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1
Leonardo
I grab my gun before I even realize I’m awake. Barb is still faster than me, already busy growling over by the window. She heard it before I did. A helicopter, coming in fast. No more than a black dot against the early light of dawn.
The sky is shades of gray and purple, the sea still dark, waves crashing down on the shore far below the house.
Barb lets out a bark, then comes to lean on my side. “Bea?” I say to her. “You sure?”
She tilts her head as if checking, then she barks again.
“Good girl.”
By the time the helicopter sets down, I’m dressed and ready for my sister’s arrival.
As I walk out of the bedroom, I catch the side of the armchair, sending the empty whiskey bottle flying.
I head outside in time to find Bea already climbing out of the helicopter, crossing the lawn with a red file in one hand and an envelope in the other.
She stops when she reaches me, leaning down toward Barb. “You looking after him, girl?”
Barb woofs in response.
I fold my arms across my chest. “I don’t need looking after.”
“Sure you do.” She stands upright again.
I tap my foot impatiently. “What are you doing here, Beatrice?”
“Nice to see you too, Leo.”
“Well?”
“We going to do this outside in the cold or inside by the fire?”
“We can go inside, but I’m not changing my mind.”
“You might when you hear what I have to say.”
“There is nothing you can say that will make me leave the island.”
I turn and walk inside, Barb at my heels. I lead Bea into the tapestry room, pouring out two glasses of whiskey, passing one to her.
“Bit early, isn’t it?” she asks, looking at her watch.
“Your hands are shaking. It’ll help.”
She shrugs before downing the contents of the glass. “You know I hate flying,” she says as she sets the glass down. “And I hate that you live here. Of all our houses, you pick the one on Shell Island. Sure it isn’t just to torment me?”
“It’s to discourage visitors. I enjoy being alone. No risk of getting shot.”
“There was me thinking you were looking after the place where we grew up. Doing something noble and selfless for once.”
“Think what you want.”
“Always so angry. Thought you might have chilled out by now. Swimming and fishing every day, taking it easy.”
“Why are you here, Bea?”
