Lady E: As an intriguing mystery on this idyllic Australian island is solved, another sinister event occurs

By Jeanette Walker

Jillian spontaneously decides to holiday on an exotic tropical island located on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Once there, she is amazed to find herself attracted to two eligible men. But could she actually fall in love with one, so quickly after ending her engagement two weeks before her marriage ceremony?
Lives are risked when she discovers the island is hiding secrets, and Jillian unwittingly becomes involved.
But can she stay safe while unravelling the mystery?
And just when you think the puzzle has been solved, further sinister events take a different direction.
If you enjoy reading a murder mystery with many twists and turns, you will love this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tablo Publishing
• Release date: Sep 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781649692627

Book preview

Chapter 1

THE WING OF THE CESSNA dipped to the left as it gained height. Jillian moved forward slightly in her seat, looking down over the ever-expanding township of Hervey Bay. Early morning sun reflected off the windows of homes spread out before her. The plane rocked slightly when it straightened to head north over the golden sands that stretched away to Point Vernon on the western end of the beach. Beyond that, the coastline faded into the distance as it also turned north towards Bundaberg and the tropical coast of Queensland beyond.

She never tired of watching this captivating scene.

On the beach below, high tide had enticed swimmers to enjoy an early morning dip. Soon the water would recede when the tide went out and a vast expanse of soft sand would be exposed.

As the beach disappeared from view, every imaginable shade of blue and green swirls indicated differing depths of the water below, until dark blue color confirmed they were now over deeper water. Beneath the plane the last of the small recreational fishing boats vanished from sight.

Out to the right side of the plane, Fraser Island, running further north than the mainland at this point, was clearly visible, appearing to hover above shimmering water. Toward the island, the sun shining on the water was intense.

Seated behind the pilot, Jillian could now examine the serpent tattoo on the back of his neck as it disappeared below his white collar. She had been very aware of his smiling blue eyes under blonde hair cut in the latest style – short back and sides, the top longer and swept to one side. If it wasn’t for her dislike of permanent body drawings, she had to admit she found him rather charming.

‘Maybe I’ve developed a weakness for a man in uniform,’ she thought to herself before screwing up her eyes against the sun glare.

Putting him out of her mind, she settled back in her seat to enjoy the 130km flight, allowing her thoughts to wander back over the past few days.

Chapter 2

HER WEDDING CEREMONY had been planned to take place in just over a week.

Last night she had driven for three hours from her home in the Brisbane suburb of Aspley. Staying overnight in a motel at Hervey Bay enabled her to catch the 8am flight north to Lady Elliot Island.

Running away? Perhaps.

But in the last few days her family had all received the clear message from her that she would not now, or ever, marry her childhood sweetheart Richard Hogan.

Poor Richard, she thought, and wiping away a small tear, took a deep breath, composing herself before other tears had a chance to follow it.

She’d known Richard since high school, eventually drifting into a relationship that lasted four years. Four years! They became engaged, she now realized, mainly due to pressure from well-meaning family and friends. Setting a date for their wedding was the next step everyone expected them to follow. She kept asking herself why she’d let things go on as long as they did.

Now, thinking back, her mother and Richard’s mother planned first the engagement party, then the wedding. Then Richard’s mother in particular, continually bought her items to put away for their home. Sheets, pillows, crockery, cutlery – you name it! – Jillian was given it all. It became too difficult not to think they wouldn’t just get married and settle down to a ‘normal’ routine.

Now everything was cancelled. She’d survived protests thrown at her from all directions. Well-meaning friends told her it was just pre-marriage nerves causing the upset. She ignored them all, knowing in her heart that she’d done the right thing.

She now shuddered at the thought of waking every day, going to work, saving to buy the perfect house together in perfect suburbia, and then raising the perfect family and being at home every night to welcome home the perfect husband!

There just had to be more to life than that!

Where she’d plucked up the courage to tell Richard that she couldn’t marry him, she still wasn’t sure. What she did know was he looked extremely relieved when she told him. They’d parted on good terms and he’d hugged her and wished her well when she returned his lovely diamond engagement ring. She absent-mindedly touched the vacant space on her left ring-finger.

