So my plan is this. I’ll open it and if anything bad happens I’ll take it to the top of Harrowby Tarn and burn it. That’s what you’re supposed to do with evil things, with things that have become possessed. I read that in a book I borrowed from the mobile library called Great Mysteries of Northern England. I might even ask Isobel to get her dad to help me burn it. That’s another thing I read, that priests and vicars and religious folk can get rid of evil spirits by reciting words and chucking holy water about.

Yes, that’s what I’ll do if the worst comes to the worst. But, after all, it’s just a book, just a story. And nothing truly bad ever came from reading a story.

29

Lisa

With Joe in my arms, I walk trance-like to the front door. It seems to swell and expand before me like a giant shadow. As I draw closer the banging starts again and I almost drop Joe.

‘Lisa? Are you in there? It’s just me, Jimmy.’

Jimmy. The landlord from the pub. My body sags with relief. It isn’t Mark or the police. We’re still safe. For now.

‘Is it Daddy?’ says Joe. His eyes are sleepy and he rests his head on my shoulder as I fumble with the stiff door handle.

‘No, darling,’ I say. ‘It’s just the man from the pub. We’ll see what he wants then tuck you into bed. You’re tired out.’

I give the door one final yank and almost tumble out on to the step.

‘Steady,’ says Jimmy, stepping forward and grabbing my arm.

‘Hi,’ I say as I regain my balance. ‘Sorry I took so long to answer. I … I was just getting Joe down.’

‘Oh God, did I wake him?’ says Jimmy apologetically. ‘I’m really sorry. I was just a bit worried after the other night, you running off like you did. I thought I’d scared you with all that talk about the mad fella. To be honest, I was in a bit of a daft mood and I guess my bantering went a bit too far. I’m sorry.’

‘It’s fine,’ I say, slightly bemused at him turning up like this, though grateful to see a friendly face.

‘Anyway, I brought you this,’ he says, holding up a bottle of white wine. ‘Isobel thinks I scared you with my stories too. I don’t always judge situations very well.’

‘I guess it did spook me out a little,’ I say, shivering in the cold draught. ‘Listen, why don’t you come in?’

‘If you’re sure,’ says Jimmy, looking rather sheepish suddenly. ‘I wouldn’t want to impose or anything.’

‘You’re not,’ I say, pulling Joe closer to my chest. ‘It’s nice to see you.’

He smiles then follows me into the house.

‘Want Daddy,’ whispers Joe sleepily, his head tucked under my chin. ‘He tell me bedtime story.’

‘Missing his dad, eh?’ says Jimmy. ‘Is he going to be coming up to join you?’