‘But you don’t deserve all this horrible stuff they’re saying!’ said Carmen.

Murphy’s face was unchanged. ‘I’ll go talk to Miss Ellis. But you’re not to tell anyone else. Okay? Promise me.’

Carmen gripped his hands. ‘That’s not all. Madison wanted me to give you this.’

‘Madison sent you over here?’ said Murphy, pulling his hands out of hers, feeling suddenly cold.

‘She wanted you to know about Miss Ellis —’ began Carmen.

‘Madison told you to tell me?’ said Murphy. ‘What else has she said?’

‘Just about Miss Ellis, and that she wanted you to have this.’ Carmen fished a USB drive out of her pocket.

Murphy took the USB drive but held it away from himself like it was another tiger snake.

‘Murph, you need to tell the cops,’ said Butch.

Murphy glanced at the driveway, then at the USB. Anything that little witch says is lies and poison. Whatever is on this USB is just something to help her get her way. I won’t be part of her game – I don’t believe for a second that Eliza slept with Cierra, but I need to go warn her.

He put the USB in his pocket. ‘I’m taking the Hilux and I’m going to speak to Eliza. Carmen, promise me you won’t tell anyone else.’

Carmen shrugged. ‘I guess. Unless Madison tells me to – Cierra’s her sister, after all. But —’

Murphy had already grabbed the Hilux keys off the hook and was walking out the door.

CHAPTER 30

ELIZA

Eliza sat on a stool in Tom and Monica’s kitchen, showered and warm. She had a new red headscarf around her temple and her golden hoops in her ears. She was drinking white wine straight out of the bottle and staring out the bay window, watching the wind in a maple tree.

It had been an hour since she’d returned from the mountains. Monica was at Tom’s mother’s house with Wren. Tom himself was volunteering up at the search around Lake Mackenzie. Sarge the dog was locked in the backyard: she didn’t want him getting in the way when the police came.

On the counter were a line of three post-it notes.

I give permission for Eliza Ellis to do what is necessary to protect her niece.

Signed, E. Ellis

I give permission for Eliza Ellis to not lose hope.

Signed, E. Ellis

I give permission for Eliza Ellis to be the strongest version of herself.

Signed, E. Ellis.