‘I just do,’ he says.

‘Still, that doesn’t prove anything.’

‘I’ve been careful since then, always using a proxy server to hide my location. I have location services disabled on my phone and computer. I make sure there is nothing behind me when I’m streaming.’

‘That’s good to hear, that you’re being careful. Like I said, I’m sure it’s a coincidence.’ Although there have been far too many of those lately.

‘There was something else,’ he says.

‘What?’

He gets out of bed and crosses the room to his computer monitor, switching it on. I see the dark tones of the gaming profile, an image of Evan’s character, a herculean figure with bare chest, a long rifle slung over his shoulder. He clicks the direct messages tab and my stomach falls through the floor.

Next time u wont escape ; )

Chapter Twelve

TWELVE

‘EVAN,’ I SAY, TRYING to keep my voice calm. ‘This doesn’t mean anything. Even if it’s true, it doesn’t mean it’s your fault. The fire was in the news. He could have seen it there, or maybe he meant you won’t escape on the game?’

I’m suddenly angry at July for posting the image on her Instagram and Snapchat. He folds his arms, but neither of us turns away from the screen. ‘He’s a pyscho, Mum.’

‘Maybe, but we’re safe now.’

I see other messages in his inbox. Messages Evan has sent.

We’re going to rape you

KYS loser

‘Evan, did you send those messages?’

Despite the dark of the room I see his cheeks flush.

‘Tell me.’

‘Everyone talks like that online.’

‘We’ve been through this. This better not be the same kid you were bullying with your friends before?’

He just shrugs, which gives me the answer. No wonder he feels guilty.

‘It’s just how people talk in gaming, it doesn’t matter.’

‘That doesn’t make it right. What does KYS mean?’

‘It’s just something people say.’

My voice rises. ‘What does it mean?’

‘Kill yourself.’

My anger boils over. ‘Are you insane, Evan? What the hell is wrong with you? Never send that to anyone ever again. Do you understand me?’

He nods. ‘I’m sorry, Mum. People send worse stuff all the time. People say they hope I get cancer, or they’re going to throw acid in my face.’

‘You’re not sorry, or you wouldn’t have done it again. Wasn’t it enough we banned you last time? Do we need to take all your gaming away?’

‘No, I won’t do it anymore.’

Kill yourself. I think about the words again. What would happen if someone actually did kill themselves? How would it affect my son? ‘And you sent these messages to this Raze? You provoked him? How could anyone tell someone else to kill themselves? I expected so much better from you.’

‘He started it.’