The cops decided Laney must’ve gotten trapped in the cave and I’d somehow found her. Some weird twin connection is what the lead detective said. They’d tried to question me for a while but gave up when all I did was cry. The first few times it was genuine panic and guilt, but now I’m at a point where I see a blue uniform and I start crying just to make them go away.

Rumours flying around town are that I killed Dan. His parents came over to our place to scream abuse a few times. They can’t prove anything, but it’s all too convenient – a black girl is found and a white man goes missing. Not that anyone is drawing ‘untoward conclusions’ as I heard one of the detectives put it to the media. Course, now it’s a white man missing there are police, searchers and journos everywhere. Mum says they’ll clear out as soon as something else happens.

Conspiracy theories and gossip are running wild. People have even asked me if Dan is the one who took Laney. Doesn’t matter what the rumour is, I’m the villain. They all figure if I’m innocent then I’d be talking. Couldn’t argue with them there. Hell, if they knew what I’d really done they’d lynch me. Laney told everyone she doesn’t remember much, but I’m pretty sure she’s lying. There’s something in her eyes when she looks at me now that wasn’t there before.

We’re still sisters, still twins. She’s alive and that’s my only comfort.

‘Rhi’s been comin past too, told me all about what ya been up ta.’ She giggles. ‘Damn, Tace, I wish I’d been around to see ya rebel side come out.’

I poke my tongue at her.

‘She also told me some ome truths about Troy. You were right, he is a dickhead.’

Her attempt at a joke falls way flat and the hurt is there for anyone who knew how to listen. My free hand comes up to pat her cheek. I never want to be right if it hurts her.

‘Never mind, we’ve already started plannin my revenge. And now that my sister is a total bad-arse rule breaker, I expect ya to help.’

I give one deep nod of approval and she laughs.

‘What about ya love life? Now that we’re sort of buryin the hatchet with the Millers, maybe you could ask Sam out?’

I snort. Sam isn’t around. He’d called the house a few times, but let it go when I wouldn’t talk to him. We hadn’t exactly left things on good terms the last time I saw him.