by Linda Coles
“Oh, I don’t know. You hear of things going on in plain sight. Maybe they are up to no good.” Chrissy mulled it over for a moment before carrying on. “Plus, the little boy Flynn? He’s not got blond or red hair.”
“Would you expect him to have?”
“Lorgan is blond, so the allele for blond hair is dominant. Ciara, is red-haired, which is neither dominant nor recessive, so it’s an incomplete dominant, meaning I’d expect, with their colours mixed, little Flynn would be perhaps strawberry blond.”
Adam looked impressed, his mouth falling open at the revelation. Chrissy was an intelligent woman, but he often wondered where she picked such seemingly useless information up from and, furthermore, how she managed to retain it. From somewhere in the back of her brain, she’d just pulled out something she’d likely learned at school years ago.
“And what colour is his hair?”
Chrissy glanced across to her left and noticed both Richard and Julie were waiting for the answer too.
“Dark brown.”
“And you don’t think that’s likely?”
“No, I don’t.”
“He could be adopted,” suggested Julie. “They’re not going to simply drop that into the conversation, now, are they?”
“True.”
“Well, I say you’ve solved the puzzle of the fictitious child, so don’t be looking for another where there isn’t one. You are supposed to be on holiday, relaxing, remember?”
“I know. You’re right, of course.” She clapped her hands together loudly just once then stood. “Right. I’m off to have a shower. What’s the plan for today?”
Three faces stared back at her as if they were expecting her to decide on the activities. “Don’t look at me for the answer, but do chat amongst yourselves and let me know what you decide on when I get back,” she said. With that, she headed back indoors to get ready. By the looks of them all, she figured they wouldn’t be going far after yesterday’s over-excitement, and as she shampooed her hair, she wondered if that was even a bad thing. It was turning out to be a glorious day and spending a little time on one of the sun loungers which were stacked neatly in the corner might not be a bad idea. Certainly until lunchtime anyway. The deck was nice and sheltered out of the wind – unless it changed direction of course. After that, she’d need to be up and doing something.
“I’d rather break than rust,” she said to the shower cubicle, rinsing soapy suds away and wrapping herself in a fluffy towel. With Richard laid up, perhaps she and Adam could slip out and do something after lunch, maybe finish the rest of the cliff walk to Hags Head.
Either way, she’d join them and be quiet for a while.
After lunch? Who knows?
Chapter 14
Lazing around is good for the body as well as the soul. For some it’s a blissful activity, and for others, like Chrissy, it gets monotonous extremely quickly, and an acute dose of the fidgets sets in. She was lying on a sun lounger, staring ahead at nothing in particular, fingers drumming on the navy canvas beside her. She glanced at the rest of the group, each and every one of them content and concentrating on their own book, or in Adam’s case, listening to one. Black headphones covered his ears, and with his eyes firmly closed, he could have been asleep, the story washing over him, not realising its audience had long since tuned out. Would the book detect no movement from his skull or his brain and stop courteously so he didn’t miss the story? She’d ask him when he came out from wherever he currently was. Turning to Julie, she could see no more than the top of her huge hat and was reminded about their trip to Albi, in France, where she’d last seen her in it. Julie had played her part in finding a lost friend and had eavesdropped on an important conversation to help bring a criminal to justice. And then there was Richard, leg up, blanket on top, his thinning comb-over the only protection from the sun should he find himself in it.
