‘Maddie,’ Ruth said. ‘I’ve brought you some towels.’ She liked to remember her guests’ names. Tried to memorise them. Connecting their names with something memorable. Maddie – Mad – Crazy American woman. Jackson – Jack the Lad. Lark – a beautiful bird trapped in a cage, desperate to be free …

‘Thanks so much,’ Maddie said, taking the towels from her, and burying her face in them. ‘They smell amazing. You’re so kind.’ With that she closed the door.

‘You don’t know me,’ Ruth muttered into the quiet night, as she turned back to her trolley. ‘How do you know I’m kind? You don’t know me at all.’

She tucked a tendril of flyaway hair behind her ear, and headed back to her cottage, the squeak of the wheels grating on her nerves. Finn would need to oil them. Thank goodness she had Finn.

Chapter 14

A Year Ago

Amelia

They made their way back through the forest. ‘So this is where our final ghost roams,’ Finn began. ‘She—’

‘So, have you seen any of these ghosts?’ Lark cut in from a few steps behind. ‘I mean what are you basing all this crap on?’

He looked over his shoulder, slowing his pace. ‘If I’m honest, I’ve never seen a ghost,’ he said. ‘But many people have.’

‘Who exactly?’

‘Visitors mainly, and my mum reckons she’s seen a spirit.’

‘Gin or vodka?’ She laughs.

‘Mum doesn’t drink, Lark.’ His tone was harsh. He took a deep breath. ‘You really are a piece of work, aren’t you?’

She shrugged. ‘I aim to please.’

‘My mother’s seen the ghost, I was about to tell you about before you rudely interrupted.’ He glared back at Lark, and she shrugged again, kicked the dusty mud beneath her feet as she walked.

‘A teenage girl who lost her life on Vine Hill is said to wander here.’

‘That’s awful, so tragic,’ Amelia said. ‘Do you know who she was?’

‘My sister.’ His tone was even, his eyes looking ahead. ‘Ever since I was small, my mum’s said she sees her.’

‘Oh God, I’m so sorry.’

‘Don’t be. I barely remember her. I was only three when she died.’ He turned to look at Amelia, his eyes wide. ‘It happened a very long time ago, and if I’m honest I don’t like the thought of her roaming here, never have.’

He looked about him, as though searching for her, before picking up speed, and Amelia dropped behind with her mum, Lark and Jackson some steps behind them.

‘Did you enjoy the walk, Mum?’ Amelia said, noticing how weak her mum looked.

‘Yes, although I’m a bit tired now.’ She sounded breathless. ‘I’ll sleep well tonight, I expect.’

An owl hooted in the distance, and Amelia grabbed her chest. ‘I’m not sure I will,’ she said with a laugh.