Bryony glanced up, with the bottle in her hand. Sacha drank his water, spray flying from his jowls but turned to look at Sam as she grew near. He suddenly flopped down on the cobbles and Sam stroked his ears warily as he licked her hand gently. Sam had to smile, even though she had a drooly hand. He really was a lovely dog … when he wasn’t near her van.

‘Sacha looks as exhausted as I feel,’ she said, wary of Bryony’s reaction.

‘Yes, well … it’s been a long, hot day and he’s a big dog. I need to take him home for his dinner and a rest.’ She gazed adoringly at Sacha who seemed to feel the same way about Bryony.

Sam smiled. ‘I don’t blame Sacha. We all want to go home, but I couldn’t let you go without thanking you for coming into the harbour office so quickly and vouching for Ryan.’

Bryony hmphed. ‘Soon as I heard people were looking for him, I came over. I told you before I like to say what’s on my mind.’ She eyed Sam. ‘Did you find out who wrecked your van?’

‘No. I doubt I ever will.’

‘Hmm,’ said Bryony. Sacha let out a sigh and rested his jowls on the cobbles. ‘We’ll be off, then. I expect you’ve got a lot to talk about, with those two.’ She flipped a thumb at Gabe and Ryan, deep in conversation a little way away.

‘You could say that.’

Bryony seemed about to leave then spoke up. ‘Ryan wasn’t all bad, you know. Not when he was at school. We were in the same year together. People used to bully me because I liked metal and Mum and Dad had the grooming parlour. They said I smelled and that I looked like a dog.’

‘That’s vile. No one should have to put up with that kind of comment.’

‘Ryan overheard them shouting at me one day and pushed one of them in the harbour.’ Bryony allowed herself a satisfied smile. ‘I’ve never forgotten that. I’m sorry he turned bad.’

Sam winced. Ryan’s past would always follow him.

‘But that’s what gambling does to you,’ Bryony went on. ‘My grandad used to back the horses. He spent every penny and left my nan and mum destitute. Grandad jumped off the cliffs at Hell’s Mouth, but that was before I was born.’

Sam was horrified. ‘I’m so sorry, I had no idea.’

‘Yes, well, you don’t know a lot about me …’ She paused before going on gruffly. ‘No one does and I don’t let them see how I really feel. I’d rather have my dog than people any day. People can be cruel, but Sacha will always love me.’ She ruffled his ears. ‘I’m a young fogey and I don’t care, do I, baby?’