Barb is in the other car with Patrick. I’m surprised Nick left her with him – they didn’t seem very cosy when we were leaving the field ten minutes ago. The man bloody well abducted her, hit her over the head and tied her up in his car. I can’t believe Nick is overlooking this fact. Trusting the man with his mother. Other things were obviously said in that field before I got there with Davina – I’d forgotten there was a lag in time before we arrived at the scene: moments in which other things were spoken about. I’ve not been privy to everything. Yet.

Davina went inside the house, too. She was adamant she’d be helpful in locating the gadgets Wayne had planted – she had seemingly taken one of his remote devices so she could turn off the lights earlier. I see her reappearing now – she stops on the doorstep and looks in my direction. A sadness pulls at her face, slackening the skin around her jawline even more than usual. She has aged in the past few hours; everything bearing down on her like a huge weight. She doesn’t come to the car; she crosses the road and I follow her progression as she walks back into her own house. I have no idea what she’s about to face. What Wayne will do to her. I think she assumed he’d be gone. I hope she’s right.

Before she went inside my house with the men, she’d ducked her head inside the car and asked me what I was going to do about Wayne – about Carl, about the developers. I couldn’t give her an answer, because until I get the full, entire picture, I’ve no idea.

As much as I’m angry with Davina, I know deep down I will forgive her. In time.

I can’t say the same about Richard, though. His deceit hurts so much more; runs far deeper. He’s Nick’s brother. I’m not sure the full realisation of this has hit me, yet. He is Tim. He infiltrated my life – to what end still isn’t clear – and I feel used. Foolish for believing he loved me when he’s obviously had ulterior motives all along.

‘All clear.’ I flinch at the suddenness of Nick’s voice.

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes.’ He nods. ‘Davina was right – the place is as clean as a whistle. No trace left.’

‘No evidence,’ I mutter.

‘Oh, I didn’t say that. There’s evidence, Amber – just not what either of us were expecting.’

I climb out of the car and head back into the house. What was my home.

It certainly doesn’t feel like it now.

Patrick walks in behind me – his steps tentative, as though he’s afraid of what secrets lie inside.

Join the club.

Chapter Ninety-Five

Amber