Someofthem.Isuppose.”
“Allright,”shesaid.“Showme.”
KieranledheracrossthesandtothemouthoftheNorthCave.Itwascoolanddarkintheshadows,andittookaminuteforKieran’seyestoadjust.HecouldseePendleburyblinkingasshegazedaround.
“Here.”Hepointedtothewall.“Theseonesyousawyesterday.Andthereareafewmoreoverhere.”
Pendleburyflippedopenhertabletandscrutinizedthescreen,thentherockface.Shetookafewstepsoneway,thenpulledoutherownphoneandtookaphoto.Thenafewmorestepsandanotherphoto.Kieranwatchedassherepeatedthatseveraltimes,tryingtore-createtheangle.Shestaredatthetabletandshookherhead.
“Idon’tthinkthisoneisright.Thespacebetweentheletteringisn’tthesame.”SheturnedthetabletscreensoKierancouldsee.HecouldmakeoutAsh’snameinthecornerofthephoto.
“Itmightnotbe.”Kieranshrugged.“Thereareafewaround.”
“Canwefindthemall?I’dreallyliketogettheselocationsmarkedoff.”
Thecavestretchedoutbeforethem,deepandmeandering.“Theycouldbeanywhere.Iwouldn’tevenknowwheretostart.”
“Therewasnosystemtoit?”
“Notreally.Originallywediditwhenwe’dmappedanewroute.”Kieranfoundhedidn’thavetheenergytodefendit.“Butalotofthetimeitwasjustbecausewewerebored.NotSeansomuch,hethoughtitwasashitthingtodo.HediditoncebecauseImadehim,butmeandAshwoulddoitallthetime.AndToby.AndFinn,obviously.”
“Anyoneelse?Mia?”
Kieranstopped.Hefeltcoldintheshadows.“No.Why?”Heglancedup,althoughthelookoutwascompletelyinvisiblefromwherehestood.“She’sneverbeendownhere.Whyareyouevenasking?”
“WhataboutGabbyBirch?”
“No.”Kieranstaredather,confused.“Whatdoesshehavetodowithanything?OrMia?”
“I’mjustaskingquestions,Kieran.Tryingtobuildapicture.”Pendleburypaused.“HowaboutOlivia?”
Kierancouldn’ttellifsheknew,orifshewasfishing.Hecouldn’ttellifitmattered.“Yeah,Olivia’sbeenhere.”
Pendleburywaspeeringintothecave.ThebirdshadsettledandKierancouldhearthewavesbreakingontheshore.
“Canwegoinfurther?”shesaid.“Seewhatwecansee?”
“No,”Kieransaid.“Notwithme.Itgetslikeamaze.Idon’tknowitwellenough.”
“Youusedto.”
Kierannoddedatthenamesscratchedintothewall.“IusedtodoalotofthingsIdon’tdoanymore.”
“Fairenough.”PendleburyflippedthetabletaroundsoKierancouldseethephotosoncemore.“Takealookatthese,then.Isanythingelsefamiliarenoughtopinpoint?”
KieranflickedthroughmoreofBronte’sphotos,dreadingeachnewshot.
“TheSurvivors,obviously,”hesaid.“Andthat’stheedgeofthepathatlowtide.NorthCaveagain.”Hewasstrangelyawareofafaintniggleburrowingsomewheredeepashelookedthroughtheimages,buthecouldn’tdigitout.Somethingfeltalittleoff.Heskimmedthroughafewshotstoocloselycroppedtorecognize,thencametoahaltatthesightofafamiliarcornerhehadseenmanytimes.TheledgeintheSouthCave,whereheandOliviausedtomeet.KierancouldfeelPendleburywatchinghim.
“Iknowwherethatis.”
“Showme,please?”
TheybothsquintedinthelightasKieranledthewaybackoutacrossthebeach,thistimetothemouthoftheSouthCave.Astheyplungedoncemoreintothegloom,KieranpointedatthephotoonPendlebury’sscreenandthentotheledge.
“Thoseshotsweretakenaroundhere.”
Pendleburywalkedovertotherockandranherfingersoverit.Shedroppedherhandandtookoutherphone,firingoffafewshotsofherownbeforefrowningatthescreen.Shelookedupagain,noticingAsh’snamescratchedintotherockabovetheledge.SheraisedaneyebrowatKieran,whoshrugged.
“LikeIsaid,thereareafew.”
Hisvoicebouncedoffthewallsbeforebeingabsorbedanddeadenedbythesand.Pendleburycockedherhead,listening.
“Ican’tgetusedtothesoundinhere,”shesaid,turningbacktotheledge.
Kieranwaited,feelinguneasy.Outside,throughthearchofthecave’sentrance,hecouldseeawidestripofbeachlyingbetweenthemandthesea.Underhisfeet,thesandwasfirm.Itwasn’twet,itwasn’tcoveredwithwater.Everythingwasfine,hetoldhimself.Thetidewasout,notin.Theyhadplentyoftime.
“What’swrong?”Pendleburywaslookingathim.
“Nothing.”
“Areyousure?”
“Yes.”Kieranpushedbackagainstararewaveofclaustrophobia.Theroofsuddenlyfeltunusuallylowandheputahanduptocheckitwasstilloutofreach.“Sorry.IusedtocometothisspotabitwhenIwasyounger.”
“Beforethestorm?”Pendleburywasstillwatchinghim.“Onthedayofthestorm?”
“Both.”Kieranshrugged.
Shewasquietforamomentandranherhandthoughtfullyoverthecave’srockywall.
“Ihadafriend.Haveafriend,technically,although—”Shesighedandstartedagain.“AcoupleofyearsagomyfriendandherhusbandwerehavingafewquietdrinksathomeonaFridaynight.Afterdinner,theywentforadipintheirownbackyardpool.Bythetimesherealizedhewasn’tmessingaround,hewasinserioustrouble.”Pendleburyshookherhead.“Didn’tmakeit.She’sstruggledbadlyeversince.”
“I’msorry,”Kieransaid.Hemeantit.
“Thanks.It’sbeenhard.Forher,obviously.Butalsowatchingherslowlyself-destruct,youknow?”
Kierandidknow.Heremembereditwell,thosefirstyearsafterFinn’sdeath.Tryingdifferentwaystocope.Someworked,alotdidn’t.Herememberedthekeensliverofhopefollowedbytheoverwhelmingfrustrationofdisappointment.Thesecretfearhewasrunningoutofthingstotry.Andthen,inthemidstofitall,suddenlytherewasMia.Appearinginfrontofhimunexpectedly,alonged-foroasisofcalminashabbystudentbar.
“Miahelpsalot,”hesaid.“AndAudrey.”
“Andthingswithyourfolks?”
“Well,theyloveme,obviously.ButtheyalsolovedFinn.So—”Hewasn’tsurewhatelsehecouldsayaboutthat.
Pendleburyhadacuriouslookonherface.Amixofsympathyandsomethingelsehecouldn’tplace.
“Kieran,”shesaid.“Ihavetoask.Whatdoyouthinkhappenedherethatdayofthestorm?”
“WhatdoIthinkhappened?Iwashere.Iknowwhathappened.”
“Ofcourse.”Therewasanoddpause.“SoI’dbeinterestedtohearitfromyou.”
Kieranstaredattheledge,andthenheopenedhismouthandhetoldher.Therealversion.AboutOliviaandhowtheyusedtomeetupandlaytheirtowelsoutinthisspot.Howonedaytheweatherwasbad,andshe’dsuggestedtheyleavebuthe’daskedhertostay.Sotheyhad,butthey’dlettimeslipawayuntilthesandhaddisappearedunderthewaterandallatonceitwastoolate.Hehadn’tbeenabletofindthepath.Theseahadbeenstrongerthanhewas.Kieran’sbrotherandhisbestfriend’sbrotherhadcometosavehim.Theyhaddied.Andhehadsurvived.
Pendleburylistenedwithoutinterruption.
“Thatmusthavebeenveryhardforyou,”shesaidwhenhefinished.
Kierandidn’treply.Sometimessharingthestorywasalmostareleaseoftension,butothertimes,likenow,hefeltnothingbutshame.Eitherway,relivingitalwayslefthimfeelingdrained.
PendleburypressedherlipstogetherandKieranhadthestrangesensethatshewasarguingwithherself.
“Ican’timaginewhatthatmustbeliketolivewith,”Pendleburysaidatlast.
“It’snotgreat.”
“No.IsawwhatguiltdidtothatfriendImentioned.”AshadowcrossedPendlebury’sfeatures.“Weusedtobeveryclose,butshe’slikeadifferentpersonnow.Kieran—”Sheturnedherheadinthevaguedirectionofwherethetownlay,welloutofsightbeyondcliffsandwater.“Therearealotofpeopledraggingupallkindsofthingsrightnow.Alotofchatterbeingflungaround,andnotallofittrueorhelpful.”
Kieranwasn’tsurewhattosaytothat.Hecouldhearwaterdrippingsomewhereinthecave.
“Iwouldreallyhateforyoutostumbleacrossahalf-bakedversionofthis,”Pendleburysaid.
Kieranfeltaprickleofwarningatthebaseofhisneck.“Half-bakedversionofwhat?”
Pendlebury’sinternalstruggleflickeredagaininhereyes.Shestareddeepintothecave,thenbackouttowheretheseawaterwasfoamingblueandwhiteagainstthesand.Atlast,shetookadeepbreathandlookedhimintheeye.Decisionmade.
“Kieran,there’ssomethingyoudeservetoknow.”
30
Pendleburystartedtowardthemouthofthecave.“Let’sgetoutofherefirst.IthinkitwouldbehelpfulforMiatohearthistoo.”
Thistime,itwasKieranfollowingassheledthembackoutintothedaylight,blinking.
“What—?”hestarted,butsheheldupahand.
“Atthelookout.Thenwe’lltalk.”
TheyfoundMiasittingonthebench,rockingthestrollerbackandforthastheyemergedatthetopoftheovergrownpath.Shelookedup,herworriedexpressionturningintorelief.
“Finished?”Shewenttostand,stoppingwhenshesawKieran’sface.“What’sgoingon?”
“Something’scometomyattentionrecentlythatIthinkKieranshouldbeawareof,”Pendleburysaid,takingaseatonthebench.Mialookedwarybutslowlysatbackdowntoo.
Kieranremainedstanding.Inthepalesummerlight,theseawassparkling.AbovethewreckhecouldseetheNautilusBluelistinggently.
“Allright.”Pendlebury’svoicewascalm.“I’mhereinEvelynBaytofindoutwhathappenedtoBronteLaidler.That’sit.That’smywholejob.Thisstormofyours,GabbyBirch’sdisappearance,allthislocalgossipthat’sgettingputaboutonline—noneofthatiswhyI’mhere.”Shepaused.“Butpartofaskingquestionsmeansyoutendtogetanswers.Thingsthataren’tnecessarilyrelevanttome,butitdoesn’tmeanthey’renotrelevantatall.”
Kieranshiftedimpatiently.Miawaslookingbackandforthbetweenthem.
“I’vespokentoGeorgeBarlinacoupleoftimes,”Pendleburysaid.“Youknowhe’saformerjournalist?”
“Yeah.”
“You’vereadhisbooks?”
“Mostofthem,”Kieransaid,andMianodded.
“Metoo,”Pendleburysaid.“Notmyusualtaste,butnotbadatall.Anyway,sincehemovedhere,he’sbeendoingabitofresearcharoundthestorm.”
“Forabook?”Miasaid.
“Hesaysmostlyforhisowninterest.Hewasintownthatyear.Hesaidexperiencingthatstormwassomethinghe’sneverforgotten.”Pendleburyshrugged.“Personally,it’snoneofmybusinessifhe’splanningtowriteaboutitornot.Andatfirst,Iwasn’ttoointerestedinwhathappenedbackthen.LikeIsaid,I’mheretoworryaboutwhattookplaceafewdaysago,nottwelveyearsago.”Shestaredoutatthewater,tappingafingerabsentlyonherknee.“ButthenGeorgementionedsomethingthatdidstrikemeasinteresting.”
“What?”Kieransaid.
“Theaccidentthathappenedouthere?WithyouandyourbrotherandTobyGilroy?”Pendleburyturnedtohimnow.“Thetimingdoesn’twork.”
KieranfrownedandsawMiadothesame.
“Whatdoyoumean?”shesaid.“Whattiming?”
“Theeventsonthatdayofthestorm.Yougettingintotroubleinthewater,Kieran.Thedistresscall,theattemptedrescue.Thedrownings.Itcan’thavehappenedthewayyouthinkithappened.”
“Ofcourseitdid.”Kierangavealaughthatsoundedoddtohisears.“Iwasliterallythere.”
Pendleburyshookherhead.“No.Itdidn’t.”
Sheopenedhercomputertabletagain,squintingassheshieldedthescreenfromthesun.Kieranwaited,suddenlydisoriented,likewhenawavedroppedoutfromunderaboat.Momentarilyairborne,followedbyajarringslam.
“Areyougoingtotelluswhatyoumean?”Miawassaying.ShegottoherfeetandcametostandnexttoKieran.
Pendleburyheldupafinger,noddingasshesearchedforsomething.Finally,shemadeanoiseofsatisfactionandlookedup.
“Right.Sotheacceptedversionoftheaccident—byyou,Kieran,byeveryone,essentially—isthatyouwerehereatthecavesdoingsomeroutemappingworkforyourbrother,thestormcameinfasterthanyourealized,andyouweresweptintothesea.You’vetoldmeOliviaBirchwaswithyou—”
PendleburystoppedsuddenlyandglancedatMia,whorolledhereyes.Ofcoursesheknew.
“Butasfarasanyoneelseisconcerned,”theofficercontinued,“Oliviawasonthecliffpath,hurryingtogethomeintherainwhenshesawyouintroubleinthewater.Shemadeanemergencycall,thewordgotpatchedthroughtoJulianWallisasheadofthelocalsearchandrescueoperations,andheputoutanalertthatwaspickedupbyFinnandToby.Theyconfirmedtheywouldrespond,theyracedoutontheNautilusBlackfromthemarina,roundedthepointherebythecaves,andwerehitbyafreakwave.Theboatsentoutadistresssignalofitsown,butnothingcouldbedoneandtheydrowned.”
Kierangaveatightnod.“That’saboutit.”
“Right.Thethingis,thetimeofeveryoneofthosecallsandalertswasnoted.They’rerightthere—fairenough,they’respreadallovertheplaceacrossvariousofficialrecords—butthey’rebackedupbyphonedata,emergencysignals.Theindividualtimesarecorrect,they’veneverbeenindispute.”PendleburylookedoveratKieran.“TheproblemGeorgeBarlinpickedupwhenhesatdownwithallthoseseparatedocumentsinoneplaceandlookedatthemproperlywithhisnotebookandwriter’squillorwhatever,isthatthestorydoesn’twork.”
“Inwhatpossiblewaydoesallthatnotwork?”Kieransaid.HefeltMiashiftnexttohim.
“TheonlywaythetimingfitsisifFinnandTobywerealreadyoutonthewaterintheirboatwhentheygottheradiomessagethatyouwereintrouble.”
KieranstaredatPendlebury,butshewaslookingpasthimnow,outtotheNautilusBlue
“Ittakes,what,fifteenminutes—absoluteminimum—tosailoutherefromthemarina,correct?”shesaid.“That’swhatIunderstand.”
“Yeah.”Fifteenwaspushingit,actually;twentywasmuchmoretypical.
“Right.Well,fromthetimeOlivia’sfirstemergencycallwasmade—confirmedbyphonerecords—tothetimeyourbrotherrespondedontheNautilusBlackradio,justunderfourminuteshadelapsed.Lessthanthreeminutesafterthat,theNautilusBlack’sdistresssignalwasactivated,withtheGPSpositioningthemoutthereonthewaterbeyondthecaves.”
PendleburylookedatKierannow.
“FromwhenyouweresweptawaytowhenyourbrotherandTobyarrived,noteventenminuteshadgoneby.Theycan’thavebeenatthemarinawhentheemergencycallcamein;theywerealreadyoutontheirboat.”
Kieranshookhishead.“No.That’s—”
“Seeforyourself.”Pendleburyhandedhimthetablet.“Theimportantbitsarehighlighted.”
Kierantookit,andMialeanedintosee,herfaceclosetohis.Hecouldhearherbreathingashetappedthescreen.Aphonerecordappeared,andanother,thenastringofofficialreportsandrecords.Kieranflickedbackandforth,againandagain,tryingtoabsorbwhathewasseeingwhileMiareadoverhisshoulder.
Nottrustinghisowneyes,heglancedather.
“Whatdoyouthink?”Hewassurprisedtofindhimselfwhispering.
Shepointedatthescreen.There,andthere.Andthere.
TheemergencycallmadebyOlivia,thelogreportfiledbyJulian,theresponsebytheNautilusBlack,theactivationoftheboat’sdistresscall.
Kierantriedtoconcentrate.HowlonghadhebeeninthewaterbeforehewasthrownontotherockandcaughtthatfirstglimpseoftheNautilusBlack?Ithadfeltlikehours,but—Kieranmadehimselffocus.Buthehadsurvived,soitcouldonlyhavebeenminutes,atmost.Howmany?Helookeddownatthescreen.Lessthanten,accordingtotheblack-and-whitetextinfrontofhim.
Kieranopenedhismouth.“Ifthesetimingsareright—”
“Theyare.”
“Okay,but—”Hecouldn’tthinkofasinglethingtosay.
“Whyhasnoonepickeduponthisbefore?”Miasaid,butfromhertoneKierancouldtellshehadalsoguessedtheansweralmostassoonasshe’dasked.Becausewitheverythingelsethathadhappenedthatday,theminutiaesimplyhadn’tmattered.Nottothetraumatizedcrowdwho’dgatheredontheclifftoptowatchtwomendrown.Nottotownspeoplefacedwithdamagedhomesanddestroyedbusinesses.Nottothefamilyofthemissinggirl,lastseenonthebeachwithherbackpackandthenneveragain.Ash’svoiceranginhishead.Itwasacrazyday.
“Soifthosetimingsareaccurate,thatwouldmeanFinnandToby—”Kieranwasstillnotquitethereyet.
“ThatFinnandTobywereoutontheirboatandheadedinthisgeneraldirectionbeforetheyevenknewyouwereinthewater,yes,”Pendleburysaid.“Sowhateverwentwrongthatday,Kieran,itwasn’tyourfaultinthewayyouthinkitwas.”
Kieranopenedhismouthbutfeltlikehecouldn’tdrawbreath.HefeltMia’spalmonhisback,rubbingincircles.Hebentforwardandburiedhisfaceinhishands.
