The Hollows(58)

Which I’d had to give when I booked this place, along with my own. Frankie looked crestfallen, like she’d done something very stupid. But I couldn’t be angry with her. My passcode was my wedding anniversary. I’d been meaning to change it since the divorce but had never got round to it, even though it caused a flicker of pain every time I tapped it in.

We went back to near where Greg was standing, and just as we got there he started to move, heading in the direction of the unlit bonfire, Vivian and the other staff member following. Buddy and Darlene trailed behind.

They both turned their heads, looking back at us in tandem. Staring at me and Frankie. It sent a chill through me.

It was fully dark now and I realised Greg must be going to light the fire. I watched as people in red polo shirts moved through the crowd, directing people towards the spot on the shore where the bonfire had been built. Then the band finished the song they were playing and didn’t resume another. A hush fell across the resort. At the same time, people who had been at the tent listening to Neal began to file back. I couldn’t see David, Connie or Neal among them, and guessed they must still be at the tent.

‘Dad,’ said Frankie.

I was so deep in thought that I didn’t hear her at first.

‘Dad.’

‘Sorry. What?’

Frankie nodded. There was a woman standing in front of us, smiling at me.

It was Nikki.

‘Hey,’ she said.

I blinked at her. She seemed completely different to earlier. She looked like she’d showered, washed her hair. She was wearing lipstick. And she was smiling. There was no denying it: she was beautiful. But this was all very disconcerting. It was as if our conversation earlier hadn’t happened. As if she were a different person.

‘What are you doing?’ I asked.

‘What do you mean? I didn’t want to miss the party. Also, I thought I’d take your advice and spread the word about the bookstore.’

‘But . . .’

‘Hi, Frankie,’ Nikki said. And that’s when it started to make sense. She was putting on a show for Frankie. She didn’t want to frighten her. But Nikki knew something. Something that had made her tell me we were in danger. Something connected to Greg? Something I could go to the police with?

I needed to talk to her alone. And from the way she was looking at me, I was sure she wanted to talk to me too.

I couldn’t take her back to the cabin because it would be impossible to talk there without Frankie listening in. There was only one solution.

‘Nikki, can you wait here? I’m going to walk Frankie back to our cabin. Then I’ll be right back.’

‘Sure.’

‘Frankie, come on.’

She trotted beside me. ‘What are you doing? What’s going on?’

‘I think Nikki might know something about Greg. Everyone knows everyone around here. That’s what they keep telling me. Maybe she’ll even come to the police with us.’

‘What, and you don’t want me there when you talk to her?’

‘Frankie . . .’

‘Fine. Whatever.’

We reached the cabin. ‘You’ll be safe here,’ I said. ‘Greg and the twins are by the bonfire. I’ll keep an eye on them. Lock the doors and windows and wait for me. I won’t be long. I promise.’

I hurried back along the path.

As I approached the spot where I’d left Nikki, I heard a whoop of excitement from down by the bonfire. They were about to light it. Greg was standing there with a flaming torch in his hand, a large crowd gathered before him. With the flames illuminating his face he looked very different. Powerful. Sinister. I could just about make out Buddy and Darlene among the throng.

‘Let’s find somewhere to talk,’ I said when I reached Nikki. The smile she’d worn in front of Frankie had vanished.

Now, she looked afraid, staring at the ground. People jostled us, continuing to flow down towards where the bonfire was lit. The air smelled of smoke and cooking flesh. A flake of ash landed on Nikki’s face and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. It left behind a grey mark, like she’d been kissed by Death.

I took a step closer to her. I could feel heat coming off her body. ‘Nikki, do you really like me?’

‘What?’

‘I asked if you really like me. Because I like you and I need you to help me before . . . before somebody else dies. You said it yourself. My daughter and I are in danger. It’s even worse now. Buddy and Darlene saw Frankie and me looking at them. They know we’ve figured out that Greg is their father. They also think that Ryan might have photos of them.’

‘Oh God.’

‘I need you to tell me what you know about Greg.’

‘What kind of thing?’ She had gone completely pale, her eyes darting about. I thought she might throw up.

‘Like, could he have been involved in the murders.’

I could see the conflict raging behind her eyes. Then, before she could reply, a great cheer came from down by the lake. The bonfire was ablaze. Flames danced and licked at the air and smoke poured towards the stars, blotting out a section of the sky. Greg stood before the fire, a silhouette, his arms raised. He appeared to be making a speech, though I couldn’t make out what he was saying.

‘Okay,’ she said.

‘Thank you.’