Why hadn’t Dominique known something was going on with Ruby? Why had she been so eager to write it off as simply her ‘being a typical teenager’? The guilt weighed her down. Shock, too. She couldn’t get past Ruby’s words.

‘The only way to save Mouse is if I kill myself.’

Dominique was a mum, it was her job to see what was happening, to realise. It was her job to look after her children. She hadn’t, too busy getting her hair done and choosing the right carpet, ornament, top, whatever. Too busy worrying about dreams to see reality unravelling.

Dealing with something of this magnitude, though, left her utterly clueless.

She swallowed, trying to free the words that refused to come.

‘Sweetheart,’ she said, finally, ‘I know you want to spare Amber the pain you’ve felt but, Ruby, darling, this isn’t the way. There are other ways to end this torture – and protect you and your little sister.

‘I know you believe that your father and I don’t care, but think about it: what is the meaning of my life without my kids? When I’m on my deathbed, I won’t be looking back on all the nice houses I’ve lived in, the clothes I’ve worn, the designer stuff I’ve owned. None of that matters. What matters is being able to look back on a life filled with love. What matters is you and Amber, and knowing that I have raised you well, loved you with all my heart and always done right by you. And if I have let you down then I am so, so sorry.’

Dominique felt with all her soul that she had just one shot at winning her daughter over. The words came out in a rush, straight from the heart.

‘Let me make it up to you, Ruby. Please. I don’t deserve any favours from you, I know, but give me the gift of a fresh start. Let me get to know you again. Help me to be a better mum, and protect you and Amber, and be there for you both. I want to, sweetheart, with all my heart. I’m devastated that my shortcomings as a mother have led to such unbelievable hurt for you. I will never forgive myself – but I’d like to spend the rest of my life trying to make up for it, and perhaps, one day, gaining your forgiveness.’

Ruby stared down the barrel of the quivering shotgun.

Dominique tried again. ‘I know these are only words, but give me a chance to show you with deeds how sorry I am. Darling, together, we can all learn from this and protect Amber, and—’

‘Mum, I just want you to love me…’ Ruby broke down then. A vulnerable little girl, all the hard mask rinsed away by the tears.

Dominique couldn’t hold back any longer. She threw the ‘Book of Hate’ onto the bedside table, where it fell open. Rushed forward, not caring about the gun, not caring about anything but that her eldest daughter was in pain. She gathered her into her arms and hugged her tight, kissing the top of her head. Ruby stiffened, then softened against her mother’s body and let herself be loved for the first time in a very long time. Too long.

‘I love you with all my heart, and all my soul – you must always believe that, Ruby Thomas. I will never, ever let anyone hurt you again. I’d rather die than let that happen.’

She whispered fiercely into Ruby’s hair, stroking damp strands away from her daughter’s face as she spoke.

‘We’ll find out who is at the bottom of this bullying. With all the evidence you’ve got, the police will find it easy to trace the perpetrators. They’ve got special officers for dealing with this kind of thing. We’ll make it stop, and somehow, I will make it up to you for all the hurt I have inflicted on you by not listening, not being there. We’ll find your smile again.’

Ruby sniffed and shook her head. ‘No, I’ve got an ugly smile. Everyone tells me that. Except Harry. He thinks it’s beautiful, but he’s not all there.’

‘Well, I agree with Harry. And in the morning, I’ll call him myself and let him know that you and he can see as much of each other as you want.’ As long as there really was no funny business, she added silently. But if Ruby told her there wasn’t, then she believed her. From now on, she would be listening to her children.

Ruby’s arms tightened around her.

‘Y-you really don’t believe those things then, Mum? That I’m evil and stupid and smelly and… You really love me?’

‘Oh my God, Ruby, you are my life. There are no words to describe how much I love you.’

She put her hand under her daughter’s chin and eased it up so she could look her in the eyes.

‘Do you believe me, sweetheart?’

Ruby gave a wobbly smile, and tears started again. ‘I do, Mum. And I love you, too. I’m so sorry for the horrible things I’ve said—’

‘You’ve nothing to apologise for.’ Dominique enfolded her once more in a hug.

---

Benjamin was starting to feel sluggish and queasy. His stomach gurgled. He’d nip to the loo, then go back to his study, close the door for the final time. He should write another note, too, to pin to the door, warning everyone not to come in, but instead to call the police. He’d have to do that as soon as he got back. He didn’t want his wife or children to have to deal with seeing that sight of him dead; it would stay with them for ever.

But first, he really must go to the loo; his stomach hurt and his head pounded. Maybe things were happening faster than he had anticipated. His stomach contracted again.

He walked towards the downstairs toilet, steadying one hand against the wall. Cursed, remembering that it wasn’t flushing. Dom would have to call a plumber. Perhaps he should add a reminder to his note, but it sort of ruined the impact of what he wanted to write…

With a sigh, he tried to work out what was best to do as he made his way upstairs, trying to tread lightly so he wouldn’t disturb anyone. The stairs wobbled in his vision. Lifting his feet was tiresome. Maybe he should sit down, just for a minute. He was almost at the top; only a few more steps…

Harry stood before him, his hand on the doorknob of Mouse’s bedroom.

What the hell? Was he abusing her? Was he trying to burgle them? Murder them in their beds?

Fury punched adrenaline through Benjamin’s body. He must protect his family. With a roar, he rushed forward.