Hecouldalmostseeit,andfeltsickwithgiddiness.He’dbeencarryingthisweightforsomanyyears,hecouldn’timaginewhatitmightfeelliketobeabletosetitdown.Thelightnessandthefreedom.HecouldtellVerity.HecouldtrytotellBrian.Thethoughtofthatflashedsotemptingandbrightitwasalmostpainful.
Butbeneaththedazzlehefeltsomethingslidingandflickering.Aquestion.Kierantriedtoignoreit,butitturnedoverinhismind.Proddingathim,softbutinsistent.HeraisedhisheadandthoughtfromMia’sfacethatshewaswonderingthesamething.ThesamequestionVeritywouldarriveataftertheinitialrushhadebbedaway.ThesameoneeveryoneinEvelynBaywouldeventuallygossipaboutovertheircoffeesandkeyboards.Kieranknewwhattheywouldallask,becausehewasalreadyaskingithimself.
KierancouldfeelPendlebury’seyesonhim.Sheseemedtoknowwhathewasgoingtoaskevenasheopenedhismouth.
“WhatwereFinnandTobydoingoutontheirboatinthemiddleofthestorm?”
31
Pendleburydidn’tanswer.Kieranwaitedbutshesimplygazedback,afainthintofregretorapologyorbothintheair.
“WhywereFinnandTobyoutontheirboat?”hetriedagain.
“Idon’tknowthat,I’mafraid.”
Kieranwasn’tsureifthedullrushinghecouldhearwastheoceanorthebloodpoundinginhisears.
“Finnknewthestormwouldbedangerous,”hesaid.“HeandTobyweretwooftheonlypeoplewhorealizedhowbaditcouldget.Theyweretheoneswarningusthedaybeforetostayoffthewater.”
“Iunderstandthat.ButIstillcan’ttellyouwhytheywereoutthere.”UnderneathPendlebury’sneutraltone,therewasanoteKierancouldn’tplace.
Miawaswatchingher.“Can’torwon’t?”
“Can’t.Iwouldbespeculating.I’msorry,”shesaidtoKieran,whowasleaningheavilyagainstthesafetyrail.“Thisisobviouslyalotforyoutoprocess.IhopeI’vedonetherightthingintellingyou,butIfeelintheendthetruth’susuallythebest—”
Pendleburybrokeoffandpulledherphoneoutofherpocket.Kieranhadn’thearditring,butshefrownedatthelit-upscreen.
“I’msosorry,Ireallyhavetotakethis.”Pendleburyliftedthephonetoherear.“Justaminute,please,”shesaidintoit,thenlowereditagain.“Thanksforshowingmearounddownthere,Kieran.I’llmakemyownwaybacktotown.And,listen—”Herfullattentionwasonthemandshewassilentforalongmoment.“Ifyouhaveanyquestions,youknowwherethestationis.”
Pendleburyraisedthephone,droppedherhead,andturnedaway.Kierandidn’tmove,unsureifthiswasherwayofavoidingfurtherdiscussion.HefeltMiatouchhisarm.
“Let’sgo,”shesaidfirmly,andclickedthebrakeoffthestroller.
Thelookoutwasoutofsightbehindthembeforeeitherofthemspokeagain.
“Sheknowswhytheywereoutthere.”Mia’svoicewaslow.
“Ithinksotoo,”Kieransaid.“Orhasanidea.Therewassomethinginthewayshewastalking,right?Sowhywon’tshesay?”
“Idon’tknow.”
Theirfootstepscrunchedalongthetrailastheypassedthecemeterygates.Kieranmarchedon,barelyregisteringthepathinfrontofhim.Hekepttryingtotakeabreathbutwasfindingithardtofillhislungs.Afterafewmorepaces,hefeltMiaslow.
“Stop.Takeaminute.”Sheparkedthestroller.Thepathwasdesertedinbothdirections.Fromwheretheystood,theoceanwasanunbrokenflatplain.
Kieranturnedtoher,hischeststilltight.“Whatdidyoumakeofthatstuffsheshowedus?”
“Aboutthetimings?I’dwanttocheckitproperly,but—”Mianodded.“Whatshewassayinglookedrighttome.”
“Metoo.AndalsoGeorgeBarlin,yeah?Hespotteditonhisown.”Kieranranhishandsoverhishead.Hisheartwashammeringlikehe’dbeenswimmingforhours.“So—”Hewasstrugglingtoformhisthoughts.“Isthatit?Justlikethat?It’ssuddenlynotmyfaultanymore?”
“I’mnotsure,”Miasaid.“Yes.Maybe.”
“Sowhatnow?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Idon’tknoweither.OhGod,Mia.Iamsotired.”Hecoveredhiseyes.Theywerehotandprickling.“Iamsotiredoffeelingguilty.”
“Iknow.”Sheputherarmsaroundhim.“It’sokay.”
“ButthismeansIdon’thavetofeelthatanymore,right?That’swhatthismeans?”
Apause.“That’sright.”
Hepulledback.“Sowhydon’tIfeelanybetteraboutit?”
Mialookedathim,herhandsstillwarmagainsthisarms.Shedidn’tsayanything,andhealmosthadtheurgetosmile.
“Iknowyou’rethinkingthesamethingasme,”Kieransaid.
“Andwhat’sthat?”
“You’rethinkingthatIdon’tfeelbetterbecauseit’sbotheringmewhyFinnwasonthewater.”
“Okay,yes,”sheconceded.“ThatiswhatIwasthinking.”
Kieran’salmost-smilefaded.“AndthatifPendleburyknowsbutwouldn’ttellme—”Hebreathedout.“There’sareasonforit.Sowhat’sthereason?”
“Itcouldbealotofthings,”Miasaid.“Idon’tthinkyoucandrawanyconclusionsfromthat.”
“Can’tI?”
“No.Youcan’t.”Miafellquiet,thenlookedbackalongthepath.“Iwasactuallythinkingsomethingelsetoo.”
“What?”
“ThatifPendleburydoesknowwhyFinnwasonthewater,that’ssomeprettyimpressiveinsideknowledge,”shesaid.“Especiallyforawomanwho’snotalocal.Shemightbeagoodcop,Idon’tknoweitherway,butshe’sdefinitelyanoutsider.Shewasn’thereforthestorm,shedoesn’trememberitthewaywealldo.IfPendleburyknowssomethingaboutwhathappenedheretwelveyearsago—somethingthatspecific—it’sbecausesomeone’stoldher.Someonewhowashere.Ithastobe.”
Kieranstaredather,thepossibilitieslininguplikecogsonawheel.Miawasright.IfPendleburyknew,someoneelseknewtoo.
“Who?”Hefeltdeepdownhehadtheanswertothis,buthisheadwasspinningtoofasttofocus.
ButMiawasalreadynodding.
“Well,it’slikePendleburytoldusherself,isn’tit?”shesaid.“Ifwehaveanyquestionsaboutthis,weknowwherethepolicestationis.”
SergeantChrisRennwasdragginganemptyfilingcabinetoutsidewhenKieranandMiawalkeduptothestation.
KieranheldtheglassdooropenforhimasRennedgedthecabinetout.
“Thanks,”Renngrunted.Acornercaughtonthedoorhingesandhegaveitawhacktowrenchitfree.Hepickedthecabinetupwithoutanytroubleandsliditinagainstthebrickwall,nexttofourothers.“Someonefromtheschool’scomingtocollectthemthisafternoon.”
Thesergeantdugatissueoutofhispocketandwipedtheshinefromhisforehead.
“WhatcanIdoforyoutwo?”Heglanceddownatthestroller.“Three.”
“WhywereFinnandTobyoutonthewaterthatday?”Kieransaid,andhesensedratherthansawMiarollhereyes.Theyhadrehearsedthisonthewaydown,butnowthathewasherethesubtletieshaddesertedhim.
Renndidn’taskwhatKieranmeant.Helookedatthembothforalongminute,thenturnedbacktothestation.Hestraightenedoneofthefilingcabinetsandreachedfortheglassdoor.
“Comein.”
ThestationfeltevenemptierthanlasttimeastheyfollowedRennthrough.Theremainingdeskswerestillcluttered,andKieransawoneoftheuniformedofficersfromthecommunitymeetingnudgingsomeone’slaptopprecariouslyclosetotheedgetomakespaceforhisown.HestoppedwhenhesawKieranwatchinghim.ThemapofEvelynBayhadfallendownandstoodonthecorridorfloor,proppedupagainstthewall,itslaminatedcornerscurlinginward.
RennshowedKieranandMiaintothesameofficeasbefore.Therewasonlyonechairinfrontofthebattereddesknow,andtheywaitedwhilehefetchedanother.Whenhecameback,heputhishandoverasmallpileofphotosstackedbythecomputerandturnedthemfacedown.PicturesofBrontesuppliedbyherparents,Kieranrealizedbelatedly.
“Right,then,”Rennsaidwhentheywereallsettled.“What’sallthisabout?”
“FinnandToby.Onthedayofthestorm.”Kierancrossedhisarmsoverhischestandtuckedinhishandstostopthemshaking.“TheywerealreadyoutintheNautilusBlackbeforethecallcameintosayIwasintrouble.”
RennlookedslowlyfromKierantoMia.“Who’veyoubeenchattingto?GeorgeBarlin?”
TheyshooktheirheadsandKieransawashadowofsurprisecrossRenn’sface.Pendlebury,then,Kierancouldalmostseehimthinking.WhateverRennmadeofthat,hemaskeditwell.HewassuchafarcryfromtheflushedconstablewhohadfollowedSergeantMallottaroundtown,jumpinginfearandobedienceathiseveryword.Itwashardtobelievehewasthesameman.
ThisRenn,olderandintheboss’sseatnow,squaredhiskeyboardagainsttheedgeofhisdesk,buyinghimselfamoment.
“Sowhatareyougettingat,Kieran,mate?”hesaid.
“FinnandTobydidn’tgooutonthewaterforme.Thetimingdoesn’twork.”
Astatement,notaquestion.Kieranbracedhimselfforastraightdenial,butRennheldhisgaze.
“Well,I’dhavetodouble-checktherecords—”Renn’stonewasmeasured,butKieransawaflickerinthesergeant’sface.Itwasasgoodasaconfirmation.
Miahadcaughtittoo.“Idon’tthinkyouneedtocheckanything,Chris.Ifthat’showithappened,youwouldknow.”
“Okay,”Rennsaid,stillcalm.“Well,ifthat’sthecase,thenwhatexactlyisityouwantfromme?”
“Whydidyouburythat?”Kieranleanedin.“Howaboutwestartrightthere?”
“Me?”Rennstiffenedalittleatthat.“Mate,Iwasn’tinchargebackthen.”
“SergeantMallott,then.Andthat’sabullshitexcuse.Youwerebothonduty.Whateverwentoninthestorm,you’dbothknowaboutit.Youtwoweretheoneswhodealtwitheverything.”
“Yeah,”Rennsaid.Hesatbackinhischairsoheavilythewheelssqueaked.Hesoundedsuddenlyverytired.“Wedid,didn’twe?Everysinglethingthathappenedinthatstorm.HeandIhadtodealwithit.”
“Soyoudidknow,then?Andwhat?Nevermentionedit?”
Therewasasilence.Kieranbracedhimselffortheordertoleavebutitdidn’tcome.Themutedrattleofaphotocopierfiringupfloatedinfromthehallway.
“WhathappenedtoBrontehasbeenreallyhard.”
Kieran,whohadbeenabouttolaunchinagain,stoppedinsurpriseathiswords.Rennturnedoverthestackofphotosonhisdesk.Thedeadwomansmiledoutandhisfacetightened.
“It’sbeenhardforeveryone,Iknowthat.Butinallmyyearsinthisjob,IneverthoughtI’dseesomethinglikethishappenhere.IkeepthinkingaboutwhatI’vedone—orhaven’tdone,maybe?—forthattohappenonmywatch.WhendidEvelynBaybecomeaplacewhereagirlwhocomesforsummerworkendsupdead?”RennturnedthephotosfacedownagainandBrontedisappearedoncemore.“Iwantitclearedup.IhadhermumanddadinhereagainearlierandIwanttobeabletogivethemananswer.Ican’tleaveherewiththisonmyconscience,buttheywon’tkeepthestationopenindefinitely—”
Hesurveyedhishalf-emptyofficeandtookabreath.
“GeorgeBarlintoldmeandPendleburysomethinglookedoffwiththestormtimingswhenwewentroundtohisplacetogethimtosignastatementaboutBronte.Hethoughthe’dmesseduphisresearchandkeptaskingaboutit.Wouldn’tletitgo.”
Therewasaclatterfromoutinthehallway,andtheyalllookedatthedoor.Amuffledswearwordfloatedin,followedbythesoundofaboxbeingrepacked.RennturnedbacktoKieran.
“AndthisisatthesametimeasPendleburywasgettingveryinterested,mate,inthefactthatyourdadwasthelastpersonseenwithGabbyBirch,andthenalsofoundwanderingaroundwhenBrontewaskilled.I’dalreadygotTrishBirchtalkingupaconnection,andthensuddenlythere’sGeorgeBarlinpickingholesinatimelineconcerningyourfamilythatday,Kieran.”
Kieranfeltlikehecouldhardlybreathe.ThestrollercreakedasMiarockeditbackandforth.
“Thatstorm—”ThephoneonRenn’sdeskstartedtoring.Hecheckedthenumber,thenwaiteduntilitstoppedbeforehespokeagain.“Thestormhasdoneitsdamage.There’snothingtobegainedfromlettingthatwoundfester.Ireallybelievedthat.Istilldo.Thingsweredoneanddecisionsweremadeatthetime,rightlyorwrongly,andasacommunitywegotthroughitandwemovedon.ButPendleburywantsanswersaboutBronteasmuchasIdo,soshe’saskingquestions.”Renndroppedhischin.“Andshe’slookingyearsintothepastandthenshe’slookingatBrian,andsoIhavetotellheraboutsomeofthosedecisionsmadebackinthestorm.BecauseIwantthisresolvedforBronteandforhermumanddad,andwe’renotgoingtobeabletodothatifI’vegotkeyofficerswastingtimelookinginthewrongdirection.”
Kieranswallowed.“Thankyou,Chris.”
“Don’tthankmeyet.”
Theofficewassoquiet,theycouldhearsomeone’smobileringinginanotherroom.Andsuddenly,inwhatfeltlikeablindingpremonition,Kieranhadtheurgetoturnbacktheclock.RefusetotakePendleburydowntothecaves,tellherhe’dmadehispeacewiththestormandwasn’tinterestedindredgingitupagain.HewishedheandMiahadgonehomeinsteadofcomingheretothispolicestation,wherehesuddenlyfoundhimselfveryafraidofwhatSergeantRennwasgoingtosaynext.HefeltMiastir.Shelookedworriedtoo.
“FinnandTobywerealreadyoutonthewaterthatday,”Rennsaid.“You’rerightaboutthat.Despiteallthewarningsandwhatever,they’dgotontheirboatasthestormcameinandbythetimewegotwordyouwereintroubleoutatthecaves,they’dalreadyleftthemarina.AndIdidn’tknowexactlywhythen,andIstilldon’t.”RennlookedKieranintheeye.“Andthat’sthetruth.”
Hetookabreath,andKieranhadtofighttheurgetotellhimtostoptalking.He’dheardenough.Thatwasallheneededtoknow.
“ButthisiswhatIcantellyou.AfterFinnandTobydrowned,weworkedhardtobringtheirboatbackin,toshowyourfamilieswecaredaboutthoseblokes.Wesaidwe’dlookitover,meandSergeantMallott.Trytohelpyourfamiliesbygivingthemthebestinformationwecouldaboutwhat’dhappened.”
Rennshiftedagaininhischair.Therewasnodisguisinghisuneasinessnow.
“Andasitwas,SergeantMallottdidfindsomethingontheNautilusBlack.”
“What?”Kierancouldn’tstophimself.“Whatdidhefind?”
“GabbyBirch’sbackpack.”
32
Therewasarustlefrominsidethestroller,thesoftthrashoflimbs,andAudreybegantocry.Kieranbarelyregisteredthesound.Miahadcurledherselfforwardwithherelbowsonherkneesandherfaceinherpalms.Audrey’swailsbouncedofftheofficewallsuntilfinallySergeantRennmovedtostand.
“I’vegother.”Kierangotupandreachedintothestroller.“Don’ttouchher.”
Rennhelduphishandsandsatdownagain.
“Thebagwaslockedinthedrybox—”RennrealizedKieranhadstayedstanding.“Sorry,doyoustillwanttohearthis?”
Kieranfeltalotlikehewasshaking,butAudreywassteadyinhisarmsashesoothedher.Didhewanttohear?GabbyBirch’sbackpack.Whathereallywantedwasforthatnottobetrue.
Miasaidsomething,hervoicemuffled.Sheloweredherhandsandtriedagain.“Justtellus.”
Rennglancedatthedoor.Therewasnosoundfromthehallnow.
“MeandGeoffMallottwereworkingflatoutfromtheminutethatstormpassedthrough.Thetownwasawreck.Wehadpeopleinjured.We’dbeenorganizingthesearchcrewsforGabby,gettingwordout.Circulatingherdescription,whatshe’dbeenwearing.Herbag.Purplestripeswithakangarookeyring.”Rennrubbedhisneck,remembering.“LookingovertheNautilusBlackwasacourtesy.Wedidn’thavethetimereally,wouldn’thavedoneitfortourists.Butwithitbeingtwolocalmen,localfamilies—”
RennlookedupatKieran,stillonhisfeet.
“Wewantedtomakesureyouallfeltlikewe’dtakencareofthem.Butwewerebusy,andI’dbeenheldupatthestationdealingwiththingsstillcominginandIwasrushingdowntothemarinatomeetMallott.Iwasnearlyatthegate,youknow,thatonewhereyoucanlookstraightacrossthedocks?”
Hepaused,asKierannodded.
“IwasstillafairwayawaybutIcouldseeMallottalreadyontheboat.Hehadtheboltcuttersoutandwasworkingonthepadlockonthedrybox.Myphonerang;itwasthemedicalcenterwithsomecrisis,andIhadtostopatthegatetotakethecall.Iwasannoyed,Iremember,pacingupanddownbecauseIneededtogetthemoffthephonesoIcouldgetonwiththings.IlookedoutacrossthedocksandIcouldseeSergeantMallott.He’dgottheboxopenandwasreachinginside”—Rennstaredathisdesk,hisgazesomewherefarawayandlongago—“andhepulledsomethingout.Anditlookedtomeawholelotlikepurple-stripedfabric.”
