Tara’s throat sounded hoarse as she took a gulp of air, then another. Her voice was muffled and punctuated by sobs when she said, ‘She’s OK? She’s safe?’

‘She’s safe,’ April said as her shoulder thumped against the car door. Faith hadn’t slowed as she turned onto the main road that would lead them directly to the village. ‘We should be with you in a few minutes.’

‘Wait, where are you?’

‘We’ve just left Pickering’s Pasture. Where are you?’

‘Erm, I don’t know,’ Tara said, catching her breath. ‘Somewhere on the coastal path, heading back to Hale Head.’

‘We could meet you by the lighthouse,’ April said, only to hear Faith huff. She wasn’t going to make a detour. ‘Or we could drop Molly off with Iain.’

‘He’s out looking for her too,’ Tara said, her voice jolting over her words as she moved. ‘I could make it back to the shop in fifteen minutes. Can you wait? Where’s Faith?’

‘She’s driving,’ April said.

‘She knows?’

‘Yes.’

‘Tell her to drive carefully,’ Tara said. ‘Sorry, I need to call Iain, and the police.’

‘Of course, I’ll see you soon.’

‘Tell Molly I love her. Tell her she’s not in any trouble.’

‘I will.’

‘Is Mum mad with me?’ asked Molly when the call ended.

‘No, sweetheart. She’s just relieved you’re safe,’ April said. For Faith’s benefit, she added, ‘We can wait for her in the shop and then everyone can catch their breath.’

There was no argument from Faith, which April took as a good sign until they approached Ivy Farm Court. The car didn’t slow.

‘Faith …’

‘I can drop you off, but I’m not getting out,’ she said.

‘Then I won’t get out either.’

‘I thought as much,’ said Faith. ‘So when I get home, you can wait in the car with Molly while I sort things out with Nick. Tara can meet us there.’

‘You can’t—’

‘Is that all right with you, Molly?’ asked Faith. ‘There’s a nice park close to where I live. You could take Dexter for a walk when your mum catches you up.’

‘If she’ll let me,’ Molly replied.

‘After the stunt you’ve just pulled, your mum will let you do whatever you want, so make the most of it,’ Faith said. To April, she added, ‘There you go, you wanted a plan, and now we have one. Satisfied?’

‘Fine, speak to Nick on your own, but if I don’t see him coming out with his bags packed within ten minutes, I’m phoning the police,’ April muttered. ‘I’d better let Tara know.’

When she tried to phone Tara back, it went straight to voicemail so she tapped out a message. After a couple of minutes, Tara sent a reply. It was one word. ‘Fuck!’