The room was dark, but even before she pressed the button to raise the blinds, Joanna could see the bed was empty.

She put the tray down on the table and felt a flicker of alarm. The bed wasn’t just empty, it was made, as if no one had slept in it. And Ashley’s small bag had gone. She checked the bathroom, and saw the towels neatly folded.

There was no sign of her.

It wasn’t just Ashley’s bag that had gone. Ashley had gone, too.

Where? When? Why?

She was about to race from the room and start looking in the gardens when she saw the note propped by the lamp.

She opened it and sat down on the bed.

Joanna, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I was. I’m sorry my mom had an affair with Cliff. Right now I’m sorry I exist, even though I know that’s not my fault. Mostly I’m sorry that I let you bring me here. Because of me, the press will be at your door again. I know how much you hate that. I know you don’t want to see them or talk to them and I understand why you feel that way.

If I’m not here, there will be less of a story for them so I’m leaving but I wanted to thank you for everything. You have less reason than anyone to be kind to me, and yet you’re the kindest person I’ve met. I won’t ever forget it. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Maybe we’ll meet again one day. I’d like that.

Love, Ash

x

Joanna dropped the note. Left? Where had she gone?

She picked the note up and read it again.

The press will be at your door again. I know how much you hate that.

Ashley had left because of her. Because she didn’t want to bring the press to Joanna.

Guilt rubbed alongside panic and anxiety. This was her fault. If she hadn’t insisted that they hide away, this wouldn’t have happened. If she hadn’t been so honest about how much she hated facing the press, hated the intrusion, hated the things they wrote about her, maybe Ashley would still be here.

Why hadn’t she sensed that Ashley was thinking of leaving?

Because she’d been focused on herself and avoiding publicity.

Because she’d been sure that her way was the right way.

Joanna stuffed the note into her pocket.

She had to find her.

The possibility of bumping into a bunch of reporters seemed much less important than finding Ashley. This wasn’t just about protecting her, it was about supporting a friend because that was what Ashley had become over the past days—a friend.