‘Help is on the way,’ reassured Bea, looking out over the turbulent water. The river had an eerie feeling about it today and Bea was praying with all she had that Lucas hadn’t been swept away. She and Amy began to run up and down the riverbank scanning the water, but they couldn’t spot him anywhere.

  ‘How long do you think he’s been gone?’ asked Bea.

  ‘Fifteen minutes at most.’

  Bea knew that was a long time for a small boy to be in these waters. They checked up and down the jetty and searched the outhouses at the back of the Boathouse but still there was no sign of him. Amy was sobbing. ‘He’s only just got his first swimming badge. He will never survive in that water.’

  ‘What was the last conversation you had with him? Can you remember?’ asked Bea.

  The tears were streaming down Amy’s face, her cheeks streaked with black mascara. ‘Yes, we were watching the storm through the window of the boat and he saw something sparkle on the rocks and thought it was treasure. I told him to go and get his PJs on whilst I nipped to the loo, but then, when I went to check on him, he was gone and the door to the deck was open.’

  Bea looked towards the boat. Was it possible for a small boy to jump the distance from the side of the boat to the bank? She wasn’t sure, but anything was possible.

  ‘What if someone has taken him?’

  ‘I’m sure he can’t be far,’ Bea replied, thankful her voice sounded calm. ‘Which rocks did Lucas think he saw treasure on?’ Call it a hunch, but Bea was convinced that the little boy had somehow attempted to get to the rocks.

  Amy pointed.

  ‘I’m going take a look up there, but I want you stay here. Help is on its way.’

  With the rain stinging her cheeks she rushed back to the Boathouse and grabbed a life jacket in case she needed it. Battling against the wind, she ran up the path, praying the little boy would be okay. She continued to shout his name, but there was still no answer. Her heart was aching with worry. Lucas could have easily slipped on the bank but that wasn’t a thought Bea wanted to consider, with the water flowing so fast.

  Adrenalin had taken over her whole body as she pushed towards the rocks. She took a quick glance over her shoulder and could make out a Land Rover heading up the river path, which she assumed was Drew. In this weather, she knew there was no time to waste.

  ‘Lucas, are you there?’ yelled Bea, finally approaching the rocks.

  A glimpse of something yellow caught her eye and moving closer she saw that a wellington boot was wedged between the ragged grey rocks. Bea’s heart began to pound even harder. She remembered seeing Lucas in a pair of bright yellow wellingtons when he came into The Little Blue Boathouse with his mother.

  She bellowed back to Amy but she was too far away to hear. For a second, Bea considered going back to tell the others, but she was here now. Already drenched to the core, she decided to climb over the rocks. Pushing her wet hair from her face and without stopping to consider the consequences, she sat on a rock and, not daring to look down at the ferocious water, carefully lowered herself. She felt herself slipping, and though it was a long way down to the next rock, she had no choice but to launch herself over the edge. There was a possibility Lucas was down there.

  ‘Lucas, are you there? Its’s Bea from The Little Blue Boathouse. If you are there, please make a sign, shout to me.’

  She looked down but couldn’t see anything or anyone, the rocks and rain blocking her view.

  ‘I’m here! Help!’

  Bea sat still. Had she just heard a small voice or was it her mind playing tricks on her?

  ‘Lucas, is that you?’

  Again, a small voice came from somewhere underneath her, but she couldn’t see him.

  ‘Stay where you are, I’m coming for you!’ Bea sounded braver than she felt. She guessed it was a few feet or so down to the rock below. Slowly turning herself over on her tummy, with her legs dangling in mid-air, she attempted to lower herself, but as her feet touched the wet rock below, she slipped. Her chin scraping the rock as she fell, she landed with a thud, turned her ankle and cried out in pain. The life jacket she was carrying slipped into the river.

  Managing to crouch on her bum gave Bea a little relief from the throbbing pain in her ankle. Looking over at the next rock, she saw a wide-eyed, cold-looking Lucas staring back at her.

  ‘I’m okay, don’t worry. I’ve just twisted my ankle and my chin is hurting a little. Are you okay?’

  Lucas nodded.

  ‘Do you remember me? I’m Bea. We met the other day when it was sunny. I prefer the sunshine. How about you?’