Her fingers drummed, and drummed again. No one seemed to notice. Not big on anything that was longer than a fifteen-minute read at a push, Chrissy found her mind drifting back to her castle visit earlier, the wonderful view from the top and finally meeting the little boy. His hair so dark, his parents so fair. Would Ciara have volunteered the information if he was indeed adopted? Letting a long sigh out and changing her thoughts to her own boys, she wondered what they were doing right at that moment. There’d been no interest from them in following their parents on holiday to Ireland, and when their friend Gary had suggested they all hung out at his place for the week, she knew there’d be no point dragging them along. She and Adam couldn’t compete with friends their own age, and could only hope they hadn’t planned on using their own house for an out-of-control party at some point. Gary’s parents were fine with the idea and so everyone was happy. She retrieved her phone from the table beside her and sent a text to the two of them. Thomas would be the one to respond, as he was the more sensitive of the two young men, and while they were growing up so fast, she’d take the small amount of love and affection they tossed her way, for now. In another handful of years, they’d be into nothing else other than parties and girls, and she hoped they’d still make a little time for her and Adam, the aged parents. Until then, she’d keep them as safe and as happy as their young worlds would allow.
Hi boys. What are you up to? Is everything ok?
She hit send and waited. No little bubble popped up to say someone was replying immediately so she placed her phone back on the table to wait for a response. It could be a while. They were most likely kicking a rugby ball around the local park, their sweatshirts as goal posts, their phones in the pockets. Or the party had in fact happened and they were busy cleaning red wine out of the carpet. Chrissy cringed. It would happen one day, of that she was sure. She smiled to herself at the image, but it was the sound of an incoming text that made her sit up. With the generic tone as it landed, Chrissy instantly knew it wasn’t either of the boys, they each had their own. She grabbed her phone to see who it was and didn’t recognise the number, it wasn’t a saved contact. The message, however, gave the sender away in an instant.
You left your cap earlier. I’ll drop it over, heading out for a walk.
She’d noticed it missing not long into her run, as sweat had started to run down her temples, which she always found irritating.
She tapped back, Great, thanks. Lounging out the back. Come on round. Hitting send, she headed to the kitchen and made sure there were a couple of extra beers in the fridge, and added more diet coke before going back to her sun lounger. Julie looked out from behind her giant shades enquiringly.
“Ciara is popping over. I left my cap there earlier so since she’s out for a walk, she’ll drop by.”
“Oh, I might get to meet the little one,” she cooed, standing and stretching her back out a little. Since both of Julie’s daughters were constantly at boarding school, Chrissy knew she missed them. It was Richard that had insisted they focus on their education, and to do that they wouldn’t live at home. Chrissy couldn’t say she agreed with the notion, but respected their decision anyway. While Julie spent a huge chunk of her time looking after her two boutique shoe stores, Jooles, Jooles, the rest she spent looking after herself. There was little time for anything else in her life so the girls were probably in the best place. That didn’t mean she didn’t miss them though.
Since their trip to Albi, Chrissy had noticed a change in her sister and a good one at that. While Julie had always been the more formal of the two, in every way possible, their trip away together had taught Julie to relax a little. Gone was the severely lacquered blonde hair, and in its place was a chic blonde bob that now caught the breeze naturally. She still looked stunning, and younger with it.
“I assume she’ll be bringing him, but who knows. I didn’t see Lorcan this morning, maybe he’d gone to the shops?”
“Well, it doesn’t matter,” she said, pointing with her chin. “Because they’re here now, all three of them actually. And the dog.”
Chrissy turned to see the trio wa
lking down the side of the house towards them. Young Flynn, sat comfortably in his buggy out front, was carrying her cap, while Rupert strained on his leash.
“Maybe you should ask about his hair,” suggested Julie and received a warning look for her trouble.
“Hello again!” called Chrissy, stepping forward to meet their guests. “You were quick.”
After pleasantries and refreshments had been offered, the six adults chatted over beers and cokes while young Flynn wriggled around on the deck by Ciara’s feet, placing anything in reach into his mouth for a chew test. It seemed rude now their visitors were relaxing to ask about a child’s heritage, particularly when it was out of sheer nosiness and nothing else, it served no purpose. Neither Chrissy nor Julie raised the subject.
