The Survivors(52)

‘How are you, Mia?’ Trish said. There was a slight pause. ‘And I heard about your baby. Congratulations.’

‘Thank you.’ Mia twisted her body to show Audrey in her arms. Trish glanced down, but her gaze bounced straight back up.

She stared at Mia, who had once been the same age as Gabby. Who had shared homework notes, slept over at their house, eaten at their table. Mia, who had got to grow up and have a child of her own. Live her life. Kieran could almost see the what ifs swirling in the air around Trish. She turned suddenly to Pendlebury.

‘You haven’t worked out what happened to Bronte yet?’

‘No.’ Pendlebury shook her head. ‘But we will.’

Scepticism flickered on Trish’s face. ‘You sound sure.’

‘I’m sure we’ll do everything we possibly can.’

Trish’s gaze slid to Sergeant Renn. He tried his best to maintain eye contact, Kieran noticed, but seemed to be struggling. Kieran didn’t blame him. He found it quite hard to look into those eyes himself.

‘Because it’s the same beach, isn’t it.’ Trish’s voice was steady. An observation, not a question. Gabby’s name hovered unspoken.

‘Mrs Birch.’ Pendlebury’s tone was careful. ‘Patricia. If you’re worried there may be some connection between what happened on Saturday and what happened to your daughter, I’ve said I’m very happy for you to –’

Trish was already shaking her head. She gave a small, tired laugh.

‘You don’t need me to tell you what the connections are. Everyone knows. It’s the same beach. Same time of year. The same responding officer even. So I’m sure the sergeant here can tell you all about those days. What was and wasn’t done.’ She looked squarely at Renn. ‘He would know.’

Pendlebury’s eyes also flicked, swiftly and just once, in Renn’s direction. Audrey, sensing the tension, screwed up her face and began to cry. Trish reached out and stroked the baby’s head.

‘Mrs Birch,’ Pendlebury said. ‘If you want to come inside and –’

‘No. I’ve got an appointment to get to.’ Trish dropped her hand. ‘But it’s good to see you, Mia. Take care of yourself.’

She turned, then paused in front of the two officers. Her mouth was pressed tight but in the end she couldn’t stop herself. ‘Just take it seriously this time. Please.’





Chapter 19


Olivia was waiting on the road outside Fisherman’s Cottage, her arms crossed over her chest. Kieran could see she was staring at the small collection of bouquets laid at the gatepost, the flowers already wilting as the cellophane flapped in the breeze. She straightened as she sensed movement, looking a little surprised to see Kieran and Mia approaching with Sergeant Renn.

No-one had said anything as they’d watched Trish Birch turn and walk back to the service station. She’d driven away, Renn’s gaze following the car until it was well out of sight. He’d turned to Kieran.

‘Let’s go.’ He nodded at Pendlebury. ‘See you shortly.’

‘Yes,’ she had said simply, her eyes on his face. ‘See you.’

Renn had not said another word all the way to Fisherman’s Cottage. Now he pulled a set of keys out of his pocket, ducked under the police tape and went to open the front door.

‘They’re letting you back in?’ Mia said to Olivia as they stood by the gate and watched Renn find the right key. ‘That’s good.’

‘Not permanently, just to get some clothes and things. And Julian’s asked me to get Bronte’s work keys back. She was supposed to be on earlies this week so she’s got one of the sets for the back door.’ Olivia was wearing the same borrowed outfit she’d been in that morning and toyed with the hem of her jumper. ‘Chris says they’ll give Bronte’s parents the chance to visit the house – if they want to, I guess – and then I might be able to come back.’

Olivia did not look at all keen on that idea, Kieran thought, as Renn opened the front door and disappeared inside.

‘If you’re allowed in, do you reckon that means they’ve found whatever they were looking for?’ Kieran said.

‘I don’t know. Maybe.’ Olivia shook her head. ‘Or else they’ve decided it’s not in the house.’

Renn reappeared in the doorway. ‘All yours, Liv.’

Olivia rested a hand on the gatepost, but went no further. Kieran saw her glance at the dying flowers at her feet, then to the darkened hallway.

‘Do you want us to come?’ Mia said, and raised her voice as Olivia nodded. ‘Chris? Sorry. Is it okay if we come in with her?’

Renn saw Olivia’s expression and considered. He looked at Kieran, empty-handed other than Audrey in her sling, and Mia, holding only the small nappy bag.

‘All right,’ he said. ‘You grab what you need, Liv, but I’ll have to make a note before you take it.’

Renn stepped aside to let them pass and Kieran followed Olivia up the path and into the cool, dim hallway.

‘Come through,’ she said. The cottage’s kitchen and living room were cosy and felt like they would be welcoming under different circumstances, but even to Kieran’s untrained eye he could tell both areas had been searched. It looked like some effort had been made to restore items to their rightful spots, but even having never been there before, Kieran could tell things were slightly off. The cushions on the couch looked somehow in the wrong order, and the entire contents of the bookshelf felt misaligned.