Page 90 of Her Last Walk Home

‘She was indeed.’

Seeing the young woman photographed in life, smiling with her hair flung back, brought a lump of anguish to her throat. The similarities to Laura were subtle. Same hair colouring. Pretty features all lined up in a perfect face. A face and body that had been emaciated and abused since then. The poor girl.

‘There’s not much information here. No references from any other job in Ireland before she worked at Cuan?’

‘No, she’d only arrived the week before she started here, if I’m remembering correctly. She had the proper work visa, all above board. The reason I remember her is that I had to bring her into my office on one occasion.’

‘For a reprimand?’

‘Not really. She had what I can only describe as a mini breakdown in the common room.’

‘What happened to cause her to become upset?’

‘I don’t know. She refused to tell me anything other than to say her period made her emotional. I sent her home early. I didn’t even write it up, as no one was hurt or anything like that.’

‘But still you remember it. Why is that?’

Irene hesitated before exhaling, as if she knew she had no choice. ‘I have a very clear recollection of it because I wasconducting an open-day tour of Cuan for our financial donors and prospective donors. The health service reduced our funding, so it was really a funding drive. The last thing I needed was a disruption.’

‘Donors? Was one of them Gordon Collins, of GC Construction?’

Irene flushed and nodded. ‘He goes public, so there’s no harm in confirming he is a donor and was here that day.’

‘Would Aneta have come into contact with him or any of the other donors?’

‘I don’t see how.’

‘Did they tour the common room?’

‘Yes, but… her outburst came later.’

‘What was the outburst like?’

‘I wasn’t present at the time, but it was reported to me. She suddenly started to shake and cry, for no apparent reason, and had to be escorted out by another staff member.’

‘And she came to work the next day?’

‘Yes, for a day or two, I think, but then she just… disappeared.’

Lottie felt stunned. ‘And you didn’t think to report it?’

‘Like I said, I assumed she’d gone home to Poland.’

‘Didn’t you connect her outburst to her disappearance?’

‘I had no reason to.’ Irene paused. ‘What happened to her?’

‘I intend to find out. Can I take this file?’

‘Sure.’

‘I’ll need a list of everyone who was on the premises the day Aneta had her outburst.’

‘You’ll have to get a warrant.’

‘I’ll get it.’

‘I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful.’

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