‘Imogen,’ he says.
It’s the first time he’s called me that. And come to think of it, I’ve never told him that’s the longer version of my name. Something colder than the lake runs through me. He knows more than he’s letting on. I’m certain of it.
‘Don’t leave my mother in the house while Beth and I are out.’ He gestures towards the house. ‘She can’t be left alone. It’s too dangerous.’
‘Sure. I won’t do it again.’ I slip on my flip-flops. ‘I did check on her. She was dead to the world.’ I cringe. Not the best choice of words, given what I’ve just seen. ‘I thought you said I could take a break.’ I walk away, wanting to get away from here as soon as I can.
Justin walks on one side of me, Connor the other. Justin hands me my shorts and T-shirt. ‘Here, you left these.’
‘Thanks.’ My voice is squeaky. I’ve got to keep my wits about me here.
They keep pace with me, one each side.
‘Mum has a knack for wandering off. I told you we recently found her in the lane. She needs constant supervision.’ His arm brushes mine. I recoil from his touch. ‘Stay in the house in future, please.’
My nerves steady. Maybe he doesn’t know what I’ve just seen. But I can’t risk it. I need to play it cool.
But as soon as I can escape, I’m out of here.
‘Understood.’
He nods.
I quicken my pace, my wet feet squelching in my flip-flops across the grass.
‘You seem to be in a hurry,’ Connor says.
I shrug. ‘I just want to get in the shower.’ I turn to Justin. ‘Why didn’t you go to London?’
Justin answers matter-of-factly, ‘Beth had a bit of a turn. We had to abort mission.’
‘Poor Beth. Can I do anything?’ I’m trying to act normal, but I’m struggling. All I want to do is go and change into my trainers and run.
‘She’ll be fine now she’s home,’ Justin says.
‘I’ll go and see her,’ Connor suggests. ‘Make sure she’s alright.’
‘You can still go to London if you want to,’ I offer.
‘I don’t think it’s wise for me to go now, do you?’ Justin says.
‘You go. I’ll be fine with them. And Connor is here now,’ I say.
‘I won’t stay if everyone is here,’ Connor says. ‘I have a lot going on.’
‘That’s a shame,’ I say. ‘All that way.’ Part of me wants him to stay. The other doesn’t. I don’t know if I trust him either.
‘It’s fine. It’s only thirty-five minutes on the train. At least I’ll get to see Mum and Grandma while I’m here.’
‘I’ll give you a lift to the station,’ Justin says. I feel his eyes boring into the back of my head. ‘I might go in the morning. If everything’s settled around here.’
I don’t know how, but I make it back to the house. ‘I’ll get showered, then I’ll come and sit with Hattie,’ I say.
Justin nods and disappears towards the kitchen followed closely by his son.
41
BETH