KieranheldAudreytightasRennopenedhismouthagain.
“AndIrememberfeelingcompletelyblindsided.Ididn’tknowwhattomakeofit,andIcouldn’tworkitout,becauseIwasstuckonthatbloodycall.”Rennbreathedout.“Ittookages,andI’mhavingtosearchmybagfornotesImadehoursearlier,andI’mbeingtransferredbythemedicalcentertoadoctoratthehospital,andthenatlastIcanhangup.
“SoI’mrushingintothemarina,apologizing,stressed-out,andI’mexpectingMallotttocallmeovertothedryboxtocorroborate,takesomephotos,buthedoesn’t.He’sjuststandingonthedeck—asnormalasyoulike—andhesayshe’sallfinished.Heasksmetocallthereliefcoordinatorsandtellthemwe’llbecomingaroundtodochecksandupdates.”
Miamadeasmallnoiseinherthroat.Shewasstaringathim,herhandsclaspedtightinherlap.
“SoIaskedMallottstraight-outwhatwasinthedrybox.”Renn’smouthpressedintoahardline.“Andhesaidtherewasnothingmuch.Thosewerethewordsheused.Nothingmuch.Chartsandthings.Thelidwaswideopenbythen.Ihadalookinside.Therewasnobaginthere.”
Kieranfeltastirringofhope.“Maybeyouwerewrong.”
“Yeah,Iwonderedthattoo.Imean,ithadbeenchaos,andImust’verepeatedthatdescriptionofGabbyahundredtimes.IthoughtmaybeIwassotiredI’dgotconfused.SoIsaidtoMallottthatIthoughtI’dseenhimliftsomethingoutofthebox.Helookedmeintheeyeandhesaidno.”Rennshookhishead.“AndIknewthathewaslyingtome.Icouldtell.ItwasthefirsttimeI’deverknownhimtodothat.Icouldn’tthinkwhattodo.”
Thefaintsoundsofchatterroseandfellassomeonepassedinthecorridor.Miatookabreath.“Sowhatdidyoudo?”
“GeoffandIstoodtherelookingateachother,andthenhegotonhisradiolikenothinghadhappened.Heorderedmetofollowhimtothecarsandwewentanddidourreliefchecks.Wewereatituntiltheearlyhours.Whenwefinallyfinished,IwenthomebutIcouldn’tsleep.Ikeptrunningitoverinmymind,andthenextmorningIfeltsureIknewwhatI’dseen.”Renngaveahardsmile.“MallottwasalreadyhereatthestationwhenIgotin.Early—earlierthanI’deverknownhimtogethere—likehewaswaitingforme.SoIputittohimstraight,saidIthoughtI’dseenGabby’sbaginthebox.Hesatmedown.Hereinthisroom.”RennnoddedtowhereKieranandMiaweresittingontheothersideofthebattereddesk.“AndhetoldmeIwaswrong.”
“Hedeniedit?”Kieransaid.
“Well,hewouldn’tadmitit,”Rennsaid.“Whichisn’tquitethesamething.Buthebroughtmeinhere,gavemeacoffee,talkedinthatmatter-of-factwayofhisabouthowwehadthreefamiliesgrieving.DidIreallywanttogostirringthingsupwhenwehadnoanswers,onlymorequestions?HekeptgoingonabouthowbeforeIwentupsettingfamilies,I’dreallywanttohaveproofofsomething,likethebagitself.DidIhavethebag?DidIhaveanythinglikethat?”
Rennleanedbackandhischairgroaned.
“Weargued.Meandhim.Iwantedtocallinthefamilies,startingwithTrishandOlivia.TellthemwhatI’dseen.Mallottkeptrepeatinghimself.Reallycalm.Wehadtwomendead.Alotofpeopletothinkabout.Yourparents,Kieran,worriedaboutyourrecovery.Toby’swifewasfilleduptohereyeswithprescriptionmeds,shewassoupsetbywhathadhappened.Hisboy,Liam,wasonlyyoung.AndwhereverGabbywas,shewasn’tonthatboatanymore.Sowewerenofurtherforward.”
Rennclosedhiseyes,frowning.
“Soyeah,weargued.Asmuchasthatwaspossible.Iwasyoung,brand-new.Mallottwasmysergeant.Iknow—”HeheldupahandasKieranopenedhismouth.“Iknowthat’snoexcuse,butthat’showitwas.IwentbacktotheNautilusBlackmyself,buttherewasnosignofanybackpackbythen,sothechainofevidencewasalreadydestroyed.Nextthing,Ihearsomedogwalkershavefoundthebagonthebeach.Prettybloodyconvenient,likeTrishhasalwayssaid.”
KieranpicturedTrishBirch.Thewayshescouredthesea.Hefelthischestclench.
“WhenIheardthebaghadwashedup,”Rennsaid,“IreckonIhadaboutfivesecondstoopenmymouthandtelleveryonewhatIthoughthadreallyhappened.ButithadbeensuchabloodyhardtimeandI’dbeenrunningonemptyfordays,workingnonstop.Icouldbarelythinkstraight.Andthefuneralswerearoundthecornerandeveryonewasstillshakenupandvulnerableand—”Hestopped.“Ididn’tsayanything.Andthenafterthat,Icouldn’t,couldI?Ifeltlikemyhandsweretied.Thefuneralsweredreadful.ThefamiliesweredevastatedanditwasobvioushowmuchFinnandTobyhadmeanttoeveryone,andIthought—”
Rennlookedupattheceiling,blinking.
“Idon’tknow,honestly.IsupposeIstartedtothinkmaybeGeoffMallottwasright.FindingthatbackpackontheboatonlygaveusmorequestionsthananswersaboutGabby.Itdidn’tclearanythingup,anditwoulddefinitelycausealotmoreconfusionandpain.Mallottreckonedwe’dallhadenoughofthat.Iwonderedifmaybehehadapoint.”
“Thisisbullshit.”Kieransurprisedhimself.HesawMialookup.“Itis.Sowhatifthebagwasontheboat?Gabbyfellinthewater.FinnandTobymusthavefishedoutherbackpack.That’sall.”
“No.”Rennwasalreadyshakinghishead.“No,mate.Thatbaghadn’tbeeninthesea.Therewasabitofdamagetotheboatitself,yeah,butthatdryboxwaswatertight.Youknowwhatit’slike.Nothinggetsinthere.Icouldseeitformyself,evenwhileMallottstoodtherelyingtome.Therewasnowaterinthere.Youcouldstillreadthehandwritingonthecharts.Thebagcan’thavebeenwetwhenitwasputinside,oritwouldhaveleakedanddrippedallovertheplace.Butitwasbonedryinthatbox.Someonecarriedthatbackpackonboard.”
MiafixedhereyesonRenn.“Who?”
“Whoknows?”hesaid.“Gabbyherself?Finn?Toby?Someoneelse?ButifGabbyBirchwasonthatboatthatday,itwasn’tbecauseshewaspulledoutofthesea.”
33
Miawasthefirsttoreact.
“WehavetotellOlivia,”shesaid,pushingbackherchair.“AndTrish.”
“Wait,”Kieranstarted,butshewasalreadystandingup.“Mia,okay,just—”
“No.”Sheslowed,though,andtookastepcloser.Shetouchedhisarm.“No,Kieran.We’renotgoingtodothis.Thisisnotthekindofthingyouwanttokeeptoyourself.Doyouhearme?Itwouldbeunbearable.”Shedidn’tneedtolookatRenn,whohadhiselbowsonthedeskandhisheadinhishands.“Ican’tdoit,andIcan’twatchyoudoit.”
“But—”KieranfeltAudreytwistinhisarmsandhisheadwassuddenlyfullofTrishBirch.Herbackpacks.Herslowwalksupanddowntheshoreline,searchingforasignfromsomeonesolonggone.HowwouldKieranmeasureupagainstthenightmareofhisownchildlost?HethoughtaboutTrish,andBronte’sparents,and—hisheartconstrictedinafamiliarway—BrianandVerity.HecouldfeeltheflutterofAudrey’spulse.Hedidn’tknowhowanyofthemgotthroughasingleday.Hecouldn’tbringhimselftoimaginewhatittook.
“I’lltellTrishandOlivia,”Rennsaid,intohishands.
Miaturned.“You’vehadtwelveyearstotellthem.”
“Iknow.”Heraisedhishead.“Ihavewantedto,though.EverysingletimeIseeTrish,Ithinkabouttellingher.Everytime.WhenIseeheronthatbeach.WhenIhearthatshe’sthrownanotheroneofthosebagsofhersintotheocean.HowmuchlongercanIstandbackandletherkeepdoingthat?”Herubbedhisfaceinfrustration.“I’vewantedtotellOlivia,wheneverIcanseethatshe’ssadorworried.Whichisalot.Soyeah,I’mveryawareofwhatit’sdonetothatfamily,don’tyouworryaboutthat.Thethingthat’sstoppedme,forwhatit’sworth—”Therewasalongpause.“Thetruthhurtsalotofpeople.Thatwasthecasethen,andit’sthecasenow.Anditstilldoesn’tbringGabbyback.TrishandOliviastayhurtanyway.”
Miawavered,thenopenedhermouth.“ButTrish—”
“Yeah,Iknow.”Rennstoppedher.“Idoknow.I’lltalktothem.AndToby’sfamily.Witheverythinggoingon,it’sgoingtocomeoutanyway.SuePendleburyknowsnow,andIcan’tseeGeorgeBarlinlettinghisquestionsaboutthetimingsdrop.ButI’dliketotellTrishmyself.SoIcantellherI’msorry.”Rennlookedlikeamanlost.“AndI’dlikeOliviatohearitfromme.”
MiawasalreadyreachingtoputAudreyinthestroller,butKieranstayedwherehewas.
“Wait,”hesaid.
“Kieran,”shesaid.“Youknowtheyhavetobetold.WhetherChrisdoesitorwedo,theyhavetohearit.”
“Iknowthat.”KieranheldontighttohisdaughterandlookedatRenn.“Butyouhavetogivemethechancetotellmymumfirst.”
Veritywasintheocean.Shewasstandingwaist-deepwithherheadmovingslowlybackandforthasshewatchedBrianswimlaps.Briandrovethroughthewaterwithasmoothfreestylestroke.Histechniquewasstillverygood,Kieranthought.Hehadn’tforgottenthat,atleast.Verityshieldedhereyesandwavedasshesawthemapproaching.
“Helovesthis.Andit’seasierthantryingtopersuadehimtohaveashower,”Veritysaid,hersmilefadingasshenoticedtheirfaces.“What’swrong?”
Theytookhertositamongtheboxesonthebackveranda.Brianlayonhistowelinapatchofsunlightwithhiseyesclosed,lettingtheheatdryhisboardshorts.
Kierandidn’tknowhowtobegin.AfterafewfalsestartsVerityfrowned—“ForGod’ssake,Kieran,justsayit”—andMiahadtostepin.Shefalteredaswell,asVerity’sfaceslowlybegantochange,hardeningaroundtheeyesfirstandthenthemouthandjaw.Kierantookoveroncemoreandeventually,withMia’shelp,theyfollowedVerity’sadviceandjustcameoutwithit.VeritysatwithherhandsinherlapandherheadtiltedforwardasshelistenedtothemexplainwhatPendleburyhadsaid,andthenRenn.Thetimings,theboat,thebox,thebackpack.Kierandidn’tfinishspeakingasmuchastrailoffasVeritysuddenlystoodup.
“Right,”shesaid.“Well,I’dbettergetyourdaddriedanddressed.”
“But—”Kieranwatchedindisbeliefasshewalkedacrosstheveranda.“Mum,wait.Just,stop,okay?Areyougoingtosayanything?”
“WhatcanIpossiblysaytoallthat?”Shedidn’tlookatthem.“Obviously,it’snottrue.”
“ButSergeantRenn—”
“ChrisRenniswrong.”
Miashifted.“Hesoundedsure,Verity.Fromthewayhewastalking,he’sobviouslythoughtaboutthisalot.”
“Thenhe’slying.”
“Mum—”Kieranblinked.“Areyouserious?Whywouldhemakethisup?”
VeritywasattemptingtogetaresistantandsleepyBriantohisfeet.“Ihavenoideawhy,Kieran.Although”—shegaveBrianatinyshoveoffrustration—“Iamquitecurioustoknowwhyyou’vedecidednowisagoodtimetorewritehistory.”
Kieranstaredather.“That’snotwhatI’mdoing.”
“No?Goingtothestationspecificallytoaskleadingquestionsaboutthingsthathappenedyearsago?AboutFinnandhisboatandwhattimehewasonthewaterandallkindsofrubbish—”
“I—”
“Becauseitsoundslikeclassicdeflection—”
“Bullshit.Mum,that’snot—”
“Notwhat?”VeritypulledatBrian’sarm,hervoicetremblingwiththeefforttocontrolit.“Notanattempttochannelblameawayfromyourselfandontoyourlatebrother?I’dbeveryinterested,Kieran,toexplorewhathastriggeredthis—”
“That’snotwhathe’sdoing,Verity—”Miawascutoffwithasharplook.
“Youstayoutofthis,Mia.Thisisfamilybusiness—”
“Hey,don’tspeaktoherlikethat.”
“Sheisnotpartofthis,”Veritysnapped.Shepaused,herhandsstillonanunwillingBrian,thenflickedhereyesbacktoMia.“Orareyou?Isityouwho’sbeenencouragingallthis?StirringuptroublewithsomestoryaboutFinnandthatgirl’sbag?Becauseit’salwaysstruckmeasprettyluckyforyou,Mia,thatmyhusbandcamealongwhenhedidtotaketheheat.Otherwisethelastpersontoseethatgirlalivewasyou.”
“Hey!Watchit.Thishasnothingtodowithher.”Kieranwasonhisfeetnow.Miadidn’tmove.“Thisisaboutme.IwantedtoaskRenn.BecauseIwantedtoknow—”
“What?”VerityhadgivenuponBrian,leavinghimsprawledonhistowel.ShewasstaringatKieran.“Whatwassoimportantthatyoujusthadtoknow?”
“IwantedtoknowifitwastruethatFinnandTobywereoutonthewateralready.Mum?Yougetthat,don’tyou?Ineededtoknowiftheaccidentwasmyfault.”
Veritywasverystill,breathinginandoutthroughhernose.“Whatdoesthatmatternow?Itwassolongago.Finn’sdead.Ihaveacceptedthat.Nothingcan—”
“Itmatterstome,”Kieransaid.“Ofcourseitmatterstome.Itshouldmattertoyoutoo.”
“Finn’snothere.That’sallthatmatterstome.Blameisnothealthyorproductive.”
“Yeah.”Kierangaveahardlaugh.“Irealizethat.I’mnotsureyoudo,though.”
“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”
“YouthinksomehowI’mtooblindorstupidtoseewhatthishasdonetoyou?BothyouandDad?ThatIdon’tfeelwhatyoufeelaboutFinnbeinggone?ThatIdon’tthinkabouthimallthetime?ThatIdon’tlookatAudreyandhaveatleastsomeideawhatyou’vebeenthrough?ThatIdon’tregretwhathappenedeveryday?”Kieranalmostlaughed.“DoyouthinkIhaven’tnoticedthatyouandIcan’thaveastraightconversationwhereyoudon’ttrytopretendthateverythingisfine?”Kierancouldfeelthebloodpoundinginhisearsashelookedathismother.“Notveryconvincingly,bytheway.”
HefeltMiatouchhisarmbutignoredit.
“IknowhowharditwaslosingFinn,Mum.Igetthat.Ireallydo.Youcanadmitit.”Kierancouldhearhimselfpleading.“Please.I—”
“Allright.”Shestoppedhimshort.“Allright.YouwanttoknowhowIreallyfeelaboutallthis?”Veritystraightened.“Ifeelthattryingtoaccuseyourbrotherofsomething,whenhe’snolongerheretodefendhimself,isdespicable.Finnisdead.You’retheonewhoisstillhere,andyou’retheonestillcausingproblemsforusall.”
“Me?”Kieranblinked.Astrangeandunpleasantsensationwashedoverhim.Asuddendizzyadrenalinerushoffree-falling.Hefeltitdislodgesomethingsharpinsidehim.“I’mnottheonewithadeadgirl’sbagonmyboat.”
Verityslappedhim.
Hehadn’tseenitcomingandtheimpactwashardenoughtomakehisvisionflashwhite.Kieran’smotherhadneverinhisentireliferaisedahandtohim.Thesoundseemedtoechoofftheemptyhouse.
“Youreallywanttohearit,Kieran?”Verity’stonewasstrangeandsoftnow.
Heputhisfingerstohisface.Theskinwashotandhecouldfeelthestingoftheblow.“Ithinkyoureallywanttosayit.”
“Finndiedbecauseofyou.Itwasyourfault.”
Therewasathicksilence.Theylookedateachother,properly,forwhatfeltlikethefirsttimeinyears.
Kieranloweredhishandfromhisface.Itstillhurt.“Feelbetternow?”
“Yes,actually.Ido.”Verityinhaled,andexhaled.“WishI’dtoldyouthattwelveyearsago.”
Withoutanotherword,sheturnedherbackonhim,steppedstraightoverBrian,andwalkedintothehouse.Kieranheardherfootstepsdisappeardownthehall,thennothingbutthesoundofthedoortoFinn’sroomclickingopenandshutagain.
34
Kieranlaynexttohisdaughteronthebed,janglinghiskeysoverherfacetomakeherlaughwhileMiaturnedapageofadog-earedG.R.Barlinnovel.
“Maybeweshouldjustbookthoseflights,”Kieransaid.“Gohometomorrow.”
Mialookedup.“Doyouwantto?”
“Idon’twanttoleavethingslikethis,but—”
TheybothturnedtheirheadsatthesoundofFinn’sdooropeningacrossthehall.Thefloorboardscreaked,then,fartherdown,Brian’sbedroomdoorsqueakedopenandgentlyclosedshut.
Miafrowned.“She’llprobablybemorewillingtotalkinthemorning.”
“I’msorryforhowshespoketoyou,”hesaid,notforthefirsttimethatafternoon.
“It’sokay.Noneofthisisaboutme.”
Kierandidn’tsayanything,justshookhiskeysgentlyandwatchedhisdaughtersmile.Ithadbeenhourssincetheargument.AfterVerityhadlockedherselfaway,Brianhadthankfullylethimselfbeledtobed,whereKieranhadtuckedhiminlikeachild.Hehadclosedhiseyesandslept,tiredfromhisswim.WhenVeritystilldidnotemerge,KieranandMiahadtakenAudreydowntothebeachtogivehersomespace.Theyhadreturned,muchlater,tofindherstillshutinFinn’sroom.Kieranhadbeenabletohearhermovingabout,buthisknocksonthedoorhadgoneunanswered.Atlast,heandMiahadholedupinhisownroom,tryingandfailing—onKieran’spart,atleast—tomakesenseoftheeventsoftheday.
