Contents
36. Birdy
Overview
Birdy informally interviews Maddy at The Smuggler’s Inn, learning Carter’s family history, his deep roots in Hope Falls, and his local golden-boy reputation. The scene reframes Carter’s image just as he rushes in to announce a body on the beach, abruptly pivoting the investigation toward a new potential crime scene.
Summary
While Carter is away, Birdy strikes up a conversation with his sister, Maddy, behind the empty bar of The Smuggler’s Inn. Maddy reveals their parents ran the pub for decades and that selling the freehold to a brewery shattered the family’s dream and sense of home.
Maddy describes how the sale hit Carter hardest. With a seven-year age gap, Maddy felt responsible for him when their parents left for Spain. Carter completed police training, stayed in Hope Falls, and became station lead after Nick retired, earning the village’s affection.
Maddy shares childhood details: Carter spun tales of smugglers and secret tunnels from the pub cellar to Blackwater Bay. Despite youthful fibs, she insists he grew into an honest, good man. Birdy learns Carter is only twenty-eight, younger than she assumed, reshaping her view of him.
The intimate, humanizing portrait of Carter is cut short when Carter bursts back into the pub with Sunday. He announces there is a body on the beach, wrenching Birdy from background probing into immediate action on a fresh and potentially pivotal case.
Who Appears
- BirdyDCI observing and questioning Maddy about Carter’s past; recalibrates view of him before a new case breaks.
- MaddyCarter’s sister and former publican’s daughter; shares family history, Carter’s upbringing, and his standing in the village.
- Luke CarterLocal sergeant; returns with Sunday to announce a body on the beach; depicted as a beloved, rooted figure.
- SundayBirdy’s dog accompanying Carter when he delivers news about the body.