Ruby is with Joe on the deck behind the hotel, overlooking the harbour; the sea breeze is cooler now, sending other punters drifting indoors. They stand side by side, with elbows on the rail. Ruby’s still surprised that Joe is such easy company. The boys she met in care wanted sex and nothing else, but he’s different. Maybe that’s because he’s older, and the only challenge he’s ever faced is his parents’ divorce. He speaks about being an only child, with a mother who dotes on him, then leaving the island to study in Portsmouth. His expression is gentle when he turns to her again.
‘You’ve had my whole life story, now it’s your turn.’
She keeps her gaze on the boats bobbing in the harbour. ‘It’s too dull to mention.’
‘Come on, everyone’s got a past.’
‘I should go, it’s past my bedtime.’ She’s already backing away.
‘Sorry, Chloe. I didn’t mean to pry.’
‘You didn’t. I’m tired from the journey, that’s all.’
Joe is studying her more closely, his gaze exploring her face. ‘I could kiss you goodnight, but I hate being predictable.’
‘You said that on the ferry, so you already are.’
‘Meet me on the quay tomorrow, nine a.m. sharp.’
She looks up at him. ‘Why should I?’
‘You’ll get a deluxe boat tour round the islands.’
‘What if I’ve got more important stuff to do?’
‘I’m your best option.’ His hand skims her arm before he turns away. ‘See you tomorrow.’
The bartender announces closing time, and Ruby glances over her shoulder. Joe walks with his head up, looking the world in the eye, like every stranger is a potential friend. She waits until the bar empties, then slips outside. People are disappearing into houses as she sets out to explore the town, the wine she’s drunk making her dizzy.
Ruby stands in the shadows between two buildings, taking her measure of the place. The houses are crowded together, rubbing shoulders with no sign of discomfort, like family members packed inside a lift. The island’s history is apparent everywhere she looks, with a huge stone archway above the lane to the garrison. She discovers the police headquarters easily, having memorised Hugh Town’s layout from a map online. The small grey building is closed for the night, with no CCTV. The only vehicle outside is a dilapidated van, with Island Police written in faded letters on the bonnet. DI Benesek Kitto may be twice her size, but she’s certain he will have grown complacent in this sleepy place. He’ll be at home now, feet up, watching TV. It may be easier than she expected to complete the last stage. The police force is small, with no idea who she is, and Bryher is just two miles away.
She walks at a slow pace, letting the islands’ pure air cleanse her lungs. It’s only when she reaches the edge of the settlement that panic bubbles to the surface. Once the street light fades, the dark is so complete it’s like swimming through a bottomless sea. It’s a different story when she looks up at the night sky. The North Star is bright enough to sear her retinas, millions of stars glittering like a circuit board. She remembers her father’s words ever since she was small: we’re the moon and stars, you and me, looking down on the world. She blinks her eyes shut to block out the light, preferring to remain in darkness.