‘At first we didn’t have a choice. We kept pushing and being pushed, but we weren’t getting anywhere. The theatre was falling in around us. I knew we had to break free, and it was pure luck that we did.’

When Beth stopped to take a breath, Leanne was left to wonder how fate had decided who would have luck on their side and who wouldn’t.

‘I’d heard a member of staff directing us to the side exits near the stage, so that’s where we headed, although that was terrifying in itself. I could see where the ceiling had caved in.’ Beth tilted her head upwards to the clear blue sky as if she could still see it. ‘It was surreal. The dust was settling and the smoke was mostly in the eaves. I could see this orange glow above us. I often wonder how long that fire had been raging above our heads.’

‘Was Karin with you when you reached the side exit?’

‘She was when we made a run for it across the auditorium. I felt her grab my coat sleeve. I just kept yelling at her to hold on, that we were going to make it. When we reached the inner corridor, it was cramped, but nowhere near as bad as the other exit, and at least there was no one coming down the stairwell by then. We were jostled about a bit, but I was sure Karin was with me. I should have looked back, but I was concentrating on that final door. I could feel the air getting colder.’

‘And?’

‘We got outside and I turned to tell Karin we’d made it, except it wasn’t her. It was the bloody woman with all the bags. Straight away, I was ready to fight my way back inside, but the stupid cow was in hysterics. She wouldn’t let go of my arm, and there were too many people still coming out through the doors. I knew the best chance I could give Karin was not to clog up the exit. I had her phone in my shoulder bag so I couldn’t call. All I could do was wait.’ Beth curled her hands into fists. Fully formed tears had collected in the corners of her eyes. ‘I would never have left without her. I thought she was behind me.’

‘And what does Karin say happened?’

‘She doesn’t remember.’

‘But even someone with amnesia can have random memories come back to them,’ Leanne said, based on her suspicions rather than any form of medical knowledge.

‘She wakes up in a cold sweat most nights, but she has no idea what, if anything, she’s remembered.’

‘Do you think she saw her brother?’

‘I told you, she doesn’t remember, so how would I know?’ replied Beth, losing patience. She glanced at the phone sitting between them, or it could have been the money she was counting.