Penny breathed into Holly’s ear. ‘Ssshhh.’ She could already feel her tense and the distress starting to build inside her tiny form. Penny knew her mother was getting further away, and Holly felt torn up by separating them. ‘It’s all right.’ Holly snuggled her closer to protect her from the chill wind and the icy crystals blowing against them. She inhaled her fragrant skin. Penny smelt so good, and her desperation to embrace her own daughter tightened her throat.

Even though it had been Maggie’s idea, getting her out of harm’s way was the right thing to do. Holly wouldn’t endanger a child, and both mothers knew it. It would give them peace of mind and, without the distraction, they could focus on their appointment with Babysitter.

Holly had weakened her position. With Penny in safe hands all Maggie had to do was escape. But if she kept her in the trunk then held the gun on her when they arrived at the address she would have no choice but to comply. But Holly had to be on her guard.

Penny emitted a gurgle of discomfort.

‘I know it’s cold. We’ll soon be there.’ Holly tuned out the prickle of her wound. ‘Then you can have some milk. Would you like that?’

Penny’s hand emerged from her blanket and touched Holly’s face. It was hot, and her fingers clutched at her chin.

Holly turned left onto Prospect, followed the line of glowing, ornate streetlights and took in the mock, shingle-style homes with their gambrel roofs and extensive porches. It looked like Maggie had some wealthy friends. It was a long street, and she had to cover some ground before she found 335.

Penny squirmed in her arms.

‘It’s all right. We’re nearly there.’ She limped faster and crossed over to the right side.

Number 335 was the only house with its gates open. Holly stepped onto the expansive drive and approached the front door. There were lights on in the lower windows. She’d already decided on her plan of action. She would knock, tell Sascha she was a friend of Maggie’s, get her to take Penny and say she was going to help Maggie bring in Penny’s things and that Maggie would explain everything. Then she’d turn and exit the street as fast as possible. The main thing was that Penny would be safe.

The blue surgical gloves would arouse suspicion so Holly stripped them off and pocketed them. The cool air burnt her fingers. Hitching Penny up higher in her left arm she pressed the doorbell with the barrel of her gun. She was about to stow the weapon, but decided to keep it hidden under her poncho. There was no way of knowing if this was who Maggie said it was.

Just hand her over, make the excuses and leave.

Something slammed into the back of her skull.

Holly stumbled against the panel and suddenly hands were gripping Penny to catch her if she fell.

‘Let her go!’ a female voice screamed from behind her.

Holly rounded on her and found a blonde woman in her late twenties wielding a heavy saucepan. The blow hadn’t properly registered yet but her yelling was muffled. Holly had dropped the gun.

‘Put her down!’ The woman looked terrified.

The drive wobbled under the soles of Holly’s feet as she searched the white around her boots for the Browning and extended her free right hand to ward off further attack. Maggie’s gun was in her left pocket, and she’d have to put Penny down to get it.

The woman took a pace forward and brandished the saucepan, grasping the handle with both hands and swinging it to the side of her face in readiness to assault Holly again.

Holly blinked as the woman’s threats barely penetrated the fizzing in her ears. A harsh impact from behind. Was there a second attacker? But she realised she’d collapsed backwards against the front door. She slid herself back up the panel, straightened her legs and protectively hugged Penny.

The woman came forward to strike her a second time, and she tried to block with her arm. The heavy-bottomed implement struck it. Holly’s exclamation was locked inside her head. She lashed out and caught the woman under the chin with her fist. She retreated, shock registering more than pain.

‘Give me her! I’ve called the police!’

Holly doubted that. When the hell had Maggie warned the woman to expect Holly though? Holly ran at her but, despite her petrified expression, she held her ground and swiped at her with the saucepan again.

It only caught Holly weakly on her wrist as she shielded herself, used the right side of her body to bulldoze through and made for the gate, her left arm defending Penny as she staggered over the slush.

She was sure she’d toppled her assailant, but as she hit the street Holly heard the woman on her heels.

Swivelling back she found her only a foot away, teeth bared and saucepan raised.