Page 87 of She Saw What He Did

‘I know,’ said Sam, hugging her grandmother. ‘Don’t worry. I’m sure someone will find us.’

Daphne wanted to cry at her optimism.

‘We have to be nice to him,’ said Daphne, forming her words carefully. ‘That way we might get out of here quicker.’

‘Okay,’ said Sam.

‘We won’t be here forever because Mummy and Daddy will be looking for us.’

‘He isn’t Mummy’s friend, is he?’ said Sam.

‘No.’

‘He told a lie then didn’t he, Grandma? It’s very naughty to tell lies,’ said Sam, snuggling closer to Daphne.

‘That’s right,’ smiled Daphne. ‘But we have to show him that we are good by not shouting at him. You must not be scared of him.’

‘I never get scared,’ said Sam proudly.

‘That’s good,’ said Daphne.

For all her brave words, Daphne still had no idea how they could escape. She knew if she tried to tackle the man it could bring on a heart attack. Her heart wasn’t strong. She couldn’t bear that to be the lasting memory Sam had of her. One thing she was beginning to feel certain about though, and that was that the man would never hurt her or Sam if they did what he said. She could tell by his face he was finding the whole thing very difficult. If only she could prey on his goodness. After all, everyone had a good side, didn’t they? At least Daphne liked to think so.

*

Abby

Joe and Jared study the box.

‘I thought he was coming to collect it,’ says Jared.

‘So did I,’ I say.

I’m more afraid than ever. It’s one thing being locked and bolted in our house with the box, but to take it out terrifies me. I’d feel so vulnerable. At least the box is safe here. What if someone ambushes us to get it and we never make the delivery. What would happen to Sam and Daphne? I’m afraid to voice my thoughts. Joe is so close to the edge I’m afraid I’ll push him over.

‘When is the delivery?’ asks Jared.

‘I don’t know,’ I say irritably. ‘I don’t know any more than you.’

A painful expression crosses his face, and I feel guilty. I know he feels this is his fault. God knows I’ve thrown that in his face enough the past few weeks.

‘I’m sorry,’ I say, stroking his arm. ‘I’m really tense. Sam is on my mind and …’

‘She’s my daughter too,’ he says quietly.

‘I know. I’m sorry.’

Joe is still studying the box.

‘He didn’t say where you were to deliver the box?’ he asks. He stares at the box intently. I’m about to answer him when he bursts into tears.

‘She’s not coming back, is she?’

Jared jumps up to comfort him.

‘Of course she is,’ he says, fighting back his own tears.

‘This box,’ Joe shouts. ‘This stupid damn box.’

---