‘He did. Back when all this first happened. But he couldn’t stick the weather. Played havoc with his arthritis.’

‘Oh, right. He’s not going to come back here now? Seeing as the truth is out, surely he could?’

‘No. Too much water under the bridge for that, love.’

Anna made a move towards the door. She wanted to head back home. Carrie had been beside herself worrying she’d be gone for longer than the promised day. Not surprisingly, she didn’t trust Anna after she’d left her for almost two weeks in July. Since leaving Mapledon after the evening when it was revealed she’d killed Jonie, Anna was taking time to adjust to her newly acquired knowledge. Bit by bit she’d remembered that awful Wednesday afternoon, snippets of it coming to her in slow motion, like action scenes from a film.

She hoped one day she could forgive herself, but she didn’t hold out much hope of that. The most she could manage was to live a good life now; be a good mum. She owed that to her dad. Eric had done what he did because he thought it was the only way to protect her. The only way he could ensure she lived a happy life. Whether she’d deserved that opportunity instead of Billy Cawley was a question she asked herself daily.

‘Come back with me, Mum. Leave Mapledon – live with me and Carrie,’ she said as she reached the front door.

‘I’d never survive outside of this tiny village, Anna. It’s my home. Where I belong.’ Muriel opened the door, and Anna noted her quick, sideways glance to check there was nothing hammered to it. ‘Mapledon looks after its own, love,’ she said.

‘Does it?’ Anna said, kissing her mum on the cheek. ‘Do you think Tina would echo that sentiment?’

Anna didn’t wait for a response. She knew there wasn’t one.

Driving up the hill, Anna looked in her rear-view mirror, watching her mother waving on the doorstep until she dropped out of sight. As she drove past a parked car, it pulled abruptly away from the kerb. She squinted, checking the mirror to see who the driver was. It appeared to be a woman, but she couldn’t make out who. Anna didn’t think much of it as the car followed a short distance behind her.

She turned onto the main road leading out of Mapledon.

Leaving the village and hopefully its ghosts behind her.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My thanks to my amazing agent, Anne – you are truly the best, and to Kate Hordern, Rosie and Jessica Buckman for your hard work and continued support. I’m so proud to be with KHLA.

Huge thanks to my fabulous editor, Katie – you go above and beyond and I’m very grateful for your enthusiasm and excellent editing skills. You are an absolute joy to work with. My thanks also to the rest of the dynamic ‘Team Avon’ – I thoroughly enjoy working with you all and thank you for continuing to publish my books.