Sophie woke early the next morning. She wished she could learn to lie in again but since having Emma and especially since having Theo, her body clock was timed to sleep no later than 7.00. She got up and walked downstairs to the kitchen. It was a beautiful cottage, painted with soft, pastel colours which, coupled with the low, beamed ceilings, gave it a warm and inviting feel. She imagined that Christmas here would be idyllic, with the open fires and the smell of freshly baked cakes spilling from the Aga. All very twee, but lovely nonetheless.
She made herself a cup of coffee and opened the French door out onto the pretty courtyard garden. Despite the early hour, the sun was already hotting up and the scent of lavender and honeysuckle was unmistakable in the morning air.
She sat down at the wrought-iron table and sighed happily. Last night had been cathartic for all of them. Emily had really listened to what they had to say and something seemed to click inside her mind. ‘If Amy can come back from being almost killed, then I can get over a tiny little thing like betrayal,’ she told Sophie as they sat in the kitchen later.
‘Nobody underestimates the shock you’ve had, Em. Yes, they’re very different circumstances, but both very difficult.’
Emily nodded and took a deep, calming breath. ‘Being with Anton did do one thing for me though…’
Sophie finished the last of her wine. It tasted a bit sour. She had definitely had more than enough. ‘What’s that?’
‘He reminded me that when I was at university, I showed so much promise. Everyone expected me to have a big, successful career. And what did I do? I settled for a boring job at an insurance company in the City. It’s literally the last place I think anyone expected me to end up.’
‘But that’s because you had Jack. How could you realistically go off and have a big career when you had a baby to look after? You needed something with manageable hours, rather than doing what I did and working all night, every night.’ She could feel herself flushing slightly as she spoke, remembering suddenly that she wasn’t necessarily just working when she was out so late.
Emily shook her head. ‘I think I used it as an excuse though. Anton once told me he looked forward to reading my first novel and I really think he expected me to be a writer of some kind. He used to say I was a very talented writer…’ She tailed off, a wistful expression on her face.
‘Well, it’s not too late, is it? You’re only thirty-four and there’s no time limit on writing. That’s the beauty of it.’
Emily smiled and sat up a bit straighter. ‘No, it’s not too late. I shouldn’t waste another minute of my life. I’m going to retrain as a journalist. I should have done that from the start. And I’m going to take a creative writing class. And I’m going to write a novel. I’m going to do it all.’ Emily’s dark eyes shone with excitement and determination as she spoke.
Sophie shook her head in admiration. ‘You are the strongest person I know, Emily. And I really believe you will.’
‘Will what?’ Melissa and Amy came through into the kitchen from the sitting room where they had been nestled on the sofa, deep in conversation.
Emily held up her glass in a mock toast. ‘I’m going to make the most of my talents. There’s no way I’m spending the rest of my life working in the City. I’m going for a career change.’
Amy and Melissa looked at each other and laughed. ‘Well, that’s funny, because Amy and I have just been discussing her doing exactly the same!’
Sophie motioned for them both to sit down and filled all their glasses from the open bottle of red on the table. She had already drunk far too much and would regret it in the morning but for now, she just wanted to keep the positive mood going.
‘What are you thinking, Amy?’
Amy smiled. ‘Well, I think I’m a pretty good cook…’
‘You are!’ They all chorused as one.
Amy laughed. ‘So, I’d like to make a career of it. I’m going to start up my own catering business.’
Sophie eyed her warily. ‘I know you’re not short of money, Amy. But starting up a business isn’t cheap. It’s going to swallow up a hell of lot of cash—’
‘She knows all that,’ Melissa cut in, waving her hand dismissively. ‘But luckily, there’s a very rich man who I happen to know will be her first client and introduce her to lots of other potential clients.’
Sophie frowned. Nick was due to be released from prison within a matter of weeks. ‘Not… Nick? Surely not?’
Amy pulled a face. ‘No, of course not! It’s Melissa’s “friend” Mark.’ She made quotation marks with her fingers as she spoke.
‘Mark Bailey?’ Sophie’s mouth dropped open. ‘Melissa… is there something you haven’t told me?’ A mixture of emotions moved like a wave through her mind. On the one hand, she was delighted if Melissa and Mark had become more than just friends. She desperately wanted Melissa to meet someone to settle down with.
