Page 133 of The Girl in the Woods

Beth had offered to resign, but Tom and the chief refused to accept it.

‘You’ve done nothing that merits your resignation,’ said the chief. Beth agreed to stay but assured them she would always support her sister.

Sandy sat pale-faced in the car park opposite Ana’s flat for almost an hour. There was an aching in her chest that had been with her since Ray died. Her eyelids were sore and gritty, and she rubbed at them without realising it. She knew that she’d been withdrawing and turning inwards, punishing herself. She gripped the door handle and forced herself to exit the car.

She hadn’t expected Jonny to open the door and found herself unable to breathe. Ana walked from the bedroom and stopped at the sight of Sandy.

‘I’ll get her some water,’ said Jonny.

Ana caught her before she fell. Sandy’s head collapsed onto Ana’s chest, and she began to weep.

‘Sometimes, I can’t breathe. I lie awake at night and look at his photo, and then I think of what he did to you and then, and then…’

Jonny handed her the water. Ana was trembling. This was something she hadn’t expected.

‘My husband raped you. I’m sorry. I never knew, I promise you. I just want this pain to go.’ She wept.

Ana wrapped her arms around her. ‘You’re a good person. Good overcomes evil. I can move on, and so can you. You have Beth, and Zoe needs you.’

Sandy nodded, stood and walked unsteadily to the front door. ‘I’m so grateful. I’m sorry for what he did. I hope you find something good in your life.’

An image came into Ana’s mind, and she smiled.

CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE

SEVEN YEARS EARLIER

Laurie wished the butterflies fluttering around in her stomach would disappear. With the gown on, she sat on the bed and swung her legs over so she was lying flat. Placing her hand on her tummy, she couldn’t stop wondering if her baby was a boy or a girl. Would it feel any pain? She didn’t want there to be any more pain.

The nurse asked, ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Okay,’ said Laurie.

‘I’m just going to insert an IV and then give you a mild sedative. Okay?’

Laurie nodded.

‘If you could lift your feet into these stirrups. There’s a good girl.’

Brenda used to call her a good girl all the time. Would she think she was a good girl now?

‘Will it hurt?’ asked Laurie.

The nurse assured her that her cervix would be numbed and that she might feel a few stomach cramps.

‘No, I mean, will it hurt the baby?’

‘No, it won’t.’

Laurie felt the butterflies again. Thought of the monster that had done this to her and said, ‘Stop.’

The nurse stepped back.

‘I’ve changed my mind,’ said Laurie.

‘Absolutely, your right,’ said the nurse, helping Laurie get off the couch. ‘Of course. It’s important to remember, however, that if you leave it too late, we won’t be able to terminate.’

Laurie nodded her assent. All she wanted to do was get out of there. Anika didn’t seem surprised to see her so soon.

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