I move to go after her but Isaac grabs my hand and yanks me towards him. “Is someone feeling a bit left out?”

Leanne squeals as I trip over her and land in his lap. I try to get back to my feet but he has his arms around me, nuzzling my cheek with his lips.

“Please.” I push at his chest. “I need to go the loo.”

“I’ll tell you when you can go to the loo.” His voice is light as if he’s joking, but there no denying the unspoken threat. He moves his lips to my mouth and kisses me fiercely as I wriggle desperately in his arms. I need to go down to the river. If I don’t, Al will think I don’t want to talk to her. She’ll think I stayed with Isaac through choice.

“You’re no fun.” He shoves me away so I tumble against Leanne. Cera laughs. There’s a malicious edge to the sound that makes the hairs on my arms prickle.

If she says something, I don’t hear it. I’m too busy squinting into the darkness, scanning the riverbank for any sign of Al. “What’s the matter?” Isaac slaps my bare calf.

“Nothing.”

“No, it’s not. You’re lying to me. Why? Why are you lying to me?” He peers at me then looks away, a frown creasing his brow as he surveys the group sitting around the fire. Raj catches his eye and waves, but he ignores him and looks into the distance, towards the river. Did he see Al signalling at me to go down there? Does he know?

“I’m fine, Isaac, I swear. I’m—”

“Don’t talk.” He presses a finger to my lips and continues to look around. His frown deepens as he glances back towards the house, but when he looks back at me his expression is jubilant.

“It’s Frank, isn’t it? You’re scared I’m going to let him out of the basement because of the rumour Daisy’s been spreading? Jesus.” He bangs himself on the side of his head with one hand. “You told me this morning that you wanted to kill Frank, and I didn’t give it a second thought because I was so focused on getting you to give voice to your negative emotions, and you’ve been suffering in silence ever since.” He pulls me into his arms, crushing me against him. “I’m sorry, Emma.”

The scent of musk and sweat on his T-shirt makes me feel sick but I wrap my arms around his waist and try to relax as he rocks me from side to side.

“I’ll make it up to you.” He pulls away sharply, his hands on my waist. “I promise.”

“What do you mean?”