It was at one of their pre-wedding parties where she introduced Richard to a work friend. Rebecca. Before turning away to talk to another guest, Jillian noticed Richard take hold of Rebecca’s hand to shake, and hold on far longer than necessary. As she watched, he smiled deep into Rebecca’s eyes before his eyes wandered lower.

Feeling slightly jealous, Jillian had escaped to the kitchen as jarring realization hit her! Richard had never looked at her the way he was now looking at Rebecca!

From that moment, she spent several days of soul-searching, trying to analyze her true feelings for Richard, and on all counts came up with empty answers.

Chapter 3

AFTER BREAKING OFF with Richard, less than two weeks before the wedding, she then had the task of doing something she was really dreading - telling her mother and father.

At first, concerned she was just worrying over nothing and after telling her all would be okay on the day, her parents finally relented - much easier than she’d imagined possible.

Well, dear, her mother had said as she drew Jillian into a hug, I’m very sorry it’s all over, but I’m not really surprised. And if you had to end it, I’m relieved you’ve been brave enough to announce it now, rather than go through with the wedding service just to please everyone else.

Was she hearing right? She thought her mother would explode, instead she was in agreeance!

Your mother’s right Jilly, her father agreed. Strange as it may sound, we’ve been concerned for some time now that all was not quite right. You know we like Richard, and probably always will as we’re so used to him being around. But you just didn’t seem to act like someone head over heels in love with the man with whom she was about to walk down the aisle.

Oh! Goodness me! he exclaimed. We’ve a lot of work ahead of us, and I hope we can cancel everything in the next few days. I hope the caterers haven’t put in their food orders yet.

Turning towards the telephone, he became very business-like.

Marge! Where did you put the phone number for the caterers? And we’d better contact the celebrant then cancel the cars … and the flowers. Thank goodness it was being held in a park as we’d have trouble canceling reception rooms. What else? Oh yes, the marquee and chair hire. Then go through the guest list and try to find telephone numbers for all the guests as it’s too late now to write to anyone.

He stopped midway to his office where all the paperwork for the wedding had been spread out over the past few weeks.

I’ll go next door and see if Richard’s folks can contact the guests on their side. They do know, don’t they Jill? Richard would have told them by now?

Jillian smiled appreciatively at her father, and nodded. Yes, I think so. Richard said he was going to do that straight away.

Oh Ben! Jillian’s mother suddenly said. What about Norma? Will we get in touch or just let her arrive next Friday as planned? She has an appointment with the doctor in Brisbane so has to come anyway….?

What do you think dear? her mother said, releasing her hold on Jillian.

No need to tell her, Jillian decided. She has enough to worry about at present, and may feel she should come down earlier to help us through this mess.

Jillian walked into her room, then returned to find both her parents in the office, her father with the phone in his hand and her mother going through the address book.

I’ve just had a great idea! Jillian said, smiling. I’d really love to get away for a while once we cancel all our bookings. As I’m already on leave from work and have several weeks to go, I might go and stay at Aunt Norma’s while she’s down here. It should only take a couple of days to sort everything out, and I could drive up to Hervey Bay on Thursday night to catch Friday’s plane to Lady Elliot. I’d have several days with her before she comes south. In fact, Aunt Norma could use my car to come back here and save her hiring one.

Her mother and father looked at each other, and not finding a reason to disagree, shrugged their shoulders and said, Why not?

Jillian made herself a cup of much needed coffee and wandered back into her room. As she put her cup down on the dressing table, she caught sight of her wedding dress hanging behind the bedroom door. It looked fabulous, even encased in a large plastic bag! That was when her shoulders started shaking and the tears started to fall.

Oh dear, it’s alright, her mother said, coming into the room behind her and again taking Jillian into her arms.

I don’t know why I’m crying, said Jillian. It’s so silly, I don’t think I even feel very upset, she said between sobs.

