When we get back home Dad decides to go to the Sam’s bar down the road, where a couple of his friends gather most evenings to discuss how the Red Sox should be playing. Ever since Mom went into care it’s been his only break from the grim reality of his empty home. Waving him off, I cross the street and knock on Bert’s door.

The pecan pie is a big hit. Pecan is Elsie’s favorite, apparently. I pretend I knew this all along, and went especially to Maxwell’s bakery, because they make the best pecan pies in town. Elsie was really impressed by my thoughtfulness. It made her happy, so I didn’t mind the lie.

Then I get an update from Bert. Things are still the same. Elsie is comfortable enough to stay in her own home, and for that Bert is grateful. All his sadness and anger is nothing compared to this one consolation; that Elsie is still at home. Lucky Bert.

‘I saw a young woman at the Wall’s’ during the week.’ Bert says, when I stand to leave. He always calls our house ‘the Wall’s’. Not ‘your parents’ house’, or ‘your house’, or anything like that. Just ‘the Wall’s’, as if the rest of my family have nothing to do with me.

‘Really?’ I say.

‘She looked like you; same build, same color hair.’

What do I do now? I can’t tell Bert I sneaked in the side entrance because I didn’t want to see him.

‘That was me, Bert. I forgot my key and had to go round the back of the house.’

‘No, it wasn’t you. You were there on Monday. This was the previous Friday. I wouldn’t normally notice who was visiting who, only I was out in the yard at the time.’

A woman who looked like me?

‘She was probably just selling something,’ I say. ‘Was Dad in?’

‘If he was, he didn’t answer. Besides, she was looking for you.’

‘Me? How do you know?’

‘Because she came across when no one answered. Asking if I knew a Rebecca Wall, saying that she needed to speak to you.’

There is only one conclusion I can jump to here. Katie Collins was at my house.

‘That’s odd,’ I say.

‘She didn’t find you?’

‘Not yet, Bert. If it’s important enough, she’ll track me down.’

My heart is beating a little faster. Now seems like a good time to pop around to Danny. I’ll say I came to see how Joanna is after her night in hospital. And maybe, while I’m there, ask him if he knows anything about Katie Collins. After all, if she called at Dad’s house, she may have called at Danny’s. Though I’m sure Danny would have been straight on to me if she had. Wouldn’t he?

Chapter Sixteen