The Piper

FORTY-FIVE




Olivia was running down the hotel corridor when the call came through. It was Hugh’s number that flashed up on the screen.

‘Olivia? Darling?’

There was static on the line and in the background, the barking of a dog.

‘Oh, God, Hugh, tell me you’re not in that house.’

‘Yes, but I’m leaving right now, heading down the stairs as we speak.’

‘But—’

‘You were right, you know. There is something here. It whispers at you, over your shoulder. It’s . . . vile.’

‘Don’t talk to it, Hugh.’

‘Talk to it? I tricked it, Olivia. We’re all going to be safe, we’re all going to be okay. I know how to get Teddy back. Oh God, poor little baby. It’s a horrible thing, this—’

‘Hugh. Get out of there, get out of the house.’

‘Darlin’, I’m on my way. I’m going to get our baby right now. She’s alive, Olivia. She’s alive.’

He sounded so happy, Olivia thought, he was laughing, damn him.

‘Where is she, Hugh? If you know, tell me now.’

‘It’s not something I can tell, Olivia. It’s hard to explain. But I’ll get to her, I can do this, I swear.’

‘Hugh, what’s that noise?’

‘It’s the attic fan. Shit.’

The phone showed connection lost.

Olivia called 911 first, reported intruders without shame, and gave her name. The dispatcher wanted her to stay on the line but she refused, and rang McTavish instead. He didn’t pick up. It was a bad time not to have a car.