About an hour into their visit, Lorcan’s phone rang and he excused himself for a moment, taking the call at the end of the garden to talk in private. Through dark sunglasses, Chrissy watched the man’s body language and tried not to appear as though she was spying on his conversation. But by the man’s movements, his shoulders, his bent head, she could see something was troubling him as the conversation progressed. It also appeared to be fairly one-sided – the caller’s side. When he finished the call, he stood for a moment, looking out to sea, before placing his phone back in his pocket. From behind her shades, Chrissy attempted to read his face, which was now devoid of the rosy cheeks he’d had on arrival. Something was clearly bothering him. Had Ciara noticed, she wondered.
When she glanced to her side, the answer was plainly visible. She had.
Chapter 15
Within five minutes of the call, Lorcan, Ciara, Flynn, and Rupert were all gathered up and had set off back towards their holiday castle, leaving Chrissy wondering what had just happened. And it wasn’t just her that thought it odd, Julie had picked up on the vibe and it wasn’t a good one. Gathering bottles and cans up, the two women headed for the kitchen, leaving Adam and Richard to their reading.
“I didn’t imagine that hasty retreat, did I?” Chrissy asked, filling the recycle bin.
“No, you didn’t. Quite odd. I wonder what that call was all about?”
“Whatever it was, it was obviously a worry to Lorcan, his colour changed in an instant, and when I glanced at Ciara, she didn’t look much better either. I’ve never seen visitors leave so fast. People stay longer when I’ve cooked a meal, and that’s saying something.”
“Do you think something’s up?”
“I do, yes. I’ve no clue what though,” she said, loading odds and ends into the dishwasher. “I hope everything’s all right, that they don’t have to rush off back from their break.”
“Wherever ‘back to’ actually is. We know nothing about them save for he travels to the English ports on a regular basis.”
Chrissy wiped the side down while she processed her thoughts, such as they were.
As if reading her mind, Julie asked, “And how did she get your telephone number, to text you?”
“I was wondering the same thing. I didn’t give it to her, I’ve no reason to do so.” She screwed her face up as she concentrated on her thoughts, trying to come up with a perfectly reasonable explanation as to how a relative stranger would get her number. Perhaps Adam or Richard had given it to her, back at the pub on their first night? “Well, you obviously didn’t give it to her since you’re wondering the same thing. Either of the men, do you think?”
“I doubt it,” Julie said, “but I’ll go and ask.”
Even though it was October, it was still warm on the deck, ideal for relaxing. Chrissy pondered as she watched Julie check first with Richard, and then with Adam. Shakes of their heads added more curiosity to the conundrum. While she could call Ciara’s mobile and ask, was she really going to enquire how she got her number? It seemed rude.
“No.” Julie entered, shaking her head slightly in answer. She looked as perplexed as Chrissy felt.
“Well, I guess it doesn’t matter, not really. Though I am still curious.”
“You’ll have to drop it into a future conversation somehow. No doubt we’ll see them again during our stay. They are here for a while, an extended break, they said,” said Julie.
Folding the tea towel up and looking at the kettle that had boiled, Chrissy said, “I don’t much fancy tea now. Let’s go and get a frothy coffee instead. Richard can’t move on foot and I dare say Adam will be asleep in five minutes, he’s been drowsy all day. They’ll not miss us.”
Julie wasn’t convinced, she only allowed herself one caffeinated drink per day.
Chrissy tried another tack to tempt her for a walk. “We could take another look in that sweater shop, if you like?”
“Deal. I’ll grab some shoes,” she said in a flash and set off to find suitable footwear. There had been a time, not so long ago, when heels were the only thing that ever adorned her dainty feet, but spending time in France had introduced her to flats – as long as they were gorgeous. A moment later, Julie was ready, with red-beaded loafers to match her bag.
Chrissy looked at them and raised her eyebrows. “I like those. New range?”
“Just a sample, but yes. I think they’ll do well. Got them from the shoe fair on my buying trip last time.”
“Lucky you,” she said, grinning.
Chrissy checked for her purse and the two set off, arm hooked through sisterly arm. They chatted about their evening dinner options, poor old Richard and his lack of mobility, the fortuitous weather they were having, and eventually they circled back to their new acquaintances.
