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‘Tom?’ I reply. ‘You’ll have to remind me. My memory isn’t what it was.’
‘Meredith mentioned him a few times when she was talking about you.’
‘Of course, yes. But I still have no idea. By the way, is that what I think it is?’ I point to the package in the bag by her feet.
‘Oh yes,’ she replies. ‘Sorry, I’ve been so wrapped up in myself that I forgot about it.’
She carefully lifts the package on to the table and slides it over to me. I reach into it and untape the bubble wrap. And for the first time in almost fifty-six years, I spy my grandmother’s figurine cat that was in Gwen’s possession for so long. ‘My, my, my. It’s just as ugly as I remember it,’ I chuckle. ‘I assume the police have finished with it?’
‘There were no fingerprints on it aside from mine and Gwen’s so they gave it back to me.’
‘And you’re sure you don’t want to keep hold of it? As a keepsake?’
‘Absolutely not. Each time I look at it I think of how Paul used it to make me find Walter and I don’t need reminding of that night, ever. But can I ask, if you think it’s ugly, why do you want it?’
‘Well, it sat on our grandmother’s sideboard for years,’ I recall. ‘Our grandfather was a wonderful ventriloquist, and when Gwen and I were very small, he’d throw his voice and pretend it could talk. It kept us entertained for hours. So, as unpleasant as it is to look at, it brings back a lot of fond memories.’
‘Then I’m glad it’s going to a deserving home.’
‘Thank you again. And as I said before, if there’s anything I can do for you, you only have to ask.’ Connie doesn’t respond right away but I sense she wants to say something. ‘Connie?Isthere something I can do?’
‘I feel a little awkward in asking this,’ she replies. ‘But I wonder if I might leave something here?’
‘What is it?’
‘It’s . . . um . . . Gwen’s will.’
‘Okay. Might I ask why you want me to look after it?’
‘I’m back at the bungalow as I can’t stay at Walter’s house after what happened, and it’s likely I’ll be moving around a bit soon. This is the only copy I have, so I need to know it’ll be safe.’
‘Can’t you leave it with your solicitor?’
She drops her gaze. ‘I can’t afford one.’
‘I could lend you some money to pay for one if you like?’
‘No, but thank you. I can’t take anything from you. I just need to know that someone will look after it for me and I trust you.’
I nod my head. ‘Of course. Where is it?’
Inside her handbag is a white, sealed envelope that she passes to me. I immediately place it inside the bubble wrap I’ve just undone, seal it up, and she follows me as I place it inside the chimney breast in an out-of-sight alcove.
‘It’s an electric fire,’ I say. ‘Nothing goes up that chimney, so it’ll be perfectly safe and only you and I will ever know it’s here.’ For the first time since her arrival, her shoulders relax.
Connie remains here for another couple of hours, and after we’ve said our goodbyes, I watch from behind the curtain as she crosses the road, walks up the street and then doubles back on herself. I assume she’s lost her bearings until I realise she’s checking that no one is following her. How terrifying to have to think like this all the time.
I return to the kitchen and look at the gift she has brought me. Already I swear he’s watching me. I place him upon the fireplace, his eyes at a slight angle so he’s staring at the television.
‘Welcome to your new home,’ I say with a smile on my face. ‘It’s been a long time.’
CHAPTER 59
CONNIE
My anxiety levels are through the roof today. This morning’s commute on a train full of people to Meredith’s house made me as nervous as hell, and the mostly empty carriages on the way home are doing the same thing. I make my way through each one, searching for somewhere I can feel safe. Eventually, I settle for a seat at the very back near a group of drunk but well-spirited young rugby players. Their green stripy kits and boots are caked in mud. They’re singing songs I don’t recognise and building a pyramid made of beer cans on a table. They offer me one and I politely say no, although I’m tempted. However, I need to keep my wits about me.
Meredith was right when she said I was letting my fear of Paul dictate how I live my life. But what choice do I have? As I told her, until he is in police custody, I’m unable to relax. Me staying alert at all times could literally be the difference between life and death.
