The Silent Ones: An absolutely gripping psychological thriller(32)
Juliet sighed. ‘Fine. We’ll go down the warren and make a den, then.’
The warren was a swathe of green-belt land about a twenty-minute walk away, opposite Mutton Hill. It was an oasis of bracken, trees and steep hills with plenty of places for kids to build concealed hideouts. Corey loved it there.
Ray glanced gratefully at Juliet. She’d been quite unwell herself and was still taking the strong cough medicine the doctor had prescribed for the bronchial infection she’d had for nearly two weeks now. She looked pale and tired, and Ray felt a spike of concern. She wasn’t one to complain and he made a mental note to keep a watchful eye on her.
‘I’ll get his shoes.’ Juliet left the room and Ray heard her open the under-stairs cupboard where they kept their coats and walking footwear.
He looked at Chloe, who continued sketching quietly as if she hoped nobody might notice she was still there.
‘Our Juliet’s still quite poorly, love. She shouldn’t really be going out on her own; it’s sweltering out there and it’s quite a walk to the warren and back.’
‘But it’s all right for me to bake to death in the tropical heat?’ Chloe said snarkily. ‘Nice.’
‘Hardly tropical,’ Ray scoffed. It was the beginning of August, and the country was in the iron grip of a heatwave that had broken nearly all records. A hosepipe ban had been imposed and the newspapers were full of advice about how to care for the elderly and pets. It amused Ray that the very same villagers who complained about the snow and freezing temperatures in winter were now moaning non-stop about the heat. ‘Take a drink and suncream. It’ll be a nice stroll out.’
‘He’s your son, why can’t you take him?’ Chloe retorted, carefully shading in the trunk of an oak tree she’d drawn on her pad.
‘I have to look after your mother,’ Ray said, finally pouring boiling water into Joan’s delicate china mug.
Chloe didn’t reply, but set her drawing pad and pencil aside. They all knew that there’d be hell to pay for days on end if Joan’s headache worsened and she was unable to shift it with painkillers and lots of quiet rest.
‘Dad says I’ve got to come with you to take the little monster out,’ Chloe grudgingly told Juliet when her sister came back into the kitchen. ‘I really wanted to finish my drawing, too. I can’t always get back in the creative zone if I’m interrupted.’
‘It’s OK, Chloe, you don’t have to come.’ Juliet slathered suncream on her pale arms. ‘I’m not going to stay out long anyway.’
‘Well, if you’re sure…’ Chloe relaxed back into her seat and picked up her pencil again.
Ray scowled at her, but she was already immersed in her artwork and didn’t even look at him.
‘Thanks, love.’ Ray smiled fondly at Juliet. ‘See you when you get back.’
He smiled to himself as he headed upstairs with Joan’s tea. He might have a lie-down himself for half an hour in the cooler back bedroom, enjoy the brief peace and quiet.
Little did he know that it was going to be a long, long night.
The worst night of his entire life, in fact.
Twenty-One
Juliet
Carol informs us that we’re moving to a purpose-built facility on the edge of Mansfield at about seven o’clock, which is in three hours’ time.
‘You’ll be more comfortable there, and although it’s a secure unit and the girls won’t be able to leave, there’s a more relaxed feel to the place. You’ll have your own rooms and a private bathroom, so I suggest you use the next couple of hours to get together anything you want to take there with you.’
I shiver and cross my hands in front of me, rubbing my goose-bump-covered upper arms. The harsh reality of our situation has cranked up a notch.
Up until now, I’ve just about managed to convince myself that the detectives will have some kind of breakthrough and we’ll be able to take Maddy home tonight after all.
When I was in the police car earlier, travelling to the station, I truly believed she’d be released within the hour. If someone accuses your child of something so awful and you’d wager your life they are innocent, then waiting for the realisation that the police are wrong doesn’t seem so silly.
But in telling us we’re moving so they can keep the girls overnight, Carol just shattered all my illusions. She doesn’t realise it, but she has broken my heart.
Tom texts me to ask me to meet him outside in the car park, and I go there right away without speaking to anyone else. I need a hug right now, and so will Tom when I tell him they’re keeping Maddy until tomorrow.
He’s parked over the far side, and as I approach, I spot Josh’s little face pressed up against the window. My heart leaps inside me, with joy for once instead of dread. I realise just how much I’ve wanted to see my son, hold him close, since this nightmare began.
I pull open the door and he almost tumbles out. He squirms a bit as I cuddle him too tightly, too hard. Still, he doesn’t complain.
‘I’ve missed you so much; let me take a look at that handsome face.’ I hold his shoulders and push him back slightly. The smile fades on my lips. ‘Josh… what’s wrong?’
His red-rimmed eyes and trembling mouth tell me all I need to know.