“I’d like to be a fly on their kitchen wall right now,” said Chrissy. “I wonder what’s got them both in a tizzy?”
“I guess you won’t know unless you ask and I’m betting you’re not going to.”
Chrissy replied with a simple ‘hmm’ as she thought about it. By the time they got to the sweater shop, she’d managed to banish her earlier thoughts and settle on the task of getting Adam a gift. Unlike Julie and Richard, there was no way she and him were going to have matching knitted jumpers and she amused herself looking at a woollen waistcoat that she knew he’d look handsome in with his jeans and casual shirt. She chose a not-too-pretty printed scarf for herself, not that she’d ever wear it. Still, it might remind her of her time in Ireland at some point in the future. She headed across to the cashier to pay. A burly older woman admired her purchase and took payment as Julie approached the counter, the requisite two matching jumpers in her hand. Chrissy wanted to groan but refrained, catching the cashier’s eye instead.
“You’ll be needing them by the end of the week,” the woman offered. “There’s a real cold spell forecast. Shame, after such lovely weather, most unseasonal for October. Still, it’s better than rain.”
“It could be cold in the little castle then, I don’t expect there’s much heating in there,” Julie offered by way of conversation.
“Owners only come in summer; it’ll be empty now.”
Chrissy glanced at Julie. She was concentrating on paying for her items, but Chrissy instinctively knew the news had landed in her sister’s head, together with its implications. She certainly wasn’t deaf. Or daft.
“I thought someone was staying there,” Chrissy offered. “I’m sure I’ve seen a light on at night.”
“There’s a light on a timer apparently, though I don’t know why. But no, there won’t be anyone visiting in the off season. Of that I’m certain.”
Chapter 16
Chrissy still yearned for a coffee; there was a small café a little way further up the road and since it was still pleasant and warm, the two women ambled along in no rush, chatting to one another.
“What do you make of that?” Julie asked.
“She’s obviously wrong. I’ve been inside myself, I’ve seen all around it, met Ciara there, so she’s mistaken on that.”
“She sounded pretty certain about it to me, and even mentioned the light at night.”
“She’s out of the loop then. Not as up to date on the loca
l grapevine as she might think.”
“Unless…”
“Unless what?” Chrissy said, coming to a standstill. Julie turned back towards her and shielded her eyes from the sun, which was low in the sky; her giant sunglasses were not enough to do the job on their own.
“Unless Ciara and co are there when they shouldn’t be. Maybe that phone call was someone telling them they’d been spotted, and they should leave?”
“You think so? It’s a bit far-fetched, isn’t it? Moving into someone’s holiday home without permission?”
“I’m simply putting it out there that they could have moved in in plain sight. Who would question them? Only the owner, or perhaps a caretaker.”
Julie had a point. Sometimes the best place to plant your marijuana was by your front door. Nobody would think it could possibly be what it actually was and so dismiss it out of hand. Marigolds looked suspiciously similar but weed didn’t bloom bright orange. Was that what was happening here, at the castle?
“Squatters then really, I suppose.”
“Glorified ones though.” Julie grinned at Chrissy as they carried on slowly up the lane towards the little café. “Have you ever noticed the light on at night, like the woman in the shop mentioned?”
“I’ve never not noticed it, if that makes sense. We’ve only been here two nights and both of them were late ones to bed, so when my head hits the pillow, that’s me done. But I’ll be checking tonight.”
“Me too, out of curiosity, though it won’t prove anything, and by that I mean anything untoward or even normal. By the sounds of it, a light off should be out of place, not a light on.”
Chrissy stayed quiet as she mulled things over. The whole Ciara and Lorcan matter was getting more and more peculiar with every contact they had with the couple. And receiving a text from Ciara was perhaps the oddest thing of all. They were about to pass Gus O’Connor’s, the pub they’d eaten in on Saturday night, when they’d first met them. Something was triggered in her brain’s hippocampus and a memory hit her as sharp as a dagger. She groaned outwardly.
