‘We’ll have to cross that bridge when we get to it,’ Barb says. ‘But I don’t think he had anyone, Nick. He was a loner before; I can’t imagine he’d changed.’

I realise, once Barb passes away, this awful, criminal legacy will be mine, Nick’s and Tim’s alone.

How will it be possible to stop the truth coming out forever? Will we have to tell Finley and Leo about it one day? Pass on the appalling secret to them?

I’m nauseous at the thought.

But the repercussions of telling the truth sicken me far more. We’d all be in prison; the boys would go into care …

No. For now, this is what has to be done to protect my family.

If I’d been asked if I were capable of covering up a murder, let alone two, a few weeks ago, I’d have categorically said no. Never. Not possible.

I suppose no one truly knows how they’ll act in any given situation. Not until you’re in it. Living the nightmare. As a mum, I believe my job is to protect my young.

The lengths a mother would go to in order to do that should never be underestimated.

The morning passes in a haze. No one leaves the house; we just move from room to room, chatting here and there, brewing tea, making sandwiches none of us really want, while contemplating our next steps.

I walk into the kitchen and go to Barb’s side as she pours yet another cup of tea and lay my hand on her shoulder.

‘I guess we’ll be staying, then,’ I say.

‘Thank you.’ She blinks away tears. ‘But what about the boys – living here – are you okay with that now? I mean, knowing what’s in the garden …’

‘It’s not ideal,’ I say, almost laughing at the biggest understatement of the year. ‘But Nick apparently has a plan. And Tim’s going to help out with it.’

‘Richard is,’ Barb corrects. ‘He has to be Richard now.’

‘Hmm, okay – Richard will.’ This part I’m still not sold on yet. ‘He’ll be spending more time in Stockwood, will be offering his support.’

‘And is there a future there?’ Barb offers a thin smile.

‘I’ll take each day as it comes,’ I say.

Chapter One Hundred and Four

8 Months Later

Amber

The summer sun beats down, its bright rays touching each of the people gathered as though it’s highlighting them, casting a spotlight.