Don’t worry. You’ll soon get over it. It’s probably just reaction to all the excitement over the past few weeks, and now the let-down coming so suddenly. Your dad and I think you’re right about a couple of weeks away at Norma’s. By the time you’re back most people will have stopped talking about your wedding not taking place and will have moved onto other gossip. By then it will be a thing of the past.

Thanks Mum. I think I’ll just drink my coffee, then when I feel slightly steadier, I’d better ring Sophie. She might even come over and help us sort out a few things.

As she said that, the doorbell rang, and her Mum said, That may be Sophie now. I’ve already rung her at the police station and caught her just as she was finishing her shift. She said she was on her way. Dry your eyes dear, and I’ll let her in.

Too late, I’m already in. Mr B. has raced you to it. Now Jilly, what’s all this about? And in walked a tall girl, with blonde shoulder length hair, slightly taller, but not quite as thin as Jillian, and still dressed in her police uniform. As she moved into the room, she dragged Jillian into her arms and hugged.

You’re sure it’s all off Jilly, and not just momentary change of heart? she said, holding Jillian at arms-length and studying her face.

I’m sure, said Jillian. I should never have allowed all the arrangements to go so far, and the only thing I’m distressed about at the moment is we now have to cancel the preparations.

That’s the least of our worries dear, her mother said moving to the door. I’ll leave you two to chat for a while. Coffee Sophie?

Love one, thanks Mrs B. I’ll come out in a minute to get it though. You’d better help Mr B. find some phone numbers. He was ranting about finding his glasses as he let me in the door.

Sorry you won’t get to wear your bridesmaid dress. It’s such a pretty color, said Jillian, picking up her cup. I’ll get myself another coffee as I get your’s.

Don’t worry about the dress. I’ve planned to wear it in several weeks to a party, so no way will it be wasted. I’m just organized well ahead of time, Sophie said with a smug look on her face, as she usually left organizing things like that until the last minute.

In fact, it’s a work do, and …, with a look of realization dawning, now you’re through with Richard I can finally set you up with my partner Anthony. I’ve told you about him before, and he really is a dish. He’s away on assignment at the moment, but should be back by then.

Oh no, no, no! I don’t even want to think about another man at present, let alone go out with one.

Moving towards the door Sophie again asked, You’re really sure it’s all off?

Jillian smiled at her and said, Yes, I’m really sure. I just don’t love Richard, and I don’t think he ever really loved me. Now we’d best grab our coffee and start helping sort out this mess. Oh, and Sophie, thanks for coming over.

That’s okay Jilly, Sophie said laughing. What are friends for if you can’t use them to sort out a shambles for you occasionally. Just don’t make a habit of it!

Chapter 4

THE LOW DRONING of a plane in the distance indicated to Norma James that her journey was beginning. She rose from the wicker chair which many years ago had been placed in the window opening facing the sea. Absent-mindedly she half-filled a kettle and turned it on before returning to the chair. She knew there was plenty of time for a cup of tea before she had to head out the door.

The chair was never moved. It was perfectly placed to catch cooling breezes passing through the house. More importantly, it allowed her to enjoy the view of an ever-changing expanse of waves.

The plane was much closer now and she heard it fly low over the island to announce its arrival before banking and lining up the runway for its usual perfect landing.

She sighed as she reminisced. While her life on the island had certainly changed since the death of her husband, this had been her home for so many years that she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

Alan’s employment had been a lighthouse keeper, and after their marriage they’d lived at a few different postings before accepting a transfer to Lady Elliot Island more than 40 years ago.

They arrived on a supply boat, the main means of transport back then. A boat still docked regularly as it brought supplies for the occupants of the island, before continuing on to several islands further north.

Standing at the bow of the supply boat, they’d sighted the white lighthouse standing tall on the horizon. Knowing nothing of the area before arrival, they were surprised to see from the boat that the island sat low, with no hills. Over many years, layer upon layer of sand on top of coral had gradually built up to a reasonable height above sea level - but there was nothing on the island that could be called a hill. Sparse vegetation included scrubby trees just above head height in places, and a few spindly casuarinas. Enough grass holding it all together made an ideal nesting area for the abundant birdlife.

As the boat had moved closer, two white lighthouse-keepers homes came into