Joel whistles through his teeth. ‘If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s that life never goes as planned, and I think that’s almost the point. Making it up as you go along, it’s part of the adventure.’

‘When did you get so philosophical, Joel? All those years looking out onto the sea. You sound very wise.’

He shrugs. ‘I don’t feel it. Besides I’d choose happiness over wisdom, any day. And I wish you were happy, Edie. If anyone deserves to be happy, it’s you.’

Our eyes meet and in that split-second it feels like he can see into my soul. We start to drift a little closer and I can’t resist the urge to kiss him any longer and I’m certain that he wants it too.

His phone rings and we freeze. I close my eyes, breaking the hypnotic pull.

‘Do you need to get that? It could be Douglas.’

Me mentioning Douglas’s name snaps Joel back into action. He fumbles for his rucksack and pulls out his mobile.

‘Unknown number,’ he says, before he answers. ‘Hello?’

His jaw drops and I know instantly that something is wrong.

Chapter 21

Joel looks as white as a sheet and he’s blinking rapidly.

‘Um, yes, this is he. Can I ask what it’s in regards to …?’

He stands up, his free hand shaking. A shiver runs down my spine.

‘Yes, yes, I’m in Westerly but I’d need to get my car … In an hour. Sure, I’ll be there. Thank you very much for calling, officer.’

Oh, blimey.

Joel hangs up his phone and stares at it before sighing.

‘Douglas?’

He puts his phone back in his rucksack and starts to zip it up.

‘He was arrested last night in Westerly for ABH.’

‘ABH?’ I say, not knowing my police acronyms.

‘Aggravated bodily harm.’

‘How could that happen?’

‘The police didn’t say only that. Luckily, it sounds like they’re not going to charge him, but Douglas is in a bit of a state. He’s hungover and they’re concerned about sending him out alone. I’m going to go and meet him at the police station. I’ll have to cycle back and get my car.’ He slips his backpack on.

‘I’ll come too. How long will it take?’

‘I don’t know. Driving from the campsite, maybe forty minutes? It’s still early on a Saturday so maybe the traffic isn’t too bad.’ He shakes his head. ‘I can’t believe he made it to Westerly after all.’ ‘Briefly, from the sounds of it.’

‘Bloody Douglas. I knew something wasn’t right, I should have tried harder to get to the bottom of it.’

‘This isn’t your fault. Come on, Douglas needs us.’