Alex has felt the change in me too. The couple who were going to buy our house in Mersea went ahead and bought the land. It felt strange to see new foundations on the site where our old place used to be. Given what had happened, it was probably for the best. Too many bad things had happened there. Malevolence had seeped into the very framework, causing misery and misfortune to its dwellers. The deaths within would be enough to put most people off, but luckily our buyers were willing to put aside such reservations.
Our new home in Leeds is so bright and airy in comparison. I wake up bathed in sunlight, which sets me up for the day ahead. Josh has made such a success of managing the Colchester branch of Something Borrowed that he’s had to take on extra staff. I’ve learned how to work the online side of things and am content with that for now. It frees up more time with Jamie and I love chatting with the other mums when I pick him up at the school gates. It feels good to envelop him in the warm hugs I was deprived of as a child. Alex’s family have embraced me into the fold, none the wiser of Jamie’s true parentage. Call it magical thinking, but Alex and I have come to an agreement. We are Jamie’s parents. The DNA test results have been destroyed. I didn’t deliberately set out to deceive my husband, because deep down I always saw Jamie as his. I’m still coming to terms with Theresa’s death but have finally managed to free myself from the shackles of guilt and remorse that kept me bound. She’s buried beside Mum in Colchester, and I’m visiting their graves later today. Josh has been so kind, placing flowers in my absence.
There’s only one dark cloud on the horizon. In the quiet times, he creeps into my thoughts. Sometimes I think I catch a glimpse of him: a man sitting in a passing bus, a hooded figure in the distance. Other times I feel his eyes on the back of my neck. I know he’s dead but I half expect him to return. I think of the day I almost killed him, how he taunted me about all those girls. I take comfort in the knowledge that he cannot prey on such innocence again. At least everything is out in the open now. I told the police the truth, and after months of investigation, Mum has finally been put to rest.
Releasing my hand, Alex hoists Jamie on to the swing.
‘Higher, Daddy, higher,’ he giggles, and this time I am happy to let him fly. I’m not going to waste another second of my life fretting. I sit in the swing beside him, push it back as I stand on my tiptoes and launch myself into the air.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Thank you for reading Silent Victim. The subject of grooming and abuse is one I have encountered many times in my career, having worked in specialised roles dealing with vulnerable victims and sexual abuse cases. For each case I have handled, there are many more which have gone unreported owing to fear, unwarranted shame or social stigma.
I would urge anyone in such circumstances to find help, whether it be from the police, a family member, or one of the many helplines available to people in need. It is important for victims to know they are not alone, and equally important to report past abuse to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
If you have enjoyed this book, I would be immensely grateful if you could write an Amazon review. Just a couple of lines can help new readers discover my work. Perhaps you could recommend my books to friends, family or your local book club. I’m also on social media if you’d like to get in touch. I do hope you can join me for my next offering.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to:
The wonderful team at Thomas & Mercer, particularly to my editors, Jane Snelgrove, Sophie Missing and Jack Butler, who have given great thought into shaping this book to being the very best it could be.
Madeleine Milburn and her team, in my opinion the best literary agency in London. I feel truly blessed to have them at the helm.
The amazingly wicked group of authors I’m a part of. I’m very fortunate to belong to this scene.
Mel Sherratt, Angela Marsons and Lindsay J. Pryor, who have encouraged me from day one. A nicer trio of authors you couldn’t meet.
The book reviewers and clubs who have championed my books and spread the word.
Last but not least, my friends and family. Your support means so very much to me.