Page 106 of The Girl in the Woods

Christ, thought Beth. She is trying to squirm her way out of it by blaming Luke.

Lisa’s eyes widened. ‘Is he okay? You said The Vigilante beat him up.’

Beth shook her head in amazement. Now she’s concerned for him. For all she knows, he could be dead. Beth explained Luke had been badly beaten but would be okay and Lisa could visit him if she wished after making her statement at the station.

Tom was still trying to figure out how The Vigilante knew to go to Ana’s flat. Had he been following Luke, and if so, why?

‘It’s badly bruised but not broken,’ the doctor assured Ana. ‘I’ll give you some painkillers and muscle relaxants for when the pain is severe.’

She’d messaged Jonny to say she couldn’t meet with him as she’d had a minor accident. He was at the hospital within half an hour, his face creased in concern. ‘My God, what happened?’

She briefly explained, ending with, ‘I was stupid. I shouldn’t have invited him to my flat.’

‘Well, I’m taking you home to your flat, whether you like it or not,’ he said forcefully.

At that moment, Ana liked someone deciding for her, but her fierce independence kicked in quickly. ‘It’s fine. I can get a taxi,’ she said.

Jonny was not even listening. ‘I’m bringing the car round.’

Ana, realising she was too tired to argue, simply nodded.

CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

The vigil for Laine Lees was held on the playing field. Ana was stunned at the number of people who turned out. It saddened her when they spoke of their hate for The Vigilante, and she had to force herself not to look over at Tim.

She’d gone over all the scenarios as to why someone would want to kill Laine, and each time, she came to the same conclusion, which terrified her.

The playing field was a flood of grief. Most people were wearing black and holding red roses. It was a unique and moving sight. A bleak atmosphere hung over the village like a dark shroud had draped itself over everyone. The unnatural stillness was unnerving. The gloomy mood affected everyone, and the air of suspicion touched them all. In their mind was one thought. Was The Vigilante standing next to them?

Candles and torches lit the dull night. The rain had been predicted, and people had brought umbrellas. The fragrance of the numerous bouquets placed at the entrance to the woods could be smelt as far back as the village green.

Matt and Ana watched everyone, trying to catch an expression that might indicate guilt. But all they saw was grief etched on people’s faces.

Sajid looked down at the red string bracelet Laine had given him. He stroked it several times before taking a deep breath and strolling across the field to where Needles stood beside Jim in his wheelchair. Before Needles could speak, Jim said, ‘Hello, lad. How are you? Javid, isn’t it?’

‘Sajid. I’m okay, Jim, a bit sad.’

Jim shook his head in disbelief. ‘It’s the end of the war. Why is everyone sad? It should be a party. Be glad. Those Nazis have lost.’

‘Yeah.’ Sajid smiled, aware of Needles’ eyes on him.

‘I didn’t know you knew Jim,’ Needles said suddenly, his tone stern.

Sajid nodded. ‘My mum makes him curry sometimes.’

‘Sajid doesn’t like it when the Nazis come, do you, lad?’ said Jim. ‘Well, it’s over now.’

Sajid took a deep breath, felt the pain in his ribs, and let out a small groan before reaching into the pocket of his jeans. Before Needles had a second to react, Sajid had pulled out a pen knife.

Needles stepped back. ‘I’m not fighting with you today.’

‘No, no more fights,’ replied Sajid.

Needles watched, fascinated, as Sajid tore the blade through his own flesh. He held his cut arm out for Needles to see. ‘Look, my blood is the same colour as yours.’

Needles couldn’t speak. It was all too much: the vigil, the memory of Laine in her lovely dress and now this.

‘My heart beats just like yours,’ continued Sajid. ‘It’s broken like yours too. My family are mourning Laine just like your family are. I love football just like you do. I like music. Laine once told me you liked the same music as me. We’re the same, except my skin is darker than yours. Otherwise, we could be brothers. What Laine wanted most of all was for us to be friends. Can we not give her that? If only tonight?’

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