Rising Tide Read online

  ‘Hey, Billy,’ the bartender called as he entered. ‘How you been? Haven’t seen you for a while.’ Tommy Duffy had worked at the Bugaloe for almost thirty years. He had come down from the States on a vacation and never left. His once-dark hair was streaked with grey and he had put on a few pounds, but he was a happy man. He knew everyone on the island and was always a good source of information.

  ‘Been working down in San Nicolas, night shifts.’ Billy had been bartending on the island for the last few years, although he had left his last gig about two weeks ago.

  ‘Get you something?’

  ‘Just a coffee.’ He didn’t dare have a drink. He had to be sharp for this interview. ‘How’s everything here?’

  ‘Police have been all over this place. You heard about the body?’

  ‘Yeah, it’s all over the news. Washed up not too far from here, they said.’

  ‘Down on Manchebo. Rich girl. Real beauty from the pictures. Didn’t recognize her though; she didn’t hang out here.’

  ‘Yeah. I’ve never seen her, but you know those kids, they’re all over the place. They have any leads?’

  ‘Don’t think so. Seems like a real fishing expedition at this point. Questioned everyone here and all along the strip. Hear something’s up at the Bluffs though. That’s the last place she was seen.’

  ‘Heard that.’

  ‘Shame for the Maitlands. They’re good people. You ever work there?’

  ‘Picked up a day here and there, but you know me, I’m not really a resort type of guy. Give me a bar any day. More my kind of people.’ Billy fished a couple of bucks out of his pocket but Duffy just waved it away.

  ‘On us. You should stop around a little more often.’

  ‘Thanks, Tommy. I will,’ he said as he pushed away from the bar and headed out the door.

  OK, so no one has mentioned seeing her after the Bluffs. Maybe his luck would hold. But he better not count on it. He’d start thinking about an alibi on the way to see this Keary guy.

  FIFTEEN

  When Peggy and Emily reached the gate, they were met by a large man wearing a dark suit who had security written all over him. He had a clipboard in his hand and an unmistakable bulge under his jacket.

  ‘Excuse me, ladies, but are you guests here at the Bluffs?’

  ‘We are,’ Emily answered for both of them.

  ‘Could I just have your names, please?’

  ‘Peggy Lawson and Emily Harrington.’

  He checked the list and smiled. ‘Thank you, ladies. Just a precaution.’

  Both a bit shaken, they stopped at the beach bar on the way back. Emily realized she hadn’t eaten anything since the leftover fruit that morning. It was hard to imagine that was just six hours ago. It was after two now, and the smell of food made her stomach growl. There was no lunch being served in the dining room, and probably no dinner either. It was hard to imagine how Martin and Annie were going to carry on, but with all these guests they had to do something. Luckily, most of them were good friends so it was a little easier.

  Peggy and Emily ordered salads and Maggie had a plate of peas and mashed sweet potatoes that she happily smeared in her hair. There were a number of guests here but the atmosphere was still subdued. Emily was surprised to see Nora sitting alone at a nearby table. When she waved, Nora came over to join them.

  ‘Oh, Emily,’ she said, ‘it’s just so awful. People lining up waiting to be interviewed, everyone wanting to get it over with, and the questions … Poor Annie and Martin. I can’t believe they have to go through all this again.’

  ‘Have they finished with many of them?’ Peggy asked.

  ‘They seem to be going through them pretty quickly. I’m not surprised. No one seems to know anything, but still. I spoke with that Detective Keary. Such a nice young man. Of course, he asked if we had seen Ariana. Then they wanted to know if there was anyone with her. Well, I was pretty sure there wasn’t. No one but your sweet little baby, Peggy.’ At this, she reached over to rustle Maggie’s hair and was rewarded with a big smile. ‘And then, had I seen anyone strange? Such a hard question to answer. You know, when something like this happens, you start looking at everyone so differently.’

  ‘I don’t see Marietta,’ Emily said. ‘Is she still up at the main house?’

  ‘Thank heavens, no. These things upset her so. She went to lie down. She was somewhat overwrought, poor thing. And, wouldn’t you know, with everything going on both of us forgot her medication this morning. So we went straight back to our room and she took her pills and went to lie down. I thought I would come up here and sit so she would sleep. I should go back and check on her, though,’ Nora said, getting up from the table.

