‘Everyone loves Georgia!’ Jack’s face was pale, as the implication that he might be responsible hit home. ‘The plan was to claim they’d been kidnapped . . . The only one they hated was Bree.’

‘But she’s part of it,’ said Con.

‘She’s a bloody nightmare,’ said Jack. ‘Madison only let Bree in on it because she thought it’d help her. Bree wanted to fake her death so everyone would realise how much they miss her – Madison still blames herself for Denni’s death, and that’s what made Bree depressed in the first place. She thought if Bree could fake her death, she might stop being suicidal.’

Eliza’s stomach lurched at the mention of Denni.

‘And you thought that made sense?’ said Con. ‘That any of this was a good idea? You let someone who was suicidal walk into the woods and fake their own disappearance?’

‘They were gonna do it whether I helped —’

‘They’re teenage girls,’ Con roared. ‘They’re in your care! You should’ve told their parents, the school, the police, anyone!’

‘Please, detective,’ said one of the nurses weakly, but the other just nodded in agreement.

Gabriella walked into the room, closing the door behind her. ‘Started the party without me?’ She scowled.

‘Let me bring you up to speed: the girls did plan it,’ said Con, not taking his eyes off Jack. ‘Cierra wanted views for Madison’s YouTube channel, Georgia wanted attention for her museum, and Bree was desperate for people’s sympathy. We’re about to hear what Jasmine’s reason was. Aren’t we, Jack?’

‘Jaz didn’t tell me.’

Oh, Jack, thought Eliza. It was a lie, an obvious and complete lie.

‘It didn’t trouble you that the girl you were sleeping with wanted to disappear?’ said Con with awful patience.

‘I dunno, I didn’t wanna pressure her . . .’

‘But you were sleeping with her? And if you lie now, we’re going to have problems.’

Jack hesitated. ‘Yeah.’

‘For how long?’

‘A while.’

‘How long?’

‘Nine months . . .’

Con took a deep, calming breath through his nose. When he opened his eyes, his emotions were hidden again, a semblance of professionalism back on his face. ‘So let me get this straight: you helped them with this plan, just out of your love for Jasmine?’

‘Well, yeah, that . . . plus Madison said she’d tell everyone about me and Jasmine . . . and she promised me money,’ he muttered.

‘How much?’ said Con.

‘Five grand.’

‘Where the hell did she get that kind of money?’ said Con, glancing towards Eliza and Gabriella. ‘Just how rich are her parents?’

‘Kevin Mason works in real estate, has investment properties,’ said Eliza, her voice small, still feeling chastised.

‘Con, with her YouTube numbers, she’d make thousands in ad revenue, easy,’ said Gabriella.

‘And what did she ask you to do, exactly?’ said Con, turning back to Jack.