Page 50 of Vengeance is Mine

‘Can you remember any of what you said twenty years ago?’ Barbara asked. There was desperation in her voice.

Robyn shook her head. ‘I wish I could. I was twelve years old. Twenty years is a long time.’ She crossed her legs and tucked her hair behind her ears.

‘But if you concentrate,’ Barbara pleaded.

‘I’ve tried. All I see is Dominic. I’m not sure if that’s the truth or what my mind is telling me to see.’

‘I suppose that’s understandable,’ Barbara said, looking crestfallen.

I glanced from my neighbour to my former teacher. ‘Barbara, are you going to mention this to Harry?’

‘I think I have to. Will you excuse me a moment?’ She stood up and headed for the toilets.

‘Poor woman,’ Robyn said, draining what was left of her mocha. ‘She hasn’t really been living for the past twenty years, has she?’

‘Not really. I suppose Dominic pleading his innocence all this time is bound to have some kind of effect. It’ll have planted the seed of doubt in her mind, and now we’ve come forward with a positive sighting of a man, she’ll be even more full of doubt. Listen, Robyn, do you mind making your own way back? I was thinking of offering Barbara a lift home. I’d like to speak to her alone.’

‘That’s fine. I need to pop into the market for more material anyway.’

‘Thanks.’

Barbara came back to the table. Her eyes were red.

‘I hope you two don’t mind, but I think I’ll head back home. I’ve got a lot to think about.’

‘Would you like me to give you a lift?’

She smiled. ‘There’s no need. The bus isn’t far.’ She put on her coat and began buttoning it up.

‘I really don’t mind. I was going to visit my mum at the florist anyway. It’s not far from you.’

We walked to Eldon Square car park in silence. We were surrounded by the noise of shoppers and vehicles, but the silence between us was palpable. It wasn’t until we were in the car and I had put the key in the ignition that I finally said something.

‘I’d just like to apologise in advance if we break down and the AA end up taking you home. I’m afraid this car is on its way out.’

‘It does look like it’s seen better days,’ she said, glancing around the car with a worried expression.

‘It’s perfectly safe. There’s nothing to worry about. It’s just a tad temperamental.’

The engine started on the fifth attempt, and I reversed out of the space and headed for Winlaton.

‘Do you think I should say anything to Harry?’ Barbara asked, once we were on the dual carriageway.

‘I’m afraid I can’t answer that, Mrs— Barbara. It all depends on whether you think you can forget about it. Should I not have told you about Robyn seeing Stephanie? Would you have rather not known?’

‘No. I needed to know. I just wish it had been Harry or Ian who’d told me.’

‘Can’t you speak to Ian now?’

‘Ian’s stroke was very severe. The doctors said he was lucky to survive. Sometimes, I think it might have been better all-round if he hadn’t. There are times he doesn’t even recognise his own son.’

‘I’m so sorry.’

‘You’re too young to remember, but this case hurt a lot of people. We had the world’s press descend on our doorstep. They wouldn’t leave us alone for months. The aftermath was felt for years. I’m still feeling it now. Dominic didn’t just kill my daughter, he killed my sister and my mother. He destroyed Ian, and he ended my life as I knew it.’ She spoke with sadness, as she sat back in the seat and looked out of the window, watching the cold, dreary Newcastle landscape pass by.

When we pulled up outside Barbara’s house, she invited me in. She asked if I’d like to see Stephanie’s room. I wasn’t sure if I did or not, but I hesitantly agreed.

The house was neat and tidy. There was a hint of furniture polish and the scent of flowers in the air. Barbara went into the kitchen and flicked the kettle on. She instructed me to follow her upstairs. She opened the bedroom door and stepped back to allow me to go in first.

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