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Samantha’s face drains of colour before flushing a deep red. “How did you . . . ? That’s private information!”

“But it’s true?” I press.

She stands abruptly, smoothing her skirt with a trembling hand. “My personal finances are none of your business. And they have nothing to do with these thefts!”

“Don’t they?” I tilt my head. “Because it seems to me that someone with mounting debts might be desperate enough to steal valuable items from guests.”

“This is ridiculous! And who are you to question me anyway? You’re not staff, you’re not the police.” Samantha turns to Craig. “You’re not seriously listening to this, are you? I’ve worked here for fifteen years without incident. Meanwhile, he”—she jabs a finger towards Robbie—“has been trouble since day one.”

Craig’s expression is unreadable as he looks between Samantha and his son.

“People aren’t always what they seem,” Robbie says. “For example, Samantha likes to present herself as a stickler for the rules, but she’s not above breaking them when it suits her.”

Samantha’s lips press into a thin line. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“No?” Robbie raises an eyebrow. “So you’ve told my da about your relationship with Drew? Because I’m pretty sure resort policy says you have to disclose something like that, especially when there’s a power imbalance.”

The silence that follows is thick enough to chew on.

“You and Drew?” Craig says, leaning forwards, clearly stunned.

Samantha’s composure crumbles further. She sinks back into her chair, eyes darting between Craig and the door as if calculating an escape route. “I . . . that’s . . . it’s relatively new,” she stammers. “I was going to mention it.”

“Were you really?” I fold my arms. “Or were you keeping it quiet because there are other things you’re hiding too?”

“This is outrageous!” Samantha’s voice rises. “So I’m seeing Drew and I forgot to fill out a form. That doesn’t make me a criminal!”

“No,” I agree. “But it does show you’re willing to break rules when it suits you. And who’s to say where you draw the line when it comes to secrets?”

I glance at Craig. “By the way, while we’re on the subject of disclosure, I’m dating Robbie.”

Robbie chokes on a laugh and shoots me a look that says, Really? Now?

I shrug, giving him a small smile before turning back to Samantha. “Like your trip to Inverness on the nineteenth—the one you didn’t tell anyone about, not even Drew. What was that for? Nipping off to flog the stolen goods, perhaps?”

“Of course not! And what I do in my free time is none of your business.” Her carefully constructed facade is crumbling. She’s cornered and desperate, and I can see the gears turning like mad behind those wild eyes.

Johnny’s phone buzzes. He checks it then, without a word, walks over to the door and opens it.

Drew stands in the doorway, looking confused and a bit wary. His eyes widen when he spots Robbie. “Sorry, am I interrupting something?”

“Not at all.” Johnny gestures for him to enter. “In fact, your timing is perfect. Thanks for coming.”

Drew hesitates before stepping inside. The room feels smaller with another person in it, and I notice how his eyes dart from Robbie to Samantha, who’s gone very still.

“Welcome, Drew,” I say. “We were just talking with Samantha about the thefts around the resort—and the secret sexual relationship she’s been having with you.”

Drew’s cheeks redden.

“Samantha was about to explain to us why she made a trip into Inverness on the nineteenth,” I add. “A trip she’s been oddly secretive about.”

“I don’t have to tell you my personal business!” Samantha objects. “What is this, an interrogation?” She glances at the officers.

“No, you don’t have to tell us what you were up to,” I agree. “But your refusal to talk is sure making you look guilty.”

“All right, fine! You want to know what I was doing? I was selling my grandmother’s brooch to pay bills. Happy now? My divorce left me in debt, and I’m too proud to ask for help.” She glares at me. “But that doesn’t make me a thief.”

“No, but framing Robbie does.”