‘Did your husband destroy the other diary?’

‘No, it’s something else. Olivia, she left you a note. It’s like she knew you’d read the diaries at some point, so I’m sure she’s omitted some things.’

She handed him the diary with the letter page open. He read it slowly, then again.

‘That’s it? That’s all she left me? It doesn’t even explain anything. How could she? She took her secrets to the grave with her and now I’ll never know.’ He began to cry silently, shoulders hunched up, body tense. She wrapped him in her arms for a moment until he started to calm down.

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t ever apologize for being human.’

‘You always seem so strong,’ Ryan said.

‘Trust me, I’m not. The littlest thing can see me unravel. I break down too, you’re just not there to see it. I carry my grief alone.’

‘That must get very lonely. You can always talk to me.’

‘If I’m going to talk to anyone, it should really be my husband.’ She thought of Billy and his usually caring ways. Ever since Wren had died, she felt like he had changed. Become a harder man. Then again, she had changed too, become distant and angry. ‘But he wants me to hurry through the grieving phase and come back to being his wife. The trouble is, I’m not ready to let go just yet. I have things to do. I haven’t spoken to Justin or Wade yet – I need their stories and to ask them questions. They lived and Wren didn’t – that’s all I really know at this stage, but I intend to find out everything.’

‘Well, if you need backup…’

‘I know where to find it.’

She left soon after. Tomorrow, she would pay Justin and Wade a visit.

26

The day didn’t exactly go as planned. Vanessa had wanted to go and visit Justin and Wade, talk to them at length, find out what they knew. She knew exactly what to do. Then Billy had thrown her a curveball.

Maggie had got Ty ready and driven him to school, and Billy had showered and dressed, but he still didn’t leave the house. It got to ten o’clock and he was still there.

‘Billy, do you have a late start today?’ Vanessa asked, noting that he wasn’t wearing his work clothes.

‘I’m not going in today. I thought we could spend the day together, some quality time. Maggie is going home for the day to spend time with Charlotte and catch up with your dad. He comes to see you, you know, but you’re never here anymore – hence taking the day off.’

‘I wish you’d asked me first; I had planned on doing something.’

‘With Ryan?’ he asked, eyes narrowed. Billy rarely got jealous, but this was a whole new Billy.