  Lucas gave her a small smile and continued nodding.

  ‘Help is on its way. How did you get down here?’

  ‘I was looking for treasure but my wellie got stuck and I fell to here.’

  ‘Are you hurt?’

  This time Lucas shook his head.

  ‘I’m going to try and crawl to you and then we have to sit tight until help comes.’

  Dragging her throbbing ankle Bea managed to slowly crawl towards Lucas. Her chin was smarting too, the sharp pain coming and going. From the blood splattered on her coat, Bea thought it possible she might need stitches.

  ‘Bea!’

  Her name was being shouted.

  ‘Bea! Where are you?’

  There it was again.

  ‘Do you hear that? We’re going to be rescued very soon.’ Relieved, she smiled at Lucas and rested her arm around his shoulder as he snuggled in close to her.

  ‘We’re down here!’ she shouted back with all her might.

  Hearing voices above her, Bea shouted again, as loud as she could. ‘Help! We’re stuck on the rocks. HELP! Lucas is here. Safe and well but I’ve hurt my ankle.’

  ‘Stay where you are. Do not move. We’re coming down to get you.’

  Instantly, Bea’s pulse began to race faster. She recognised that voice.

  It was Nolan.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Her lips trembling, Bea saw a rope being lowered. Her ankle was in excruciating pain but thankfully it wouldn’t be long before it was strapped up and she could numb the pain with medication. Trying to hold it together for Lucas’s sake, she blinked back the tears.

  ‘And who have we here?’ Drew asked, appearing on the rock kitted out in a helmet, waterproofs and sturdy climbing boots.

  ‘This is Lucas. He’s been on an adventure but lost a wellie in the process,’ reported Bea, still with her arm wrapped around him.

  ‘Would that be this one?’ Drew held up a yellow wellington boot and passed it to a now smiling Lucas.

  ‘And why are we hiding out in rocks in such torrential weather?’ asked Drew.

  ‘I was looking for pirates’ treasure,’ replied Lucas.

  ‘And did you find any? Because if you did, it’s only right you share.’

  Lucas shook his head.

  ‘I’d say better luck next time, but if we could stick to looking for treasure in the glorious sunshine and not at night in the rain, I think we would have more of a chance of finding some.’ Drew high-fived Lucas before looking up at the rocks and shouting, ‘They’re both here, safe and sound. Are you okay Bea?’

  ‘My ankle is hurting, possibly a bad sprain. I’m hoping it’s not broken.’

  Drew took a quick look at Bea’s ankle and shouted towards the top of the rocks again, ‘But we need medical attention for Bea; possible broken ankle and a deep cut to her chin. Can someone call an ambulance?’ Drew turned back to Bea. ‘I’m going to get Lucas to the top and then Nolan is going to come down and guide you back up. It won’t be long before we can get you some pain relief and back in the warmth.’

  Bea hadn’t realised she was shivering and her teeth were beginning to chatter.

  ‘Right, buddy, let’s get you out of here. Your mum is waiting for you at the top so let’s get you up safely. I want you to climb on my back and hold tight around my neck. Do you think you can do that?’

  ‘Yes,’ replied Lucas.

  ‘Good man,’ said Drew, crouching down. ‘And don’t you move,’ he reminded Bea. ‘Nolan will be down for you in just a sec.’

  ‘I’m going nowhere,’ she said, wondering when and why Nolan had arrived back. This wasn’t quite the reunion she was expecting and she felt a little apprehensive about seeing him. Then, hearing a commotion at the top of the rocks, followed by a cheer, she knew Lucas had been reunited with his mum.

  She watched as a pair of feet were lowered onto the rock and Nolan’s body came into sight. He turned towards her and grinned cheekily, putting her instantly at ease. ‘I can’t leave you alone for a minute!’

  The second she set eyes on him, a shiver ran up her spine and she felt a blush to her cheeks. Even though Nolan had disappeared without saying goodbye her attraction to him hadn’t wavered.

  ‘You came back.’

  His eyes skimmed hers. ‘Come here. You look like you could do with a hug.’ He crouched down beside her and opened his arms wide. Taking a deep breath, she slipped into Nolan’s arms. He held her tight, kissing the top of her wet hair. In shock, Bea began to sob. ‘It really hurts and I’m feeling a little sick.’ She closed her eyes for a second and put a hand to her chin, feeling the stickiness of the blood.

