Where the Memories Lie

 

these circumstances I thought it was justified, plus I think I was a little hysterical by that point. ‘And we’re not going for dinner! Go in the lounge and shut the door.’

 

A flash of hurt sparked in Anna’s eyes before she turned away.

 

‘Suit yourself.’ Then she muttered something that sounded like ‘weirdo’. She slammed the lounge door and turned on the TV to ear-splitting volume. Even for a good girl, she still had her moments.

 

She wasn’t an angel.

 

‘Can Anna come over to yours tonight?’

 

‘What’s going on?’

 

I debated whether to tell her yet. She had a right to know, but I still wanted to cling on to that little sliver of doubt that I couldn’t trust what Tom was saying. Even though he’d been pretty clear in what he’d done and where he’d put her body, I couldn’t reconcile the Tom I knew with someone who would murder Katie, and I didn’t want to tell anyone else until I had concrete evidence. There was no point upsetting the rest of the family until I was one hundred per cent certain.

 

‘Just a family emergency,’ I said. ‘So, can she?’

 

‘Have you had a row with Ethan?’

 

Not yet, but I can guarantee one will be happening in the next few minutes. ‘No. But we need to sort something out in private.’

 

‘Oh, God.’ She dropped her voice. ‘You don’t think he’s messing around, too, do you?’

 

‘No! It’s nothing like that. Look, can I drop Anna round or not?’ I said impatiently.

 

‘Yeah, of course.’

 

‘She hasn’t had any dinner yet, though. Can you feed her?’

 

‘We haven’t eaten yet, either. We were waiting for Lucas, who should be here any minute. I’ve made miles too much, as usual, anyway. Yeah, she can come over whenever.’ She paused. ‘Are you OK? You sound really weird.’

 

122

 

Where the Memories Lie

 

How did I answer that? No, I wasn’t OK. I wanted to vomit and yell and cry. Probably all three at the same time.

 

‘I’ll be there in a minute.’ I hung up, grabbed the car keys I’d only just put on the island and opened the door to the lounge.

 

‘Anna, you’re going to Charlotte’s for a few hours,’ I shouted over the noise of the TV.

 

‘What? Why? I want to go out with you and Dad.’ She pouted.

 

‘Sorry, but we’re not going out. There’s been a change of plan.

 

I need to talk to him about something important. Come on, you love going to Charlotte’s.’

 

‘But I’m hungry,’ she whined.

 

I didn’t have time for this now so I rolled my eyes and jerked my head to the door. ‘Come on. Now. I’ll explain later.’ Which was probably the worst thing to say because Anna questioned me over and over on the short car ride there.

 

‘If you’re going to tell me later, you might as well tell me now.

 

Come on, Mum, why can’t you tell me? I wanted to go out with you and Dad. Go on, tell me. What’s the big secret?’

 

I’d never been so glad in my life to get rid of my daughter for a few hours, but as soon as she was out of the car I felt guilty. Then I was angry at Tom for putting me in that position in the first place.

 

By the time I got home, hot and harassed, Ethan was on the phone in the kitchen. He put it down as I came through the hallway.

 

‘I was just calling your mobile. Where’s Anna? I thought we could all go to the pub for dinner.’

 

‘What are you doing home?’

 

He raised his eyebrows and laughed in mock annoyance. ‘Well, that’s nice, isn’t it? I’ve rearranged some things so I can stay for a bit and spend some time with Dad.’

 

I rubbed my forehead. ‘I didn’t mean it like that. I thought I was going to have to tell you over the phone. But . . . shit.’ I dropped onto the stool at the island before my legs gave way.

 

123

 

Sibel Hodge

 

‘Tell me what?’ The grin slid off his face. ‘What’s wrong? Is Anna OK? Where is she?’

 

‘No, Anna’s fine.’ I ran a shaky hand through my hair.