Page 117 of She Saw What He Did

‘It will be all right,’ I say.

Joe forces a smile.

‘Abby, we can’t thank …’

‘There’s no need,’ I interrupt.

I don’t want to get tearful, not now. The truth is, though, that I have no idea if things are going to be all right.

I am grateful for the bright sunny day. I can wear my sunglasses, and no one will ask questions.

I look at the clock. It is now five past four. Why is time dragging? I hear the doorbell and check the clock. He’s early, much too early. Jared’s voice breaks into my thoughts.

‘He’s here,’ he says.

I swallow. What if something goes wrong? What if I can’t get into the grounds of Asquith Hall? What if …?

‘Abby,’ says Jared, walking to the front door.

I am ready. Ready to save my baby.

*

Ryan Lester looks terrible. He hasn’t shaved and his clothes are crumpled. He looks like he’s been sleeping on the streets. He hands me a photo.

‘Taken this morning,’ he says gruffly, snatching the tote bag from me.

‘Empty it,’ he demands.

I can’t take my eyes off the photo. Sam isn’t smiling. She always smiles for the camera.

‘Why isn’t she smiling?’

‘What?’ he asks, lifting his head from my bag.

‘She isn’t smiling. Sam always smiles for the camera.’

‘She doesn’t like me, that’s why,’ snaps Lester. ‘Now let’s move.’

I grip my stomach.

‘I have to go to the loo again.’

‘Jesus,’ groans Lester. ‘Hurry up.’

I hurry to the loo. In just under two hours. That’s all. Just under two hours. Then it will all be over. The nightmare that started on Laslow Island will end at Asquith Hall and I’m almost excited at the prospect.

Chapter Seventy-Two

The Assassination

Lester’s car stank of sweat. Abby realised that was where he’d been sleeping. There was a grubby blanket on the back seat and she tried not to look at it. Had he given Sam and Daphne a grubby blanket? she wondered. Were they in a clean place or did it smell like the car? Stop it, she told herself firmly. Stop thinking and concentrate.

‘Fuck,’ said Lester.

Abby pulled from her thoughts, looked up. A blue van was blocking the road.

‘What the …?’ Lester began

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