Miaclosedthebookandreachedovertocheckthetimeonherphone.Thelightwasfadingoutside.“Shouldwemakedinner?Wecouldgoandgetsomethingfromthesupermarket.”
“Peaceoffering?”
Shesmiled.“Worthatry.Eitherway,weallhavetoeat.”
“Yeah.Isuppose.”Kieranpulledhimselfup.“Ifwe’regoing,weshouldgonow.Theyprobablystillshutearly.”
Theywalkedtotownalongtheroad,AudreysnoozinginthecarrieragainstKieran’schest.Fisherman’sCottagewasindarknessastheypassed,thepolicetapestillflutteringatthegate.Someonehadremovedtheflowersandthespacelookedoddlybare.Theywalkedonandastheyreachedthespotwheretheyhadseenthecarblastpastallthosedaysago—Liam’scar,allegedly—KieranreachedoutandtookMia’shand.Therewerenocarstonight.
“Itfeels—”Miastarted,thenhesitated.“Thisweekhasfeltlikethedaysafterthestorm.”
“Idon’trememberthattoowell.”
“Ohyeah,ofcourse.Itwasweird,though,peoplewereoutandaboutwhentheyhadtobe,butitwaslikeeveryonekindofdisappearedintothemselvesforawhile.Self-preservationinstinctkickinginorsomething.”
Shefellquietforaway.
“Whatareyouthinking?”Kieransaidasthelightsofthemarinacameintoviewupahead,abrighthalointhetwilight.
“Sameasyou,probably.”Miashrugged.“TryingtothinkofagoodreasonwhyGabby’sbagwasonyourbrother’sboat.”
“Yeah?”Kieranlookedover.MiahadknownGabbyaswellasanyone.Hewaitedasshebreathedout,hisflashofhopeslippingawayasthesecondsdriftedby.Eventuallysheshookherhead.
“Idon’tknow,Kieran,I’msorry.ThebestIcancomeupwithisachanceencounter,liketheyfounditorsomething.Butthatdoesn’tmakesenseeither,becauseyou’djusthanditin,wouldn’tyou?”Shesoundedsad.“AllIcantellyouisthatGabbydidn’treallyknowyourbrotherorToby.I’vebeentryingtothinkofsomethingImighthaveforgotten,butIcan’t.Wewerefourteen,theyweregrownmen.Wedidn’tknowthemasmentorsordivinginstructorsoranythinglikethat,anddefinitelynotasfriends.She’dseenthemaround,and”—Miapausedforafractionofabeat—“Iguesstheywouldhaveseenher,obviously.Butnomorethanthat,asfarasIknew.”
“Right.”Kieranlistenedtothesoundoftheirfootstepsforawhile.“Thethingis—”Hecouldn’thelphimself.“Somethingfeelsreallyoff.Imean,yeah,Finnwasmybrotherandyeah,you’veprobablygotapointthatweonlyrememberthegoodthings.Buthecouldbeanarseholeattimes,Ireallydoknowthat.Hewasn’tatheart,though.Hewasjustanormalbloke,withgoodpointsandbadpoints.Igenuinelybelievethat.SomaybeI’mkiddingmyself,butitfeelslikeabigjumpfromthatto—”Heshrugged.“Whateversomebackpackonhisboatsuggests.”
“Icouldn’tsay,Kieran.”Mia’seyeswereonthemarina.Thegentlecreakandgroanoftheboatsfilledtheeveningair.“Ihonestlydidn’tknowFinnorTobyatall.”
ThelightswereonintheSurfandTurfastheywalkedpast,buttheplacewasagainvirtuallydeserted,withnearlyeverytableempty.Throughthewindow,KierancouldspotthegrainypictureofBrontestillsmilingoutfromthebulletinboard.Hewonderedifthecollectiontinhadbeenpassedontoherparentsyet.Hepresumeditstillwouldbe,despitewhathadbeenairedatthecommunitymeeting.HewonderedwhatNickandAndreaLaidlerwouldmakeofit.Akindgesturefromthosewhocared,oracaseoffartoolittle,fartoolate,frompeoplewhohadlettheirdaughterdown?
Bythetimetheyreachedthesmallsupermarket,itwasnearlyclosingtime.Audreywasstirringalittleinthesling.
“I’llgoin,”Miawhispered.“Youkeepwalking.”
Thestreetsweredarkandmostlyempty.Afewlightsburnedbehindblindsinfrontwindows,butKieransawonlytheodddogwalker.Stillallmen,henoticed.Hewonderedhowlongthatwouldlast.Hecouldn’tguess.Audreyfidgeted,unsettled,andhewaspacingtheroadsonautopilotwhenheslowedinfrontofWetherbyHouse.Hehadcomethiswaywithoutfullyrealizingit.
Kieranstoodonthegrassyvergeandstaredatthewreckedgarden.Thelightsfromthehousethrewsharpshadowsacrosstheupturnedearth,butotherthanthatitlookedexactlythesameasithadearlierthatday,whenhe’dseenAshparkedoutside.Therewasnosignofhimnow.Kieranjumpedalittleashesensedmovement,andlookedaround.HehalfexpectedtoseeAshloiteringinwhatwasleftofthegreenery,butinstead,thefrontdoorcreakedopenandG.R.Barlinappearedintheframe.
“Sorry,”Kierancalled,raisingahand.“Justus.”
“Hangon.”Georgedisappearedbackinside,thenreturned,holdingsomethingunderhisarmashepulledthedoorshutbehindhim.“WhenIsawyou,Ithoughtyourmatewasbackforasecond.”
“No.”
“Youhavethesamebuildinthedark.”GeorgesmiledatAudrey.“Baby’sabitofagiveaway,though.”Heheldabagofbooksoverthefence.“ForMia.Someofmine,someothersthatshemightlike.”
“Oh.”Surprised,Kieranreachedforthebag.“Thankyou.”
“Kindofanapologyonmypartaswell.”Georgeshookhishead.“Pendleburystoppedbyearlier.Ididn’trealizeIwasstirringuptroublewiththosestormtimings.Ithoughtitwasinteresting,thatwasall.”
“Interestingisdefinitelyonewaytoputit,”Kieransaid.Hemanagedasmile.“I’mgratefultoyou,though.Knowingmakesabigdifference.Forme,anyway.”
“Goodtohear.”
“Whywereyoulookingintoitanyway?You’renotwritingaboutthat,areyou?”
“God,no.”Georgefrowned.“Thenewone’saboutbiologicalwarfareinanear-futuristicdystopia.”
“Ah.”
“Yeah.”Georgeshrugged.“ThestormwasjustsomethingIwasreadingaboutontheside.”HewasquietasheglanceddownatbabyAudrey.“I’mhavingsomecustodyissues.Personalstuff.Mywife—ex-wife—isoverseas.Itmakesthingscomplicated.Legally,andotherwise.”
“I’msorry.”
“Itiswhatitis.Idon’treallyliketogointoit.Butit’sabitlikethelandscaping,andthediving;sometimesIneedadistraction.ThenthisterriblethinghappenedtoBronte.”Georgeshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.It’snothowIexpectedthingstobedownhere.”
Heleanedonthefenceastheybothsurveyedtheblackupturnedsoil.KieranrememberedBronte’sphotosandimaginedher,aliveandvibrant,walkingpastthisveryspot,camerainhandassheheadedtowardtheclifftrail.Allatonce,somethingitchedinthebackofhismind,hazyandelusive.Hefrownedandlookedbackatthegarden.“What’stheplanforallthis,anyway?”
Georgescratchedhischin.“Youknow,I’mhonestlynottoosure.ThelandscapergivesmeaninvoiceeveryfewweeksandIpayit.Ishouldprobablyaskhim.ItseemedlikeagoodideawhenImovedin,modernizeitabit,makeitmyown,youknow?Butnow—”Heshrugged.“IfI’drealizeditwasgoingtobesuchapaininthearse,Iwouldhaveleftitalone.It’sbeenmoretroublethanit’sworth.”
Kieranlookedupthestreettowardthecliffpath.Ash’sdirtywhitepickupwasnowheretobeseen.Theneighboringhousesstoodsilent,setbackfromtheroadwiththeirblindsshut.Thenigglingfeelingremained.Heturnedbacktotheexcavatedgarden,itsdestructionnearlycomplete.Kieranhesitated,thenopenedhismouth.
“Youfoundanythinginterestinginthere?”Hisvoicewasoddlylight,eventohisownears.
George’seyesflickedoverinthedark.“Likewhat?”
“Idon’tknow,”Kieransaid.“Anything.”
“ThebodyofGabbyBirchburiedintheflowerbedsyourmatedugallalonebyhandtwelveyearsago?”
Theonlysoundwasthepurrofasinglepassingcar.
“No,”Kieransaidquicklyastheroadfellquietagain.“That’snotwhatImeant.”
“Wasn’tit?”Thewriterlookedatinybitamused.“Thiswholetimeyouneveroncethoughtthatmightbewhatwasgoingonhere?”
Kierandidn’tanswer.
“Don’tworry.”Georgegavehimaknowingsmile.“Iwon’ttellanyone.”Hepaused.“Ashwasherethismorning,actually.Heapologized.”
“Really?”Kierancouldn’thidehissurprise.
“Yeah.OratleastIthinkthat’swhathewasgettingat.Ididtoo.”Georgesurveyedthepatchofthegardenstilltobedugup.“I’vebeenwonderingifmaybeheandIcouldworksomethingoutwiththis.IsuspectAshmightactuallyknowwhathe’sdoingmorethanmycurrentguy.”
“Idon’tthinkyou’dbesorry,”Kieransaid.“Youtwowouldprobablygetalongprettywellifyougaveeachotherachance.Ashisagoodblokewhenhewantstobe.”
“Yeah.Well,we’llsee.”Georgeshiveredinthecrispair.“I’llgetbackinside.IfMiawantsanyofherbookssigned,tellhertoshoutout.”
“Thanks.I’mnotsurehowmuchlongerwe’llbearound,though.”
“Isthatright?IhopenotbecauseofanythingI’vestirredupwiththestorm?”
“No.Notjustthat,anyway.It’safewthings.”
“Ican’tsayIblameyou.IreallyhopedI’dstayherelong-term,butnow—”Georgelookedtired.“I’mnotsosure.Placeslikethis,theyneedtobetight-knittowork.Oncethetrustisbroken,they’restuffed.Whetherpeopleseeitornot,thewriting’sonthewall.”Georgeturnedbacktohisbighouse,withitstorn-upgroundsanditssprawling,emptyfeel.“Anyway,itwasgoodtomeetyouboth.Hopefullywe’llcrosspathsagain.”
HeraisedahandandKieranwatchedhimopenthefrontdooranddisappearintotheblazinglight.Thedoorclosedandthestreetwasdarkandsleepyoncemore.
KieranstoodtherealonewithAudrey.Thewriterhadgone,Ash’spickupwasnotthere,theroadtothecliffpathwasempty.Exceptsuddenly,somethingnewsnaggeddeepinKieran’smind.
No.Notnew.Different.Adoggedfeelingthathewasmissingsomethingtuggedathim.Kieranstaredintothenightandforcedhimselftothink.Itwasthesamesensationhe’dhadearlierthatday,downonthebeachwithPendlebury.Heclosedhiseyesandtriedtofocus,buttheideawaslikewater,slippingthroughhisfingers.
Finally,AudreystirredandhisphonebuzzedwithamessagefromMia.Kieranblinkedandbegantowalk,theelusivethoughtcreepingalongsidehim,alwaysjustoutofreach.Hechasedit,withoutsuccess,thewholewayback.
35
ThehousewasquietasKieranandMialetthemselvesin.KieranheardthedoortoFinn’sroomclickshutagainastheysteppedintothehall,andhewalkedthroughtofindBriansittingaloneonthebackveranda.
Whereoncetherewouldhavebeenacoldbeerinhishand,Brianinsteadheldaglassoftapwater,stillfizzingalittlewithdissolvedmedication.Hedidn’tseemtomind,though,andwasgazingpeacefullyoutatthedarkwavesbreakingwhiteagainstthesand.Thenightairwascrispandthetidesoundedstrongandrefreshed.
KieranwentintogetAudrey’sbottleandcamebackouttofindMiahadpulledupasparechairnexttohisdad.BrianhadacushionacrosshislapandAudreylayonit,cradledinhisarms.KieranlookedtoMia,whoshrugged.
“Hewantedtoholdher.He’sdoingagoodjob.”
KieranwatchedBrianstrokeAudrey’sfinebabyhairwithhislargepalm.Shereachedforhisthumb.Briangazeddownatherandsmiled.
“He’sstrong,”hesaid.“Fromthedayhewasbornhewaslikethis.Alittlechampion.Aren’tyou?Mylittlemate.”
“Hethinksshe’syou,”Miawhispered.
“OrFinn.”
Sheshookherhead,smiling.“Hesaidyournamebefore.It’syou.”
KieranlookedatMiaassheturnedbacktohisdadanddaughter.Hewasn’tsureifhebelievedher,butitdidn’treallymatter.Helovedthatshe’dsaidit.
“I’llgoandstartdinner,”hesaidatlast.
“I’llgo.”Miagotupandgavehimherseat.“Yousupervisethis.”
KieranpulledupthechairandsatdownbesideBrianandAudrey,listeningtothesoundsfloatingdownthehallfromthekitchenandthegentlewashofthetide
“I’msorry,”Kieransaidquietly.“I’msorryaboutwhathappenedtoFinn.Ireallyhopeyouknowthat.”
Brianglancedup,thenbackdownatAudrey,thefaintsmileonhisfaceneverchanging.Itwasimpossibletoknowifheunderstood.Kieransearchedhismilkyeyesforanysignoflucidity,somethingmorethanaconfusedmanlosttoillness.Hecouldseenothing.
Kieranopenedhismouthtosaymore,thenstopped.Hisdadlookedhappy.Relaxinginhisfamilyhome,acolddrinkofsortsonthetablenexttohim,hisgranddaughterinhisarms,listeningtohisbelovedocean.
Couldthisbeenough?Kieranwondered.Ifthiswasallthatwaspossible?IfBriandidn’trememberwhathethoughtKieranhaddone,didn’trememberthoseblackdayswhentheylostFinn?Ifwhathadhappenedwasgoneforever,wasthatthesameasforgiveness?Kieranwasn’tsure,buthethoughtaboutit,astheysattheretogether,lookingoutatthemoononthewater.
Afterawhile,thebackdooropenedandMiaputherheadout.ShesawAudreydozingagainanddroppedhervoicetoawhisper.
“Dinner’snearlyready.”
“Thanks.”
MialookedatBrian,whohadn’teventurnedhishead.“Iguesswe’llofferhimsome?Seeifhe’lltakeit?”
“Yeah.”Kierangaveherasmallsmile.“Hestillseemsquiteoutofit.HemissedhisperfectcuetoblinktolifeandtellmethatnothingthathappenedtoFinnwasmyfaultandhelovesmeandforgivesme.”
“That’sannoying.”MiatrailedherfingersoverKieran’shandasshemovedpast.“Istillloveyou,forwhatit’sworth.AndAudreydoes,I’mprettysure.”
“Thankyou.Metoo.”Kieranlookedather,leaningagainsttherailing.Thenightskywasbigbehindher.“Weshouldgetmarried,Mia.Youandme.”
“Yeah—”Shestartedtosmilebutwasforcedtostifleayawn,coveringhermouthastheybothlaughed.“God,I’msorry.Iamsotired.Butyes,definitely.”Shesmiledathim,forrealthistime.“Ithinkweshouldtoo.”
“Wecoulddoitsoon,whenwegethome.Don’tyoureckon?Thisautumnorsomething,beforeitgetstoocold.”
“Thatsoundsnice.GetAudreyalittlebridesmaid’soutfit.”Mialeanedin,putherhandsoneithersideofhisface,andkissedhimgently.“Let’sdoit.It’dbereallygood.I’dloveit.”
“Iwouldtoo,”Kieransaid.“It’dbegreat.”
Theylookedateachotherforalongminute,grinning.EvenBrianlookedhappy.
“Doyouthinkanyonewouldcome?”Kieransaid,lookingfromhisdadtothequiethouse.
“Youmeanyourmum?She’llcome.”
“Really?”
“Shewill,”Miasaid.“She’shurtrightnow.Andmaybeshehasn’thandledallthisaswellasshecouldhave,butifshedidn’tloveyou,you’dhavefoundoutforsuretwelveyearsago.”
Kieransatforamoment,thinkingaboutthat.
“It’ssoweird,isn’tit?Howonethingcanchangesomuch,”hesaid.“Ifthatstormhadfizzledoutatsea,orhitafewkilometersfurtherupthecoast,whoknowswhatwouldhavehappened?Orwouldn’t?Finnwouldprobablystillbehere.Dadwouldstillbelikethis,Iguess,buttheselastfewyearswouldn’thavebeenthesameatall.Changethatonedayandeverythingwouldhavebeendifferent.”
“That’strue.”Mia’svoicewassoftinthenight.“Butmaybenotallthechangeswerefortheworse.SometimesIthinkwhathappenedtoFinn—”Shepaused.“I’mnotforaminutesayingthatwasagoodthing,ofcoursenot.Butyou’reright.Itdidchangeyourlife,butI’mnotsureitwasinthewayyousometimesthinkitwas.”Shewaslitupbytheglowspillingfromthehouse.“Honestly,Kieran,Ithinkitmadeyouabetterperson.Kinder,definitely.Moreawareofotherpeople,moreconsciousofyouractions.”
Kieranlookedatherandsheshrugged.
“Youhavechangedsincebackthen.”Mianoddedattheirsleepingdaughter.“Becauseifyouhadn’t,ifyouwerethesamepersonnowasyouwerewhenthestormhit,there’snowaythethreeofuswouldbetogether.”
AudreysnuffledandstirredalittleinBrian’sarms.Kieranwatchedher,imaginingforasecondthatdifferentworldandadifferentlife.HereachedoutforMia.
“Thatwouldbenogoodatall.”
“Honestly?”Miareachedback.“Theoldyouwouldn’tevencare.”
Kieranwokeupinthemiddleofthenightinstantlycertainofsomething,butsomethingthatvanishedassoonasheopenedhiseyes.Helaytherestaringattheceiling,listeningforthesummoningcryfromthecot,butforonceallhecouldhearwasthegentlewheezeofAudrey’sbreathassheslepton.HecouldfeelMiawarmandstillbesidehim.
