The sun beats down on the river and makes Matt squint. The bushes by the footpath rustle in a thin breeze. The river rushes along, unstoppable, its shushing noise drowning out the dwindling sounds of Tim’s screams. The whole thing takes longer than he expected it would. He wants to be sure.

When it’s done and they are, he lets go of the body without looking at James. It floats up to the surface, a black shape against the blue of the water, and begins to drift off down the current.

The two men watch it go without saying anything.

When it’s finally out of sight, they turn away and wade back to the bank. They climb ashore, pick up their rucksacks and tighten the straps, then head back along the footpath in silence.

1

Acknowledgements

Without the help, hard work and support of a number of people, this book wouldn’t exist.

The handful of friends, family and friends of friends who read the book when it was still in its early stages. You know who you are, and your feedback helped make The Moor better.

My agent, Zoë Apostolides, for believing in the book.

Kwaku Osei-Afrifa, who first commissioned it; Annabel Wright and Leonora Craig Cohen, who guided me through the editorial process; and all the brilliant people at Unbound who helped it along the way.

My developmental editor, Michael Rowley, whose insightful suggestions improved the story.

My family and friends, whose excitement and interest in the project made me want to make it the best it could be.

All the awesome people who pledged.

My partner, Keely, whose support has been invaluable. I love you, sweetheart.

2

Patrons

Sandra Armor
David Bailey
Duncan Bailey
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Tim Holmes
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