Zoe was upset too. Could she ask Mel to take Zoe as well? No, Josh was flying out to Adelaide at lunchtime and Tara had already organised the mother-in-law to babysit.

‘Mel, do you think …’ Tara hesitated. ‘I feel bad saying it … Do you think Lexie had anything to do with the disappearance?’

The other woman was silent. Had Tara pushed it too far? She was about to apologise when Mel cut in.

‘I guess it’s a possibility.’

That was all the encouragement Tara needed.

BLOGSPOTCRAZY HAZY DAYZ

Where is Bella?

The police have searched and searched. But not a single trace of Bella. We have to give up on the idea that she wandered off.

Did you see the Telegraph today? I’m starting to wonder if it’s not as straightforward as we assumed. What’s the family hiding? Perhaps one of them arranged for Bella to be taken from playgroup so the blame would fall on the playgroup mums? Maybe the husband wants to get back with his first wife and take Bella with him? Maybe the mother wants a divorce and doesn’t want to share custody? What do you think has happened?

I hope wherever Bella is, she is safe and happy.

Tara stared at the screen. Would her readers abuse her for implicating Lexie? If Lexie or Marty had orchestrated the disappearance, it meant that Tara’s own kids were safe. All of Merrigang was safe. Tara read over the post, then typed her sign-off line.

Let’s bring Bella home for her birthday!

‘Muuummmeee, the TV stopped.’

Gritting her teeth, Tara stormed out to the lounge room.

‘You sat on the remote control,’ she shouted at Zoe. ‘Get off it. Don’t touch it again.’

Tara put the remote on the highest shelf of the bookcase, out of Zoe’s reach.

‘I’ll get you some morning tea in half an hour. Look at the clock—when the big hand is straight up and the little hand is on the ten.’

‘Can I have something now? I’m hungry.’

Tara realised her mistake—don’t mention food until you’re placing it on the table.

‘In half an hour. Watch Peppa Pig until then.’

Tara shut the lounge room door, and then the bedroom door, hoping that Zoe wouldn’t follow her, whining for biscuits. Returning her attention to the screen, she saw two people had already commented.

BLOGSPOTCRAZY HAZY DAYZ

COMMENTS (2)

Josephine says: The issue of custody is a good theory. I want to leave my husband but I can’t. He beats the kids and if I’m not there, then I can’t stop it. I wish I could disappear with my kids and make a new life somewhere else. Or, better still, that he would disappear.

Diai says: Don’t believe what you read in the papers. You know they sensationalise it for a good story!