‘He says he didn’t take Jonie, and he didn’t kill her. As far as he’s concerned it’s all lies and he was framed.’

Dom huffed. ‘Standard,’ he said, raising his eyebrows.

‘Yes. But a huge part of me believed him. And having spent some time in Mapledon, I have to admit, there are secrets here. Secrets that the villagers are hiding.’

Lizzie suddenly felt awake, invigorated by the discussion. As she was speaking, the strength of her feelings intensified. Maybe she did believe her father was innocent. And that would change everything.

Chapter Sixty-Nine

1989

Brook Cottage Store

Thursday 8th June – 41 days before

‘How’re you getting on with the action points from last week’s meeting?’ Nell asked as she picked up the items and punched the price into the till, her long, red nails tapping annoyingly at the keys.

Muriel turned her back fully, to shield herself from the man in the queue behind her, before she spoke.

‘I’ve had some success, yes.’ Muriel smiled. Then added quietly: ‘But we need a chat, in private.’

‘Let me just serve Malcolm,’ she whispered, ‘then we can nip into the storeroom.’

Muriel took her shopping bag and hovered near the door to the storeroom at the rear of the shop. A few moments later, Nell rushed towards her.

‘Come on in,’ Nell said, ushering Muriel through. ‘What’s up? Is it what I think?’

‘Possibly,’ Muriel said, her eyebrows raised. ‘Tina?’

‘Yes! My goodness, has she had some kind of personality transplant? She’s acting so strangely. What is up with her?’

‘She seems so distant, doesn’t she? She appears to have lost interest in the meetings – she doesn’t offer any suggestions anymore, barely says a word. It’s making me nervous.’

‘Should we cut her out? Even Mark doesn’t seem to be able to talk sense into her. I think she may have lost her way.’

‘I think we should perhaps give her another chance? Maybe see what she’s like at the next meeting at the end of the month. It would be awkward for me to cut her out altogether, Nell. We’ve been friends for so long, and Bella plays with Jonie all the time.’

‘But, Muriel, if she’s not committed to the cause she shouldn’t be privy to the discussions. She should be replaced by someone who is.’

‘I know. I’m wondering if there’s something wrong between her and Mark. I’ll try and have a heart-to-heart; it might not be anything to do with our action points. She’s always been supportive of our community work in the past. I can’t see why she’d change her mind now.’

‘Unless she has a vested interest …’ Nell lowered her head, raising her eyes over the top of her glasses to shoot Muriel a knowing look.

‘You can’t seriously still be suggesting that, Nell, surely? I’d know.’

‘Would you? As you said yourself, she’s been distant lately, and now suddenly disinterested in what we’re trying to achieve. I’m adding two and two here, that’s all. You must’ve heard the rumours.’