‘Hi,’ said Verity, wondering what sort of welcome she was going to get this time.

  ‘You again. You keep popping up everywhere,’ he said, nodding goodbye to the rest of the rangers, who were just leaving. They both watched as the small group headed down the path.

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.’

  ‘You didn’t.’ Pete rolled up the map and secured it with an elastic band. ‘We’d just finished.’

  ‘I might be able to help you. I’m Verity.’ She extended her hand and Pete hesitated before shaking it. ‘And you’re Puffin Pete, though obviously that’s not your real name,’ she prattled. ‘And I meant what I said, I could help you.’

  Pete didn’t answer, just watched her carefully. Verity was on a mission to at least make him crack a smile, but she didn’t like her chances.

  ‘I hear you’re a ranger down for the puffin census.’

  Pete tilted his head to one side.

  ‘I’m your girl, I can be your ranger.’ Verity smiled. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘And what do you know about puffins?’

  Verity grinned. ‘I don’t know where to start.’

  ‘At the beginning,’ came his reply.

  She nodded. This was her opportunity to dazzle him with her knowledge. ‘They’re about this high.’ She lowered her hand to the ground.

  Pete raised both eyebrows.

  ‘A puffin’s beak changes colour during the year. In the winter the beak is a dull, greyish colour but in spring it blossoms to an outrageous orange.’ She pointed to the puffins standing on the cliffs, but Pete continued staring at her. ‘That bright colour helps puffins assess potential mates. I’ve often thought about wearing an orange lipstick to increase my chances of attracting a decent male, as I usually attract losers,’ she joked, watching Pete closely. She was sure she’d seen a tiny twitch of his mouth. He might just be about to crack a smile.

  ‘They’re carnivores, live off small fish, herring, hake and sand eels. And they’re fab flyers; I believe a puffin can flap their wings up to four hundred times a minute and can speed through the air up to eighty-eight kilometres an hour. So, they’re pretty fast. Not only fab flyers, but swimmers, too. They use their webbed feet as a rudder and can dive below sixty metres. They usually pair up with the same partner as in previous years. It’s amazing, isn’t it, how they actually know who their puffin partner is? I mean, they all look the same. Anyway, some puffins have had the same partner for over twenty years. Unlike me, I didn’t even get him up the aisle, though I know now that was a blessing in disguise. Once a cheat, always a cheat. Hence why I’m here. I’m on a journey to find myself and become a strong, independent woman. To be fair, it’s been a hell of a start.’

  Pete smiled.

  Job done.

  Verity was secretly pleased.

  ‘Oh! And when starting a puffin family, they dig out a burrow using their sharp claws and beak, then build nests lined with feathers and grass, and that’s where the female lays her eggs. Thirty-six to forty-five days later the baby puffling hatches.’

  ‘I’m impressed. How do you know so much about puffins?’

  ‘My granny was obsessed with puffins and I’m a veterinary assistant. Not that there’s many puffins where I live.’

  ‘Do you have references?’

  ‘I do. I have paper copies in the van’—she pointed behind her—‘or I can email them across.’

  Pete nodded. ‘Paper copies work. I’m not one for technology.’

  ‘I’ll go now then and bring them straight back.’ Verity nearly tripped up as she walked backwards. ‘Don’t go anywhere! And by the way, I’m sure you smiled then, just a little.’

  His smile widened. ‘Don’t go counting your pufflings before they’ve hatched. I want to see your references first. And where are you staying? On the island?’

  Verity had to think fast on her feet as she didn’t want to mention Sam after witnessing this afternoon’s incident in the village hall. ‘In my travelling van.’ She pointed towards the garage but passed it and hurried back to Cosy Nook Cottage, where the references were tucked safely inside her rucksack. Even though she was on a high, there was a possibility Sam would be there. As she practically ran down the coastal path, she wondered exactly what he was going to say to her, knowing that she’d heard exactly what he’d said about her.