  ‘It’s a nasty cut, and you’ll probably need stiches. For now, you need to work with me to get up to the top. The rocks are slippery so go slowly and try not to put any direct weight on your ankle.’

  Nolan slipped his arms underneath hers and gently pulled her to her feet. Lifting her ankle off the rock, she balanced on one leg as she clung to him for support. ‘Hold on to the rope. There’s a ledge up above you, try and put your right foot on there. I’ll push you but also Drew and Fergus are going to pull the rope from the top and hopefully we’ll be up in no time at all. Drew, Fergus,’ he called up. ‘We’re ready when you are.’

  Bea gripped the rope with all her might, struggling to balance on one leg as the river splashed against the rocks. The sharp pain in her ankle took her breath away. As Nolan gently pushed from behind, she began to move, and very soon she felt two strapping arms pulling her up and placing her gently in a chair. She jumped as two wet arms engulfed her in a hug. Amy looked hysterically happy. ‘Thank you, I can’t thank you enough.’

  ‘It’s okay,’ replied Bea. ‘I’m just glad he’s safe.’

  ‘Oh my God, you’re hurt. Your face.’

  ‘I’m not sure which is hurting more, my ankle or my chin.’ She looked up at a man standing beside her.

  ‘Pleased to meet you, Bea. I’m Dr Ben Sanders, based at the doctor’s practice in Heartcross. We’re going to get you inside the Boathouse and out of the rain so we can have a look at you. The ambulance is on its way … in fact… Great timing! It’s here now. If you can lean on Fergus and myself, we’ll try and lift you inside the Boathouse.’

  ‘We really do need some type of water rescue out here,’ Bea managed to say as the men lifted her up and carried her the short distance to the Boathouse, where Julia, Isla and Felicity were waiting.

  Julia was pouring hot water from the kettle and handing out polystyrene cups of tea. After passing a couple to Drew and Fergus she handed another to Nolan, before wrapping a blanket around Bea’s shoulders. ‘Now, I’m not sure this is in your job description,’ she teased.

  ‘Me neither.’ Bea attempted a smile but her face was smarting.

  ‘The paramedics are here and they’re going to give you a quick check over before they take you off to hospital.’

  Bea knew that she should go to hospital but all she really wanted to do was go upstairs, get warm and change her clothes. Then it hit her. ‘How the heck am I going to climb a ladder to my room if I’ve got a broken ankle?’

  Julia patted her lightly on her shoulder. ‘Let’s worry about getting you dry and pain-free first. Shall I quickly pack you an overnight bag to take with you?’

  ‘Would you? That would be a great help. PJs, clean clothes, underwear, toothbrush and the book I’m reading is by the bed.’

  ‘Of course.’

  With Dr Sanders by their side the paramedics introduced themselves and, after checking Bea over, administered some pain-killers. They confirmed she needed stitches in her chin, and said the sooner they got an X-ray of her ankle the better.

  Amy and Lucas, who had been chatting to the local policeman, came over to Bea. ‘I’m sorry you’re hurting because of me,’ Lucas mumbled, looking sad.

  ‘It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re safe. But please promise me one thing in the future – don’t go anywhere without telling your mum first.’

  ‘Promise,’ replied Lucas, taking Amy’s hand.

  ‘We’re going back to the boat to get dry. Is there anything we can do for you?’ Amy asked.

  Bea shook her head. ‘No, but thank you.’

  As Bea watched them walk out of The Little Blue Boathouse, she thought back to that summer’s day by the lake when her friend had lost her life. Even though Lucas’s story had a happy ending it could have been so different.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Nolan bent down beside her.

  ‘I think so but the more I think about tonight the more I know this stretch of the water needs a life rescue.’

  ‘I agree,’ replied Nolan.

  ‘And where have you been?’ she asked Nolan as the paramedics pushed a wheelchair towards her.

  ‘We need to talk, but obviously not now.’

  She wasn’t sure what Nolan wanted to say but he was right, this wasn’t the time or the place. After helping Bea into the wheelchair, one of the paramedics pushed her towards the back of the waiting ambulance.