On the other hand, Mark was a notorious lothario. He definitely wasn’t the settling-down kind, which instantly made her worry for Melissa. Another, much smaller part of her felt ever so slightly jealous. Although there had never been any sort of physical attraction between them, she adored and admired him, meaning she was more than a little possessive when it came to his relationships.
Melissa shot Amy a warning glance. ‘No! I don’t know what Amy’s on about… but I know that Mark would back her. Just wear a short skirt when you meet him, Amy, and with your long legs, he’ll be putty in your hands.’
Sophie exhaled with relief. ‘That’s a bit unfair,’ she admonished Melissa. ‘He has an amazing business brain and he’ll only back something if he thinks it will make him lots of money. Mind you,’ she added, grinning at Amy, ‘I don’t suppose wearing a short skirt would do you any harm!’
Later that night, Melissa lay in bed, thinking. Sophie’s reaction to any suggestion of a relationship between her and Mark Bailey was an interesting one. It gave her a tiny scintilla of hope that it might one day be a possibility.
She looked at herself in the mirror each morning and gave herself a stern lecture about the folly of getting involved with him. He had women falling over themselves to sleep with him and he was unashamed about taking them all up on their offers. Since they had begun working together, she hadn’t yet succumbed to his charms but she knew it was only a matter of time and so did he. He looked at her with that twinkle in his dark eyes that reminded her of a cat toying with a mouse. He was just biding his time until the inevitable happened.
She wanted to be the exception; the one who turned him down. But she also knew herself well enough to know that she was powerless to resist him. He was like no one else she had ever met. Yes, he was good-looking and charming but he was also fiercely clever, hilariously funny and unswervingly loyal. She didn’t know anyone, male or female, who wasn’t a little bit in love with him.
And she didn’t think it was too much of an exaggeration to say that working with Mark had saved her. It had given her a focus and a drive that had always been missing in her career. Before, she had drifted along, enjoying the excesses of the music industry without thinking about the future. Since joining forces with Mark to cover Sophie’s maternity leave, she had found something she was good at. Something she didn’t mind working hard at because she didn’t want to let either Sophie or Mark down. Earning his respect and his praise for her work, rather than her body or her sexual prowess, had given her a bigger buzz than any drug had ever done and helped her to flourish.
Every weekend was spent thinking about him and aching for Monday to come around so that she could see him again. When he was away travelling, she felt restless and bored until he returned. Lately, he had started making noises that she should accompany him on his trips to LA and the prospect made her heart soar. She knew, without him ever having to voice it, that that was when their relationship would reach another level. She couldn’t wait.
The next morning, Sophie was sitting alone in the courtyard garden when Amy appeared. She brought with her a pot of fresh coffee and joined Sophie at the table. ‘Is your head as sore as mine?’ She grinned sheepishly, pouring out two mugs of steaming black coffee.
Sophie nodded. ‘It was worth it though, wasn’t it? You’re doing so well, Amy. You should be very proud of yourself.’
Amy blushed. ‘I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys. I will never forget that.’
Sophie nodded and sipped her coffee, thinking as she watched her how much Amy was growing and blossoming a little more each day. She reminded Sophie of the wisteria plant at the side of her house – it seemed as if it had withered and died in the winter, only to burst back into life with the most delicate, beautiful flowers as soon as summer came. Amy’s porcelain skin glowed, her vivid green eyes shone and her thick, auburn hair tumbled like a wild, glossy river down her long, straight back. She was walking tall again, with her head held high and her balletic posture restored.
‘And I will always be eternally grateful to you and Steve for taking us in the way you did.…’ Amy continued.
Sophie batted the words away with her hand. ‘We have loved having you with us. It has never, ever been a chore, not for one single minute.’
‘I know. You’ve always made that clear and we have felt so welcome. But…’
Sophie blinked in surprise. ‘But, what?’
‘But I think it’s time for us to get a place of our own. I need to stand on my own two feet and support the children myself. I can’t rely on you and Steve for ever.’
