Chapter One Hundred and Two

2019

Anna

Anna got to the front door first, giving it a once-over – just in case. She gave a cursory glance to the camera as she entered. Muriel traipsed in after her.

‘I think I’ll head up right away, Anna. I’m so—’

‘Er … no, Mum. Sorry. You need to call Dad.’

‘Anna. It’s ridiculously late. I’m not phoning at this time of night.’

‘Seriously, I’m not able to calmly go up to bed and sleep after everything that’s just been said. How the hell can you?’ Anna’s face was hot with anger at her mother’s blasé attitude.

‘Fine,’ she said, wearily. ‘I’ll call, but there’ll be no point because he’ll be asleep.’

‘I’d feel better if you at least tried, though, thank you,’ Anna said, stepping aside to let Muriel go into the lounge ahead of her.

The time it took for her mother to find the mobile number and make the call felt unduly prolonged. Anna tapped her foot on the carpet as Muriel tapped out the number on the phone.

In the distance, Anna heard music.

‘What’s that?’ She turned, walking into the kitchen. ‘Mum? Leave the phone ringing and come here.’ Muriel did as Anna instructed and came and stood by her side. ‘Listen.’

‘He’s here,’ her mother said. She unlocked the back door. ‘Come on in, Eric.’

Anna’s mouth dried. Tears of sadness, anger and betrayal erupted as she came face-to-face with her father for the first time in thirty years.

‘Hello, Anna,’ Eric said. Bloodshot eyes, watery and sad, searched Anna’s.

‘Why?’ She shook her head. ‘Why did you do it?’

‘It’s not something I can easily explain,’ he said, his voice thick. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘Sorry? Oh, my God. I literally don’t know what to say to you,’ Anna said, turning her back and walking into the lounge.

She could hear whispered voices. Even now, she thought, they were keeping secrets. Hatching a plan. Trying to figure a way out of this mess without either of them ending up in prison. Anna wanted to scream, ‘Whatever you’re saying out there you can say to my face, you know.’

Her mother and father joined Anna in the lounge. It was a scene she’d never imagined could happen. And, in different circumstances, she might well have been pleased, taken it as an opportunity to get to know her dad again. But not now.

Anna’s entire body was trembling. ‘Where is she? Where did you take Jonie Hayes’ body after you murdered her?’

Eric winced. ‘Your mother’s just told me Billy’s here, in Mapledon.’

‘Yes, but that’s not answering the question,’ Anna said, sharply.

‘I will. I’ll tell Billy where to find her.’ His voice was weak, drenched in defeat.

‘Well, that’s big of you. Only taken thirty fucking years.’ Anger spewed from her. It wasn’t merely anger for him killing Jonie, but for leaving Anna when she needed him.

‘I had to stay away, not have any contact with you. You understand that, don’t you?’