Kieranclosedhiseyesagain,waitingforeitherthethoughtorsleeptoreturn.Neitherdid,andasthepre-dawnblueseepedinandAudrey’sbreathsgrewlesssteadyandmorealert,hescoopedheroutofhercot,grabbedhistowelandboardshorts,andcreptthroughtothekitchen.
Veritywasalreadythere.
Shewassittingatthetablewithasinglelightonandaphotoalbumopeninfrontofher.Shehadn’tjoinedthemfordinnerthenightbefore,despitebothKieranandMiaknockingonthebedroomdoor.Intheendtheyhadleftaplateoffoodoutsideinthehall,whichhadremaineduntoucheduntiltheywenttobed.Brian,though,perhapssensinghismomenttorisetotheoccasion,hadbeensurprisinglycompliantandallfour,includingAudrey,hadsatandeatentogetherforwhatKieranthoughtcouldbethelasttimeinthathouse.Alittlehushed,alittledifferentfromhowanyofthemhadexpectedtheirfamilytobe,buttogethernonetheless.KieranhadwatchedAudreywithBrian,thetwoofthemsmilingateachotherinaninstinctiveandreflexivedisplayoflove.Lifegoingon,likeitornot.
VeritylookedupfromthatsamekitchentablenowasKieranhoveredinthedoorway.
“Mum—”
“Kieran,Iamsosorry.”Hervoicewasquiet.
“Metoo.”
Verity’seyesdroppedbacktothephotoalbum.ThepagewasopentotheinstantlyrecognizableimageofFinnandToby,takenonthedaytheylaunchedtheNautilusBlack,champagneandsmilesonthedock.
“Ifeltsoangry,”shesaid.“Withyou.”
“Iknow.Iamsorry.”
“Idon’tfeelthatwaynow.”Verityliftedherheadtofacehim.“WhateverIsaidyesterday.Ireallydon’t.WhathappenedtoFinnwasn’tyourfault.Timingsornotimings,I’vealwaysknownthat.Theywouldhavegoneoutthereforanyoneinthewaterwhenthatemergencycallcamein.Inthesamesituation,Finnwouldalwayshavemadethatchoice.”
“Itwasn’tanyoneinthewater,though,”Kieransaid.“Itwasme.”
“Ithappenedtobeyou,butthatstilldoesn’tmakeityourfault.”
VeritybeckonedforhimtositdownandKieranpulledoutachair.Hecouldseethephotoinfrontofher.Thescenewasfamiliar,butupclosehecouldtellitwasn’tthesameshotthathadhungasamemorialintheSurfandTurfallthoseyearsago,oreventheonethathe’dfoundwhilehewascleaningoutthelivingroom.Itwasyetathirdvariation,FinnandTobyturnedalittlemoreonewayortheother,theirsmilescaughtasplitsecondearlierorlater.Minordetails,Kieranthought.Notenoughtomakearealdifference.ThepicturestillcapturedFinnathishappiest.
“AndIdon’tknowwhatIcansayaboutthatbackpack,”Veritysaidquietly.“OtherthanthatFinnwasagoodman.Iknowhewas.Butuslosinghimwasn’tyourfault,Kieran,andIshouldhavesaidthatyearsago.Itwasaterribleaccident,andthat’salliteverwas.”Sheraisedhereyes.“Ihopedyouunderstoodthat,butIshouldhavemadesureyoudid.”
“Thankyou.”
“Actually,no.Eventhat’snotcompletelytrue,”Veritysaidsuddenly.SheranherthumboverFinn’sphoto.“Iknewyoufeltresponsible.AndIletyou.There’snoexcuseforthat.ButGod,Iwasjustsosad,Kieran.AndIwasangrywithBrianfornotcoping.IfeltlikeIcouldn’tsayhowhardIwasfindingit,becausehewasalwaysstrugglingenoughforthebothofus.Butweneverreallyblamedyou,Kieran.Youshouldknowthat.WejustwantedFinnback.”
“Iamreallysorry,though.”Kieran’sthroatandchestfelttight.“Iwishthingshadbeendifferent.”
“Theycouldhavebeendifferent.”Veritylookeddownatthephotooncemore,thenturnedthepage.“Wecouldhavelostbothofyouthatafternoon.Butyou’rehere,withMiaandAudrey.Istillhaveyou,insteadofjustmemoriesofbothmysonsstuckinaphotoalbum.AndI’mgratefulforthateveryday.”
Kieranleanedoverandhuggedher,Audrey’slittlebodysolidandwarmbetweenthem.Verityhuggedhimbackandforthefirsttimeinalongtimehefeltlikeshemeantit.
“Iheardyoutalkingbeforeaboutleavingearly,”shesaidashepulledaway.“Pleasedon’t.Notifyoudon’twantto.”
“Thanks.I’lltalktoMia.Eitherway,it’sgoodtobeherenow.”Hecouldfeeltheboxesbyhisfeetunderthetable.Hehesitated.Itwasworthonemoretry.“MovetoSydney,Mum.WecanfindsomewhereupthereforDad.Itwillmakenorealdifferencetohim,anditwouldmakeabigdifferencetoyou.Andtous.”
Hebracedhimselfforthestandardbarrageofexcuses,buttohissurpriseVerityreachedoutandstrokedAudrey’shand.“Youdon’tthinkI’velefteverythingtoolate?”
“Ireallydon’t.”Kieranshookhishead.“It’snottoolate.”
“No?”VerityletAudrey’sfingerswraparoundherown.“Well,maybeit’snot,then.”
Twentyminuteslater,Kieranwasoutonthebeachasthesuncreptupoverthehorizon.AudreylayfedandwarminhersleepingbagonthesandwhileKieranplowedthroughthewaves.Foronce,hefoundhewassimplyenjoyingit.
Whenhegotout,hismindfeltclearerthanithadinawhile.HesatonthebeachnexttoAudreyandtogethertheywatchedtheearly-morningsunlightglintgoldonthewater.AudreysmiledasaseagullwaddledcloserandKierantookouthisphonefromunderhistowelandsnappedacoupleofphotos.
Heshieldedthescreenfromthegrowingglareandscrolledbetweenthepictures,tryingtodecidewhichwasthebetteronetosendtoMia.Backandforth,backandforth.Itdidn’tmatter.Theywerealmostidentical.
Kieran’sthumbstoppedagainstanimage.Thenaggingfeelingwasback.Thesubtle,slipperyonethathadplaguedhimyesterdayatthebeachandlastnightashespoketoGeorgeBarlin.Theonethathadwokenhim.Thesameone,herealizednow,thathadhoveredalmostimperceptiblyintheearly-morningdarkofthekitchenashe’djoinedVerityatthetable.
Kieranalmosthadit.Forasinglemoment,hehadalmostcaughtitashesatthereonthebeach.Whatwasit?Hemadehimselfconcentrate.Verityatthetable.ThephotoofFinnandTobyandtheNautilusBlack.Thatfeltclosesomehow.Whatwasitaboutthosephotos?Variationshehadseensomanytimesovertheyears.Similar,butnotthesame.
And,allofasudden,thereitwas.
Kieranstoodupabruptly,startlingAudrey.
“Sorry,”hesaidasherfacecrumpled.“Sorry.”
Hepickedherupandheldherinhisarms.Herockedhergentlyasthethoughtthathadbeenbotheringhim—thefluid,flowingpullattheedgeofhisconsciousness—grewsolidandtookshape.Atlast,Kierancouldgraspitandexamineit,ashestoodonthebeachandlookedoutattheocean,arealizationdawningwiththelight.
36
KieranstoppedonthebackverandajustlongenoughtobrushthesandoffhimselfandAudrey.Heletthemintothehallway,hurryingnow,butpausedatthebedroomdoor.Helookedin.Mia’ssideofthebedwasalreadyempty,thecoversthrownback.
Inthekitchen,Verity’scoffeemugwasrinsedanddryingontherackandthedoortohisparents’roomwasshut.Kieranstoodinthehall,debating.Fromthebathroomoppositehecouldhearthesoundoftheshowerrunning.Heknockedonthedoorandwaited.Whentherewasnoanswer,hecheckedthetimeandtriedagain.Thewatercontinuedtorun.
KieranlookedatAudrey.“Allright,littleone.”Hetookherbackthroughtothebedroomandlaidhercarefullyinhercot.“I’vegottogo,butsomeonewillbeoutsoon.Shoutifyouneedanything.”
AudreylookedverymuchlikeshewasplanningtodoexactlythatasKieranscribbledanoteandleftitonthekitchentable.Hegrabbedhisshirtandshoesfromthehallandpulledthebackdoorclosedbehindhim.
Hewentthebeachway,whichhadalwaysbeenthefastest.TherewasnomovementaroundFisherman’sCottagenow,butthehousestillhadadifferentfeelashepassed.Adullemptiness.Bronte’swindow,whereKierancouldpictureherstandingasshelistenedfornoisesinthenight,wasblank.Theforeshorewasbarenow.Someonehadremovedthedecayingflowersfromneartheshallowswhereherbodyhadbeenfound.Theseahadwashedcleananysignshehadeverbeenthere.
Kieranwalkedon,pastthemarina,wherehecouldmakeouttheNautilusBlueinthedock.Heslowedhispace,wonderingwhatwouldhappentothebusinesswhenwordspreadaboutGabby’sbaghavingbeenfoundonboardthenear-namesakeboat.TheNorwegiansmightnotcare,butthelocalswould.
Kieranturnedandkeptmovingtowardtown,pastthepolicestation.HethoughtaboutSergeantRennandhispromisetohavethosepainfulandlong-overdueconversationswithtwofamiliestoday,andKieranverynearlystopped.Hespentaminuteinsilentdebateandthen,checkingthetime,pressedon.
ThelureofcaffeinehadattractedafewearlyrisersthroughthedoorsoftheSurfandTurfthatmorning,atleast.KierancouldseeLynthroughthewindow,carryingatray.TherewasnosignofJulianorLiam.NoOliviaeither,althoughhehadn’texpectedtoseeher.KieranrememberedthestrainonherfaceintheSurfandTurfthenightbeforelastandwonderedwhethershe’dwokenupthatmorningathermother’shouseoratAsh’splace.Kieranguesseditdependedwhereshefeltmoresecure.AnywherewasprobablybetterthanthehollowlonelinessofFisherman’sCottagenow.
Kierancontinuedon,notslowingoutsideGeorgeBarlin’shousethistime.Indaylight,thegardenlookedevenworsethanithadatnight.Kieranglancedatthewindows,buthecouldseenomovementinside.Thenigglingsensationstartedupagain,butKieranknewnowwhatithadbeentryingtotellhim.WhathadGeorgesaid,ashe’dleanedagainsthisownfencethenightbefore,hisexpressionhardtoreadinthedark?
Thewriting’sonthewall.
Kierandidnotstopuntilhereachedthetopofthecliffpath.There,hepausedatthelookout,leaningagainstthesafetyrailashehadsomanytimesbefore,feelingthewindrushingovertheseaandrocks.Therewasnooneinsight.
Below,theoceanwaslargeandempty,allthewaytotheperfecthorizon.Heleanedover,craninghisneck.Thebeachbelowwasathinstrip,smallenoughthatKieranimmediatelyfeltuneasy.Outtosea,thewaveslappedhighagainstTheSurvivors.Allaroundhim,thebirdsbristledandflapped.
Kieranlookedoutatthewater,tothespotwherehehadlastseenFinn.Theguiltwasstillthere,likeascar,butnowitfeltdifferent.WhatKieranhadalwaysbelieved,andwhathadreallyhappenedthatday,werenotoneandthesame.Heunderstoodthat,evenifhehadn’tquiteacceptedityet.Still,herepeatedittohimselfsilently,turningtheinformationoverandoverinhismind.Whatithadmeantthen;whatitmeantnow.
Kieransteppedpastthebarrierandstartedtomakehiswaydown.Atthebottomofthecliff,thewaterwaswashinguphighoverthesandandhecheckedthetimeagain.Thetidewascomingin.Butitwasnotthereyet.
KieranignoredtheSouthCave,whereheandOliviahadmetonthatstrangedayastheseaandstormmovedin.Instead,hestoodatthemouthoftheNorthCave.Astheedgeofthewaternudgedhisshoes,helookedatthenamesthathadbeencarvedintotherock.Themarksleftbehindbyhimandhisbrotherandtheirfriends.AndhethoughtofPendlebury.Whathadsheaskedhimasshestoodthere,sodeliberateandprecise,inthisveryspot?
Canwefindthemall?
Theycouldbeanywhere.
Kieranstaredintotheyawningmouthofthecave,andtheblacknessinside.Theeeriesensationofsomethingwatchingandwaitingtrickledthroughhimoncemore.Hestoodonhighalert,buthecouldhearnothingbuttheheartbeatpulseoftheocean.
Hecouldgoin,stepthroughtheentranceandintothegloom.Hecouldspeedthisup.Buthehadalreadyspenttoolongmentallynavigatingthedarkofthosecaves,wanderingexhaustedoverthesameoldground.Battlingtochangesomethingthatcouldn’tbechanged,insteadoftryingtofindhiswayouttothelight.
Enough,Kieranthought.Itwastimetostop.
Hesteppedaway.Theseawaterwascreepingaroundhisfeet.Hedidn’tneedtogoin.Hightidehadawayofwashingeverythingout.
Kieranturned.Hewalkedthefewstepsacrossthesandbacktothepath,thenwentupashortway,settlingforapointjustoutofsightofthecaveandwelloutofreachofthelickofthetide.Hesat,andhewatchedthewaterslitherin.Abovehim,thecliffpathremaineddeserted.Below,thebeachslowlydisappeared.
Kieranwaitedasthebirdscircledoverhead,watchfulandwary,callingtohimthathewasright.Butastheseacreptcloserandtimetickedon,heslowlybegantowonder.Hewasstillarguingwithhimselfwhenhesensedratherthanheardit.Asplashofmovement.
Kieranstayedverystillandstaredattheedgeofthecave,holdinghisbreathasthesecondstrickledby.Hethoughthemighthaveimagineditandthen,allatoncefromtheblackness,afigureappeared.Hewatchedasthefigurewadedout,knee-deepinwater,bagovershoulder.
Kieranbreathedout.Itwaswhathe’dexpected,butitwasstillashock.Thefigureturnedtowardthepath,sawhim,andfroze.
Kieranstood,alittleunsteadyonhisfeet.Foralongmoment,theonlysoundwastheslapofwaveshittingtherock,thenheopenedhismouth.
“Didyoufindityet?”Kieran’svoiceechoedoffthecliffs.
Asilence.Deliberateandcalculating.“Findwhat?”
“ThemessageGabbyBirchscratchedintotherockonthedayshedied.”
37
Kieranwaited,thebloodrushingfastandloudinhisears.
Knee-deepinthewater,Seanstaredbackathim.
Sean’shairwasdampandtheseawaterhadsoakedhisclothes,darkeningthecolors.Hedidn’tspeak,buthisheadtiltedinafamiliarwaythatKieranknewmeanthewasthinking.Kieranpointedatthebagoverhisshoulder.
“What’veyougotinthere?Chisel?File?You’dneedit.”KierantookafewstepsdownthepathuntilhecouldseethemouthoftheNorthCave,wherethenamescasuallycarvedmorethantwelveyearsagostillscarredtherockface.“Thosemarkingsstickaroundforever.”
KieranlookedatSean,whohadbeenhisfriendforaslongashecouldremember.Denyit,hewantedtosay.Please,mate.TellmeI’mwrong.
Sean’sfaceflickeredandKieranfeltasurgeofhope.Then,ashewatched,Sean’sgazeslidpasthim.Acrossthedesertedbeach.Uptheemptycliffpath.
Theywerealone.
WhenSean’seyesmethisagain,Kierancouldfeelthatfactbeingcloselyconsidered.Hetookabreath.
“Pendleburyknows.”Kieranmanagedtosoundmoreconfidentthanhefelt.“She’sworkeditout.Closeenough,anyway.Icouldtell,theotherdaywhenshewasdownhere.She’sgotBronte’sphotos.She’sgotapictureofyournamecarvedintherock.Thelettersareblurred,soIdidn’tnoticeatfirst.Anditlooksprettysimilar,butit’snotthesame.It’syourname,mate,butIknowyoudidn’twriteit.”
KierancouldseethesaltwaterrushingintotheNorthCave,disappearingintothehole.
“Youwererightaboutdamagingthecaves.ItwasbloodystupidandIknowyoutriedtotellus,andwewouldn’tlisten.Youwererightandwewereidiots.”KieransawSean’smouthtighten.“Butyoudiddoitonce.BecauseIpushedyouintoit.AndIknowyoufeltbadafterward.YoufeltsobadthatIfeelreallysure—knowingyou,mate—thatyouwouldn’thavedoneitagain.Soifyournameissomewhereelseinthiscave,whoscratcheditthere?”Kieranlookedathisfriend.“Andwhatelsedidtheywrite?”
Seanhadturnedhisheadandwasnowstaringatthesea,pastTheSurvivorsandouttowherehisbelovedwrecklayinvisibleunderthewaves.Thewaterfoamedandswirledaroundhim.
“Pendleburywillfindit,”Kieransaid.“Sean?She’llworkitoutandthenshe’llbringinallthebackupsheneedsandthey’llsearchthiswholeplaceuntiltheyfindit.”
Ashesaidthewords,herememberedPendlebury’sfaceastheyhadstoodatthemouthofthecave,andfeltinstinctivelythatwhathewassayingwastrue.Ifshewasn’tthereyet,itwasonlylackoflocalknowledgethatwaskeepingherhalfastepbehind.Thatwouldn’tlastlong,heknew.KieranlookedatSeanandcouldtell,fromtheslackwearinessinhiseyes,thatheknewittoo.
“HadBronteguessed?”Kieransaid.
Sean’sfacecreasedandhegaveatinyshakeofhishead.
“Butshewouldhave?”Kieransaid.“Oryouwereworriedshe’dtellsomeoneelsewhowould?”
Noshakeoftheheadthistime.Nodenial.Kieranlookedatthemanhehadknownforsomanyyears,anditwaslikelookinginamirror.Kieranknewwhathewasseeing,becauseheknewitwell.Hehadlivedwithiteveryday.Guilt.
Hetookanothersinglestepdownthepath.Justonestepclosertothewaterandthenhestopped.Thatwasfarenough.
“Whathappenedhere,mate?”hesaid.
“Itwasn’thowyouthink.”
“Howwasit,then?”
Theonlysoundwasthesearushingbetweenthem.ThenSeanopenedhismouthandbegantospeak.
