But they’ve obviously said all they’re going to say. Thank goodness I received the message while I’m alone and not back at the regatta with everyone else. Did whoever it is do that on purpose? Do they know I’m by myself? I try to survey the area without making it too obvious, but I’m in too much of a state to be subtle. There are a couple of families dawdling up ahead. Behind me, the regatta is winding down and emptying out. But it’s still reasonably busy. The noise from the funfair carries on the breeze. Derek is still talking non-stop into the PA system, but his words are blurred and unintelligible, a monotonous drone. As I glance around like a frightened rabbit, I don’t even know what I’m looking for – a lone man or woman hiding behind a tree, staring at me… I shake my head and keep walking. Maybe I’m still drunk. There’s no one paying me any attention out here. Whoever it is, they’re hiding behind their phone. Too cowardly to face me.
Again, I get the feeling that it could be all Fiona’s doing. For a start, she knows I’m on my way home alone. I left her sitting by herself, so now would be the perfect time for her to send a text. I did try mentioning photographs this afternoon to gauge her reaction, but either she’s a really good liar or I’m way off the mark. Would she really stoop to doing something so awful? The thing is, I can’t think of anyone else who might have a reason to want Ed and I to split up. Maybe she still loves him. Although she’s always going on about how she and Nathan are blissfully in love. Unless she’s lying, but I can’t see it somehow; they’re so well suited.
Fiona and Nathan Salinger think they’re some kind of super-couple. It always gets so competitive when those two are around. It’s like, who can be the most successful, the most beautiful, the most in love. It’s annoying. But is that Fiona’s doing or Nathan’s? He’s one of those guys who has to win at everything. I honestly don’t get what Fiona sees in him. Sure, he’s rich and good-looking in an obvious way, but he’s also a bit of a dick.
The texter also mentioned ‘the rumours’. Could they be talking about what happened at school with Rosie? Surely not. That’s just kids making stuff up. Isn’t it? Unless…No.That was all too long ago. It can’t be anything to do with that, surely.
Ugh, my head hurts.I don’t want to think about this anymore. I just want to get home, crawl into bed and sleep.
Twenty-Five
KELLY
‘You know you did amazingly out there today, Ry.’
My son grunts in response. We’re walking home and I’m trying to bring him out of his gloomy mood, but it’s hard work – we’re all hot and tired. Sonny is walking by my side humming to himself and yawning. He’ll sleep like a log tonight. We all will.
‘Your speed was incredible. Everyone was so impressed.’ I pause. ‘Your dad would have been proud.’
He stops walking for a moment and turns to me. ‘Do you think so?’
‘Iknowso.’
‘Even though I capsized?’
‘All sailors have capsized at one time or another, even your dad. It was exciting to watch,’ I lie – it was terrifying. ‘And brave.’
Ryan kicks at some loose gravel, but his face goes pink and I can tell he’s pleased. I know today wasn’t perfect. That he’s angry with himself for falling in. But it’s a start on the road to getting my boy back.
‘So, shall we have a celebration dinner tonight?’ I don’t want to overdo my gushing, but I can’t help it. I’m happy that Ryan is finally showing an interest in life again.
‘Yeah, okay, but I came last so it’s not exactly a celebration.’
‘We’re celebrating your spectacular return to the world of sailing.’
‘Mu-uum.’ Ryan rolls his eyes.
‘What? I’m just teasing. It’s what parents do.’ I’m echoing Michael’s words. He used to tease the boys mercilessly, but they loved it and would always give as good as they got. It’s time I brought some light-heartedness back into our lives. ‘So, pizza or sushi?’
‘Pizza!’
We turn into our road and my eye is caught by something flashing up ahead…
Blue lights. There’s a police car and an ambulance parked outside our neighbours’ house. I hope it’s nothing too serious. They’re an elderly couple – Bob and Margo – and Bob had a fall a few weeks back and broke his wrist. And then I’m gripped by panic as an alternative explanation occurs to me. I quicken my pace, wishing the children weren’t here… just in case. I debate whether to send them back to the regatta.
‘Mum.’ Sonny points. ‘Look, there’s a police car in our road.’
‘Do you think Sophie’s okay?’ Ryan asks, his face suddenly pale.
‘I’m sure she’s fine,’ I say, trying to keep my voice even. ‘If the police are here, then whatever’s happened, they’ll have it under control.’ I’m saying this as much to reassure myself as the children. ‘Can you two just wait here under this tree while I see what’s going on?’ I take hold of both boys’ arms and steer them to a leafy sycamore at the end of our road. They’re both too distracted to protest. ‘Ryan, stay here and look after your brother. Don’t move.’
Ryan nods and takes Sonny’s hand. This in itself is unheard of, but I don’t have time to marvel over my eldest child’s mood reversal.
I leave them beneath the tree and walk quickly towards the house, hoping that the emergency services are here for someone else and that this has nothing to do with Sophie. That we’ll be able to walk into our house, order pizza and have a nice relaxing evening. But I know that’s wishful thinking.
As I draw closer, I see that my front door is wide open. In fact, it’s falling off its hinges and looks like it’s been forced. There’s broken glass on the driveway. I look around but can’t see where it’s come from. My mind flits to the image of Sophie’s husband, Greg. Is he responsible for this? Has he been here and forced his way in? Has he hurt Sophie? I should never have left her alone. I should have insisted that we get her settled into a shelter. I’m so stupid. She must be in the ambulance, but I can’t tell from this angle as the back doors are facing away from me. Please, God, let her be okay. Thank goodness the kids weren’t here when it happened.
I quicken my pace and take in more of the scene. There’s a male police officer in the driver’s seat of the car talking to someone on his radio, and a female officer in the passenger seat. And then I see Ash come striding around the side of the ambulance. Good. He’ll be able to fill me in on what’s happening. He’s wearing his uniform so he must have just come on duty; I only saw him at the regatta an hour or so ago, and he was wearing his civvies back then.
