One source close to Dan Jeavons’ organization told us: ‘We’re all just hoping this isn’t the start of a turf war because, if it is, then this country is about to erupt in a way no one has ever seen before.’ When pressed, the source could not or would not name Dan Jeavons’ successor.

fifty. Libby

The landscape of yellow street lights and modern office buildings shrouded in the late October evening had given way to stretches of dark fields to our left and tall hedges to our right on the narrow, unlit road we drove along. I looked around, but had no clue where we were nor where we’d been. I didn’t recognize the area at all and, judging by the look on his face, Troy was just as clueless. Neither of us could see further than the illumination provided by the car’s high-beam headlights.

‘Where are you taking us, because this sure as hell isn’t Norwood, Meadowview?’ Troy said, breaking the silence in the car.

I looked from Troy to Jarvis and back again. What was going on?

‘Of course it’s Meadowview,’ Jarvis argued.

‘My nan was born in Meadowview and I still have relatives who live in Norwood. Nana Meggie used to take me to see them during the holidays when I was younger. I spent a number of years being dragged all around by my cousins.’ Troy pointed out of the window. ‘And this isn’t it.’

‘You think you know every street?’ said Jarvis, eyeing us in the driver’s mirror.

‘Not every street, but every other one. You’re not working for Libby’s dad and my sister, are you?’ said Troy.

His words made me start. Jarvis didn’t even turn round to look at us.

‘I’m taking you somewhere safe,’ he said. ‘Then you can borrow my phone to—’

‘Stop lying,’ Troy demanded.

Jarvis didn’t bother to answer. My heart, like my hopes, began to slowly sink.

‘Are you gonna kill us or are you doing this for money?’ Troy asked.

‘If I was going to kill you, I could’ve done it back at the house by the harbour,’ said Jarvis.

‘Not if you have to prove we’re still alive to get any money,’ said Troy.

‘But, Troy, he showed us a text from my dad,’ I whispered. ‘And played a message from your sister.’

‘Which would be easy to fake. And, even if they are real, that doesn’t mean he’s not out for himself.’ Troy turned back to Jarvis. ‘Am I right? Is that what this is about – money?’

Jarvis didn’t answer. I met cold green eyes in the driver’s mirror. I didn’t need lessons in telepathy to know what Troy was thinking because it had to be the same as me. Had we escaped from the frying pan only to land with a thud in the middle of the fire?