He didn’t answer for what felt like an eternity and she was about to give up and haul him to his feet when he said, ‘I don’t even know why they’re still friends.’

‘Who? Bonnie and Iona?’

Danny nodded. ‘It’s not like Bonnie’s ever happy when she’s with her any more.’

Really? Could she have actually missed that? Maria found herself shaking her head as she regarded her son. She couldn’t imagine it to be true, but if it were, she would have to watch that girl even more closely.

Danny feared he might have gone too far when he told his mum what he did. But he also wanted to get the heat off him. The fact was he had been watching Iona and he couldn’t stop. He was drawn to her like the moth that had kept him awake the night before, buzzing about the landing light. She was so intriguing, made up of so many different things. She wasn’t like anyone else on this island. Watching her excited him, and every time, he saw something new.

PRESENT

Chapter Sixteen

In winter on Evergreen the evenings are long. Longer still when there is nowhere to go. Since returning to my room I have made myself a prisoner, much like the islanders have done over the last few days. Soon everyone else on the island will know Iona was practically a part of my family.

I’d convinced myself I was desperate for answers but now all I want to do is bury my head like Bonnie.

It’s eight p.m., and I am lying on the bed, my thoughts circling, and each time they complete a loop I am back where I started – my hope that I am jumping to conclusions that Iona’s death had anything to do with Dad.

A loud knock on the front door below startles me and I push myself up against the headboard, listening to Rachel’s footsteps on the hard floor. I pray it is her they’ve come to see and not me. I don’t relish the thought of any of the islanders asking me questions or reminding me I’m not wanted.

There is a murmur of voices, then footsteps on the stairs, and I swing my legs off the bed, moving to open the door a crack, releasing my breath when I see Freya on the landing. ‘Hello again,’ I say.

‘She didn’t want me coming up.’ Freya rolls her eyes.

I smile, amused that Freya got past Rachel, and invite her in, watching her gaze swoop around the room before she plonks herself down on the end of the bed.

‘I didn’t expect to see you again so soon,’ I say. ‘What’s it been like out there? Are they still all around, talking about Iona?’