“It’s possible that the item is an old Halloween toy, perhaps a decoration once used at a party. It was hard to tell because when I pulled it from between the rocks, it was covered with seaweed.”

“A toy?” The woman’s jawline sagged.

“We won’t know for certain until the state police get back to us. But, of course, we had to go through the proper protocol just in case.” Annie looked at John, who was standing behind the wing chair where Earl sat, his arms still folded. “Right, John?”

It took a few seconds for John to answer, then he said, “The Staties are in charge. But I’m sure you know that, Marilyn.”

Marilyn exhaled a breathy sigh through her large nostrils. “A toy?” she repeated, then quickly turned back to Lucy. “I hope this wasn’t your idea. Because planting a toy on the beach, pretending it’s a human skull in order to get attention, not only wastes a massive amount of police work and law enforcement time, but I believe it would be akin to pulling a fire alarm at the school.” Marilyn whipped around, back to John. “Am I right about that, Sergeant Lyons?”

He squared his shoulders the way that Annie had, though his were broad and strong and much more assertive, despite the fact that he had on the scrub pants with the drawstring that she knew he wore to bed. She wondered if Marilyn felt intimidated, or if the woman still saw John as a twelve-year-old who was, as Winnie had said, always off in a million directions.

“Lucy knows better than to do something like that. And I’d appreciate it if you would not insult or interrogate my daughter.” His thoughtful, pearl-gray eyes turned dark and penetrating.

Marilyn stood. “I assure you, I meant nothing by it. But she is the one who posted the photos, isn’t she? Which are bound to have the other members of the media conclude that your daughter does not, as you call it, know better than to do something like that.” She headed for the door, stopped, then rotated back around. “No matter what the investigation reveals, I do hope you’ll consider giving me the exclusive. I’m probably the only one who truly doesn’t want negative publicity about our island.” She attempted a small smile, said that she’d let herself out, and, sure enough, she did.

They were silent for a moment. Then Annie said, “I’m surprised you had nothing to add, Earl.”