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Chapter 1

A blustery wind blew swirls of sand against the windscreen of Serena’s yellow, Fiat Seicento. Although the sun was blazing, there was an icy cold nip in the air and the thundering of the ocean wasn’t too far away.

Most days, they’d walk the short distance to the beach. But if they were running late, or if it was bad weather, they’d take the car.

Sit still, Toby. Mummy can’t get you ready when you keep wriggling like that.

Serena leaned into the car whilst wrestling the little Jack Russell into his red, tartan coat. She was surprised to see a man walk past. He was wearing a leather jacket and carrying a shopping bag. Serena often visited Devil’s Cove early in the morning before she went to work, but there was never anyone else around. That was just the way Toby liked it. He could run free on the golden sand instead of being confined to his lead.

Morning! Serena called as she pulled on a thick woolly hat, complete with ear flaps and pompom, leaving two long plaits hanging at the sides. Lovely weather, isn’t it?

The stranger walked on without acknowledging her. Serena shrugged. Well, that wasn’t very nice, she whispered, then kissed him as she lifted him out of the car and clipped his lead onto his collar. I think we’ll walk in the opposite direction to him, she said. He seems very strange. What do you think?

Toby, as though understanding what Serena was talking about, pulled her towards the rocks. If she climbed high enough, Serena would catch a glimpse of Con. He was always out early working in the garden, or sometimes he’d pass in his van on his way to make a delivery and wave.

With her one free hand, Serena buttoned her long woollen cardigan up to her chin then, along with Toby, began to explore the multitude of rock pools looking for sea life.

Toby was soon eager to run free so once she’d allowed a few minutes for the man to vanish from sight, she released Toby’s lead and set him loose, throwing his ball towards the frothy, white waves which were crashing onto the sand. But rather than chase it, the little dog ran down the other side of the beach at speed, like a freshly-wound clockwork toy.

Toby! Here boy! Serena called. But he kept on running for some time before coming to a stop and she could hear him barking relentlessly. Toby!

Serena jogged behind until, gasping for breath, she reached the place where Toby stood barking at a pile of clothes - men’s clothes, including shoes and a leather jacket.

Blowing across the sand was a hessian bag.

Serena stared out at the violent ocean. A chill ran through her. With shaking hands she dialled 999, then yelled above the sound of crashing waves, I think there’s been a... suicide!

Chapter 2

Harbour View, please, thank you," the grey haired, bespectacled driver called as he glanced in his rear-view mirror at his heavy cargo of passengers.

Ava stood up. The brakes squealed then the bus came to a juddering halt sending her stumbling forwards in her high-heels. A number of hands reached out to steady her and smiling faces bid their goodbyes.

Thank you so much, Ava told the driver as he helped her down the steps with the two bulging bags of books. A gust of wind blew her long, blonde hair around her face, obscuring her view. As she struggled with a bag in each hand, she so wished she’d tied her hair up in a ponytail before leaving home.

Harbour View was always like a breath of fresh air to Ava; a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life. And there were the girls - Ava and Richard weren’t allowed pets in The Artisan. Not that Richard minded; he’d never been a person you would describe as an animal lover. But Ava wouldn’t miss an opportunity to see her girls whenever she was visiting, which was a few times each week. And she could always relax, safe in the knowledge that Con would take great care of them in her absence.

Ava sat for five minutes on the bench overlooking the harbour. A multitude of boats were bobbing up and down on the exceptionally rough water and a flock of seagulls were screeching and flying above them as if trying to warn the town of an impending storm.

The delicious aroma of fish and chips was being carried over the road in the wind, making Ava’s stomach grumble. Marty’s Chipper was a landmark in the local community. No one made them quite like Marty. She turned to look down the road towards his steamy shop window and contemplated a while about whether to indulge or not, but decided not to. She’d already enjoyed a cooked breakfast this morning. They’d be pushing her around on a trolley if she’d eaten fish and chips too, she thought.

To the right of Marty’s was the Post Office and then Murphy’s Bakery, followed by a handful of little cottages, each painted in bright shades of pink, yellow or blue. Next was the Hand-Made Chocolate Shop and opposite the park bench, was The Book Nook, followed by another handful of colourful cottages.

Ava picked up her heavy bags and crossed the road. The bell on the glass door jingled as she entered The Book Nook. As always, the smell of fresh baking was irresistible and a huge pot of home-made soup was simmering away on the hob.

Serena was knee deep in scraps of fabric sitting at her sewing machine in the back room.

Hello! I never heard you come in. I was too busy concentrating on this. Serena indicated the huge square of patchwork fabric she was working on.

That’s gorgeous! Ava gasped. It looks so warm and snuggly. She reached out to stroke the multi-coloured squares of velvet and fur fabric. You are very talented, you know.

