Kenneth removes the mask from his face. His colour has returned to normal and he smiles weakly. ‘Too many birthdays, that’s my problem. We all have to go one way or another, eh? But, before I do, I want to make sure my story is told once more. This time to a new generation. Andi – we’ll head back now and get the bags from the shed, please.’

Oh no. That’s it. Only he said ‘bags’. Plural. Perhaps he’s referring to something else?

Andi is looking at me closely. ‘Are you all right, son? You’ve gone pale.’

She knows.

‘Ah no, I’m fine. I was just a bit, you know …’

‘Scared? I understand. Don’t worry, he’s fine now. Aren’t you, Kenneth?’

‘Ahem. Oh yes. Right as rain. Now let’s go, if you please. Are you coming, children? There’s something I want to show you.’

‘Now?’ I say.

‘Of course,’ says Kenneth. ‘Like I said, I don’t have much time.’

And they lead the way to the house.

Chapter 48

All the way back to Kenneth McKinley’s house I’m running through the possibilities in my head. Susan has taken Dennis’s lead and doesn’t even complain when she has to pick up his huge poo in a little black bag that Andi gives to her. Honestly – a supermarket carrier bag would be a better size. She scratches his head and calls him a ‘good old boy’, while he thumps his tail against her legs. I stay well out of his way to be on the safe side.

Susan and I wait with Mr McKinley and Dennis in the front room while Andi goes to the shed. I am terrified.

She’s comes back, holding a paper bag. ‘I’ve got it, Kenneth!’

She sounds cheery. Is it fake? I look at her face to check, but it’s giving nothing away. Their conversation is not exactly whispered, but it is taking place quietly, as though Susan and I are not supposed to be there.

‘Only one? There were two, as I recall. I’m not totally doolally yet.’

‘Yes. Just this one – with the videotape.’

‘And the other one? The one with the Dreaminators?’

That word! I feel a charge go through me like a little electric shock.

I glance over to where Susan is looking at the table of photos. For probably the first time since I met her, she’s not paying attention to her surroundings, but seems lost in fascination.

‘Couldn’t see it, Kenneth.’ Andi’s voice is airy-don’t-carey. I’m convinced now that she’s putting it on. She adjusts a cushion behind his back. ‘It won’t have gone far. It’s probably just fallen behind a shelf. I’ll have to move stuff to get to it later.’