EPILOGUE
‘What on earth are you doing?’ demands Carrie,following me as I squeeze my way to the front of the crowd lining the street,watching the marathon runners sprinting by.
We find a free spot by a bin that people are obviouslyavoiding because of the insects flying around it. But I don’t care about the flies.
From this vantage point, I should get the perfect photo!
‘I’m waiting for a certain person to go past,’ I tell her,‘and she’s going wish she’d never met me in the Brambleberry Manor Café thatday.’
‘You mean April?’
I nod. I’ve been staying with Carrie and Ronan for the pastfew days and I’ve told her everything. Carrie says I can stay with them as longas I want to but I’ve decided I’m not going to give up Rose Quartz Cottage yet.I love it there and I’m not going to let April scare me away. She still doesn’tknow I’m living in the place vacated by John and Andrea, and the chances areshe won’t be back looking for them. Everyone knows the Mickelsons have alreadyfled to Spain.
‘Have a look at these.’ I show Carrie the bank statements,while keeping a keen eye out for a certain familiar figure in black and orangerunning gear. I had a feeling April would be running the marathon today, and itseemed like the perfect opportunity to capture her in a photo. Sure enough, Icaught a glimpse of her at the starting line, limbering up for the race ahead.And now we’re waiting near the huge sign announcing the ‘26 miles’ finish line.
‘What am I looking at?’ Carrie wants to know.
‘The entry that says PIP?’
‘What on earth’s that?’
‘It stands for Personal Independence Payment, which is abenefit you can claim if you’re unable to work or get around withoutassistance.’ I grin at her. ‘So, do we think a woman who’s capable of running amarathon will qualify for such a benefit?’
‘Definitely not.’
‘Exactly. So that means April must be claiming PIPfraudulently.’
‘Wow. But how did you even know about PIP?’
‘I didn’t. Until Hamish, my neighbour, told me about hiswife claiming it. She has MS, bless her.’
Carrie nods. ‘Good for you. People like April should belocked up for everyone’s safety.’
I grin wearily. ‘Here’s hoping. I was looking online and Ifound a charity that supports people who’ve got themselves into debt. I’m goingto donate some of my money to help them.’
‘Oh, wow. That’s a fabulous idea. I’ve donated to children’scharities, but after hearing about your experience, I think I might join youand make a donation there as well. It sounds like such a worthy cause.’
‘Exactly.’ I nudge my twin. ‘Ooh, here she comes. That’s Aprilin the black and orange.’
Carrie snorts. ‘She looks like a giant wasp.’
‘Very apt. Her sting is legendary, as I’ve found out.’
‘It’s great that so many people are coming out of thewoodwork to talk about her nasty little set-up.’
I nod, carefully lining up my photo. ‘Amanda has her ear tothe ground in that newsagent’s which is great. Right, here we go.’ I snapseveral photos of April crossing the finish line, with the 26-mile sign in thebackground. ‘Done. Job’s a good ‘un.’
Carrie grins, looking over my shoulder as I check theresults. ‘I’m sure the Department of Social Security will beveryinterestedto see these photos.’
‘I hope so. And they’re sure to strengthen the case againsther when we report her criminal activities to the police.’
‘Right. You’d better get along to the Swan straight away.’Carrie nudges me with a grin. ‘You’ve got a romantic rendezvous with a certainsomeone in half an hour, haven’t you?’
I chuckle, a feeling of joy rushing through me. ‘As if Ineeded reminding. Come on, then.’
‘Actually, I think I might do a bit of shopping while I’mhere for a few little things. The shops are so tempting.’
‘Careful,’ I warn her. ‘Those little things tend to add upalarmingly quickly. I’d save your money and go straight home to Ronan if I wereyou.’
