Page 167 of Serenity Falls

The coroner placed a hand on Hatchett’s arm. ‘I think you’ve said enough, Dean. The girl doesn’t need to know any more.’

Hatchett nodded. ‘I’m giving you and your son a chance here. Take it.’

‘So, you want us to keep our mouths shut.’

‘No.’

‘Then what?’

‘Davey is going to be taken from Serenity Falls tonight.’

‘What?’

‘Everyone – and I mean everyone – must believe he’s dead. The official story will be that he was pulled out of the pool, but it was too late. He died later, a fit, secondary drowning. In a week or two, after the funeral, when we deem it safe, you can follow. We’ll sort out a place for you to stay, some money to set you up. We’ll say you were overcome with grief. People will understand.’

‘Where will you take him?’

‘I know a nice couple. They’ll look after him till you get there.’

‘And what about Mom?’

‘Your mom will stay here. To maintain the story.’

I shake my head. ‘This is crazy. What if I refuse?’

‘Serena, the Conservators will do what is necessary to protect Serenity. A scandal like this—’ He shook his head. ‘They won’t allow the town to fail.’

‘We can stay quiet. No one needs to know.’

‘Can you?’ He smiled sadly. ‘Little Davey, he’s quite the chatterbox now?’

I stared at Hatchett, my mouth feeling dry.

‘And kids, you never know what they’re going to say. They’ve got no filter. It’s a beautiful quality. I’d hate to see him lose it.’ He rose. ‘I’m going to let you think about things for a few minutes, and then, when you’ve decided, I’ll fetch Davey for you.’

He left with Gravelot. I sat there, in that sickly-yellow room. I thought about my son, my beautiful, sweet, innocent boy. I thought how scared I was when I was pregnant, how frightened to tell everyone, but then how protective I became of that ever-growing bump. I swore I’d give my baby a good life. But maybe that life isn’t here? Hadn’t I always wanted to leave Serenity? Maybe this was our chance.

The door opened and Hatchett stepped back through.

‘Well?’

I nodded. ‘I’ll do it.’

He looked relieved. ‘Good.’

‘Just a couple of things. I need to go home and get Davey’s favourite toy, Buddy. He can’t sleep without him.’

He considered. ‘Okay. I can take you.’

‘And one other thing – I need you to tell me, who saved him?’

49

We sit, a little awkwardly, on the stuffed floral sofas in the living room of Home and Spry.

Arnie is crumpled on the floor. Now he has taken off the costume, Davey wears a T-shirt and baggy shorts.

‘How do I know you’re telling the truth?’ I ask him.