She growled. “You won’t tell me either?”
“It’s not my story to tell.”
That seemed to satisfy her. “Could the men who were arrested today be involved with the animal smuggling operation?”
Definitely intelligent to make the connection. Stonefish Enterprises had their fingers in a lot of pies up here, not that killing a few crayfish really counted as organised crime.
“Sam?”
“Anything’s possible. Did you suggest it to Dot?”
“It only occurred to me tonight,” she said. “I’ll call her tomorrow.” She paused and then said, “You know Dot well considering you just moved here.”
“I spoke to her at Brandon’s wedding.” Penelope didn’t need to know all the issues that had surrounded Brandon’s family in relation to Stonefish Enterprises. His footsteps slowed. Or maybe she already knew. What if she was a Stonefish plant, fishing for information about what they knew. It was possible. He’d have to be careful what he said.
“Is that when you met?”
Sam had to give her credit, she was smart to read between the lines. There was no reason to lie to her. “I met her the first time I came up, for Brandon’s parents’ funeral.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Georgie never mentioned that. How long ago was it?”
“In May. It was a car crash.”
“Oh, the poor family. Georgie’s got three brothers, hasn’t she?”
“Four. One died when he was a child.”
“She’s dealt with a lot. I’m surprised she’s still so optimistic.”
Sam smiled. “That’s Georgie. She’s pretty special.” They reached the marina and walked to the edge of the rocks to stare out at the dark ocean.
“She’s been very welcoming,” Penelope said.
The wind had picked up, carrying with it a definite chill. Penelope shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.
“Why don’t we go to my place?” Sam suggested. “I can put the kettle on and after we have a drink, I’ll drive you home.” Perhaps he could find out more about her background.
“I can walk.”
“I know, but being the gentleman I am, I’d have to walk you home, and I’d get cold again.”
She stiffened, which was a shame. He had enjoyed her opening up to him.
“I can go by myself. The streets are safe, and I’ve been walking most nights.”
He turned to return home. “You want to talk about what else is on your mind?”
Penelope pursed her lips. “What makes you think anything is?”
“Because you mentioned it wasn’t just work stuff, and most people are asleep at this time of night, not walking the streets.”
She fell into step with him, but he suspected it was because she was cold and keen to get home, rather than actually wanting to walk with him.
“The country is quieter than I’m used to.”
Sure it was, but that wasn’t the real reason. Could Stonefish have its spines into her? He let it slide and when they reached his place, he got his keys out. “Would you like a cuppa?”
“I should get home.”
