‘She’s back. I have to go. Shit.’ She sounds hysterical again. ‘I don’t want to see her.’

She runs back to my room, going to the window and opening it. It’s the craziest overreaction, and it’s far too high for her to jump from. I put my hand on her arm. ‘Wait. She might go into the garden or to the bathroom or something.’

I hear the back door open as my mother enters the kitchen, then cupboards opening and closing before she runs the tap and turns on the kettle. Then I hear her boots on the wooden floor as she comes to the bottom of the stairs.

‘Are you up there, Niamh?’ Behind me, Hollie shrinks back.

I stand in the doorway. ‘Yeah.’

‘I’ve put the kettle on. Would you like tea?’

‘No, thanks. I’m doing homework.’

As I push the door closed and turn around, Hollie is distraught. ‘Why are you so upset? Does it matter that you’re here?’

‘Ssshhh …’ Hollie’s eyes are wide as she shakes her head. ‘She’ll know you’re talking to someone. You have to help me. I have to get out of here.’

Hearing my mother coming up the stairs, I hold my breath, my eyes glued to Hollie’s. Then as I hear the door to my parents’ bedroom open, followed by the door to the en suite, I exhale.

‘Now,’ I tell Hollie urgently. ‘She’s in the bathroom. Just be really quiet.’

Without speaking, Hollie flies down the stairs. I don’t hear the back door open, just glimpse her running across the grass from an upstairs window before I go back to my room and get my homework out. Five minutes later, there’s a knock on my door, and my mother pushes it open.

There’s a frown on her face. ‘I just saw Hollie running across the garden.’

I look away. ‘Yeah. She suddenly remembered something she had to do.’

My mother gives me an odd look. ‘Be careful, Niamh. I know you and Hollie are close, but there’s something going on. I’m worried about her.’

My mother is now an expert on Hollie? I don’t think so.

In the doorway, she hesitates. ‘Did you hear anything last night? Outside?’

‘No. Why?’

‘It’s just that someone slashed your father’s tyres.’

I frown. ‘Who would do that?’

‘I’ve no idea.’ She hovers.

I raise my eyebrows at her. ‘I have homework,’ I say pointedly.

Heat rises in my cheeks as she glances towards my unopened schoolbooks. ‘No doubt you do.’ Her voice is cool. ‘In that case, I’ll let you get on.’

Chapter Five

Elise