  Chapter Ten

  Standing on the step outside Cosy Nook Cottage, Verity didn’t know whether to knock or let herself in with the key. But before she could make a decision the front door opened and Sam was standing there. ‘You can come in, you know.’

  It felt like he’d been waiting for her. Sam stepped aside and she walked past him. He’d changed his clothes since this morning and Verity tried not to give him a once-over as she walked past, even though his delicious aroma got her every time. Determined not to let him off the hook lightly, or make this easy for him, she stood in the middle of the living room. As soon as Jimmy got wind the front door had been opened, he bounded in and launched himself at her. She ruffled his head and smiled at the adorable dog before he ran off through the kitchen into the garden.

  ‘He likes to sit at the back gate, watching the world go by.’

  You couldn’t mistake the tension in the air but Verity wasn’t going to be the one to address it first. She waited.

  ‘You’re mad at me, I can tell.’ Sam looked rather sheepish.

  ‘Why would I possibly be mad at you? Oh wait, perhaps it could be the fact you called me an idiot quite a few times in front of the whole island?’ she said pointedly.

  ‘I wasn’t really calling you’—he held out his hands towards her—‘an idiot, as such…’

  ‘As such?’ She cocked an eyebrow. ‘It sounded very clear to me exactly what you were calling me.’

  ‘I was just making a point that people don’t take enough notice of the tide times, and it costs money. If there were barriers⁠—’

  ‘I’ve already heard your speech. The way you spoke to Pete in front of everyone was unforgivable.’

  ‘You don’t know the whole situation so who are you to judge?’

  Verity could see the mention of Pete had instantly maddened him.

  ‘What’s the situation?’

  Sam didn’t answer.

  ‘Sometimes it’s good to talk to someone who isn’t involved in said situation.’

  For a second Sam looked as if he might say something but then he changed his mind.

  ‘Whatever has gone on between you two, there are ways of talking to people and that wasn’t kind, especially in front of everyone. You don’t know what battles he’s fighting; no one knows what’s going on in anyone’s life.’

  ‘Unbelievable. You’ve only been here two minutes and without knowing all the facts have decided I’m in the wrong.’

  ‘So tell me the facts.’ Verity thought she saw a look of sadness flash across his face.

  ‘It’s private business but what he did was unforgivable and I have to live with the consequences every day.’ He paused. ‘But I’m sorry if you thought I made you out to be an⁠—’

  ‘Idiot,’ she interrupted. ‘You know it was a genuine mistake and you could have used me as a positive example.’ She projected her voice. ‘“Only this morning, Verity, who is visiting the island, got stuck on the causeway and had to be rescued. Unfortunately, the clock had stopped in her van and she thought it was safe to cross. If the barriers had been there, it would have stopped her driving on to the causeway.” Instead, you made me out to be some sort of halfwit.’

  Sam held her gaze. ‘You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m just passionate about keeping everyone as safe as possible and we’ve been butting heads on this matter for quite a while now.’

  ‘I’m assuming there’s more to your dislike of Pete than his opposition to the barriers?’

  From Sam’s silence, Verity knew that was exactly the case but she didn’t push it. It was clear that whatever it was ran deep. ‘You know what my granny once told me? We all only have one time on this earth so be nice to each other. We may have a difference of opinion but the fact we aren’t all the same is wonderful and is what makes the world go around.’

  ‘Sometimes things happen that can’t be put right.’

  Once again, they stared at each other for some time before Verity broke the silence. ‘Thank you for the apology. I’ve been up to see Nathan and he’s looking at the van. I just need to get my rucksack, I need my references.’

  ‘References?’

  ‘I may have just landed myself a job for a few days as a volunteer ranger, counting puffins!’

  ‘The puffin census? Pete’s in charge of that, how’s that come about?’

  ‘I followed him out of the hall because he looked upset. I wanted to make sure he was okay so I checked on him again after I visited the garage.’

  Sam’s eyes widened. His mouth opened but no words came out.

  ‘Look, I’m not taking sides here, and it’s obviously none of my business, but I don’t like to see anyone upset and he looked distressed, like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. It might just be that he needs a friend, living up there on his own.’

