‘I haven’t met him.’ She pressed one hand to her flushed throat. ‘Officially I’ve only just started. But he asked me to come here on a couple of occasions before the place opened, to help with the admin, ordering supplies, that kind of thing. I’m so sorry if the picture upset you, Alice.’ She sounds sincere. ‘But I promise you, I had no idea what was inside the envelope.’

Alice stares at the woman, unsure what to believe.

Christine returns her eyes to the screen, her face tense. ‘So, do you want me to search for a boatyard or not?’

Alice’s heart is beating too fast. She casts a look at Leon, comforted that he is here beside her, but anger sweeps through her; she’s angry with Cameron Patterson, angry with Christine, and angry with herself for being stupid enough to come here.

‘I’ll try a Google search, shall I?’ Christine goes on when Alice doesn’t speak. Her fingers tap the keyboard. She pauses, furrows her forehead as she looks at the screen. ‘Oh my word.’ She rubs her hand across her forehead. ‘It seems the Internet is down too.’ She taps the keyboard again. Scans the screen, finally looking up at Leon and Alice, shaking her head.

Through the double doors of the bar, rain slashes across the bay windows with enough power to shatter glass. Alice releases Leon’s hand, and heads towards the doors to the bar, glancing back once. ‘We need to ask Gabriela if she has a phone.’

Leon and Christine catch Alice up, as she makes her way across the bar. Faith, Mitch and Lori are sitting in the corner, but there’s no sign of Dane and Savannah Winslow.

Gabriela is standing behind the bar, her blue eyes vivid in the pink lighting. She’s tall and slim, her eyes circled by heavy black eyeliner. Her shiny dark hair hangs like curtains about her pale face. Either she’s a Goth or has made herself up in a way that suits the hotel.

‘Are you OK, Alice?’ Faith calls, and Alice turns to see her friend rising. Within moments she’s by her side. ‘I’m so sorry about Tegan, and the awful way you found out.’ She touches Alice’s arm. ‘I feel so guilty. If I hadn’t dragged you into the TV lounge—’

‘It’s hardly your fault, Faith.’ Alice takes a breath. ‘I’m sad, of course, but Tegan and I weren’t close – not after Dad died.’ Her voice trembles, her eyes focused on Gabriela. ‘Truth is, I feel drained right now. I’m hoping to go home.’

Faith turns to the window. ‘It won’t be easy in this weather.’

‘No. I know. But we’re going to try to get a boat to collect us tonight.’

Faith touches Alice’s arm once more. ‘I don’t blame you, lovely.’