Read Online LS 13 - Murder in a Different Place by Lesley Cookman - Free Book Online

next cove. ‘Did you know that was actually called Candle Cove?’
    ‘Candle …?’
    ‘They lit candles for the ships. I’m not sure if it was to lure them in or warn them of the rocks.’
    ‘Smugglers, then.’
    ‘Oh, yes. And, when the tide’s in, you can’t get out of the cove because the rocks are under water and it’s too dangerous.’
    ‘So when you stayed there you really were marooned?’
    ‘Yes. But he sailed me all round the island to show me where everything was. And told me about his family.’
    ‘But didn’t introduce you to anyone?’
    ‘No. I gathered it was because no one else knew about me.’ Harry shook his head. ‘And I guessed there must be some kind of scandal. Although what it could have to do with Granny I’ve no idea. I would have thought any scandal would be attached to my parents, whoever they were.’
    ‘OK, so coming up to date, what is it you didn’t want the sisters to tell us? What made you so scared?’
    ‘After Matthew died, Alicia sent me a letter that had arrived at The Shelf. It said that the writer knew I existed and told the sisters to tell me.’
    ‘Bloody hell. Did it say the writer knew your name?’
    ‘No.’
    ‘Then how did Alicia know he – or she – meant you?’
    ‘It said something like “your cousin wouldn’t tell me the name of his young friend”. And that he knew all about the scandal.’
    ‘Why did Alicia assume it was you?’
    ‘Because I’ve spoken to the sisters on the phone over the last few years, and they’ve known Matthew and I were close. I was the only “young” friend he had.’
    ‘So there was a letter.’
    Harry looked startled. ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘We wondered if you’d received a letter. A threatening letter. Fran did.’
    ‘Well, it wasn’t exactly sent to me, but yes, I suppose she was right. She often is.’
    ‘I don’t understand why this person would send a letter to the sisters – was it to all of the sisters? – virtually announcing his or her intentions. If it did, of course.’
    ‘It didn’t exactly, it sounded more like a warning. And it was addressed to Miss DeLaxley, so it looks as though the writer didn’t know much about the family.’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘DeLaxley was Matthew’s surname, the sisters were cousins on his mother’s side, and anyway, they all married, so have different names now.’
    ‘I still don’t get it.’ Libby was frowning. ‘If the writer didn’t know much about the family, how did he know about you? And why didn’t you want them to know? They’d already read the letter.’
    Harry sighed. ‘Because the morning after the funeral – bloody hell, that was only the day before yesterday – I got up early and went for a walk on the beach. When I got back there was a note pinned to the railings – here.’ He gestured. ‘It said –’ he took a deep breath ‘– “I know you now.” That was all.’
    ‘Someone had been watching?’ Libby’s eyes were round with shock.
    ‘Must have been. And that was a threat.’
    ‘And you didn’t want any of us to know you’d been threatened? Why?’
    ‘Because you’d all go round protecting me and we’d probably leave the Island.’
    ‘And that would be bad – why?’
    ‘Because, actually, I want to find the bastard who killed Celia and then Matthew. Because he did kill Matthew.’
    ‘So you let the sisters think it was their idea to call us in?’
    ‘Let’s say I put the idea into their heads. Well, Alicia’s head, anyway.’ He smiled. ‘I did tell them it wasn’t a good idea because you’d cause mayhem.’
    ‘Gee thanks. You said last night you didn’t want them to call us in.’
    Harry cleared his throat and looked away. ‘For their benefit.’
    Libby slapped his legs. ‘I shall never believe a word you say again, Harry Price.’
    Harry sat up and swept her into a bear hug. ‘You love me really.’
    ‘Yes.’ Libby’s voice was muffled against Harry’s towelling robe. ‘Let me sit up.’
    Harry let her