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“If you continue down this street, you’ll come to Bryn Lloyd’s house. There is only one road into Dale, so you’ll be on the opposite side of the barricade tape and the other reporters.”
I gave him a knowing smile. “You brought me this way on purpose.”
“Let’s just say it will give you a different perspective,” he said, getting out of the boat. “One the other reporters won’t have. Text me when you’re done.”
“I don’t have your number.”
“Give me your mobile, and I’ll enter it in.”
I unlocked my phone and handed it to him, and he quickly typed in the information.
“Be careful,” he warned.
“I will,” I said over my shoulder as I headed down the street. People rarely did nice things for me, and on the off chance in my past, when someone did, it made me so uncomfortable I didn’t know how to react. This was one of those moments. I hurried along, putting as much space between us as possible.
The historic Victorian homes near the coast gradually turned into rundown council homes and bungalows. Up ahead, I could make out the gathering crowd just outside the police tape. As I approached, DC Havard came up, stopping me. “How did you get on this side?” he sneered. Morgan was off to the side talking with who I assumed was Bryn’s father. A young man stood in the doorway of the house.
“I walked from back there,” I countered, pointing back to the village.
“You need to get on the other side of the barricade tape. This area is still being swept for forensic evidence.”
“She’s fine where she’s at,” Morgan said, coming toward us. “Havard, go stand with Mr. Lloyd.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Did you stay in the village last night?” he asked.
“Uh, no, I took a boat over the bay. I wanted to get a different feel of the area.”
“Well, there’s been a development.” He looked at his watch. “I need to start, but can you hang around for a bit afterward?”
“Of course.”
He straightened his tie and smoothed his hands down his already immaculate suit jacket, fastening the top button as he walked over to a small podium that had been erected. “Ladies and Gentlemen,” he began. “Thank you for your time. I’m Detective Chief Superintendent of the Milford Haven Police, and I’m here to update you on Bryn Lloyd, year thirteen at Milford Haven School. New evidence has been presented to us which indicates that Bryn was not abducted but left her home on her own accord. At this time, she is no longer considered missing, and the investigation into her disappearance will be suspended. Mr. Lloyd has asked for his privacy during this sensitive time, and I hope you will respect his wishes. The investigation into the disappearance of Mary Howell and Anwen Bowen continues as we have put all our resources into finding the young women, and we will continue to follow the evidence. I feel I have said as much as I can on the current situation, as it is personal and private information, so I will not be taking questions. Thank you for your time and attention.”
“Sir, what evidence makes you so sure Bryn Lloyd wasn’t kidnapped?” a voice I recognized called out. I glanced at the crowd and saw Sam pushing his way to the front. “You have parents and students at Milford Haven who are terrified and need some kind of reassurance.”
Morgan looked back at Mr. Lloyd, who gave him a nod. “The only thing I will say is that Bryn left her father a letter.”
There was more rumbling amongst the press, but Davies left the podium and walked Mr. Lloyd into the house.
“Navy,” Sam said, standing on the other side of the tape.
I looked at him, then looked away, not giving him the time of day.
Morgan came out of the house, motioning me over.
“Sorry for the surprise. I couldn’t say anything before the press conference.”
“I understand,” I said. “Are you sure she wasn’t taken?” Something didn’t feel right about the whole situation.
“Yes. Forensics found the letter torn out of her journal. Look, I can’t talk right now, but will you meet me later for dinner?”
“I’m not sure I’m sticking around. I don’t think I have a job anymore.”
“Have you received a letter of termination?” he asked. His eyebrows were drawn together in concern.
“No.”
