‘What makes you say that?’ said Bex.
Joe shrugged. ‘Well, I mean, I’m sure nothing’s happened to her. She’s probably gone off in a mood somewhere,’ he said. ‘She’s not been herself lately.’
‘I know, but you’d think she’d let her mother know,’ said Bex. ‘Can you imagine what Diana must be going through? She’s already lost one child, to lose another…’
‘Aren’t you jumping the gun a bit?’ said Kerry. ‘Joe’s right. Roisin might just have gone off with a friend or something.’
‘Like I said, I’m sure she’ll turn up,’ said Joe.
‘Do you think it’s anything to do with Erin being back?’ said Bex. ‘Joe, you said yourself, her and Erin had a massive row in the street. What was that all about?’
‘You best ask Kerry that,’ said Joe.
Kerry hesitated. He didn’t want to break Erin’s trust. He was aware that Joe and Bex were expecting a response, though.
‘It’s not for me to say,’ he said at last. ‘Sorry, but it’s something between Erin and Roisin. I can’t say. I’m not even sure I know the whole story anyway.’ He felt bad not sharing what he knew with Joe and Bex. He would trust them with his life, but despite his disapproval of what Erin had done, it would feel like he was betraying her trust.
‘I won’t waste my time trying to get you to tell,’ said Joe. ‘I know what you’re like. You’re loyal, if nothing else.’
‘Now, wait a minute,’ said Bex. ‘If this secret is anything to do with Roisin and her disappearance, then you have to tell.’
‘No. No, I don’t,’ said Kerry. ‘As I said, it’s not for me to tell.’
‘Kerry’s right,’ said Joe, much to Kerry’s relief. ‘Let’s leave it for now. Roisin will rock up later. She’s probably got herself a fella and spent the night sha…’
‘Okay, that will do,’ said Bex cutting in. She nodded towards Storm. ‘Little ears.’
‘Yes, Daddy, you can’t say rude things in front of me,’ said Storm.
‘That’s me told,’ said Joe. He ruffled his son’s hair.
The appeal of the leisurely lunch on the beach waned with every minute. The news of Roisin’s disappearance weighed heavy on Kerry and he could tell it was the same for both Joe and Bex.
‘I’ll go and see Erin,’ he said standing up. ‘I’ll let her know what’s going on. Will you take Skip back to the workshop for me?’
‘No worries,’ said Joe.
The café was quiet now the lunchtime rush was finished. A couple of older women were talking over a pot of tea, but other than that, the place was empty. Erin and Fiona were deep in conversation at the counter when Kerry walked in. The concern and anxiety on their faces told him they already knew about Roisin. They both looked up as he neared the counter.
‘Kerry,’ said Erin. ‘Have you heard about Roisin?’
‘Yes, Sean just told us. I was coming over to see if you’d heard.’
‘It’s terrible,’ said Fiona. ‘What on earth could have happened?’
‘No one seems to know,’ said Kerry. ‘Let’s think positive, though. I’m sure she’ll turn up later.’
‘I hope so,’ said Fiona. ‘Her mum is distraught, Sean said. They had to call the doctor out to her to give her something to calm her down.’
‘Poor woman,’ said Kerry. He looked at Erin. Was that a look of disapproval she had tried to lift from her face without him seeing?
‘Look, I best get on,’ said Fiona, taking the car keys from Erin. ‘My turn to sit with Mum while we wait for Dad to wake up.’
‘No change yet, then?’ said Kerry.
‘No. I’ve just come back from there,’ said Erin. ‘It can take some time.’
‘I’ll see you later,’ said Fiona, giving Erin a quick hug.
‘Call me as soon as there’s any news,’ said Erin, as Fiona went out the door.
‘I was going to come and speak to you before I heard about Rosin,’ said Kerry.
‘I sent you a text,’ said Erin.
‘I know.’ Kerry dug his hands in his pockets to stop them from drawing Erin to him. He wanted her, he really did, but every time he thought about what she had done, it pulled him up short. ‘I’ve tried to get my head round what you told me. About the baby. Really, I have.’
‘Let’s go in the kitchen,’ said Erin, glancing up at the two customers still chatting. Kerry followed her through to the back. He waited while she appeared to choose her words.