  ‘Is everyone okay, have they found the little boy?’

  Everyone looked up as Martha breezed through the door, lowering her hood from her head.

  ‘It’s brutal out there.’

  ‘Yes, Bea found him. But hang on, Granny, who has my children?’ asked Isla.

  ‘Don’t worry, I haven’t abandoned them. I’m not that senile yet. Rona stayed with them so I could come down here and help with the search.’ Martha noticed Bea in the wheelchair. ‘And what happened to you?’

  ‘This is the hero of the hour,’ chipped in Nolan, giving Bea a warm smile.

  ‘I wouldn’t go as far as “hero”. I slipped on the rocks, scraped my chin and busted my ankle looking for Lucas.’

  ‘Whom she found,’ Nolan added proudly.

  Martha waggled her finger at Bea and gave her a knowing look. ‘I told you there would be danger! You’ve done well, my girl.’

  ‘I would prefer no more danger from here on out,’ replied Bea.

  ‘Martha?’ Nolan extended his hand. ‘I’ve heard all about your psychic readings. The best in the business, I believe.’

  ‘Flattering will get you everywhere.’ She shook his hand. ‘And you are?’

  ‘Nolan Hemingway.’

  ‘Hemingway…’ Martha repeated. Looking like she’d seen a ghost, she paled, which didn’t go unnoticed by Bea, as the paramedic began to push the wheelchair up the ramp of the ambulance.

  The moment was interrupted by Julia, who handed Nolan Bea’s overnight bag. ‘Can you pass that to the paramedics whilst I just grab a cup of tea? Do you want one, Martha?’ she asked.

  ‘Any sherry to go in that?’ asked Martha. ‘I think I need one.’

  ‘Don’t be silly, you’re not in shock. Unlike Bea. I bet she could do with a strong drink.’

  ‘I beg to differ,’ murmured Martha, but her words were lost in the commotion of making Bea comfortable in the back of the ambulance.

  The siren had stopped but the blue light was still whirling. Dr Sanders stepped into the back of the ambulance and asked Bea a series of questions before one of the paramedics took her blood pressure. After wrapping her in a blanket, he strapped her to the bed.

  ‘The road is going to be quite bumpy once we’re through the village, as we have the track before we reach the bridge, and we need to try and keep your ankle as still as possible. The sooner we get to hospital, the sooner we can get that chin stitched and that ankle strapped up.’

  Nolan watched the proceedings from the door of the ambulance. ‘Would you like me to come with you?’

  Bea nodded. ‘Yes, I’d like that.’

  Sitting on a chair at the bottom of the bed, Nolan strapped himself in.

  ‘Are you okay?’ asked Bea, noticing that his eyes looked bleary.

  ‘Don’t you worry about me.’ He reached across and held her hand.

  Julia, who had been bringing tea to the paramedics, appeared at the door of the ambulance. ‘And it’s okay if you’re late for work tomorrow,’ she teased.

  Bea’s eyes widened. ‘I’m so sorry, I’m going to be leaving you in the lurch.’

  ‘Far from it. Flynn is going to be here in the morning, and Nolan has already offered to take over the afternoon shift until we know what’s going on with you. We have everything covered. Just get better soon.’

  Bea felt a twinge of guilt at letting Julia down but then the throb in her ankle reminded her she had no choice. She caught Martha’s eye just as the ambulance door slammed shut. Just then, an image suddenly flashed through her mind.

  ‘Castaway Bay,’ she murmured.

  ‘What’s up?’ asked Nolan. ‘Do you need something?’

  Bea shook her head. ‘No, I’m okay. Just feeling a little tired.’

  ‘Close your eyes,’ suggested Nolan.

  Resting her head on the pillow, Bea did exactly that but there was only one thing on her mind – the painting on the wall inside Martha’s caravan. She was suddenly sure it was of Castaway Bay.

  Doors closed, the ambulance sped off towards Glensheil Hospital, sirens blaring.

  Chapter Sixteen

  As soon as they arrived at the hospital, Bea was whisked off up a corridor towards the X-ray department while Nolan took a seat in the waiting room. It wasn’t long before Bea’s ankle was strapped up and her chin stitched.

  ‘I can’t believe they’re keeping me overnight.’