  ‘And you’re suggesting that you’re going to be that friend?’

  Verity was quiet. She could see by the look on Sam’s face he was not enjoying this conversation. ‘Whatever it is between you both, it’s not my argument. I take people as I find them and treat them how they treat me.’

  ‘This is unbelievable. He’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders all right.’

  ‘I’m going to go.’ She pointed to the door.

  Sam stepped aside and didn’t say any more. The door closed behind her, leaving Verity wondering what the hell had gone on between them.

  Chapter Eleven

  Verity walked back towards Cliff Top Cottage, the conversation with Sam very much on her mind. From the short time she’d spent in his company she thought of him as ambitious yet laid back, enjoying life and living for the moment without many cares; but he definitely had a problem with Pete. What could be so bad as to cause so much resentment between the two men? As she ambled up the cliff path towards the cottage she saw Pete sitting outside on a rickety old chair, with a newspaper spread across his lap. He looked up when he heard the crunch of gravel under her feet.

  He closed the newspaper. ‘You came back then?’

  ‘I did. You didn’t doubt me, did you?’ She smiled, placing her rucksack on the table and rummaging inside. ‘Here we go. They were sorry to see me go and didn’t expect it, if I’m honest.’

  ‘Why did you resign?’ He nodded towards the wicker rocking chair beside him. Verity sat down and immediately rocked backward, taking her feet clean off the ground. She tried to steady herself.

  Pete tried to hide his smile. ‘That chair gets me every time.’

  ‘I needed a change of scenery. I’m fast approaching thirty and needed to sort out my life.’

  ‘And you had your heart broken.’

  She eyed him carefully. ‘And that, too. But since I’ve been here, I’m lucky the thought of him has barely crossed my mind.’

  Pete nodded. ‘Counting puffins will keep you busy.’

  ‘Does that mean I’ve got the job?’

  ‘Judging by these references I’d be silly not to take you on. It’s clear they would take you back in a heartbeat.’

  ‘That was the plan for after my travels, but I’m beginning to think there’s more to life than the same street that I’ve lived in for a very long time, going through the same routine, with the new added nuisance of constantly trying to avoid my ex, who has moved in across the street.’

  ‘That can’t be easy.’

  ‘What about you? How long have you been here?’

  Pete looked towards the cottage. ‘A lifetime.’

  ‘Have you ever thought about moving?’

  ‘No, I couldn’t. I’m waiting.’

  ‘Waiting for what?

  ‘Just waiting,’ he replied, taking out his handkerchief and mopping his brow. ‘Would you like a drink?

  ‘Tea would be good. If you have time.’

  ‘I have a lot of time on my hands now I’m retired. I used to be in the same game as you.’

  ‘I think you were higher up the game than me. I believe that used to be your vet’s practice,’ she said, pointing to the building.

  ‘It did. I do miss the everyday routine.’

  Verity watched Pete disappear inside the cottage. Even though at first he appeared to be a little rough around the edges, he’d really started to soften and Verity liked him. She didn’t find him difficult to talk to at all.

  He soon returned and handed her a mug of tea. ‘You’ll need old clothes for the puffin count as you’re mainly going to be wriggling on the ground with your arm stuffed down a hole. Bare hands, too, as you have to detect the presence of monogamous pairs and whether they’re sitting on an egg. I can guarantee after a while you’ll be sick of it.’ Pete held out his hand. It was covered with tiny scars. ‘Puffin bites. I suppose it’s only natural they’re unsettled when they see a hand coming into the burrow.’

  Verity looked down at her own hands.

  ‘There’s still time to change your mind.’

  ‘Absolutely not, I’m up for the challenge.’

  Pete nodded. ‘So, why a veterinary assistant? Why not carry on with your learning, become the boss?’

