Page 102 of Serenity Falls

‘What do you mean?’

‘What if his death wasn’t an accident?’

His face darkens. ‘Look … I know there’s some weird stuff going on, but we shouldn’t get carried away.’

‘That’s what I thought. But now I find out you’ve seen someone dressed up as Frankie on the security camera. They’re leaving balloons and cryptic messages. Something is going on, and it all goes back to Frankie.’

Dad sits down heavily on one of the garden chairs. He runs his hands through his hair. She can tell he’s itching for a beer, or a cigarette. ‘Okay. I mean, yes, I suppose it could be connected … but whatever is going on, we should let the police deal with it now.’

‘You mean Jerry?’

‘I know he’s not exactly Columbo.’

She snorts. ‘He’s not even Jessica Fletcher.’

‘But we’re stuck with him … and stuck living here. I don’t see a way out of it.’

She remembers her conversation with the weird vicar. ‘Actually, there is.’

‘What?’

‘Apparently there’s something called “a residency clause” in the contract. If the Conservators decide you’re unsuitable, like you break the law or something, they can buy the house back at a discount and kick you out.’

She looks at him hopefully.

‘So, you’re suggesting we go on a crime spree?’

‘I’m just saying … maybe we do have options.’

‘Okay, this is a lot all at once. Let me look into it—’

His phone buzzes. He picks it up and glances at the number. Then he puts it down, a little too quickly. Furtively, even. Sadie’s immediately curious.

‘Who’s that?’

‘Oh. Just a teacher I met today at the school.’

‘A female teacher?’

‘Yes, actually. Miss Hegarty. She teaches philosophy.’

‘And she’s messaging you now, why?’

He looks awkward, his face reddens. ‘I invited her for a drink tonight. That was just her confirming.’

Sadie stares at him in shock. ‘You invited a woman for a drink?’

He chuckles. ‘I know. It’s not like me.’

Sadie tries to keep a smile on her face. She should be happy for her dad. This is what she wanted for him. But he’s right. It isn’t like him. Over ten years in the UK and a handful of dates. Less than a week here and he’s asking out some strange American teacher he’s only just met. No wonder he wants to stay, she thinks, uncharitably.

She tries to keep her tone light. ‘So, tell me more?’

‘Like?’

‘First name. Age.’

‘First name – Lorraine. Age, I’ve no idea. Forty, maybe.’