38
TobyandFinnwerelate.
SeanlayflatonhisbackonthedeckoftheNautilusBlackandfeltthedipofthewavesashewatchedthesky.Therewerestillpatchesofblueabove,butifheturnedhisheadhecouldseeadarknessgatheringinthedistance.Hezippedhisfleeceuptohischinandcheckedhiswatch.He’dgivethemanotherfiveminutes,nomore.Tobywantedhelpunloadingsomeequipmentintotheboatshedbeforetheweatherturned.Seanprobablywasn’tgoingtogetpaidforit.Therewasnowayhewasgoingtogetwetforit.
Heheardthemarinagatesqueakopenandproppedhimselfupononeelbowinhope.NotTobyorFinn.Better,though.Olivia.Seansatupproperlynow,feelingafamiliarnervousthrill.Hercurlyponytailwasblowingandherskirtflappedinthebreezeassheshutthegatebehindher.ThenthegirlturnedtowardhimandSeanfeltamildstabofdisappointment.
NotOlivia.Herlittlesister,Gabby.
Gabbyhoistedherbackpackhigheronhershoulderasshewalkedover.Herfacewasuncertainasshecasthereyesaroundtheemptydock,answeringherownquestionbeforesheaskedit.Shestoppedinfrontoftheboat,lookedupattheolderboy,andseemedtocompletelylosehernerve.Seanfeltabitsorryforher.
“Hey,”hesaid.
“Hi.”Hervoicewashardtohear.
“LookingforLiv?She’snothere.”
“Oh,”Gabbysaid,disappointed.“Hasshebeenby?”
“No,Ihaven’tseenherallday.Youtriedcallingher?”
“Mymumtookmyphone.”Sheseemedembarrassed.“Ineedtofindher,though.It’sourmum’sbirthdaytomorrow.Wewon’thavetimetomakehercakeotherwise.”
“Fairenough.Isupposeignoringyourmum’sbirthdaywon’tgetyourphonebackanyfaster,”Seansaid,andGabbygaveanunexpectedsmile.Hehadn’tseenherdothatoften;shewasnormallysosolemn.Shelookedbackdown,stillsmilingathershoes,andforasecondshelookedevenmorelikehersisterthanusual.SeantookouthisownphoneandtriedOlivia’snumber.Theywaitedasitrangout.
“Sorry.”Heshrugged.“I’msureshe’llturnup.”
“It’sokay,”Gabbysaid,herforeheadcreasing.“Ifshe’snothere,Ithinkshe’sprobablyatthecaves.”
ItwasSean’sturntofrown.“Whywouldshebethere?”
Gabbylookedupathimasthoughtryingtoworkoutwhetheritwasagenuinequestion.Decidingitwas,shereddenedanddroppedhereyesagain.
“BecauseshemeetsKieranthere.”
“OliviameetsKieranatthecaves?”
“Sometimes.”
“Why?”
“To…”Gabbyshrugged,herfaceflushed,hereyesanywhereelse.“Dothings.”
Seanstared.“Whatthings?”
“Idon’tknow.”
Butsheclearlydidknow,andsuddenlySeandidaswell,andallatoncehefeltahotrushofmortificationathavingtolearnaboutitlikethis.
“Didn’tKierantellyou?”Gabbywaslookingathimnow,hercuriosityovercominghershyness.
“Yeah.Ofcourse.”
Gabbynodded,butshedidn’tbelievehim,Seancouldtell.Shewas—Godhelphim—throwinghimarope.Helookedatthisgirlandatherexpressiontingedwiththefaintesthintofpityandfeltafreshstingofhumiliation.
SeanthoughtaboutKieran,orspecifically,thewayKieranwouldwatchOliviaatpartiesbutneverquitemaketheefforttotalktoher.ExceptontheoddoccasionwhenSeanwouldbechattingtoher.ThenbloodyKieranseemedtobeeverywhere,withdrinksandjokesandlotstosay.
“Anyway,”Gabbysaid,glancingatthesky.Thebluehadgivenwaytoadirtygrayandthewindwaswhistlingthroughtheemptymasts.“I’dbettergo.”
Seanblinked.He’dalmostforgottenshewasthere.“You’renotgoingtothecavesnow,areyou?”
DidAshknow,hewonderedsuddenly,aboutKieranandLiv?Probably.KieranhadprobablytoldAsh.HeandAshtoldeachotherthingslikethat.Stufftheydidn’ttellhim.
Downonthedock,Gabbyshiftedherbackpackfromoneshouldertotheother.Thekangarookeychainrattledagainstthepurplezipper.“I’llgoandcheckquickly.Ireallyneedtofindher.”
Seanshookhishead.“Haveyoueverbeendowntothecaves?”
“No,but—”
“Becauseyoucan’tjustgowanderingarounddownthere,especiallyifyoudon’tknowwhatyou’redoing.It’snotsafe.Andtheweather’snotgood.”
“Well—”Gabbyseemedtorn.“Couldyoumaybetakeme?”
Seanfeltthefirstdropofrain.Helookedalongthedock.StillnosignofTobyorFinn.Therewasnoonearoundatall.
“Please?”ThewindcaughtGabby’shairandshesweptitawayfromherface.Shelookedupathim,andSeanwasmomentarilydisarmed.“Ourmumwillbehomeinafewhours.”
“Youneedyourphonebackthatbadly?”
“She’shaditfornearlyaweek.”
Seanhesitated.Hereyesweresohopeful.Hecheckedtheskyoncemore.“Okay.Butwe’llhavetobefast.Tide’sonitswayin.”
“Really?”Gabbysmiledthen,rightathim.“Thankyou.”
Seanshrugged.Hisbrotherwaslate.Hisfriendswereoccupiedwithactivitiesthatclearlydidnotinvolvehim.Hewasgettingcoldwaitingoutthere.Hefeltasecondspotofrain.Seanpointedtoherbackpack.Itlookedheavy.
“Leavethathere.I’lllockitinthedrybox.”
GabbyshruggedthebagoffhershouldersandSeanpulleditonboard.Itwassolidandunwieldywithbooks.HedroppeditintheboxandscrabbledarounduntilhefoundToby’ssparekey.Itwashangingfromalanyardwithasmallpockettorchattached.Seanlockedtheboxandputthelanyardinhispocketashegrabbedapenandapieceofscrappaper.Hecheckedthetime.
4:15p.m.,hescribbled.Youwerelate.Gonetocaves.
HestuckthenotewhereTobywouldbesuretoseeit,grabbedhisowntorch,andclimbedofftheboatandontothedeck,whereGabbysmiledinawaythatlitupherface.
Thecliffpathwasempty.SeanandGabbywalkedsidebyside,leaningforwardalittleintothewind.ItwasstrongerthanSeancouldrememberitbeingbefore.HehalfhopedtheywouldseeKieranandOliviaappeararoundacorner.Thenatleasttheycouldallturnback.Butthetrailstayedempty.
SeanglancedsidewaysatGabby.Shewasastallashersister,andalmostastallasSeanhimself.Thewindsnatchedattheirclothesastheywalked,andshekepthavingtobrushherhairoutofherface.
“Nearlythere,”hesaid.
“Great.”Shegavehimashysmile,andSeanfoundhimselfsuddenlyhopingthat,infact,theywouldn’tseeanyoneelse.
Theystoppedatthetopofthecliffs.Theseawasangryandgreen,foamingasitracedtowardthesand.Thethinbeachlookeddesertedbelow.
“Canwegodown?”Gabbysaid.
Seanfrowned.“Yoursistermightnotwelcomeusjustturningup,youknow.”
Gabby’ssmoothfacetookonafaintlypiousair.“That’sherownfault.Shewassupposedtocomehomeandhelpme.”
Seancouldn’thelpbutlaugh,andshesmiledback.
“Yeah,allright,”hesaid.“Comeon,then.”
HersmilebroadenedasSeanshowedherthepath.Heledthemdown,hearingherfootstepsbehindhimthewholeway.Atonepoint,shestumbledandhereachedbacktohelpher.
“Sorry,”shesaid.“Thanks.”
ThebeachwasthinnerthanSeanlikedtosee.Therewasnoonedownthere.
GabbystoodonthestripofsandandSeanwatchedherspininacuriouscircle,soakingupthesightofthetoweringcliffs,thegapingdarkmouthsofthecaves,theseaasitroaredinandout.
“Wow.”Gabbyturnedtohim.“Ican’tbelieveI’veneverbeendownherebefore.”
Seangrinned.“Prettygood,hey?”
“Reallygood.”Gabbycircledagain,herheadtiltedbackasshelookedupatthecliffface.
“ShouldwefindOlivia?”Seansaid,andGabbyblinked,refocused.
“Oh.Yeah.Wherewouldshebe?”
“Youtellme.”Seanshrugged.“Iguessinoneofthecaves?”
“Olivia!”Gabbycalledacrosstheemptybeach,thesoundsnatchedawaybythewindalmostbeforeitlefthermouth.
“Shewon’thearyou.Youoftencan’thearanythingproperlyinsidethere,evenonagoodday.”
“Oh.”GabbypeeredwithinterestintotheNorthCave.“Maybeweshouldgoin?”
“Youwantto?”Seanglancedatthesea.TheSurvivorsstoodsolidamidtheswellsbutdeeperthanhethoughttheyperhapsshouldbe.Helookedaway.“Okay,reallyquickly,though.”
“Okay.”Gabbysmiledathimagainandhefeltawarmsurge.
Seanwentfirst,theskylowastheysteppedoverthethresholdintotheNorthCave.Seanlitthepathwithhisowntorch,thenfishedaroundinhispocketandpulledoutthesmallspareoneattachedtothedryboxlanyard.
“Here.Youcanusethis.”
“Thanks.”Gabbytookthetorchfromhimandswitchediton.Theymoveddeeper.ShefollowedcloseenoughthatSeancouldfeeltheheatfromherbody.
“Oh,look.Kieran,”shesaidsuddenly,andSeanfeltawaveofdisappointment.Heturned,expectingtoseehismatesilhouettedinthedwindlingdaylightatthemouthofthecave.ButGabbywaspointingherlightatthewall,whereKieran’snamewasscratchedalongsidesomeothers.Ash,Finn,Toby.
“Whatisthis?”shesaid.
“It’sthisthingtheydo,”Seansaid.“It’snothard,youjustneedafishingknifeoryourkeysorsomething.”Hepointedatthelanyarddanglingfromherhand.“It’seasyenough.”
Gabbyranafingeroverthedampsurface.“Butwhatdoesitmean?”
“Nothing,really.”Seanshookhishead.“Whenoneofthemworkedoutanewrouteorwasthefirsttovisitapartofthecaveorsomething,they’dmarkit.ExceptforAsh—hedoeswhateverhewants.”
“Butyourname’snothere.”Gabbyturnedtohim.“Youdon’tfindnewroutes?”
“Yeah,Ido,”Seansaidtruthfully.“Just—”Helookedatthenamesofhisfriendsandbrother.“Idunno.Doesn’tseemmuchpointsometimes.Theothersseemtogettoalotofstufffirst.”Hefeltsuddenlyembarrassedandshrugged,butGabbynodded.
“Yeah,”shesaid,hervoicequiet.“Igetthat.”
Theireyesmet.Throughthesliceofdaylightstillvisiblefromthemouthofthecave,Seancouldseethatithadstartedtorainoutside.Hecouldhearthegentlerhythmictapofwateronrock.Theystoodthereforamoment,Gabby’sfeaturessoftinthedimlight.
“Idon’tthinkmysister’sinhere.”
“No,Iguessnot.”Seanglancedoverhisshoulder.“Doyouwanttogoalittlefurtherin?Orheadback?”
Gabbyliftedherchintoseebeyondhim,curious.
“Maybeabitfurther?”shesaid.“Whoknows?Maybeustwowilldiscoversomewherenew.”
“Idon’tthinktoday’sthedayforthat.”Hesmiled.“Butlet’sseewhatwecansee.Thisway.”
Thesandyfloorwasalreadysoftandsaturatedunderhisfeet.
“Yourshoesmightgetwet,”hesaid.
“That’sokay,they’lldry.”
Heledherin,stoppingwhentheyreachedajunctionwherethepathsplitinsixdirections.Seanshonehislightdownthefirsttunnel.Thegrounddroppedquicklybelowsealevelandthesandwasalreadywaterlogged.Theroofofthesecondonewaslower,butafteraninitialdip,hethoughtthewaythroughshouldbevisibleandclear.
“Areyouokaytowaithereforaminute?”hesaid.“Ineedtocheckthepathahead.You’vegotyourtorch?”
“Yep.”Gabbyheldupthekeylanyard,thebeamreflectedbythedamprock.
“Okay,I’llbeasquickasIcan.”
Seanshonehisownlightinfrontofhim.Thepathwasoneofthewideronesandgoodforbeginners,atthestartatleast.Deeperdown—deeperthanSeanplannedtotakethem—heknewthetunnelsplitalongwayshehadn’tbeen.Themainroutewasfine,though;SeanhadmappedthisforTobyhimself.Hemovedalonguntilhewassatisfiedtheycouldgetthrough,havingtogoalittlefurtherthanexpectedbeforehefeltcertainenoughtoturnandheadback.
Thesix-wayjunctionwasemptyashesteppedintoitagain.
Seanblinkedinthegloom,historchthrowingshadowsagainsttherocks.WherewasGabby?Hadsheseriouslygotherselflostinthosefewminutesor—Seanfeltalurch—hadhe?Hetwistedaround.No,thiswasthespot.
“Gabby?”hecalled.
“Yeah?”
Hesawabeamoflightbounceoffthewalloppositeandheardthequicksplashofstepsfromoneofthetunnelsbehindhim,andasheturnedshewasbackintheclearing.Shewassmiling.
“I’mhere,”shesaid.“Hey,look.Iwasjust—”
“Jesus,pleasedon’tgowanderingoff.”
“Oh.I’msorry.”
ShelookedcrestfallenandSeanfeltbad.
“It’sokay,”hesaid,andthentheybothstartedspeakingatthesametime.
“Sorry,”Gabbysaidagain.“Yougo.”
“Iwasgoingtosaywecangetthrough,butwe’llhavetobequick.Ifyoustillwantto?”
“Yeah.”Hersmilewasback.“Please.Ifyoudon’tmind.”
“Idon’tmind.”
Seanledthewaytothesecondtunnel,shiningthelightaheadofthem.
“Watchyourheadasyoucomethroughhere,”hesaid,andalmostwithoutthinkingreachedouttoguideheroverthedip.HefeltGabby’spalmslideintohisandhegrippedit.
“It’ssodark,”shesaid.Abeatpassed,thentwo,andonlythendidshedrophishand.Hecouldstillfeelthewarmspotswhereherfingershadbeen.
“Followthelight,you’llbeokay.”
“Wheredoallthesetunnelsgo?”shesaidasheledthempastafirstforkandtookthesecondone,turningagainafewstepslater.
“Everywhere,”Seansaid.
Theymovedalonguntilthewallsopenedwiderandtheroofrosetocreateasmallclearing.Seanstoppedthere.Hecouldfeelthewaterlappingathisfeetnow.
“Weprobablyshouldn’tgoanyfurther.Theweather’sreallycomingin.”
“No,that’sokay.”Inthesoftlight,Gabby’sfaceglowed.“Thisisreallycool.Thanksforshowingme.”
“You’rewelcome.”
Therockcircledthemastheystoodclosetogetherinthecenter.Thesoundoftherainandseafloatedinfromoutsideandbouncedaround,thepeacefulrhythmamplifiedandthendulledbythecomplexhoneycombofcaves.Gabbywalkedafewpaces,examiningsomethingonthenearwallasSeanwatched.
Shecould—almost—havebeenoneofTheSurvivors.Standingthere,outlinedbytheweaklight,herbackturnedandthesaltwaterlappingatherfeet.Thenshemoved.Justasmallshiftinweightandthein-outofbreath,butenoughtobreaktheillusionbeforeitwasfullyformed.
Gabbywasstilllookingaway,focusedonsomethinghecouldn’tmakeoutinthedark.Somewhere,awavebrokeandtheseasurged,freshandcoldagainstSean’sownlegsasitfizzedwhitearoundGabby’sbarecalves.Seanwatchedasshereacheddownwithherfreehandandgatheredherskirthemaboveherknees.TheairwasfilledwithafinehazeandherT-shirtclungtoherbackandherwaist.
Theseaswelledagain,andthistimethedragoftheundertowwasstrongenoughthathetookasteptowardher.Shedidn’tnotice.Herfacewastilteddown,thesilverchainofhernecklaceglintingagainsthercollarboneassheleanedforwardtoexaminesomethinginthewater.Shedroppedherskirthemasthetiderushedoutagain,andliftedahandtosweepasideherponytail,whichhadfallenoveroneshoulder.Itwasheavyfromtheseaspray.Asinglestrandofhairhadcaughtinthecornerofhermouthandshebrusheditfree,herfingertipsrunningacrossherlips.
Seanfeltatightnessspreadacrosshischestandshoulders.
Ifyou’regoingtodoit—
Thethoughtwhisperedbeneaththerushofawave.Theundertowpulledagain.Hefoughtit,briefly,thentookanotherstep.Sheheardhimnow,orsensedhimatleast.Somedisruptioninthenaturalrhythmflowingaroundher.
Ifyou’regoingtodoit—
Shelookedup.Hesuckedinabreathofsalt-soakedair.
Doitnow.
Seansteeledhimself,thenallatoncesteppedin,tookherwarmhandinhis,andclosedhiseyes.
Hislipsbrushedhersandthesensationwasthereandthenimmediatelygone.Shehadpulledcleanawaybeforeheevenrealizedit.Helookeddown,hislipsstilltingling,hispalmholdingnothingbutcoolair.Hecouldstillhearherbreathing,butitsoundeddifferentnow.
Timestretchedout,longandtortuous.Seansimplycouldn’tlookup.Whenshestilldidn’tsayanything,heforcedhimselftolifthisheadandmeethereyes.Shewasnolongersmilingintheglowofthetorch.
Herexpressionwasoneofshockandsomethingelse.Ittookhimlongerthanitshouldhavetoplaceit,andassoonashedid,heimmediatelywishedhehadn’t.Embarrassment.Andnotentirelyforherself,herealizedwithahotflushofshame.Gabbywasembarrassedforhim.Seanscrambledtothinkofsomethingtosay,anythingatall,buthisthroatburnedwithhumiliation.Hestoodthere,intherawandexcruciatingsilence,andfeltsomethingbarbedslowlyunfurlinsidehim.
