Page 116 of The Boathouse By the Loch

Duncan said, ‘Excuse me? What did you just say?’

‘David handed Logan a bag and shut the door.’

Duncan said, ‘What was in the bag?’

She stole a glance at David. ‘Money. Lots of money.’

Duncan slowly turned his head in his son’s direction. ‘David? What the hell is going on? You knew this Logan?’

‘No … yes.’

Joe stepped in and exclaimed, ‘Marnie, this session is over.’

Bonnie immediately understood what Joe was doing – protecting his brother. She hadn’t realised that by telling her story, she might implicate David in a crime. She had no idea why he’d handed over that money.

Marnie slowly closed her notebook. ‘As with all therapy sessions, obviously it goes without saying that all this is confidential and won’t leave this room.’

Bonnie looked at her. Marnie wasn’t stupid. She was probably thinking the same thing. Marnie said, ‘However, that isn’t up to you, but my patient.’ She turned to Bonnie.

Bonnie looked at Joe, her eyes roving to David. Whatever had happened that led to David voluntarily handing over the money, David did not deserve to get into trouble for it.

‘I’d like to end the session please, Marnie.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘I am, but thank you, Marnie, for getting my memories back.’

Marnie said, ‘Would you like a moment here alone with your friends?’

She nodded. Her therapy session was over, but she still had things to tell them about that day.

Marnie rose from her chair. ‘I’ll be in the house, if you need me.’

Marnie paused at the door and turned around, looking at everyone in the room, her eyes finally settling on her patient. ‘If you don’t mind me saying, you’ve had a rough time of it, with your mother, and your two younger siblings taken into care, and ending up living in an old caravan. I don’t know what I would have done without my lovely, supportive family at that age.’

Bonnie would have preferred it if she hadn’t brought that up. It made her feel sad, and embarrassed in front of her friends.

Marnie looked around the room. ‘I hope things work out for you, Bonnie. Despite your rough start in life, you are a kind soul who deserves so much more.’ Marnie walked over to Bonnie and gave her a hug. ‘Take care, Bonnie.’

Bonnie was surprised to find tears welling up.

‘You’ve got my card with my number,’ Marnie added. ‘If you need anything, just call me.’

‘Thank you, Marnie.’

When Marnie opened the door, Sean was outside. ‘Ah, is the session over?’

‘Yes, it is.’

Sean was about to step into the room when Joe strode up to him. ‘We’re not quite finished.’

‘Oh, but I thought—’

Joe said authoritatively, ‘I’ll take it from here.’

Sean stood for a moment, eyeing Joe.

Joe said, ‘Please, Sean. There’s a … a family matter that needs resolving privately. Can you wait in the car?’

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