Page 49 of The Last One to See Him

‘She’s…acting strangely. I feel like I don’t know her any more.’

‘That’s worrying. She’s the mother of your child. What exactly is going on with her?’

Ellis reaches into his pockets, his eyes darting around the room.

‘Are you okay?’ Harper asks. ‘I know you’ve had a rough week, and I’m the last person you’ll want to talk to about Kate. I mean, we’re friends so it must feel strange. Shall we go through this football stuff?’

There’s a long pause before Ellis speaks again. His mouth twists as if he’s debating the words he wants to say.

‘What is it?’ Harper asks.

More silence. ‘There… is no space in the team.’

Harper frowns. ‘I don’t get it. Then why are you here?’

Slowly, Ellis pulls out a small package from his pocket, then with a deep sigh, he tips it upside down to drop the contents on the table.

Harper stares at the tiny white objects. ‘What are those?’

‘They’re cameras. And they’re the real reason I’m here.’

TWENTY-TWO

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY

Kate hasn’t heard from Ellis since last night, when he’d messaged to say he was on his way to Harper’s, cameras in hand. The four messages Kate’s sent since then have been ignored, and now she’s starting to worry.

And now, while Thomas is still asleep, Kate calls Ellis again, surprised when he answers this time, his voice heavy with sleep.

‘Finally! Why haven’t you answered?’

Kate hears the rustle of sheets.

‘Because I’ve been sleeping. It’s not even six o’clock. Is Thomas okay?’

‘Yes, he’s fine. Did you, do it?’

Ellis sighs. ‘So that’s why you’re calling? Yes, the cameras are installed.’

‘Oh, good. Can I get the app on my phone?’

‘I don’t think so because it’s on mine.’

‘Have you watched her? Has she done anything?’

‘Yes. She’s currently making breakfast. Real criminal stuff, Kate.’

‘Can you come over? Now?’

Another pause. ‘Yeah…but there’s really nothing to see right now.’

‘It’s not that. I need to talk to you. It’s important.’

‘You’re doing it again, Kate. Acting weird. You need to tell me what’s going on with you. Talk to me. Or someone at least. Are you still seeing that therapist? Because I’m not convinced he’s doing a good job.’

‘I have to go,’ Kate says, ignoring his flurry of questions. ‘See you soon.’

Ellis arrives within half an hour, and Kate’s surprised to find him looking so unkempt.

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