Ben opened his mouth to protest, and then closed it again. Then made a fresh attempt. ‘What about me? Do I have to stay here with these two? And aren’t you worried they’ll concoct some sort of story together while you’ve gone?’

She gave him a very adult look. ‘Seems to me they’re more likely to do the opposite. But you can come with us if you’re not comfortable here. Just please don’t make any more accusations.’ She turned to Thea. ‘Exactly who is this boy?’ she asked. ‘And where did he spring from?’

‘I think he might be an alien,’ Thea replied. ‘He seems to have superhuman powers, anyway.’

‘Well, I’m glad he’s on our side,’ said Caz.

337Thea felt very awkward ushering Caz, Ben and the real Grace into Tabitha Ibbotson’s house. It was even worse having to take Grace up to the attic, leaving the others downstairs. ‘But there’s not even a bed in here,’ was the first response.

‘No. There were blankets and cushions, but the police have taken them all away now. She wanted to be up here. She thought she’d be safe.’

‘Huh!’

‘I know.’ Thea was feeling more and more wretched, as she saw herself through this sad woman’s eyes. ‘The whole thing’s so dreadful.’

They stood there for another half-minute, saying nothing. Then, as they turned to go, Thea burst out, ‘So who did she hurt?’

‘What?’

‘She said to me, “We fear those we hurt” and she was frightened. She expected somebody to be after her. So who was it? What did she do?’

‘I have no idea,’ said Grace flatly. ‘It all feels like being in a ghastly nightmare, where nothing is even slightly rational. Karen could be very determined, and outspoken, but she would never hurt anybody.’

When they got back to the living room, Ben and Caz were both leaning over his smartphone, unaware of anything other than the little screen. ‘What?’ asked Thea, aware of a rising tension in the air above their heads.

‘The solicitor’s website. There’s an out-of-hours number. We’re going to call it,’ said Ben. And he did, there and then, apparently with Barkley’s blessing. He 338asked a few questions, clearly unsatisfied with the replies. ‘It’s a police matter,’ he repeated.

Thea met Caz’s eyes – and whispered, ‘So why isn’t it you talking to them?’ Caz waved a silencing finger, shaking her head at the same time.

‘Could you give me his number, then?’ the boy was insisting. ‘That can’t do any harm, can it?’

Apparently, he was triumphant, since he scribbled down some digits on his ever-present notepad.

He waved the phone at Caz – ‘You or me?’ he asked.

‘Best be you. I’m well outside the rules already. And – though it pains me to say it – you seem to be more across the details than I am.’

But Ben hesitated. ‘We need to talk it over first,’ he said. ‘If you’re not sure …’

‘I think I know who she hurt.’ Grace’s voice was low and slightly choked. ‘Karen – you said she must have hurt someone. I think I know who that must be.’