  ‘I think I’ll head back too,’ Peggy added. ‘I’d like to see if Maggie will take a nap. Would love to lie down myself. How about you, Emily?’

  ‘I don’t think I could sleep. No, I think I’ll head up to the main house. See how things are going.’

  When Emily reached Reception there were several people waiting to be interviewed. Penny, usually so vivacious, sat calmly behind the desk with a copy of the list in front of her.

  ‘I’m glad you stopped by,’ she said. ‘I was just going to send a message to your room. Inspector Moller would like to see you shortly. He just has one more interview. Would you mind waiting?’

  Most of the guests sat quietly, but one woman paced back and forth, muttering to herself. She had dark brown hair, dyed, a pinched face and a sharp chin. ‘Mind waiting, mind waiting. This is ridiculous. I’ve been waiting here for twenty minutes. What a waste of time … I’ll tell Martin when I see him … if I see him.’ The others ignored her and she turned to Emily. ‘Do you believe this? I knew I never should have come. Martin will certainly hear from me.’

  Emily did her best to ignore her also, but she persisted. ‘I imagine you must be a friend of Sarah’s? From New York?’ she said, shaking her head as if in disapproval.

  ‘Yes, I’m from the city. Are you a friend of the family?’

  ‘No, of course not. I’m Martin’s sister-in-law. I shouldn’t be on a list, sitting here waiting for almost half an hour. I shouldn’t have to wait. I saw that girl. I told Penny. It’s an insult; I’m family. Oh, yes, Martin will hear about this.’

  ‘Please, Joanne,’ called an attractive middle-aged woman sitting across the room. ‘Don’t you think Martin has enough on his mind? The last thing he needs is to hear from you.’

  Joanne turned sharply on the woman. ‘That’s always been the way with you, Alice. It’s always been Martin, Martin, Martin. Never Eddie. Even when he was sick. You didn’t have—’

  ‘Joanne, this is neither the time nor the place for—’

  ‘I’ll decide when it’s the time and place to say what—’

  Just then, Penny looked up from the list and called, ‘Joanne Maitland.’

  Well, that was fortunate, Emily thought, as Joanne finished with: ‘We’ll continue this later.’

  Emily sat in an empty chair next to the woman whose name was Alice. ‘I’m sorry about that,’ Alice said. ‘She’s just so difficult to deal with. I’m Alice Burns, Martin’s sister. And you are?’

  ‘Emily, Emily Harrington.’

  ‘Oh, of course. I didn’t get to meet you at the wedding but Martin has spoken of you. Once again, sorry about that. God knows I try not to get into it with her, but it seems I’m not too successful. I should try to be more like Martin. Joanne was married to our younger brother, Eddie. As you could probably tell, she has issues. I knew it was risky for Martin to invite her, but he felt he had to. Didn’t want to hurt her feelings.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Feelings. Not sure she has those.’

  Emily didn’t quite know what to say. ‘Families are always complicated,’ was the best she could do.

  ‘You’re right about that. Joanne has been nothing but complicated for Martin. Eddie died over ten years ago. It was just so tragic. And Martin has spent the last ten years taking care of Joanne – or trying to. She doe
sn’t make it easy, God knows. Good luck to that detective.’

  ‘I’m sure it will be fine. It sounds like she saw Ariana?’

  ‘Well, she said she did, but you can never be sure with Joanne. On the one hand complaining about being on the interview list but on the other getting enjoyment from the spotlight, no matter how small it might be.’

  At that point, Penny came over to Emily. ‘I’m afraid Inspector Moller is going to be a little longer than he thought. Do you want to go back to your room and I could let you know when he’s finished?’

  ‘No, no, it’s fine. I’ll just wait here.’

  ‘There’s some refreshments set up on the terrace,’ Penny said.

  Overhearing, Alice said to Emily, ‘I could do with a cold glass of lemonade. Why don’t you join me?’

  The late afternoon had grown sunny and hot and they were happy to enjoy the shade and a cool drink. Below them they could see the bay beach and, although the mood of the resort was still quiet, a number of guests were stretched out on the lounges and hammocks. It was a pleasant scene but it couldn’t shake Emily’s mood.

