Page 93 of The Clifftop Cottage

Control what you can.

His phone buzzed.

He pulled it out.

A message from Sorcha.

You know a woman called Erica?

His stomach tightened.

Why?

The dots appeared almost immediately.

She’s the one in your cottage! Bloody hell, Gabe. I knew that kitchen looked familiar. That kettle is the same one I got you for Christmas. It’s Erica Hayes. You’ve got a minor celebrity in your spare house!

He stared at the screen.

Celebrity?

The dots blinked again.

I’ve followed her for years. How did you not tell me?

His phone rang.

He hesitated before answering. “Hi.”

“Well, hello!” Sorcha burst out. “I cannot believe it. This is the woman you’ve been all coy about?”

He winced and rubbed the back of his neck.

“I haven’t been coy about anyone.”

“Oh, come off it. Every time I ask who’s staying there, you clam up. Your whole body does that tight wee shutdown thing – like I wouldn’t notice. And your cheeks! I’ve never seen a man blush that pink.”

He stared out into the mist and said nothing.

“There’s nothing going on,” he said finally. “She’s renting. Paid in advance. Generously. After the last girl disappeared, it was a relief.”

Sorcha made a noise of disbelief. “Well, she can afford it. She’s loaded. Though technically it’s her husband’s money too. He’s still around, you know. Been trying to reach her. Apparently she’s done a runner and won’t answer him. He’s worried. That’s what he’s telling his followers.”

Gabriel went very still.

Husband.

Of course.

The thought settled, whether he liked it or not. That’s why she’d pulled away. Not out of confusion or shyness.

But because she was married.

He’d built a story out of glances and shared silences. Out of loneliness.

“And there’s more,” Sorcha continued. “People are saying she’s gone a bit off-piste. Talking about witches and conspiracies. I watched her last video – there’s something strange about it. Like she’s … drifting. Her husband says he’s worried, but he’s still pushing the channel. Trying to get the President of the United States on next, apparently, or was it the prime minister? Anyway, it’s all a bit mad.”

Gabriel’s jaw tightened.