“Sean—”
“What?”Thewordsoundedhardtohisownearsandhecouldhearthenoteofattackinit.Hewasrelieved.Foranawfulmoment,hethoughthisvoicemightcrack.
“Nothing.I’mreallysorry—”Gabbystarted.
“Whatfor?Idon’tcare.”Thathardnoteagain.Seantriedtolaughitoff,butitcameoutwrong.HesawGabbytakeasmallstepbackandthetinymovementinfuriatedhim.
“I’msorry.”Sheraisedherfingerandtouchedherlips,nervousandexploratory.“Ididn’trealizeyouweregoingto—”Sheswallowed.“I’veneveractually—”
Shesuddenlylookedsoyoung,Seanrealized,theclarityslicingsharpanddeep.
“ForGod’ssake,”hesaid,becausehecouldn’tfindthewordshewanted.“Don’tbesuchababy.”
Gabbyblinked,hurt.Shetookanothersmallstepawayfromhim.
“Imean,you’retheonewhoaskedmetobringyouhere,”hesaid.
“Iwantedtofindmysister.”
“Bullshit.Don’tgivemethat.”
“It’strue.”
“Really?That’snotwhyyouwantedtocomehere?To‘dothings’?”HemimickedGabbywithsuchaccuracythatsheflinched.
“No,Ijustwantedtoseethecavesandfindmysister.”
Andfromthewayshesaidit,Seanknewitwastrue.Thehumiliationofeventhinkingthatshehadwantedanythingelselefthimbreathless.
“IneedtofindOlivia,”Gabbysaidagain.Shetookaraggedbreath.“Olivia!”Hervoicewaveredasshecalledout.Shestartedcryingnow,rollingchildishtears.Therewasnoanswer.“Olivia!”SheturnedtoSean.“Ihavetogohomenow.Please.”
Seanstaredather,andinhismindflashedaterribleimageofOliviaandKieranemergingfromoneofthedarkpassagestoseehimhere,alonewiththiscryinggirl.Thethoughtwasfollowedinstantlybyanotherrealization.
Theywouldfindout.
Acoldhorrorwashedoverhim.Whateverhedidnow,ordidn’tdo,theywouldhearaboutthis.AndAshwouldtoo.AndallofOlivia’sfriends,andtheneveryoneelse.Everyonethey’dgonetoschoolwith,everyonetheysawaroundtown.They’dallhearhowSeanhadmadeapassatOlivia’slittlesisterandhowithadallgonereallybadlywrong.
“Please.”Gabby’sfacewasshinywithtears.
“Justshutupaminute.Letmethink.”Buthecouldn’t.Hecouldn’tthinkofanywaytoavoidwhatwascomingtohim.KieranandAshwouldbebrutal.Theywouldabsolutelyriphimapart,laughingthemselvessickthewholetime.Theywouldnever,inhiswholelife,lethimforgetthis.Oliviawouldn’ttalktohimanymore.Hisparentswouldfindout,andTobyaswell.Tobywouldlaughtoo.
“Please.Iwanttogohome.”
“Jesus.”Seanshookhishead,hisheartpoundingwiththeknowledgeofwhatwaswaitingforhimoutsidethatcave.“Sojustbloodygo,Gabby.”
“Idon’tknowtheway.”
MaybehecouldleaveEvelynBay.ThethoughtunraveledinfrontofSeanlikealifeline.Maybehecouldmovesomewhereinterstate.Hefeltatinyburstofhope.Maybehecoulddothat.Couldhe?Hetriedtothink.
“Thefloor’swet.Mylegsaregettingwet.Thewater’scomingin.Please.”
“Bloodyhell,Gabby.”Butshewasright.Seanlookeddownandfeltthewaterpulsehigheragainsthisownskinandthesensationbroughthimcrashingbacktothepresent.
“Christ.Yeah,okay,followme.”Seanpushedpasther,thebackofhishandbrushinghers.Hesnatcheditawayasthoughhe’dbeenburned.“Hurryup.”
That’swhathewoulddo.HewouldleaveEvelynBay.Hewouldpackhisstuffandbookaflightandmovesomewhereelse.Andhe’dmakenewfriends,andmeetnewpeople,andeveryonewouldforgetallaboutthiseventually.
Thethoughtsranthroughhisheadonachatteringloopashefelthiswaythroughthetunnels.Thewaterwashigherthanhehadrealized.Heheldhistorchwithonehandandfelttheroofwiththeotherasitdippedandlowered.Atthejunction,thewaterwasthigh-deepnowandhehadtoduckhisheadtogetthroughtheopening.
“Wait.”Heheardsplashingbehindhim.“Sean.Wait.”Gabby’svoicehadamuffleddirectionlessquality.
“Thisway,”hecalled,butdidn’tstop.Hecouldn’tlookather.Hecouldjusthearhersplashingoverthesoundoftherainnowhammeringdownoutside.
Thewaterwaspouringfromtheskyinsheetsasheemergedintoadaylightthatwasmorelikenight,andhewasrelievedastherainhithisface,disguisingthefirstfewstingingtearsthatthreatenedtoslipout.Seanslowedwhenhehitthespotwherethebeachusuallylayand,againsthisbetterjudgment,lookedback.
“Thisway,”hecalledagainintotheentranceofthecave.
Andheheard—hewassureheheard,abovethehowlofthewindandthedrivingrainandtherushoftheoceanbearingdown—thesplashofmovementinthedark.Gabbywasrightbehindhim,somewhere.
Hecouldn’tfaceher.Notouthereintheopen,nomatterhowrapidlythelightwasfading.Hecouldn’tstandthethoughtofthatawfullongwalkbacktothemarinatogether,everystepagonizingandshameful.
“Thisway,”Seancalledagain.
Thenheturnedandwadedthroughthewatertothepathandthecliffs.Hedidn’tlookbackasthegreedysealappedagainsttherock.Hestartedclimbing.Heneededtohurry.Thestormwascomingin.
39
KieranstaredatSean,hisheadpounding.TheseawaterrushedinandoutoftheNorthCave,foamingwhiteagainsttherock.Kieranlookedintoitsemptymouthandfeltsick.
“Ithoughtshewasbehindme.”Sean’svoicewasquiet.Thewaveswereswirlingaroundhislegsnow.“Shehadatorch.Ithoughtshewasfollowingmeout.”
Kierancouldn’ttellwhetherSeanwastellingthetruthorhadmanagedtoconvincehimselfitwasthetruth.Kieran’sownthoughtswereclamoring,fallingovereachotherashetriedtomakesenseofthings.Hesaidthefirstthingthatrangtrue.
“DidAshandIreallygiveyouthatmuchshit?”
Seanjustshookhishead.“It’snotyourfault.”
Kieranstaredathimacrossthewater.“Sean?Mate?I’msorry.Ireallyam.Youdidn’tdeservethat.NotfromAsh,anddefinitelynotfromme.”
Seanrubbedahandoverhiseyes.Atlast,heopenedhismouth.“I’mprettysureTobyandFinnfoundmynote.”
KieranthoughtofthemessagescribbledinhastebySeanasGabbywaitedonthedock.
4:15p.m.Youwerelate.Gonetocaves.
“AfterIlefthere,Iwentstraightbacktothemarina,”Seansaid.“IthoughtGabbywouldfollowmethere,togetherbackpackfromtheboat.Buttheboatwasgone.IhadacoupleofmissedcallsfromTobyonmyphone,butthesignalwasalreadypatchybythen.Theweatherwas—”Hebrokeoff.“Itwasbad.”
Kierandidn’tsayanything.Heknewhowbadtheweatherhadbeen.Heremembereditverywell.
Seanwasalsosilentforamoment.“ThestormwassomuchworsethanI’dexpected.IknowTobywouldhavebeenworriedaboutmeouthere.Finntoo.”Hebreathedout.“Ithinktheycamelookingforme.”
Kierantookanotherstepcloser.“Theymighthavegoneoutlookingforyou,”hefoundhimselfsaying,“buttheemergencycallcameinforme.”
Seanshookhishead.“Theydidn’theadoutherebecauseofyou.”
ThewaterwaslappingatSean’sthighsnowbuthestilldidn’tmove,simplystaringintothegray-greenseawithanoddlookonhisface.
“WhatdidyouthinkwhenGabby’sbagwashedup?”Kieransaid.
“Iwasrelieved.Ididn’tknowhowbadlytheboatwasdamaged,soIwasworriedthey’dfindherbagstillinthebox,butIguessitgotwashedawayintheaccident.”
Ithadn’t,Kieranknewnow,butlookingatSeanstandingdeepinthewater,hedidn’twanttogetintoit.
“Gabby’snamewasallaroundtownwhenTrishrealizedshewasgone,”Seanwenton.“Iwassoscaredwhenshedidn’tcomeback.ThenIwasscaredthatshewould,andthatshe’dtelleveryonewhatI’ddone.Butwhenherbagwashedup,itallkindofstopped.Everyonewassoworriedaboutotherthings.TobyandFinnwerestilldeadandyouwerebackfromthehospitalandwehadthefunerals,andafterallthatwasover,thewholethingwithGabby—”Seanopenedhishandsintheemptyair.“Itwasweird.Itfeltinsomewayslikeithadneverhappened.”
“UntilBronte?”
Seanclosedhiseyesasthoughinpain.“Yeah.Untilthen.”
40
ThebeachoutsideFisherman’sCottagewasdark,eveninthemoonlight.Thewarmthofthedayhaddisappearedwiththesunhoursearlierandthatstretchofshorelinewasempty,thedaytimevisitorsalllonggone.
Seanstoppedoutsidethecottage,relievedtoseelightsstillburningthroughthewindows.Itwaslate,aftereleventhirtyalreadyaccordingtohisphone,buthecouldtellfromtheshadowofmovementinsidethatsomeonewasstillup.Hedustedthesandoffhisfeetandpulledhisshoesbackonbeforewalkingupthesidepathtothefrontdoor.Hethoughtthatwasbetterthanknockingontheback.Hedidn’twanttogiveBronteaheartattack.
Seanrangthebellandheardthesoundoffootstepsinthehall.Thefrontdooropened,sendingashaftoflightontothepath.Bronte’sfaceappearedinthegap.HerlookofmildsuspicionturnedtosurprisewhenshesawSeanstandingthere.
“Oh,hello.Ithought—”Brontestarted.
“Sorry—”hesaidatthesametime.
Theybothstopped.
“Sorrytoturnuplikethissolate,”Seantriedagain.
“No,it’sokay.”Thedooropenedwider.“IthoughtyouwereLiam.Hejustleft.”BronteglancedoverSean’sshoulder,asthoughperhapshalfexpectingtoseehisnephewstillloitering.Shelookedalittlerelievedthathewasn’t.Theroadwasempty.“Whatbringsyouhere?”
“IwonderedifIcouldgrabmytorchback?ThatyellowwaterproofonethatAshgaveyou?”
“Oh.Sure.”ThedooropenedallthewayandBrontesteppedasidetolethimin.Shewasstillwearingherorangewaitressuniformbuthadtakenherhairdown.“Sorrytohavekeptitsolong.Ihadn’trealizedyouneededit.”
“It’sokay.ButIwascheckingtheweatheranditlooksliketomorrowmightbemylastchanceforawhiletogetrightdowninsidethewreck.”Seanfollowedherin.Thehousesmelledcoolandfresh.“I’vegotthisgroupfromNorwaycomingsoon,soIneedtogetinwhileIcan.”
“Noworries.It’sinhere.”Bronteledhimdownthehalltowardtheglowspillingoutfromherbedroom.“Oliviawasgoingonagainaboutstufflyingaround,soIputitaway.”Sheflashedasmileathim.“DonottellherIsaidthat;it’llmakethingsworse.”
“Youguysnotgettingalong?”
“Oh.We’reokay.”Bronteshrugged.“It’snotreallymeshe’sannoyedwith.”
“No?”
Shelaughed.“Well,that’swhatItellmyself,anyway.ButIknowshehateswork.AndI’mnotsurewhat’swrongwithhermum,butthere’ssomeissuethere.MaybewhenI’mgoneshe’llletAshmoveinhere.She’dbehappierwithhimaround.”
“Maybe.I’mnotsurethey’rethinkingaboutthat,though.”
Brontelookedathiminsurprise.“Ashis.Forsure.”
“Hashesaidsomething?”
“No,buthe’sobviouslycrazyinlovewithher,”shesaidwithasmile.“He’sdyingtogetseriousifLivwouldletherselfadmithowmuchshereallylikeshim.”
Seancouldn’thelpbutsmilehimselfatherenthusiasm.“SoyoureckonI’llbelookingforanewhousemateofmyownbeforetoolong?”
“I’mafraidso.Thatisasolidprediction.Imean,IgetthatAshmightnotbeLiv’susualtypeinMelbourneorwhatever,butthey’reactuallyreallylovelytogetherwhentheyjustrelax.”
Brontemovedaroundthebedtoherdesk,whichwascrammedwithartsupplies.Seanhoveredinthedoorwayandshewavedhiminwithonehandwhilerummagingthroughadrawerwiththeother.“Takeaseat,”shesaid.“It’sinoneofthese.”
Thebedwastheonlyoption,soSeanmovedheropenlaptopclosertothepillowandsatontheedge.HelookedpastBrontetothewindowaboveherdesk.Theblindwasopenandhecouldseetheblackoceanbeyond.Hefrowned.
“Hey,listen,areyousureyoudon’tneedthattorchanymore?Ireallycoulddowiththatwaterproofoneback,butI’vegotadifferentoneathomeyoucould—”
“No,honestly,it’sfine.”
“Whataboutthosenoisesyouheard?Doyoufeelsafeenoughwithoutit,or—?”
“Yeah.Ido.Butthankyou.”Bronteglancedatthewindow,alittleawkwardnow.“I’mprettysureitwasjustthatmanfromuptheroad.Youknow,Brian?Theonewithdementia.Iwashelpinghiswifegothroughsomestuffintheirshedtheotherdayandsheletslipthathe’dbeenwandering.Maybedon’tspreadthataround.Ithinkshewasabitembarrassed.Sheshouldn’tbe,though.”Brontepushedherhairoffherforeheadassheturnedbacktothedrawer.“Mygrandmawasillwiththesamething.Ididn’tliketosayanythingearlierintheSurfandTurfinfrontofyourfriend,becauseBrian’shisdad,right?Itfeltabitpersonal—oh—”Shestraightenedwithasmileonherfaceandthetorchinherhand.“Hereitis.How’severythinggoingwiththewreck,anyway?”
“Yeah,good.Nearlyreadyfortheseason.”Seanreachedacrossthebedforthetorch.“Thanks.This’llhelp,atleast.”
“No,thankyouforlendingit.Andforlettingmetagalongonthatboattriptheotherweek,bytheway.Thephotoscameoutreallywell.”
“Whichones?TheSurvivors?”
“Yeah.Youwanttoseequickly?”Brontewasalreadysittingdown.Thebedspringscreakedasshemovedcloserandsheshuffledherlaptoparoundsotheycouldbothsee.Thebackofherhandbrushedhisasshereachedforthekeyboard.“Here.Theseones.”
“Yeah.Wow.”Seanleanedin.HehadseenTheSurvivorsfromthewaterthousandsoftimes,butevenso,theimageswerestillstriking.Theywerecrispandfullofcolor.“Thesearereallygood.”
“Thanks,Iwasprettyhappy.”Bronteexaminedthepictureonscreen.“Icouldn’thavegotthemifyouhadn’ttakenmealong.”
Sheshiftedalittleonthebedassheclickedthekeyboardandthephotosmovedontothenextsequence.NowSeancouldseeTheSurvivorsonscreenagain,butdifferentthistime.Ankle-deepinwaterinfrontofabluesky,withathinsliceofbeachintheforegroundoftheshot.Herecognizedtheangleimmediately.
“You’vebeendowntothecaves?”hesaid.
“Yeah.Iwantedtogetbothsides.”Brontetappedthekeyboardagainandanotherimageappeared.“Liamtoldmeoncethathe’dgonedowntherewithyouacoupleoftimesasakidbeforethebarrierwentup,soIthoughtitcouldn’tbethathardtogetdown.Andit’snot,isit?”Shewrinkledhernose.“Thepath’sstillprettyclear.”
Seanfrowned.“You’vegottobecarefuldownthere.Thetidecancomeinfast.”
“Yeah,Iknow.”Hereyeswereonthelaptop.“Ionlygoatlowtide.It’sworthit,though.LookatthegoodstuffIgot.”
ThemouthoftheNorthCaveflashedup,thescreengrowingprogressivelydarkerastheimagestookthemdeeperanddeeper.Seancouldfollowthefirstfewturns,thentheroutebecamelessdistinct.Hecouldseewhyshewashappywiththephotos.Shehadcapturedthefeelofbeingrightinside.
“Look.”Brontewaspointing.“Isn’tthatamazing?That’soneofmyfavorites.”
Helookedataclose-upphotooflichenonrock.Itwassurprisinglybeautiful.
“Nice,”hesaid.“Wherewasthat?”
“Ican’trememberexactly.”Brontefrowned.“Nearthatbigcentralbitinthefirstcave.Whereafewtunnelsallbreakoffatthesametime.Youdon’trecognizeit?”
Seanshookhishead.“IknowthejunctionbutIdon’tthinkIknowthatbit.”
“Youmust’vebeenthereatsomepoint,though.”Hereyeswerelockedonthescreen.“Yourname’sonthewall.See?”
Sheclicked,thenpointed,andSeanlooked.Andthere,inahazyandunfocusedphotoofapartofatunnelthatSeandidnotrecognize,carvedincapitallettersthatheknewwerenothisown,wasthebeginningofhisname.
“Youdon’tknowthisspot?”Bronteglancedsidewayswithasmallsmile.“Ihopeitwasmorememorableforyourgirlfriend.”
Theroomseemedsuddenlybothhugeandsmall,andSeanfeltthebedlistinglikeaboat.Heclosedhiseyesforacountoftwoandwhenheopenedthemagainthemovement,atleast,hadstopped.
“Whichgirlisthat,then?”hesaid,shockedbyhownormalhisvoicesounded.Histonguefeltheavyanddry.
“Wow,youreallydon’tremember?”Brontelaughed.Shedidn’tsoundunhappy,though.“Abigailorsomething?Anyway,itwaslike‘Seanandwhoever,’andIthoughttherewasadateaswell—”SeanheldhisbreathasBronteclickedforward.Nothingbutrockandlichen.Shesatback.“Yeah,itwasprettydark.LookslikeIdidn’tcatchthat.”
“Doyouknowwhatthedatewas?”Hiswordssoundedthicktohisownears.
