I lied to the detective. Still I’m playing God, trying to keep my family safe. I don’t know how Mum did it for all those years. Whether she nearly broke, or if it came easy because the alternative wasn’t an option.

I don’t have that choice. Sooner or later Annie will talk or Bob will come forward, but if they don’t, I’m not like them. I can’t bury the truth like they did.

I think of the two people who will suffer the most. Technicalities might excuse my dad from going on trial, but it will break him nonetheless. Yet every so often the question knifes into me: doesn’t he deserve to pay?

But it is Bonnie who pains me most. My fragile sister, already broken. She will take the facts in black and white and decide for herself that she was never a part of our family, that she was right to think she never did belong.

Chapter Thirty-Six

I’ve avoided calls from Bonnie and Dad, messages assembling in my inbox that I couldn’t bear to listen to. Instead I sent them both a brief text telling them I was alright but needed to sleep and we’d speak in the morning.

Only now morning has come and my stomach is bubbling with dread. There is no more word from Harwood. I don’t know what Annie is telling them, but I do know I must face my family.

I’m in bed, still deliberating the thought, when my mobile rings, Dad’s home number flashing. My heart plummets into my already knotted stomach as I pick up.

‘Hello, Stella.’ Olivia’s voice fills the line. ‘How are you?’

‘I’m doing okay. Thank you.’

‘Well, that’s good … Your father’s been worried sick. Hopefully he can put everything behind him now.’

‘Hopefully. Is he there?’ I ask, not interested in engaging in any more one-way conversation with his wife.

‘Yes.’ For a moment Olivia continues to breathe down the line and I wait for her to either tell me he can’t talk at the moment or if he does I’m not to mention the island. It surprises me when she does neither.

‘Stella, my darling,’ Dad says when she passes him the phone. ‘I’ve been so worried.’

‘Don’t be, Dad, I’m fine now.’

‘What happened? What did they do to you?’

‘It’s a long story,’ I tell him. ‘It can wait for another day. The important thing is I’m home and Danny’s been released. It’s good news, isn’t it, Dad?’

‘Yes,’ he says but I hear the word catch.

‘Danny didn’t do it. The police know this,’ I reiterate.

‘No,’ he says quietly. ‘Danny didn’t do it.’

‘Is everything okay?’ I don’t know why he doesn’t seem happy about it. ‘I thought you’d be pleased.’