Something catches my eye outside and I turn to look. A silver shape sits out on the tank stand. Watching. I jerk back to my task and say nothing to anyone. It won’t change or help things.

The adults stand around, shuffling on their feet and trying not to look at each other. Rhi and I get extra chairs from the dining room, hoping to encourage everyone to sit. No one does.

The adult Thomsons eye the two Millers and the look is returned in spades. You can see the conflict on Mum’s and Uncle’s faces. These are Millers, they shouldn’t be here. But May is the one exception Nan has drilled into everyone – always be polite to May Miller. And with Sam protecting us like he has, they can’t be rude to him either without seeming like petty arse hats. For his part Sam looks like he wants to crawl under the table. May is the only one who seems completely relaxed, but she keeps a close eye on everyone, and a protective hand on her grandson.

I finally have enough.

‘Sit!’

To my shock they do. But I’d drawn Mum’s attention to me. Most of her fury seemed to fade on the drive in, but I know it’s bubbling just under the surface.

‘Where is it, Tace?’

Rhi and I both flinch. ‘I don’t think—’

May interrupts me. ‘Show her, girl, she needs to see.’

‘But what if …’

May’s hand slices through the air, in that final way all the old fullas had, and I automatically reach into my pocket.

She turns to look at Mum. ‘Nobody else can touch it; no one but you.’ Her gaze is sad as she and Mum share a look. Something on Mum’s face tells me what they have planned.

‘Like fuckin hell I will!’ I yell, yanking my empty hand out of my pocket.

‘Stacey Claire!’ Uncle snaps.

‘Who gives a fuck about my language – no one else is goin to put themselves in danger. Touchin the stone, drawin them to you, none of it will save Laney!’ I immediately flush, horrified by what I’ve just said and how I’ve spoken to my elders. A collective gasp goes up and all eyes turn to Mum.

She looks like I’ve punched her, her eyes snapping shut for a few long minutes. I recognise the signs of her holding back tears, watching her is how I’ve learnt not to cry. She pulls all that pain inside her, closes it in, and when her eyes open again they are focused on me like a harsh light in a pitch black room.

‘Maybe not, but it would save you.’