  ‘How are Martin and Annie doing?’ Emily asked Alice.

  ‘I haven’t seen them in a couple of hours,’ Alice answered. ‘Martin seemed to be holding up fairly well but Annie is wrecked. Going to the Van Meeterens’ this morning took a lot out of her. And now having to deal with all this.’

  ‘There was a security man at the gate when I came back in,’ Emily said. ‘Police?’

  ‘Private security. Martin arranged it. The police don’t have that kind of manpower and Martin’s so worried about reporters coming on the grounds. Having the police here is difficult enough, but I understand the local reporters are all over this and Martin’s trying to protect the guests.’

  ‘I haven’t seen much of the coverage, just the news conference this morning.’

  ‘It’s been on the TV all afternoon. They’ve started dredging up everything about this poor girl – her school, her friends, stories, rumors. At this point they haven’t come up with much, but it’s really disturbing, interviewing these kids when they’re obviously upset, cameras trained on a growing memorial on the beach, then more cameras trained on the Van Meeterens’ front door. Their front door − it seems so cruel. Disgusting, really.’

  ‘Do you know Christiaan and Kat?’

  ‘Oh, I’ve met them many times. Kat and Annie have been friends for years. And both of their older daughters stayed with Joe and me during some of their college breaks. We live in the city and have the extra room. Such lovely girls.’

  ‘And Ariana?’ Emily asked quietly.

  Alice looked pensive. ‘Oh, I’d see Ariana when Joe and I came down here.’ For a moment her eyes misted. ‘We’d almost always go to the Van Meeterens’ for dinner one night and maybe dinner in town together another.’

  As they talked, Sarah and Jon appeared at the door to the terraces. ‘Oh, Aunt Alice,’ Sarah cried, tears flowing down her face as Alice hugged her.

  ‘Sarah, what are you doing here?’ Alice asked. ‘You’re supposed to be on your way to New York.’

  ‘We turned around as soon as we heard. I can’t believe this has happened. Who could have done this to Ariana? She’s just a child.’ Sarah started to sob as Alice held her.

  ‘Do they know anything yet?’ Jon asked, turning to Emily.

  ‘Not that I’ve heard. They’re doing tons of interviews. Here, over on Manchebo Beach, and Ariana’s friends. It’s a huge undertaking, I think. I haven’t seen Annie or Martin and I’m waiting to see Thomas.’

  ‘I used to babysit her,’ Sarah said, her voice strained. ‘She was so sweet, always. I remember when she was young, six or seven, she wanted me to fix her hair like mine – braids, a ponytail. Or, if I arrived wearing shorts and she had a skirt on or long pants, she would make her mother change her outfit. She loved to draw and write stories.’ She started crying again. ‘I can’t believe this. How could this have happened?’

  ‘There, there, honey,’ Alice said. ‘You should head up to the house – your mom and dad are up there.’

  Sarah wiped her eyes. ‘Well, it won’t do going up there like this. I’m sure Mom’s a mess. She and Kat are such good friends. Just give me a minute to settle myself,’ she said, as Jon put his arm around her.

  ‘I’d walk up with you, dear, but I’m waiting to be interviewed. I shouldn’t be long. You head up, though. I’m sure it would help your mother.’

  ‘You’re right,’ she said, noticing Emily for the first time. ‘Oh, Emily … isn’t this just awful. I guess Thomas—’

  ‘It is, and Thomas is totally swamped. I know he feels incredible pressure to find out who did this. Such a beautiful young girl. I’m waiting to talk to him.’

  Just then Penny came to the door. ‘Alice?’

  ‘Yes, coming, Penny,’ she said, heading inside. ‘Oh and Sarah, your Aunt Joanne is inside being interviewed.’

  Sarah just rolled her eyes as she and Jon headed up to the house.

  Emily sat back down and turned again to watch the water. The bay beach was calm, like glass. Small ripples lapped the shore and Emily felt almost mesmerized as she watched. Once again, her thoughts turned to the bracelet. She remembered Michael’s words as she had tried to give it back to him, ‘No, Emily, it’s yours. Please, keep it. Keep it as a reminder of better days.’ What could have happened to it? She couldn’t believe that Ariana had taken it, but then someone else must have − taken it and given it to her?