“No.Ithinkitwasquiteold,though.Maybetenyearsorso?”Sheshrugged.“I’llbringabetterflashnexttime.”
SeanwaslookingatthescreenbutallhecouldseewasGabbyBirch.Gabby,asheleftherwaitingsafelyinthemiddleofthejunctionwhilehewentaheadtochecktheroute.Thekeydanglingfromthetorchinherhandasshesoakeduphersurroundings,exploringthisterritorythatwas—forher,atleast—uncharted.Gabby,happytowaitforhim,feelinggratefultobethere.Gabby,surroundedbytunnelsofcleanfreshrock,withakeyinherpalmandanideaforming.Gabby,findingaspotandcarvinghername,thewayshe’dbeentoldothershaddonebeforeher.CarvingSean’sname.Perhapstomarkthedaytheyexploredthecavetogether.Perhapsasathank-you.Perhapsbecauseinthatmomentshe’dbelieved,insomesmallway,theywerealmostfriends.
ItwasallSeancoulddonottoburyhisfaceinhishands.Instead,hesatcompletelystillanddidn’tlethimselfmove.“You’regoingtothatspotagain?”
“Yeah,definitely.”Brontewasnodding.“It’sreallyeerie.I’llgetanexhibitionoutofit,forsure.”
“Youreckonyou’llbeabletofindit,though?”
“Yeah,Iwill.Notoffthetopofmyhead,butonceI’minthere.”
Shelookedonthroughtheshots.Seansatnexttoher,hiseyesunseeing.Finally,hespoke.
“Youprobablyshouldn’tgobackdownthere.Youcouldgetfined.”
Shesmiled.“I’llriskit.I’mtryingtogetintothisartschoolinNewYork.It’ssocompetitive;theyonlytakeafewpeopleayear.Ineedsomethingreallygoodformyexhibitiontopic.”
“Andthisisit?”Seanlookedatherartdeskwiththeboxesofpencils.Hisvoicesoundedoddtohimbutshedidn’tseemtonotice.“Ithoughtyouweremainlyintodrawing?”
“Iam,butthisisformyadvancedphotomodulenextterm.Weallgetsometemporaryspaceinthestategallery,plusthere’sabunchofnationalcompetitionsI’llprobablyenter.”Shetappedthekeyboard.“Thisinteriorlifeofthecavesstuffwillwork.It’sthekindofthingthatgetsattention.”
Inthedarkenedwindow,Seancouldseehimselfreflectedonthebed,hisshapedistortedintheglass.Hecouldheartheseaoutside.
“Pleasedon’tgobackdownthere,Bronte.”
“Why?”Sheturnedtohim,herfaceclosetohis.Shewas—hecouldhardlybearit—touchedbyhisconcern.
“It’sdangerous.”
“I’llbecareful.”Shesmiledathim.“Anyway,youobviouslygotinandoutalive.”
Theoceanwascalm,butwhenSeanspokeagainhecouldbarelyhearhimselfoverthesoundofthewaves.
“That’strue.”
Helookedbacktothewindow.Hecouldn’tbelieveitwhenhefelthimselfputhisfeetonthefloor.Thebedcreakedashestoodup.Sitdown.Thethoughtwashardtohearoverthenoiseoftheocean.Pleasesitdown.Seanremainedstanding.Hewentovertothewindow.Placedhistorchbackdownonthedesk,nexttoalittlewiresculptureofacrayfish.
“Themoon’sgreattonight.”Hisvoicewasn’thisown.Hismouthwasformingwordsthatcamefromaplacesodeepinsidehimthathehadn’tknownitexisted.“Thelightwasmakingthesereallybeautifulpatternsoverthewater.Didyounotice?”
Hecouldn’tbringhimselftoturnaround,buthesawBronte’sreflectionwatchinghim.
“Really?”shesaid.“No.Ididn’tsee.”
“Youcan’treallytellfrominhere.”Seanstaredoutatthewavesforwhatfeltlikeaverylongtime,butheknewwasn’t.Becausehereallydidn’tneedthatlongtodecide.Somepartofhimhadalreadydecided,theinstanthesawthephoto.“Doyouwanttogoouttothebeach?I’llshowyou.”
Brontelookedupfromthebed.Heturnedandcouldseetheduvetcreasedfromwherehe’dbeensittingnexttoher.Shewasstillthere,herfingertipsrestinglightlyagainstthebedwherehe’djustbeen.Waiting,maybe.Whenhedidn’tmove,sheshruggedandsmiled.
“Sure.Let’sgoandsee.”
Wasthatatinyhintofdisappointmentinhervoice?Seanstillcouldn’thearproperly;theseawasloudenoughnowtodrownherout.Shestoodup,rightinfrontofhim,andhemovedpastherandwalkedtothedoorbeforehecouldstophimself.
“Great,”hesaid.“Bringyourcamera.”
41
AthousandthoughtswerecrowdingKieran’shead,buttheonlythinghecouldseeclearlywasthewaythewaterwascirclingSean.Theswellwaswaist-highandrising.Hisfriendstilldidn’tmove.Kierantookanotherstepdownthecliffpath,stoppingatthepointwheredrylanddisappeared.
“Comeout.”
SeanhadbothhandsoverhisfaceandKierancouldseehewascrying.
“Comeout,mate.”
Noresponse.Thewatersurged.
“Ican’tfindGabby’scarving,”Seansaidatlast.“I’vebeenlooking,butIdon’tknowwhichtunnelshewasin.Thepolicewillfindit,though.Orsomeoneelsewilloneday.”
“Sean,mate.That’sokay.Allright?”Kierantriedhardtokeephisvoicecalmbuthewasstruggling.“Youcanexplain.Adecentlawyerwill—”
“Thatdoesn’tmatter.”Seanalmostlaughed.“Everyonewillknow,won’tthey?Liam.AndOlivia.AndTrish.You.”Hisvoicedropped.“Iknow.”
“Okay.Igetthat,mate.Butcomeoutofthewater.Please.Now.Iknowyoucanfeelthetide,Sean.”Kieranwasafraidtolooktoocloselyouttosea,scaredtoseehowhighthewaterwaslappingagainstTheSurvivors.“Youknowwhatthatmeansouthere.”
Seanwipedaroughpalmoverhiseyes.Whenhedroppedhishands,hewasn’tlookingatKieranorthepath.Hewasstaringatthecaves.“Iknewwhathightidemeantbackthen,too.”
“No,mate,just—”Kieranwasalreadypunchingintheemergencynumberonhisphone.Hetookanotherstepandwasinthewaternow.HeblurtedhislocationtowhoeveransweredandturnedbacktoSean,whowasstandingverystill.Kieran’sheartlurchedwitheverywaverollingin.“Sean.Comeout.”
Noanswer.
“Sean.Please.”ThetidefeltlikeitwasmovingveryfastandKieranshoutedtomakesurehewasheard.“Ifyougoinnow,youwon’tcomeoutagain.”
Stillnoreply,onlytheswellofthewaterandthescreamsofthebirdscirclingoverhead.TheSurvivorscontinuedtolookaway.Kieranmadehimselfcheck.Theyweredeepnow.
“Ican’tfollowyou,Sean.”EvenasKieranspoke,hetookanotherstepintothewater.“I’mnotgoingtocomeinthereandtryandstopyou.Someone’scomingbutit’snotgoingtobeme.”Thefreezingwaveswashedagainsthislegsandhehadtobracehimselftokeephisbalance.“Ican’tdoittoMiaandAudrey.”
Seandidn’treact.HisdistresshadgivenwaytoacoldcalmthatmadeKieranfeelveryafraid.
“Sean?”
Hisfriendatlastdraggedhisgazeawayfromthecaves,steadyinghimselfagainstthepullofthetideasheturnedtolookatKieran.
“Howdidyoudoit,mate?”Sean’svoicewasalmostlostbeneaththecrashofthesurfandthecallofthebirds.“Livewiththatguiltafterthestorm?”
“How?Idon’tknow,I—”Kieran’sthoughtswereracingbuteveninthemidstofthem,heknewtheanswer.Ofcourseheknew.MiaandAudrey.HelookedatSeanthroughthespray.“Iwaslucky.Ifoundsomethingthatmatteredtomemore.”
Seanseemedtoacceptthat.Heturnedbacktothecaves,stillhorriblycalm.
“Listen,youcandothatthingyoutalkedabout,”Kierantried,desperatenow.“Can’tyou?Justdrawacirclearounditallandpretend—”
“Notthis.”
Atlast,Seanmoved.Hedrewinabreath,thentookasteptowardtheNorthCave
“Wait.”
Seandidn’tstop.Hedidn’tlookback.
“Pleasewait.”Kieranwaswellinthewaternow.Hewouldn’tfollow,hepromisedhimself,evenashewadeddeeper,thesandsoftandshiftingunderhisfeet.“Please—”
Seanignoredhim.Hewasmovingfastnow,forcinghiswaythroughthewater.
“Wait!”
Hedidn’t,insteaddrivingforward,pullinghimselfonwardasthebreakersrolledalongside.Heseemedtostopforasinglemoment,attheverymouthofthecave,thendroppedhisheadandfollowedtherushofthewaterfromdaylightintothedarkness.
“Please—”
Thesurfswelled,almostknockingKieran’sfeetoutfromunderhim,andhehadtofightnottogetdraggedin.Heheardthesmashofwaterhittingawallofrockinsidethecave,andwhenhe’dfoundhisfootingandthewaveretreatedhecouldn’tseeSeanatallanymore.Kieran’seyesracedoverthesurfaceashesplashedthroughthewater,waist-deephimselfbeforeherealizedit.Thefreezingoceanpulledathim.Themouthsofthecavesyawnedopenandempty.
Sean—whohadalwaysbeenthere,whohadbeenKieran’sfriendforallofhislife—wasgone.
Kieranfeltlikehecouldn’tbreathe.Hecouldn’tthinkwhatheshoulddo.HecouldseethewaveslappinghighagainstTheSurvivorsandsuddenlyitwastwelveyearsagoandhewaslostalloveragain.Hescrambledinthewater,hisheadtwistingfromthecavestothecliffpath,tryingtofindhiswayout.Hecouldn’tseethebottomofthetrail.Itwassubmerged,herealized,andhisworldlurcheduntilhewasn’tsurewhatwasskyandwhatwassea.
“Kieran?”
Theshoutbouncedofftherocks.Hetriedtosteadyhimself,focusingonthemouthofthecave.Itremaineddarkandhollow.Noonewasthere.
“Kieran!Uphere!”
Thevoicewasn’tcomingfromthecaves.Kieranblinked.Hewipedthewaterfromhisfaceandsquintedupagainstthebrightsky.
Mia.
Shewasedgingherwaydownthecliffpath,Audreystrappedtoherchest.Sheroundedthejaggedrockfromwhereshecouldseethevanishedbeachclearlyforthefirsttime.Herfacecollapsedatthesightofhiminthewaves.
“Kieran!”Aflurryofrushedsteps,hervoicenearlylostoverthesoundofthewaterhittingtherock.“Isawyournote.Whatareyoudoing?OhmyGod!”Shelookedahead.“Where’stherestofthepath?”
“Wait,don’t!”Thesightofhersnappedhimbackintohimself.Hehelduphishandasanotherwavenearlyknockedhimoffhisfeet.Hestumbledbutheldfirmthistime.“It’snotsafe.”
“Jesus,yes,thankyou,Icanseethat!”Miashoutedback,butatleastshestayedwhereshewas.Kieranstartedwadingtowardher,pushingthroughtheseauntilheheardanothersmackofwateronrock.Hestopped,fightingagainstthedragofthecurrent.TheblackvoidofthecaveentrancegapedwideasMiaturnedtolooktoo.
“Hassomethinghappened?”shecalled,buthervoicewasquieternow.
Kierannodded.Hecouldn’tfindthewords.
“I’llgethelp.”Shewasalreadyreachingforherphone.
Heshookhishead.“It’sonitsway.”
Miahesitated,thentookanothercoupleofstepsdown.Thenoiseoftheseaandthecriesofthebirdsweredeafening.Shestoppedclearoftheedgeofthewater.
“Thenyou’vedoneeverythingyoucando,Kieran.”Hervoicecutthrough,firmandclear.Herfeetweredry,outofreachofthewaves.HecouldseeAudreymovingagainstherchest.“Youcancomeoutofthere.”
Kierancouldstillheartheseathunderinginandoutofthetunnels.HedraggedhiseyesawayfromthecavesandbacktoMia.
“Whatever’shappenedhere,”—hervoicewasstillcalm—“it’sdonenow.It’sover.”
Shestretchedoutherhandtohim.
“Ican’tcomeanyfurther,”shesaid.“Youhavetocometous.”
Kieranlookedather.HehadlovedFinn.Hestillmissedhimandwishedhewerehere,andheguessedhealwayswould.ButashesawMiastandingthere,somethingherealizedhe’dknownforalongtimeshonethroughlikeabeacon,smallbutclearandbright.Finnwasgone,andhewasn’tcomingback.ButKieranstillhadothersinhislife.Otherpeopleheloved.Mia,reachingoutforhim,andAudrey,smallbutwithsomuchahead.KieranthoughtaboutVerityandBrian,waitingforhimathome.Hethoughtabouthisfriendsandcouldn’thelpbutlookonelasttimeatthecaves.
Thenheturnedaway.HelookedtowardMiaandbeganpushinghiswayforwardthroughthewatertoherandAudrey.Hekeptmoving,notlettinghimselfstopuntilhefeltthesandgivewaytofirmpathunderhisfeet.Whenhewascloseenough,Miareacheddownandhestretchedupandshehelpedpullhimclearofthesea.
Kieranwasshiveringhardbutshewaswarmasshesteadiedhimonthepath.Hewasn’tsurewhatelsetodo,soheputhiswetarmsaroundherandAudreyandheldthembothuntilhefelthimselfbegintobreatheagain.Hewasn’tsurehowlongtheystoodtheretogether,theirheadsclose,Mia’shandsonhisback.
Finally,hestraightened.“Let’sgo.Let’sgoup.”
“Areyousure?”Mialookedathim.“Areyouready?”
“Yeah.”Henodded.“I’mready.”
Theyturnedtowardthepath,windingclearanddryahead.Kierandidn’tlookbackatthelifelesscavesortheangryseaorthelonelygazeofTheSurvivors.HereachedoutinsteadandtookMia’shandassheheldtheirdaughterandtheymadetheirwaytogether,uptohigherground.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ThisbooktookmetoabeautifulpartofAustraliaandmythanksgotothemanypeopleinTasmaniawhowerekindenoughtosharetheirstoriesandexperienceswithme.ThankyoutothestaffattheEaglehawkDiveCentreinEaglehawkNeckforguidingmethroughsuchafascinatingexperienceunderwater,andpatientlyansweringmymanyquestionsaboutdivinginTasmania.
IamgratefultoGrantBlashki,LeadClinicalAdvisorforBeyondBlue,forsharinghisprofessionalinsightsaroundtheimpactofgriefaswellastheresearchandtreatmentsavailable.
Anymistakesorartisticlibertiesthroughoutthebookaremyown.
MysinceregratitudetotherealSuePendleburyandGeorgeBarlinwhosuccessfullybidforthechancetonameacharacteratthePeterPanCommittee’sLiteraryLunchtoraisefundsforBarnardos.Thankyousomuchforyourgenerousdonationtothisimportantcauseandforlendingyournamestotwoofmyfavoritecharacters.
Thankyoutothemanypeoplewhoworkedsohardonthisbook:myeditorsChristineKoppraschatFlatironBooks,CatePatersonandGeorgiaDouglasatPanMacmillan,andClareSmithatLittle,Brown;myagentsDanielLazaratWritersHouse,ClareForsteratCurtisBrownAustralia,AliceLutyensandKateCooperatCurtisBrownUK,andJerryKalajianattheIntellectualPropertyGroup;andmypublicistsClareKeigheryatPanMacmillan,AmeliaPossanzaatFlatironBooks,andGraceVincentatLittle,Brown.
ThankyoutomyfriendandformerpublicistCharlotteReefromPanMacmillan,whosepromotionhasrightlytakenheronwardandupward,butwhosededicationandwisdomhavebeenadrivingforceinthesuccessofmybooks.
ThankyoutomybrotherMichaelHarperforShiftythedog’snameandbackstory,andasalwaystoMikeHarper,HelenHarper,EllieHarper,SusanDavenport,andIvyandAvaHarperfortheirsupport.
AbigwelcometothetwonewarrivalswhoinnosmallwayhelpedinformthecharacterofbabyAudrey:mysonTedStrachanandnieceIsabelHarper.
And,asalways,myloveandgratitudetomyhusbandPeterStrachan,ourwonderfuldaughterCharlotte,andbeautifulbabyTed.Icouldn’tdoitwithoutyou.
ALSOBYJANEHARPER
TheDry
ForceofNature
TheLostMan
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
JaneHarperistheNewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorofthe#1internationalbestsellerTheDry,ForceofNature,andTheLostManTheSurvivorsisherfourthnovel.JanepreviouslyworkedasaprintjournalistinAustraliaandtheUKandnowlivesinMelbournewithherhusband,daughter,andson.
Visitheronlineatjaneharper.com.au,orsignupforemailupdateshere
Thankyouforbuyingthis
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Thisisaworkoffiction.Allofthecharacters,organizations,andeventsportrayedinthisnovelareeitherproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.
THESURVIVORS.Copyright?2020byJaneHarper.Allrightsreserved.Forinformation,addressFlatironBooks,120Broadway,NewYork,NY10271.
www.flatironbooks.com
CoverdesignbyLisaAmoroso
Coverphotograph?Plainpicture/YannGrancher
TheLibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest
ISBN978-1-250-23242-7(hardcover)
ISBN978-1-250-81795-2(signededition)
ISBN978-1-250-79336-2(international,soldoutsidetheU.S.,subjecttorightsavailability)
ISBN978-1-250-23241-0(ebook)
eISBN9781250232410
Oure-booksmaybepurchasedinbulkforpromotional,educational,orbusinessuse.PleasecontactyourlocalbooksellerortheMacmillanCorporateandPremiumSalesDepartmentat1-800-221-7945,extension5442,orbye-mailatMacmillanSpecialMarkets@macmillan.com
OriginallypublishedinAustraliain2020byPanMacmillanAustraliaPtyLtd
FirstU.S.Edition:2021
FirstSignedEdition:2021
FirstInternationalEdition:2021
CONTENTS
TitlePage
CopyrightNotice
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Acknowledgments
AlsobyJaneHarper
AbouttheAuthor
Copyright
© Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article belongs to the author. Please do not reprint without permission.
THE END
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