<°)))><

Jack walked back to the table after ordering another cup of coffee. Catherine was doing something on her phone.

“Do we have a recent photo of this Gill character?”

“We do, Jack. I just logged in and checked the CCTV from the ferry terminal. It was his brother.”

Jack nodded. What did that mean?

Catherine leaned towards Jack. “Check this out. Recorded at the watch house the day after we arrested Toby Watts.”

The video recording was taken from the CCTV camera above the watchhouse’s charge counter. A man delivered some clothing and collected some items from the counter. Jack’s heart rate ramped up as he zoomed in on the items on the counter. The red caught his attention. Amongst keys, loose change and some notes lay a doll—the voodoo doll with stringy red hair.

“Where does Gill Watts live?” Jack asked.

“On the island.”

<°)))><

“Hello, Sergeant Phil Jones speaking.”

Jack heard the sound of gulls in the background. He must be outside.

“Hi Phil, its Detective Sergeant Jack Kinnaird here.”

“Hello, Jack. How’ve ya been?”

“Good, Phil.” Jack could hear wind whistling and footsteps on gravel. “You outside?”

“Yep, heading to the vehicle.”

A door shut.

“That’s better. Bit breezy out there. Just down at the ferry terminal doing some PR work. How can I help you, Jack?”

“Just wondering if you happen to know a resident on the island by the name of Gill Watts.”

Some brief chatter came over the in-vehicle police radio. It got softer.

“Yes, I’m aware of Gill. He’s been on the island for a few years now. He’s on supervised parole for a few more years, but he’s been no problem. The powers-that-be consider him low risk. Keeps to himself except when he’s helping out in the community. Be surprised if he’s up to any mischief.”

“You aware he’s the brother of Toby Watts?”

“Yes, made that connection. I actually had a chat with Gill about Toby recently. It appears Gill was more receptive to rehab than his brother, but they were still close. I think Toby visited Gill on the island a few times.”

“Do you know if Gill was involved in the Wiccan stuff?”

“Don’t believe he was involved in the ritual at the park. He had a genuine alibi for that night. But I know he’s into the new age spiritual stuff. I think it’s been helping him, keeping him positive.”

“Gill has visited his brother in prison a couple of times. Do you think he’s okay about what’s happened to Toby?”

“I’ll need to explore that for you, Jack. Let me do that and I’ll get back to you over the next couple of days.”

“Thanks, Phil. Appreciate that. Let me know how you go, and I’m happy to come visit.”

“Will do.”

Jack ended the call and returned his vision to the computer screen in front of him. The redheaded doll stared at him. It seemed to be taunting him. 

What power did it have? Could it control a person? Could it channel evil motives into a person? Jack wanted to get a surveillance team onto Gill Watts, but wondered how he could justify it. His superiors wouldn’t be into the voodoo hogwash. Jack would need to come up with a feasible reason and quickly.

His next call was to Ruby.

No answer.

“Cath, do you have a contact number for Zoe?”

“Sure we do. Why do you need it, Jack?”

“Could you contact her and find out how Ruby is? I just tried Ruby’s number and got no answer. Just want to be sure things are okay.” Jack stood up. “I’m going to grab some water. You want some?”

Catherine looked up at Jack. “Nope. Didn’t drink as much caffeine as you so I don’t need to wash it away.”

She was right. He had a taste in his mouth that he wanted to get rid of and it wasn’t coffee. It was more metallic. He knew anxiety affected the taste buds.

He got the news when he returned. Ruby was on the island.

59 – A man in a long black coat

CHRISTOPHER’S HOUSE WAS SMALL AND CUTE. The kitchen was furnished with a potbelly stove, a small wooden table and four matching chairs. Ruby looked outside. A wind chime hanging on the porch sang in the wind—its soft harmonies reaching inside—and a few potted palms swayed with the wind. Their own private party. A pee-wee called, and she watched as it flew down a gap between what looked like large bamboo plants. Her eyes followed the path of the bird and watched as it changed its trajectory and flew upwards. She looked back at the track and wondered where it went. Was that a person’s shadow there? Ruby forced a smile and told her imagination to settle down.

Christopher whistled softly as he went about his kitchen tasks. Ruby looked at the small potbelly. She could hear soft crackles coming from within and she felt the warmth of the stove as its heat floated through the house.

“Do you need a hand?” Ruby asked.

“Nope, you sit tight. You’re my guest.”

Ruby’s phone vibrated in her coat pocket. There was a knock on the door.

“And another guest. Be back in a sec.”

Ruby ignored the call on her phone as she had to deal with a rush of anxiety. Who could it be at the door? She was out of her comfort zone, and edgy. She relaxed somewhat when she heard the guest’s accent as she and Christopher made their way into the kitchen. It was the good doctor.

Ruby got out of her chair. The doctor was hugging her before she knew it. A bear hug. Once she released Ruby the doctor stood back and looked at her.

“Yer looking good, Ruby.”

“Thanks, Doc.” She couldn’t remember the doctor’s name—or if they’d been officially introduced.