“And a bonnie lass in a house with a single man is not a good thing.”

Ruby caught a glimpse of Christopher’s bright red face. Funny, she never thought about that, but he was a good-looking man. Just a bit old—maybe mid to late thirties, at least ten years older than her.

“Yep, and I’m moving in.” Ruby said. “But not before he puts in a pool and improves the interior décor.”

Christopher’s face went even redder.

“Lovely. A pool is a good idea.”

Christopher walked over to the kitchen bench. “Okay, ladies. Enough of the banter. Coffee or tea?”

“Tea, please,’ Ruby said.

“I’m gonna have the same, thanks.”

At least, Ruby hoped the doctor had said ‘gonna’. It sounded more like goanna, which got Ruby concerned about the types of tea available on the island.

Christopher brought over a plate with a mixture of pastries. “Pig out. I’m gonna make the teas.” He gave Ruby a wink. “She speaks funny.” Leaning his head towards the doctor.

“Aye,” Ruby said, getting into the spirit of things.

“Nae, it’s youse.” She lifted her eyebrows and waited for the next challenger.

With no more language challenges and disputes, the doctor and Ruby engaged in small talk while Christopher made the tea. He brought the cups over and sat down at the table.

“Thanks, Churchie,” Ruby said.

“Churchie? Where did ye get that name from?” the doctor asked.

“Just a regular churchgoer, used to be involved with a lot of church things. Picked up a nickname.” 

Ruby decided it was up to Churchie if he wanted to disclose any more. 

The doctor looked towards Ruby and placed her hand on hers. “I hear the investigation is drawing near a close and those responsible have been or are being dealt with.”

Ruby looked into the doctor’s caring eyes. “It’s nearly behind me now. I do feel stronger and more confident.” Ruby felt a build-up in her throat. “It was all puzzling and frightening at times.”

The doctor gave her a nod.

“Coming here is all part of the healing process.”

“Yes, it’s not good to bury things. You need to bring them to the surface. Face your demons.”

Ruby looked at Christopher. He gave her a helpless shrug. Ruby started laughing. Christopher joined in. 

The doctor looked puzzled.

“It’s the reference to burying things. Churchie’s been doing it also. Innocent comments connected to my misadventure.”

The doctor squeezed Ruby’s hands. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay, doc.” Ruby released her hands and picked up her cup of tea. “My turn to be rude—not that you were rude. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been told your name.”

“Maybe not. I get use to the ‘doc’ name. It has an endearment to it.” She smiled. “It’s Susan.”

A movement caught the corner of Ruby’s right eye. She turned to see what it was.

A man stood in the backyard. He wore a long black coat. “Do you know that man, Churchie?”

Christopher looked out towards the yard. Ruby watched as Christopher placed his cup on the table and pushed his chair back. His eyes had tightened up and Ruby found it hard to read his expression. It was like his eyes were speaking. Maybe he was praying. But why?

“I’ve seen him around. He’s a local.” Christopher stood up and headed towards the door. “I’ll go see what he’s up to.”

“His name is Gill,” the doctor said. “He’s harmless. Likes to walk around the island for hours on end.”

Ruby wondered what he was doing in Churchie’s backyard. The man walked up to the back door. Ruby took a few deep breaths. This was not the time for a panic attack. She felt the doctor’s hand on hers.

“It’s okay, Ruby. He’s not here to cause trouble.”

Christopher opened the back door. The man brushed past Christopher like a dog bursting inside for its food.

Christopher was behind him. “Hang on, mate. You can’t just barge in here.”

“Yes I can.” He sat down at the table and looked at Ruby. “My name is Gill Watts and I believe you know my brother.”

Breathe, Ruby. Breathe.

Christopher sat down and was about to reason with the uninvited guest when the man dug deep into his coat pockets. The man lifted up his left hand from under the table and placed a hand gun on the table. His right hand was still under the table, still in a coat pocket. The man closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if drawing energy from whatever was in the pocket. Opening his glassy eyes, he withdrew his hand and placed another item on the table.

They all looked at it. It was a scraggly doll. It had red hair.

“I’ve come to talk,” the man said.

<°)))><

Sergeant Phil Jones sat in his police car outside Christopher’s house. He’d been watching Gill Watts on his tablet device via the drone. He had just watched Gill enter the house and didn’t know what to do next.

His phone rang.

“Hello, Sergeant Phil Jones speaking.”

“Detective Sergeant Kinnaird here.”

“Hello, Jack.”

“Phil . . . we may have an issue. My partner and I are on the police barge at the moment. Should be there in ten. We believe Ruby, the sacrifice victim, may be on the island and we’re just not sure about this Gill Watts fellow.”

“With you, Jack. I have Gill under surveillance. Haven’t seen the girl though.”