Well, thank you, Serena laughed then stood up, a torrent of fabric swatches sliding from her lap onto the floor. I just wanted to fit a few jobs in before the lunch-time rush. Come on let’s see what it looks like.

Together, they went to the front room where the huge window overlooked the harbour and the park bench, where tourists and locals alike would sit for a while in order to take in the beautiful scenery.

Serena placed her new throw on top of one of the three old armchairs. There now, doesn’t that brighten the place up? I’ll have to make two more now.

It looks great, Ava agreed, before indicating the two bags of books. Look, I brought you these.

Oh, thank you. You’re too kind, Serena said as Ava began to unpack the books and stack them onto one of the three little round tables. "I’ll make us a pot of tea and a scone while you’re doing that.

Each of the tables was complete with two chairs, colourful candle holders and pretty table cloths. The candles were always alight, whatever the weather, which added to the cosy ambiance of the place.

The largest wall to the right was floor to ceiling with book shelves, except for a small cast iron fireplace which housed stove that was always ablaze. Every shelf was crammed with a variety of books. Customers could borrow one in exchange for one of their own. This method ensured that there were always plenty of new titles to choose from. Some people just wanted to select a book to flick through while they were having lunch, and then replace it before they left.

On the other side, towards the back of the sitting room, was Serena’s small kitchen area where she prepared and served her home-made, vegetarian soup, quiche and bagels, as well as herbal teas and freshly squeezed juices.

On the back wall there hung a photograph of a handsome young sailor.

Beyond the kitchen area was the toilet room and another small room where Serena did her sewing and other crafts during the more quiet times of the day.

With their tea over, Serena and Ava set about the task of squeezing the new books onto the shelves wherever they would fit. Thanks to the generous donations from local people, they were almost full to bursting point.

It’s almost twelve thirty! Serena gasped as she rolled Ava’s empty shopping bags up and smoothed down the table cloths.

The first influx of customers, who were as hungry for knowledge as they were for food, would be starting to arrive at any moment. Most of them were students from the nearby university, or secondary school students looking for somewhere warm to eat lunch while rushing to complete the previous night’s homework.

The door blew open causing the bell to clatter against the glass and a swirl of flame-coloured leaves fluttered across the dark, slate floor of The Book Nook. Toby dragged himself from his basket beside the fire in order to greet the tall, young girl who succumbed to his charms and began stroking him affectionately.

Hello, boy, she said. What’s your name?

Say hello, Toby, Serena said, and the little dog began wagging his tail as if communicating in his own, doggy language.

The girl was dressed in a warm, winter coat and boots. Long auburn hair hung from the bottom of her woolly hat. Her face was fresh and tinged with pink from the cold wind outside and a fine scattering of freckles danced across her nose and cheeks.

She handed a roll of paper to Serena.

I was just wondering if you could put this on your notice board, please.

Serena unrolled the paper to see a printout of a handsome, dark-haired man, aged around thirty and with striking, blue eyes, and the message: ‘Do you know this man? Please contact Nikki. ’ Then there was a phone number.

Serena looked up into the same blue eyes without asking any questions. Of course I’ll put it up for you, pet, she said, then stuck the poster in full view on top of the older adverts which hung on the notice board beside the door.

I’m looking for my dad, the girl said, and held out her hand first to Serena, and then to Ava. All I know is that his name is Shaun, he used to be a lorry driver, and he lives somewhere in Cork. I’ve been searching for him for a year now, and I won’t give up.

That’s so sad, Ava said.

We’ll ask everyone who comes in, Serena added. Can I get you anything while you’re here?

No thanks, I have to go, but thank you so much for...you know, she nodded towards the poster.

Anytime. And please, keep us informed if you find him. I’ll...I’ll cast a spell for you.

Ava threw an awkward look in Serena’s direction.

Nikki grinned and said, That would be great.

The door closed behind her just as the first group of grey-uniform-clad customers arrived.

You and your spells, Ava hissed. Everyone around here must think you’re insane.

Don’t you worry yourself about that; I can assure you that I’m perfectly sane. And as for my spells, well...you’ll see. Serena said with a smug smile.

Chapter 3

Ava dug around in her oversized handbag and located her hat. Then, after pulling her coat around her, she turned left out of The Book Nook and set off for the short walk to Con’s house. Instead of carrying on down the decline of Harbour View which, after a quarter of a mile, led to Devil’s Cove, she took a little back road which cut between a handful of quaint fishing cottages. To the back of those was the O’Donovan place, or Con’s place.

Con had worked for Mick O’Donovan since leaving school at the age of sixteen. When Mick died five years ago Con inherited the business also the cottage, which now resembled a little palace thanks to Con’s hard work and dedication to the home he loved.

He’d replaced the old, rotten window frames and doors with modern, brown plastic ones. The leaking roof was re-thatched and the miniature front garden was ablaze with colourful, seasonal plants, shrubs and flowers all year round.