  ‘Emily.’ Thomas was heading towards her. He put his arms around her and drew her to him. ‘I’m sorry; this isn’t the way I wanted these few days to be. There’s nothing—’

  ‘Thomas, please, you have a job to do, an incredibly important job. Did you want to inter—’

  ‘No, I was just coming out to say I have to leave. I’m heading back up to the Van Meeterens’. They’re ready to ID the body. I thought maybe just Christiaan would do it, but Kat’s insisting. She wants to see her. I know how devastating this will be. I wish … They’ve had a few hours to absorb the first shock, although, God help them, it will get worse. They also want to talk to me. It seems they’ve been thinking and, well …’

  Emily looked closely at him. The strain of the last few hours was clearly evident – his face seemed lined and pale, and there was dark stubble on his cheeks and chin. ‘Go, I’ll be here when you get back. And please, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You’re not the only one working on this.’

  For just a moment, his eyes became hard. ‘This one is mine to solve.’

  SIXTEEN

  He noticed the guard at the gate as soon as he drove up. Security, not police, he thought. Good. He checked the rear-view mirror. No one behind him. That was good too. He was hoping not to meet anyone he knew.

  ‘Afternoon,’ the guard said, peering into the car. ‘Are you a guest at the Bluffs?’

  ‘Me, I only wish,’ he said with a smile. ‘No, I’m here to see a Detective Keary.’

  ‘Name?’

  ‘William Dunlop,’ he said as the guard looked at his clipboard. ‘I have a four o’clock appointment.’

  ‘Right. Sorry, can I see some ID?’

  Billy fished out his wallet and took out his driver’s license.

  ‘Thanks,’ the guard said, looking at it. ‘You can park to the right side of the main house. Reception is just inside the door. Someone there will help you.’

  Billy nodded and headed through the gates. When he reached Reception a young, pretty girl behind the desk greeted him with a wide smile.

  ‘I’m William Dunlop. Actually, call me Billy. All my friends do,’ he said with a slightly suggestive smile. ‘I have a four o’clock appointment with a Detective Keary.’

  ‘Yes, William,’ she said – no smile this time. ‘Please take a seat. He should be with you shortly.’

  Billy sat down trying to look serious, even concerned. He shouldn’t have made that friends comment. He should have realized that no
one here would be in a joking mood today. He’d have to do better with Keary. He picked up a magazine, browsing through it while he waited and checked out the room − two other young guys, obviously day staff, one looked kind of familiar; an older man dressed in khaki shorts and a light blue shirt, probably a guest; and a middle-aged woman, light grey uniform, white apron, a chambermaid. Then he looked out to the terrace.

  This is more interesting, he thought. That’s the redhead; wonder if she’s waiting to be interviewed. He tried to catch her name but couldn’t. And the other two, he recognized them – the bride and groom. She was balling and there was an older woman hugging her. He didn’t know who the woman was but she looked like family.

  Then the girl from Reception headed out there. She called the older woman Alice and they both walked back in and headed for an office door behind the desk. The bride and groom left the terrace and the redhead sat back down and stared at the beach. Not much more to see there.

  Billy was getting impatient, and as he sat waiting he got increasingly jittery. Should have thrown a couple of pills into my pocket, he thought. He started twisting his hands and brushing his fingers through his hair. His lip twitched a little and he rubbed his mouth to stop it. This won’t do, he thought, and got up and walked over to the desk to give himself something to do.

  ‘Any idea how long this will be?’ he asked the girl, then thought better of it. ‘It’s OK, I don’t mind waiting. It’s just that I got a gig at six, have to be there at five-thirty, and if I’m gonna be late I wanna let the boss know.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, a little friendlier this time. ‘They’re running a little late and …’

  A tall, good-looking man in a somewhat rumpled suit entered the reception room and quickly walked out onto the terrace. Billy recognized him right away. The guy from the news conference, heading the investigation. Moller, that was his name. He immediately went over to the redhead. Emily, he called her, and put his arms around her. Billy didn’t like this. These two are more than friends, he thought. Damn, one more friggin’ complication.