I wanted to say something to DS Hegarty before I went. I had already given up the lease on my cottage – in a few days’ time, me and Brandy would be living somewhere else. I’d said goodbye to Marilyn, who had been tearfully apologetic for her role in what unfolded. I didn’t blame her, but I knew our friendship was over now, like so much. Where I was going, I didn’t know yet. Maybe Scotland. There seemed to be a lot of space up there, places to disappear and start over. At least I would never be too hot. The rain would fall on my face from the open sky and I would be thankful. And Carson – Callum – he would visit. I wouldn’t lose him again, the baby I’d saved. He was an orphan, his great-aunt also dead, and I had no child of my own. Maybe it could work.

‘DS Hegarty?’ I said as I stood up. ‘I just want to say – no hard feelings. I know you were only doing your job. And my past – the murders, the same way Abby and Anna were killed – well, I know how it looks. Anyone would have had the same suspicions.’

‘It doesn’t have to define you,’ he said. He held out his hand – strong and warm – and I shook it. ‘Take care, Rachel.’

‘Thanks.’ I didn’t tell him it wouldn’t be Rachel any more. When I moved on to my new life, I would take back the name Jenna had given me. Jenna, whose acting lessons had either saved me from the execution chamber or perhaps sent me there in the first place. It didn’t matter now.

I went out of the police station, pausing to appreciate it, the simple act of being able to open the door and step out into the fresh, rain-scented air.

Freedom. It was everything.

BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS