by Daisy White
Finn, approached from the shadows with a grim look on his face. ‘We’ve got him. The coastguards were able to intercept his craft and board it. We also extracted a man from the water.’
‘Damian,’ Chloe said, with a shiver that had nothing to do with her soaked clothing. ‘I think there was another man on board too?’
‘Luke, Frankie and Elijah as well. They drive the boat and run errands. They’ll be long gone by now. They took the inflatable.’ Melissa stared at Chloe, pursing her lips. ‘It carries loads of equipment and spare fuel.’
‘When you feel up to it, I need to take a statement from you, Melissa, but let’s get you checked out in hospital first, shall we?’ Finn suggested.
She nodded, and he offered a hand to Chloe and gently pulled her up from the crate she was sitting on. ‘I can’t believe you swam out to rescue Melissa yourself. Why didn’t you wait for Peter and the security guards? He was beside himself with worry when we got here. He said he came back, found Jonas unconscious, you gone and called 911 straight away.’
‘I know, and I do feel bad. It was pretty stupid.’ Chloe glanced down at the girl, who smiled up at her. ‘I heard Melissa scream and just ran. There wasn’t any time to think.’
Finn squeezed her hand. His own was large and warm, and his dark eyes fixed on her face. ‘Well I think you’re very brave, Chloe. Maybe leave the dangerous stuff to us in the future, though… I assume there will be a future?’ he added anxiously. ‘This hasn’t put you off staying on the island?’
Chloe rubbed her bruises, breathed in the salty air and returned his smile. ‘No, I’m pretty happy here, actually. I would never have been chasing down murderers, or even starting my own business back in London. Bermuda clearly brings out the best in me’ – she clapped a hand to her mouth – ‘Oh God, I must get back to Hilda!’
Chloe slept late after her night-time escapades, and woke with bruises and a sore head. Calling Finn right away, as promised, he sounded pleased to hear from her.
‘You know what I can’t figure out? Why did you think Kaila had killed Matthew?’ Chloe asked. ‘The papers said something about DNA and drug deals.’
Finn sighed down the phone. ‘Arron led us right up the garden path on that one. He hired some professionals to leave DNA evidence at the scene, to go through her whole life, leaving little clues for us to follow. It was easy enough, because she has made some bad life choices. The drug dealing was a prime example.’
‘I see…’ Chloe was still trying to take it all in.
‘And finally, they made an attempt on Sheetal’s life to ensure the heat was off Matthew’s murder. It was a very good effort, and I can honestly say Kaila might have gone down for this if Melissa and Jonas hadn’t planned to do a last-minute runner, and it hadn’t all gone pear-shaped.’
‘I think Melissa was telling the truth when she said once they got away she would have somehow told the police about Arron,’ Chloe said thoughtfully. ‘But you never seemed totally happy with Kaila as the perpetrator?’
‘It was that obvious was it?’ Finn laughed. ‘I’m going to have to be careful what I say around you, aren’t I?’
‘I guess you are.’ Chloe smiled into the phone.
35
At home in her sunlit kitchen, bruises fading, Chloe pulled up the news pages again.
Melissa and Jonas were both out of hospital and had been in touch to say they hoped to stay and run the gallery once all the legal wrangling was over, which apparently could take years. Melissa had been in tears on the phone, thanking Chloe for her kindness, and at that moment, Chloe realised how much the girl, and probably her brother too, had been keeping behind closed doors, beneath icy exteriors. It was horrifying that a murder had finally led them to safety.
Chloe sighed, and made herself another mug of coffee. She did hope it would work out for them. Before she shut down the computer, on impulse, she googled another name.
It seemed a little macabre, and she felt faintly guilty for even looking as she read the accounts of Finn’s wife’s death. But something had been niggling away in the back of her mind. She paused after the first page, frowning at the paragraphs.
It had been there all the time. A scooter had sent Ellie’s car careering off the road. The driver, Jordan, had served time in a rehabilitation centre. The final account she discovered, was longer, with more detail. It stated the only witness to the crash had been a Mr Ellis Jack, of Green Ridge Stables. Mr Jack was quoted as saying:
‘I was a way behind Mrs Harlow’s car, but I saw the scooter coming on the wrong side of the road. The driver had a helmet on so I didn’t see his face. By the time I’d stopped the car and run to the edge, I was in a right state, but I remember the scooter had stopped on the other side of the road. The driver was just sitting there, and I just took it for granted he would come and help. But when I remembered to look again, he was gone.’
But what if there had been two people on the scooter? Two teenage boys who had thought it might be fun to steal a scooter and drive at speed along the dangerous road. If Ellis Jack had been a witness, protecting Alfie for Ailsa’s sake, but lied in his statement, it would be a perfect motive for blackmail.
She checked the dates. One of the boys might have been celebrating winning a sports scholarship, and when the crash happened they switched places – Alfie running off and Jordan staying to face the tragedy they had created. Ellis backing up the story. Jordan had taken the blame. Ellis must have seen both boys on the scooter.
