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It’s another hour before I manage to prise myself away from Nadia’s.
Thankfully, Sarah offered to have Poppy over for a sleepover tonight, so there’s nothing to rush home for. I have no idea where Max is, but I’m in no hurry to face whatever version of my husband he’ll be tonight.
As soon as Nadia shuts her door, across the hallway Cole’s opens and he peers out. ‘How did it go? I’m betting she talked you into it. Nadia’s very persuasive.’
Cole looks different dressed in jeans and a sweater – almost as if someone else has chosen his clothes for him. I’ve only ever seen him in smart trousers and shirts.
‘Were you waiting for me?’ I ask.
‘No.’ His cheeks flush. ‘I heard voices and knew you must be leaving so I came out to see how it went.’
A wave of guilt washes over me. I shouldn’t be hard on Cole.
‘Come in and have coffee,’ he says, smiling. ‘I’ve just made a fresh lot. None of that instant stuff.’
I’m about to tell him I need to get back, but quickly reconsider. He looks so pleased with himself, and I’m in no hurry. ‘Maybe just water for me,’ I say.
Even though Cole’s flat is identical to Nadia’s, it feels completely different. While Nadia’s is tastefully decorated with bright colour-coordinated accessories and ornaments, Cole’s place is full of mismatched furniture and beige walls. Framed eighties film posters hang in the lounge, and there’s a grey rug covering the parquet floor. I hadn’t taken much of it in the last time I was here with Mum – I’d been too worried about whether or not Cole would easily accept me taking over the shop. Mum had assured me that he had no interest in wanting to buy the business himself – his grand plans of becoming a published author meant he was happy to be an employee.
‘You didn’t answer my question,’ Cole says, as he gets my water and sets about pouring his coffee. ‘Did Nadia talk you into it?’
‘You’re right – she’s very persuasive. I told her it will have to be Tuesdays, though.’
He laughs. ‘She’s like a dog with a bone until she gets her way. Bless her. I know it’s a pain, but at least she’ll stop harassing us now. I’m happy to stay late on Tuesdays.’
‘You already do more than enough. I’m fine doing it.’
‘D’you know how I spend most of my evenings?’ He doesn’t wait for an answer. ‘I go for long walks around Putney. Taking everything in. I know every inch of the place, while most people sleepwalk through their lives, barely noticing what’s right in front of them.’ He smiles. ‘I don’t mean you. You’re not like that.’ He looks away and stirs the coffee. ‘I see things, you know.’
‘What things?’ Holding my breath, I force myself to look at him.
‘Things people don’t want me to see.’ He hands me my mug. ‘Anyway, shall we sort out this book club, then?’
A foreboding silence wraps itself around me when I step inside the house. It’s nearly ten p.m. – Max should have been home by now. I call his name, even though I know the house is empty. His BMW wasn’t in the drive, and he’s never in bed this early.
‘Max?’ I repeat. ‘Are you here?’
Nothing but silence, and the echo of my voice.
I check each room in the house, and then go out to the office, peering in through the broken window.
Walking back to the house, I call Max’s phone, putting it on speaker. It goes straight to voicemail, an artificial voice telling me to leave a message. Uneasiness seeps through my veins – Max’s phone is always on.But was it when he was at that hotel? Did I ever try to call him when he was with Alice?If Ivy is right. She’s a child, though – how do I know for sure?
The doorbell chimes, loud and shrill in the silence.
I rush through to the hall, relieved, even though it’s not like Max to forget his key. This is just one more thing that’s out of character. Throwing open the door, I stop short when I register who’s standing there. Not Max.
Two uniformed male police officers.
My insides feel as if they’ve exploded, and pain surges through my body. ‘Poppy! Where’s my daughter?’ I clamp my hand to my mouth.
One of the officers shakes his head. ‘This isn’t about your daughter. Are you Hannah Chambers?’
‘Yes.’
‘I’m PC Collins and this is PC Jarvis. Can we come in, please?’
I hold the door open and they step inside.
