Truthfully, I didn’t know where I’d be right now if I didn’t have the shack, Jedda and the Point to distract me from the breakdown of my marriage and the fact I now went days at a time without seeing my kids. And, not only had she been an emotional support, but she’d also offered to throw me a few shifts at Brewed Awakening during the weeks I was in town, starting tomorrow. It wasn’t going to make my fortune, and neither was working on a community newspaper, but both would bring some variety to my resume.

‘Maybe you’re both lucky to have each other,’ Dan said. ‘Now, as much as I’d rather hang here and talk to you all day, duty calls. But don’t forget my offer; I’m only a few houses away if you need anything.’

As he turned to go, I realised I hadn’t asked him how things were on the island. ‘By the way,’ I called. ‘How’s the island clean-up going?’

He stopped and looked back. ‘I’ve done a bit when I can get away from work, but everyone’s been pretty busy with their own properties and insurance claims. However, I loved your idea for an official busy bee, so that’s scheduled for this Saturday. I’ve spread the word around town so we should manage to clear enough to see what structural damage we’re going to have to deal with before moving forward.’

‘That’s great. How will everyone get to the island?’

‘Lots of people have their own boats and others will catch a lift with people that do. Why?’

‘I was wondering if there was any way I could get over there?’

‘You want to write another article about the clean-up mission?’

I rubbed my lips together. ‘Well, maybe—I’d have to run that idea by Jedda … but I was actually thinking of coming along to help. That’s if I wouldn’t be in the way,’ I added quickly.

‘Not at all. You’d be most welcome. More hands make less work and all that. You can come out with me. Bring Charlie if you want, rather than leave him locked up in the shack all day.’

Charlie’s impressive ears must have heard his name, for he ran back from where he’d been chasing seagulls in the water, shaking himself vigorously as he landed beside us.

‘Yuck,’ I squealed as salty dog water splattered all over us.

Dan jumped back and we both laughed.

‘I think Charlie would love that,’ I said. ‘What time should we meet you on Saturday morning?’

‘Is eight am too early?’

I shook my head. ‘We’ll be ready and waiting. See you then.’

Dan nodded. ‘I’m looking forward to it.’ Then he swaggered off towards his mansion.

Chapter 38

38