Sophie could feel the tears pricking the backs of her eyes. She had always known this moment would come. She could feel things building towards it over the past months as Amy became stronger. But she had grown to love Megan and George so much. And Steve had too. He would be bereft at losing them all over again. Plus Amy had been a huge help in looking after the children while he developed his career, which was starting to take off at last. ‘But what will we do without you?’ she asked plaintively.
Amy reached out and took Sophie’s hand. ‘Well, we won’t be going too far away, so we’ll still see each other all the time.’
Sophie nodded through her tears. She very much doubted they would still see much of each other once they left.
‘I have seen somewhere that could be perfect…’ Amy continued, a wide smile starting to spread across her face.
‘Really?’ Sophie sniffed back any further tears and gave herself a mental shake. It was ridiculous to expect Amy to stay with them for ever. Of course she had to stand on her own two feet or she would never move on with her life. Staying would be a permanent reminder of what Nick did to her.
‘It’s the house next door…!’ Amy sat back, with a triumphant look on her face.
Sophie gasped and clapped her hands gleefully. Steve had mentioned something about their neighbours moving abroad but she hadn’t really taken much notice. It was the perfect solution. The children could be in and out of each other’s houses all day long if they wanted and they could still spend weekends and holidays together. ‘Oh, Amy – that’s a great idea!’
Amy beamed. ‘It is, isn’t it? I won’t feel like I’m sponging off you but I’ll still get to see just as much of you as before.’
‘But… if you’re going to set up your own catering business – and I do think that’s a great idea, by the way – what will you do about the kids?’
Again, Amy smiled proudly. ‘I’m going to hire a nanny. A nice one,’ she added, her face darkening momentarily as she thought back to the nightmare she had had with Suki. ‘And they can look after your two as well, now that Steve’s working so much. It would be another way for me to thank you.’
‘Wow.’ Sophie looked at Amy in admiration. ‘You’ve got it all worked out, haven’t you? You have come such a long way, Amy, it’s fantastic.’
‘Thank you. I feel the same way Emily does. I really want to make something of my life. I want my kids to be proud of me, the way yours are of you.’
Sophie quailed. ‘I don’t know about that. We all screw up sometimes, Amy, me included.’
There was a sudden groan from behind them as Melissa appeared in the courtyard. She was still wearing the shorts and T-shirt she had worn to bed and had clearly not removed her make-up before going to sleep. But somehow she still managed to look gorgeous. ‘I feel like hell,’ she said, laughing. ‘But boy, was it worth it.’
She joined Amy and Sophie at the table and poured herself some coffee. ‘I’m amazed I’m up before Emily. I think that’s a world first.’
Sophie frowned. ‘Yes, I hope she’s OK. It’s been a tough week for her.’
Amy and Melissa both nodded. ‘She’s well shot of him, though.’ Melissa dropped her voice and glanced towards the door, in case she was overheard. ‘I never liked him. Even at university. You could tell he was a creep even then.’
Sophie rolled her eyes. Melissa had never said any such thing. Quite the opposite, in fact. She stood up. ‘I think I ought to go and check on her.’
Leaving the other two enjoying the sunshine, she made her way back into the house and up the stairs. The ceilings were so low that she had to duck in places, so as not to bang her head. Emily’s room was at the end of the landing, overlooking the front garden and the road beyond it.
She knocked gently and lifted the wrought-iron latch. ‘Em?’ she called softly into the gloom. There was no reply. Puzzled, she walked into the room and over to the bed. The duvet had been hastily thrown back and the pretty cotton bedspread lay in a tangled heap on the floor. ‘Em?’ she called again, although it was clear she wasn’t in the room. ‘Emily?’ Still there was no answer. She opened the door of the wardrobe. All her clothes had gone and there was no sign of her little weekend case.
She made her way back out onto the landing and peered into the bathroom but the door was wide open and it was empty. Although she could already sense that Emily wasn’t in the house, she checked all the other bedrooms, just in case. Maybe something had freaked her out in her room and she had moved to one of the two spare rooms during the night. But she was nowhere to be seen.
Back downstairs, she checked every room and cupboard, before heading back out into the sunshine of the courtyard. Melissa and Amy looked up at her curiously. ‘What’s up?’ Melissa said. ‘You look worried.’
