Page 142 of Serenity Falls

She seems to consider. ‘Well, I don’t want people thinking you’re some pervert trying to abduct me.’

‘Because most abductors choose inconspicuous cars like this.’

She manages a smile. ‘Yeah, that is an absolute shitshow.’ Then she pulls open the door and climbs in.

‘Where’s Brandon?’ I ask, suddenly realizing that May can’t be looking after him.

‘With his grandparents.’

‘I thought his dad didn’t want to know.’

‘He doesn’t. But his parents send money for his birthday and Christmas. I mean, they don’t really want anyone to know he’s their grandson, but I figured they could bear the shame for a few hours.’

‘Right. Well, I guess it’s good they show some interest.’

‘Yeah, until the fiancée pops out a kid, and then Brandon will be toast.’ She shakes her head. ‘Take a right down here. Hospital’s not far, so ask your questions quick.’

I signal and turn. ‘I get the impression you don’t like Lorraine Hegarty much?’

‘No shit. Look, I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life.’

‘Okay.’

‘Lori is not who you think she is.’

‘In what way?’

‘Well, for a start, not long before you arrived, she had this whole make-under.’

‘What?’

‘Yeah, she used to be this total Real Housewives type. Bleach-blonde, long nails, strutting around in tight skirts and heels or tiny shorts and crop tops. Loved all the attention. Suddenly, she’s a brunette, all soft and understated. It was kind of weird.’ She looks at me. ‘Unless she did it for a reason.’

I swallow. Women change their hair, their looks. Surely Lori can’t have done it on purpose. For me. I shove the thought away. Ludicrous. Women don’t go out of their way to ensnare me. Most go out of their way to avoid me.

‘Did you know she’s related to Harold Winsom?’

‘Yeah – she’s his niece or something. That’s why she’s so tight with the Conservators.’

‘Ah, the famous Conservators. Who are they, exactly?’

‘No one really knows. If you’re a Conservator, you’re not supposed to talk about it.’

‘Really?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Like the secret service or CIA?’

‘Ha – kinda. They all work in that big building just outside town, but no one ever sees them coming or going. Some people reckon they use a secret tunnel.’

I laugh, but it’s an uneasy laugh. A lot of things here are making me uneasy right now. I’m starting to seriously consider whether Sadie was right all along. Maybe this place isn’t for us. Maybe we should leave. There must be a way around the contract. The suitability clause, or whatever it’s called.

Ahead, on our right, a large white building draws into view. Serenity Falls Hospital. I pull into the parking lot and find a space. Hailey looks up at the building. She suddenly seems very young.

‘I’m sure they can’t put your aunt in a home without permission,’ I say.

‘If the Conservators have made a decision, that’s it.’