It was guesswork, but it fitted. Chloe sat back, reading and rereading as the story unfolded in her head. She closed her eyes, horrified by the enormity of the deception. ‘You wanted to know,’ she chided herself. She had wanted all her puzzle pieces fitting neatly together, but that wasn’t life, was it? Life was ragged edges and missing parts, and she had forced her way to the truth.
Her face was wet with tears, and she scrubbed them crossly away.
‘You’re right,’ Ailsa said, tears in her eyes when Chloe gently confronted her.
‘So Ellis lied for them?’
‘He knew Alfie had just got the sports scholarship, knew how much it meant to me. He would have lost it because of one awful mistake. Jordan could easily have been driving. They were terrible when they were together, used to egg each other on. Ellis came to see me when it was over and told me what really happened, but he promised he wouldn’t say another word.’
‘He killed himself for another reason too then, to protect the secret he threatened to reveal?’
‘Yes.’ She looked up, her own lashes damp. ‘I’d like to think he had retained a little bit of the old Ellis, and it wasn’t just a case of if he couldn’t have what he wanted, that was the end. But we’ll never know.’
Chloe wandered to the edge of the garden, taking in the sea and sky, her heart pounding. ‘Does Finn know?’
‘He guessed. After Ellis shot himself he came over to Cheryl’s and we talked. He’s a good man, and sees no reason to tear everything apart again.’
It had been both twins on the scooter, both of their faults, but Alfie had come so far since the accident, and Jordan seemed to have atoned for his faults. And it had been an accident. It wouldn’t bring Finn’s wife back, it would hurt Cheryl and destroy Alfie’s career if she didn’t keep the secret. ‘I suppose that’s what it comes down to. That it won’t bring Ellie back, I mean.’
‘That’s right.’
Chloe stared at her. ‘Ailsa, did you happen to send me any text messages recently?’
Ailsa looked away, flicking a fly from the air around her face. ‘Text? No, I make phone calls, me.’
Chloe smiled to herself, watching her neighbour’s averted profile, and swept her hair back from her face, plaiting it quickly, decisively.
When she glanced up, Ailsa met her eyes. The Longtails twisted and dived in the wide blueness above, and the sea whispered softly below them. ‘What are you going to do now, Chloe?’
‘I’m going for a ride,’ she said crispl
y. ‘Oh watch out, I can see that cockerel coming after your hens again!’
36
Chloe went back to her own house, changed into her pink shirt and jeans, called Hilda and headed for the yard.
Antoine was cleaning tack. ‘Bookings are up again. We’re jam-packed for the next month. The farrier’s coming on Tuesday and a mate of mine is coming tomorrow to start work on the new building.’
‘That’s great news. Have I got time to take Goldie out for a quick ride?’
He glanced at his watch, surprised. ‘Sure. I’m taking Star and Jupiter for the next one anyway. Go for it. Do you want me to tack up?’
‘No thanks, I can easily do it myself, and you’re busy,’ Chloe said briskly.
Antoine wandered over as she whistled to the dog, who was exploring the muck-heap. ‘It’s just a case of getting your confidence back,’ he told her cheerfully. ‘The more you ride, the easier it’ll get.’
The sun was bright in the sky, the sea a smooth turquoise, and the salty spring air touched Chloe’s lips and face with gentle fingers. Hilda trotted happily next to the horse, occasionally diving into the undergrowth after imagined monsters, but always scurrying back to her mistress when Chloe whistled.
The high season was coming, and she was in Bermuda. And she was happy. The thought came as a shock. Happy and confident. Dre’s last gift to her had been her best.
Gently, she tugged a rein and Goldie plodded towards the beach trail. The trees overhead made a dusty canopy, full of shadows, but as they passed the place where Matthew’s body had lain, the trail was clear.
There were no ghosts today. Chloe rode on, down towards the pink-and white-sand, and the frothy waves.
THE END
Afterword
Chloe’s Bermuda
Bermuda is definitely an island to fall in love with, and if you are planning a visit, you can follow in Chloe’s footsteps and enjoy some of her favourite places. As this novel is a work of fiction, some places mentioned are imagined, but where possible, genuine destinations have been used:
Horseshoe Bay
This is a magnificent sweep of sand, and one of the most popular beaches on Bermuda. There are a couple of concessions – a cafe, toilets, showers, shop and the parking is plentiful. If you walk along the bay, away from the main beach, you can explore the picturesque coves beyond, like Chaplin Bay.
The Ocean Club
Chloe and Finn enjoyed dinner at this lovely restaurant in Southampton Parish, which is owned by the Fairmont Hotel. The menu is fish-based, the venue is right on the beach, and you can eat outside on the veranda and watch the sun go down.
Horse riding
Beachside Stables, the equestrian personalities and establishments in this series are entirely fictional, but if you fancy some riding on the island, try Watson Performance and Trail Horses, in Warwick Parish. Mike Watson is a professional horseman and offers lessons and trail rides on beautiful quarter horses.
