Page 49 of She Saw What He Did

‘Cornwall’s police have launched a murder inquiry after a body was washed ashore at Newlyn Beach. Our reporter in Cornwall sends this report.’

The screen flashes to a beach in Cornwall. Families are frolicking happily in the background. A young blond presenter looks earnestly into the camera.

‘Police say a body was washed up here at Newlyn Beach. It was discovered by a child playing in the sea. Police have now confirmed that a couple holidaying on St Cecilia’s on the Isles of Cannard witnessed a murder during a day trip to Laslow Island a few days ago. The Cannard Islands are a popular resort for holidaymakers. The three islands are known for their tranquillity and nature walks. The couple had gone geocaching on Laslow Island which is known for its seclusion.’

Suddenly, Laslow Island is flashed onto the screen and memories of that day flood into my mind like it was yesterday.

‘The murder has shocked the residents of St Cecilia’s which is known for its low crime rate and idyllic islands. The body is yet to be identified but Cornwall police are urging anyone to come forward who may have seen anything suspicious on the 4th of July.’

A detective that I don’t recognise is standing by a windy beach.

‘We’d request people to come forward if they saw anything mildly suspicious on the 4th of July either on St Cecilia’s or Laslow Island.’

The reporter nods and pushes the mike again at the detective.

‘Should people avoid the islands?’ he asks.

‘Absolutely not, this is an isolated incident but obviously we would like to get to the bottom of it as soon as possible.’

The reporter finishes the report and hands back to the studio where the presenter begins to talk about the civil war in Ukraine.

‘That’s it,’ says Jared, clearly relieved.

‘They didn’t mention us,’ I say.

‘Hopefully someone will come forward and they’ll catch the murderer,’ says Joe optimistically.

I don’t share his optimism.

*

The Admiral was packed and noisy.

‘Bloody hell,’ said Breen. ‘Who thought we’d be on the tele?’

‘I don’t believe it,’ said Farmer Brown. ‘Who’d murder someone here?’

‘It’s ridiculous,’ said Cheryl, but there was a little quiver in her voice.

‘I think it’s worrying,’ said Craig. ‘I didn’t think it was true but now …’

‘You’ve got your hands full,’ said Roy, turning to Scott.

‘Where’s Ellen then?’ asked Breen.

‘She’s in Porthaven. I flew her there this morning,’ said Bert, who’d decided this was too exciting not to share. Besides he figured everyone would find out soon enough that Ellen had gone.

‘I expect she had to see the body,’ said Roy.

‘Another drink Scott?’ asked Breen.

Scott looked down miserably at his orange juice. It was just his luck to be on night duty.

‘No I’m fine, thanks Breen.’

‘Didn’t Ellen ask you to go with her?’ asked Roy.

Scott shrugged.

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