Con’s door opened before Ava even had time to knock.

How do you always do that? she laughed. It’s as though you always sense when I’m going to arrive.

Con stood in the doorway dressed in a chunky, green sweater, baggy trousers and Wellington boots. It’s not me, it’s you, he replied. You can hear the kettle boiling a mile away. His cheeks were flushed from all the fresh air he consumed. Floppy, brown curls danced around his face as he moved.

The warmth in the kitchen was a welcome break from the late autumn chilliness. The wood-burning range in the corner not only served as an oven and hob, but also heated radiators in each room and provided a constant supply of hot water.

Ava peeled off her outdoor clothing then sat down at the little table while Con took two cups and poured them each a mug of tea.

God, I love this house so much! Ava wined as she looked around her and took in every detail from the red, gingham curtains to the pine dresser and the black, stone floor. How lucky were you to inherit all this?

Very lucky, and I’ll never forget that, Con said before stuffing a full slice of Swiss roll into his mouth and washing it down with a large gulp of tea. And I know how much you love this place. That’s why I’ve put instructions in my will that say if anything should happen to me, it goes to you.

Ava almost choked on her tea.

I’m serious, I have, Con explained in quite a matter-of-fact manner.

Ava fell quiet for a moment then jumped up and gave Con a hug before saying, Ah that is so sweet. Not that I erm... want you to die. What did I do to deserve a wonderful, little cousin like you? She squeezed both of his cheeks affectionately.

Ouch! That hurts, Con grumbled. "And anyway, I’m not that little; there’s only two months between us."

Con drained the last of his lukewarm tea and asked, How was Serena this morning?

Normal, too normal; she didn’t even mention it.

She might not have mentioned it, but it will be the only thing on her mind today, Con said, whilst staring into space.

I didn’t want to bring the subject up. If she wants to talk about it, she knows I’m here for her any time. I can’t believe it’s been a year already. That poor man. Can you imagine feeling so desperate that you thought the only way out was to wade into the icy-cold ocean and drown yourself?

Con nodded slowly. She was in a terrible state over it, wasn’t she? Of course, that’s understandable.

Ava shuddered at the memory of what her best friend had witnessed that morning on the beach at Devil’s Cove. She stood up and put her hat and coat on.

Yes, she was. She told me that she felt some kind of responsibility to that man. She said that if she’d walked in the opposite direction that day, maybe she’d have been able to do something to stop him. Of course, we all know that’s ridiculous. She wasn’t to know he was planning on killing himself. She must realise that now.

I’ll be calling round later with her order, Con said. I’ll tell you how she is.

Thanks. That would be great. Now, let me go and see my little girls, Ava said before hesitating and picking up the pink, silk scarf from the back of the chair and running it through her fingers. Nice scarf, she said while studying Con through narrowed eyes.

Con snatched it from his cousin. It’s Mary’s, he mumbled.

Mary Western? She hasn’t been round here, has she?

No! Of course not; I was tidying up, and I came across it down the back of the radiator. He stuffed it into the dresser drawer, out of sight and out of mind.

As long as you’re sure.

I am, don’t worry, Con reassured her. But there was that familiar furrowing of his brow and the way his neck flushed slightly.

The kitchen door led into a large yet sparse conservatory which housed a wicker suite and coffee table and a number of potted house plants. One corner near the door which led to the garden had been closed off to form a cloak room where Con could discard his muddy wellington boots and dirty outdoor clothing before going indoors.

In comparison to the cottage, the walled garden was enormous and consisted of one full acre of land divided into a multitude of areas. Each area contained a number of raised vegetable beds and poly tunnels packed with more varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs than Ava could even begin to imagine.

The smell of the ocean hung heavily in the air and a brisk wind was blowing from the beach of Devil’s Cove which could be seen in all its beautiful and dramatic glory from the furthest point of the garden. And there was the chicken run which housed fifteen hens, two of which belonged to Ava.

During the day they were free to roam, yet Ava never had any problem locating Kiev and Paxo amongst the rest. Both were pure white with red eyes and to look at them now, they were a far cry from the bald and scrawny battery hens Ava had rescued a year earlier.

Come on girls, come to mummy, Ava called as she scattered grain on the gravel yard. Paxo, Kiev! Here, darlings! Do you see how intelligent they are, Con?

Con watched with a huge grin on his face.

Whoever said hens were thick needs a reality check. See - they both know their names.

Con could contain his laughter no longer.

And the fact that you’re throwing grain around like there’s no tomorrow has nothing to do with it I suppose. In case you hadn’t noticed, all of them are gathered at your feet, not just your two. They must all be called Paxo or Kiev.

Ava crumpled the paper bag and shoved it in her pocket whilst the hens feasted heartily. Then with a frown she said, "Why do you always have to rain on my parade, Con?