‘I am worried.’ Sophie put her hands on her hips as she tried to think what to do next. ‘Emily’s gone.’
Emily drove as fast as she could through the country lanes, willing them to end so that she could join the motorway as soon as possible. Every narrowing of the road or sharp bend that forced her to slow the car to a crawl felt like agony. ‘Get out of the bloody way!’ she hissed, as the road was blocked by a tractor pulling into a field, as if the farmer had all the time in the world.
Finally, finally, she was on the dual carriageway and she could put her foot down as much as she dared. As much as her little Ford Fiesta would allow.
She had woken at dawn, with a strange premonition that something was wrong. She reached for her phone, plugged into a charger on the floor, as her battery had been completely flat from around 8.00 the previous night. She switched it on and, almost immediately, it began to buzz with voicemail notifications. With a shaking hand and a pounding heart, she clicked on the first message.
‘Emily? It’s Mum.’ Her mum’s voice, normally so calm and assured, sounded strained and panicky. ‘Jack’s had an accident. He’s been knocked over by a car. He’s OK but you need to get here as soon as possible. We’re at Lewisham hospital. Your dad and I are with him. Drive safely.’
Emily scrolled through her contacts, searching for her mum’s mobile number, panic blurring her vision. Finally, she found it and clicked on the contact number. Her mum picked up immediately. ‘Mum, I’m so sorry, I only just got the message.’
‘Don’t worry, he’s going to be fine,’ her mum said, her voice a lot more measured than in her message.
‘Is he home?’
There was a pause. ‘No. They’ve kept him in for observation. Why don’t you drive to the hospital and I’ll be waiting for you.’
Emily’s senses tingled. There was more to this than her mum was telling her. ‘Are you sure he’s OK?’ she persisted.
Another pause. ‘Yes. I’ll see you at the hospital. Drive safely.’ The line went dead.
By the time Emily arrived at the entrance to the hospital, her mum was waiting for her. ‘Your dad’s with him,’ she told Emily, as she hugged her and led her into the hospital. Emily followed her in a daze. She felt certain that something was wrong.
As they walked into the children’s ward, she spotted Jack immediately. He was sitting up in the bed furthest from the door, under a large window. Beside him, her dad sat in the regulation armchair, dealing out cards for the game they were playing. Emily’s legs went weak with relief. He looked absolutely fine.
‘Jack!’ she wailed as she reached him, enveloping him in a hug and bursting into tears.
‘Hey, Mum.’ Jack looked up at her sheepishly as they pulled apart. He had an egg-shaped bump on his forehead and a nasty scrape down one side of his face. There were numerous bruises on his arms.
‘Well, I was expecting you to be in a much worse state,’ she said, still breathless with relief.
‘My leg’s not great,’ Jack said, lifting the cover to show Emily that most of his right leg was heavily bandaged. The rest was covered in large bruises. ‘But other than that I’m fine.’
Out of the corner of her eye, Emily noticed a look pass between her mum and dad. Again, her senses told her that something wasn’t quite right here.
‘Mum, shall we go and get Jack some sweets?’ She motioned pointedly towards the door. Her mum nodded and stood up, a heavy expression on her face.
‘I’m not four!’ Jack protested, as they made their way out of the ward. Emily looked back at him and smiled, but he and her dad had already resumed their card game.
‘Something’s going on, isn’t it?’ Emily turned towards her mum and blocked her way as soon as the double doors closed behind them. ‘Do you want to tell me what it is?’
Her mum’s eyes slid away nervously. ‘Let’s sit down here,’ she said, guiding Emily into a chair.
‘Mum, you’re frightening me.’ Emily tried to adopt a teasing tone but she couldn’t quite pull it off.
Her mum swallowed hard and looked as if she was steeling herself to speak. ‘The consultant says they’ve picked up something from Jack’s blood tests.’ She cleared her throat. ‘They want to do some more tests.’
‘What sort of tests?’
‘I’m not sure. He’ll be back later so you can ask him yourself.’ Her mum’s face crumpled. ‘But I’ve got a horrible feeling it’s something serious.’
In that moment, Emily truly understood what it meant for someone’s blood to run cold.