Before Anna could ask any questions, Muriel jabbed the off button on the remote and stood up. ‘Right, are we eating then?’

‘Oh, you’re done are you?’ Anna let the sarcasm ooze.

‘It was a new body,’ she said, before slipping past Anna into the kitchen.

‘Right, and so … that means?’

‘It’s not Jonie.’

The penny dropped. Her mother had been so engrossed in the report because the headline had merely stated: Body of girl found on Dartmoor. Muriel had thought it could be Jonie Hayes’ body, finally found after thirty years. Anna felt a dragging feeling in her gut. Sadness? A hope that her childhood friend could be put to rest – her family, the villagers of Mapledon, finally relieved of their burden?

Or, was the dragging sensation fear?

Anna closed her eyes for a moment, a dizziness washing over her. Why should she be fearful of Jonie’s body being found? Surely it could only be a good thing.

Unless deep down she knew there was a reason to be afraid.

‘Were you expecting it to be her?’ Anna asked as she flicked the kettle on.

‘Not really. But the mention of a girl’s body and being found close to here – there had to be a chance, didn’t there?’

‘Do you think Auntie Tina saw the news and would’ve thought the same as you?’

‘If she saw it, yes – she would’ve. She’s been preparing for news like that since Jonie went.’

‘Did she ever believe Jonie was still alive?’

‘I can’t remember now. I suppose at the beginning she must’ve.’ Muriel’s eyes clouded. ‘We all did,’ she added quickly. ‘But with the evidence piling up … the hope was replaced by the knowledge she was gone for good.’

‘Tina must despise Billy Cawley. Not only for taking Jonie away, but also never revealing where her body was. It’s so cruel.’

‘She did become bitter, as you know. Not sure about how she felt towards Billy though. By that point we weren’t as close, so she didn’t confide her feelings to me anymore.’

‘Very sad. What do you remember about the time Jonie went missing? Because I must admit, my memory of it all is really hazy.’

‘I don’t want to drag it all up again, Anna. I’m so tired.’

Excuses. Anna realised Muriel always made an excuse for why she didn’t want to speak about that time.

‘It bothers me, though. Like, I have this niggling feeling – almost an ache – that I’ve forgotten something important. I think you could help me get rid of it, Mum.’

‘I doubt I’d be much use.’

‘I think you would be. You could tell me about Lizzie – Eliza – for starters.’

‘No, love. I’m afraid I can’t do that. Now, are you getting that toast for me or not? I’m hungry.’

Chapter Fifty-Three

2019

Lizzie

She didn’t think it was the best idea inviting Billy to the B&B, but it was the safest. For her, anyway. Gwen wouldn’t know what he looked like, so Lizzie had dropped into conversation at breakfast that her uncle would be visiting later. Yes, it was a lie, and she didn’t like to deceive Gwen, but for the moment it was the only option. Soon enough everyone, including Gwen, would know she was the daughter of a murderer, and at that point Lizzie felt sure her welcome here would be revoked, so adding to that one white lie wouldn’t make a whole lot of difference to the inevitability of the outcome. To be fair, she might not be giving Gwen enough credit – she might actually be fine with Billy Cawley being at her B&B – it wasn’t as if he were staying in a room there.