‘He might not have murdered Joyce,’ said Roz, her tone leaden, ‘but if we’re right, he sure as hell killed his own mother.’

December 1941

Suzie was beginning to enjoy her new life at Hollybank. Seeing her mother desperately trying to appease her had pleased her no end, and whilst she would never admit it to the others, she very much enjoyed working with Bernie on the farm, although how she had managed to hold her tongue and not let him know the truth behind Roz and Felix’s relationship showed just how determined she was to twist the knife when it would have the most impact. She didn’t even feel sorry for Bernie – why should she? She knew he had only agreed to teach her so that he would win favour in Roz’s eyes; as far as Suzie was concerned Bernie deserved everything he got.

Hearing voices coming from the yard, she peered round the corner of the milking shed. Roz was back, although Suzie hadn’t the foggiest where the other woman had been. However judging by the look of elation on her face she had imparted goods news which was greeted with gusto by Joyce and Adele, who were looking extremely pleased for their friend. Suzie racked her brains. What on earth could have caused Roz such happiness? Determined to find out, she sauntered slowly towards the group of women, forcing her lips into a smile.

‘Someone’s happy? Care to share?’ she asked, in what she hoped was a carefree manner.

Roz was guarded; she really didn’t want Suzie knowing anything about her or her plans. The girl had barely spoken more than two words to her since she had agreed to remain in Hollybank, which was fine by Roz, so why the interest now?

‘Roz is going away for Christmas!’ said Joyce, who was grateful that her daughter was making an effort.

Roz shot Joyce a warning look to keep quiet, but Joyce wasn’t paying her any attention. This was the first time Suzie had approached any of them in a friendly manner, and Joyce was determined to make the most of it.

‘Oh, how lovely!’ said Suzie. ‘Anywhere nice?’

Knowing that Suzie would only be interested for the wrong reasons, Roz decided to nip the conversation in the bud. ‘I’m going to stay with Mabel.’

Assuming that Roz meant she would be staying in Mercer Court, Suzie immediately lost interest and returned to her usual sulky demeanour. Shooting her mother a scathing look, she arched an eyebrow. ‘I suppose you’ll be going too?’

Before Roz could stop her, Joyce let the cat out of the bag. ‘Gosh, no! Mabel’s living on a farm in Betwys-y-Coed!’

‘Is she now?’ said Suzie, her interest reignited. ‘I daresay I wouldn’t know, as nobody bothers to tell me anything.’

Roz eyed Suzie with deep suspicion. ‘Why would you care where Mabel is? I thought you hated her?’

Suzie shrugged in a nonchalant manner. ‘Maybe I’ve decided to let bygones be bygones, life’s too short to dwell on the past.’