  Verity knew exactly why and saying it out loud she could kick herself now. ‘Because my partner at the time didn’t like me to grow. He kind of sucked the life out of me a little, and it’s only in looking back now that I can see how he suppressed my personality to fit in with him, and his friends, and the life he wanted…’

  ‘But now? There’s nothing stopping you if you have the drive and ambition.’

  Verity considered what Pete was saying. ‘You’re absolutely right but that’ll mean a lot more studying.’

  ‘But it would be worth it in the long run.’

  ‘You’ve certainly given me something to think about.’ Verity looked over towards the building by the garage that used to be Pete’s veterinary surgery. ‘It’s a shame it’s closed.’

  ‘It won’t be for long. I know there aren’t many residents on the island but the vet from Sea’s End is looking to open a second surgery and we’re in the middle of negotiations. It might only be a part-time surgery at first but my guess is those hours will increase as time goes on.’

  They both looked up as a shadow was cast over them. Nathan was standing there with a smile on his face. ‘You’re one lucky lady.’

  Verity gave a tiny gasp and put her hand on her heart. ‘Are you saying what I think you’re saying?’

  Nathan nodded. ‘You can pick up the van tomorrow lunchtime.’

  ‘Thank you!’

  ‘I’ve even fixed the clock for you, so you don’t have any more causeway accidents in the future.’

  ‘What’s this?’ asked Pete as they watched Nathan walk back towards the garage.

  ‘I’m the idiot that drove onto the causeway this morning and got stranded.’ She put up her hands. ‘But in my defence it was a genuine accident. My phone was flat and the clock in my van wasn’t working.’

  ‘And where do you sit on the barrier discussion?’

  ‘I can actually see both sides and I do hope you can work it out soon between you all. It can’t be much fun butting heads all the time.’

  ‘It’s never fun butting heads when each side is passionate. Where are you going to stay tonight, the hotel or B&B?’

  ‘I’ll be sleeping in my van once it’s ready, but tonight I’m staying with Sam.’

  At least, she hoped that invitation was open for one more night, despite their disagreement.

  ‘It’s a lovely cottage he has.’

  ‘Yes, but I think you’re in one of the best spots on the island.’

  Pete looked towards his cottage but didn’t say anything, just nodded.

  ‘I’d best be going,’ she said, not wanting to outstay her welcome. ‘What time do you want me reporting for duty?’

  ‘Eight a.m. sharp. Meeting here.’

  ‘I’ll see you in the morning then. Thank you for my tea.’

  Taking back her references, Verity headed down the cliff path and across the bay. The tearoom was heaving when she passed and Clemmie waved in her direction as Verity weaved through the tourists wandering up and down Lighthouse Lane. Cosy Nook Cottage was up ahead and Verity was hoping everything was okay between her and Sam. As she approached the rainbow cottages, she spotted Sam standing on the doorstep talking to a woman. Verity recognised her immediately from the photographs on the internet – it was Betty! She was back from her trip.

  Stopping a few feet away so as not to interrupt, Verity caught the tail-end of their conversation.

  ‘The vigil is coming up, Sam. You know I loved your grandfather and you know I love you, but I honestly think you have to let it lie. I don’t want to fall out with you, but no one knows what happened that night and you’re scuppering your chances of ever finding out by acting like this, especially with this feud still ongoing. You know I can’t take sides.’

  ‘Betty, I can’t let this lie. My gut feeling has always told me there’s more to this then it seems, and I can’t shake that feeling. I think there’s something we don’t know.’

  ‘Or it could have just been the tragic accident it appeared to be at the time.’

  ‘That logbook tells us they were on shift together so where was he? Why wasn’t he there?’

  ‘Over the years we’ve had the same conversation and I know it’s always especially raw for you around the time of the anniversary, but you know he’ll turn up at the remembrance vigil and you need to make peace with that. He deserves to be able to pay his respects too.’ Betty touched his arm briefly before she walked away.

  Verity wanted to meet Betty and share what she’d discovered about Joe and the book, hoping that the woman could shed a little more light on the situation, but now didn’t seem the right moment to introduce herself, so she kept her head down until Betty had passed.