St Catherine’s Fort
Chloe and Finn spent the day in and around St George’s and St Catherine’s Fort and beach and they are around a 5km hike from the town. If you can drag yourself away from the beauty and history of the town, including The Unfinished Church on Government Hill Road, the fort and beach are well worth a visit. Break your hike at Tobacco Bay Beach for a drink in the cafe, before continuing uphill. This beach is also one of the best for snorkelling, with its beautiful, clear, shallow waters. Snorkel gear can be rented from the kiosks on the beach so you don’t need to lug everything around if you are hiking further up the hill. The towering limestone rock formations are a haven for marine life and you might spot blue parrotfish, angelfish and grouper.
There is also an excellent bus service for those less mobile.
The Royal Naval Dockyard
Dockyard is easily worth a day of exploration. Although the community shop run by Emma is fictitious, there is a local produce store, and other shops nestled amongst the former military buildings where you can pick up rum cakes, souvenirs and essentials.
The imposing grey stone buildings are fascinating and a trip up to the Commissioner’s House and the Museum is highly recommended.
The Clocktower Mall
Although the Stone Gallery is an author creation, Clocktower Mall does indeed contain some wonderful galleries, clothing stores, jewellery makers and crafters. After chatting to the busy creatives you will definitely want to stop off at the Haagen Dazs Bar and sample some luscious ice cream.
Snorkel Beach
Chloe pulls off a dramatic rescue on Snorkel Beach, which is located within the walls of Dockyard. The small beach has a safe, shallow area for children in the daytime and a lively music and bar scene in the balmy evenings.
The Swizzle Inn
Bermuda has two national drinks; Firstly, the ‘Dark ‘n’ Stormy’, which is made with Gosling’s Black Seal rum, ginger beer, and a twist of lime. Its origins trace back to WW1 when sailors discovered adding a splash of local Gosling’s rum to ginger beer made a tasty drink. Secondly, the ‘Rum Swizzle’, a punch, was said to be invented at The Swizzle Inn in 1932. Patrons are said to, ‘swagger in and stagger out’, so you have been warned!
The original Swizzle Inn is Bermuda’s oldest pub. Situated in Hamilton Parish on Bailey’s Bay and great for families.
Sister pub The Swizzle (South Shore) is in Warwick Parish on South Shore Road. There is a bus stop opposite the pub. Chloe drops in for a bite to eat after her hike around Tom Moore’s Jungle.
Both pubs have an excellent, varied food menu too.
Bonefish Bar and Grill
Chloe has lunch here when she visits the Royal Naval Dockyard for the first time. Excellent indoor/outdoor dining, waterfront views, and perfect for a sandwich and cold drink in the day or something more in the evening. Can be very busy when cruise ships are docked, but this applies to the whole area.
Fishcakes
When Chloe first arrives on Bermuda, her neighbour, Ailsa, gives her some home-made fishcakes. There are a great many different recipes for codfish cakes, and these are traditionally served as a Sunday breakfast dish. These became a popular dish when traders in the 18th century used to trade salt (made by evaporating seawater) for codfish from the incoming fishermen. For a luscious, indulgent breakfast try codfish cakes, and Portuguese doughnuts.
Tom Moore’s Jungle/The Blue Hole
Chloe sneaks off for the day, challenging herself to an adventure and ends up here. The jungle is in Hamilton Parish and the bus stops right across the road from where the trail starts. The going can be a little rough, but the jungle isn’t huge (approx twelve acres) and you reach The Blue Hole after about fifteen minutes hiking. The signage isn’t great but the paths are all well trodden.
The views from the coastal path are stunning, and you can dip into the sea for a swim if you don’t mind the sharp rocks. There are a lot of caves in the jungle and they are fascinating. Signage asks that you don’t swim in these beautiful natural rock formations, but you can go right underground to take pictures. Just watch your head as the roofs are often low!
The Blue Hole is nothing short of amazing, which is why I wanted Chloe to experience it at a time when she was rediscovering herself. The water is ice cold and vivid turquoise.
One the other side of the jungle is Tom Moore’s Tavern, perfect for a drink and snack, or if you return the other way, The Swizzle Inn is just half a mile up the road, and is where Chloe stopped to refuel.
Getting around Bermuda
Chloe uses the bus for most of her trips and the public transport system is economic and efficient. Taxis are expensive.
For more information on Bermuda visit: www.gotobermuda.com
Acknowledgements
Huge thank you to British Airways, for rostering me Bermuda flights all those years ago, and thus allowing the original inspiration for this book to take shape. I am lucky to have travelled to so many wonderful destinations as cabin crew, but Bermuda retains a special place in my heart.
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Much thanks to my wonderful agent, Lina Langlee, for believing in this book, and my writing in general, and to the fabulous team at Bloodhound Books for publishing the Chloe Canton Mysteries.
Thanks also due to the epic team of bloggers, readers and reviewers – I write for you, and read every single one of your reviews and messages.
Daisy x
A note from the publisher
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