a quarter to ten and, as predicted, is attacked by a barrage of questions and camera flashes. Amber watches him push through the crowd, then sprint defiantly up the street. A couple of the younger reporters try to follow, but soon give up. She hears someone shout, ‘What are you running away from, George?’
Twenty minutes later, there are several loud knocks on the door and the bell rings urgently. Amber can only just hear it above the hubbub outside, which has reached a crescendo. She rushes downstairs and positions herself behind the front door, opening it just wide enough for Ruby to dive through the gap. She lands in the hallway and Amber shuts the door with a slam.
‘Are you okay?’ she asks. ‘It’s a bear pit out there. George had the same trouble earlier on.’
‘I bet they weren’t calling him a murderer.’ Her sister is visibly shaking. She leans against the wall to steady herself. ‘Did you know there’s stuff online about me and Lewis running a paedo sex ring?’
‘Oh God. I’m so sorry.’
Ruby huffs. ‘Why are you apologising? Did you start the rumour?’
‘Don’t be stupid.’ Amber starts to climb the stairs. ‘That’s a horrible thing to say.’
‘I don’t know why I agreed to come.’ Ruby follows her up. ‘Lewis told me not to. He’s so angry with you and George. The police gave him a really hard time yesterday. He thought they were actually going to charge him.’
Amber doesn’t react. ‘Shall we go in the lounge, or would you rather sit in the kitchen – it’s quieter at the back of the house.’
‘Wherever, I don’t care. I’m not staying long.’
‘Are you taking part in the reconstruction on Saturday?’
‘Sort of. They’re using a police officer to be me, but I’ve got to be there in case there are any questions.’
They go into the kitchen. Amber’s gaze passes over the empty high chair as she takes the kettle to the sink, and her hand starts to tremble. ‘Do you want some tea?’
‘No.’
‘Actually, nor do I.’ She plonks the kettle back on its stand. ‘I’ve been drowning in the stuff. Poor Mum, she doesn’t know what else to do.’
‘We’re all feeling powerless,’ says Ruby, adding pointedly, ‘It’s why we lash out, looking for someone to blame.’
Amber sits down at the table. ‘We’re not blaming you – we’re just trying to get to the truth.’
Ruby leans against the bookcase and folds her arms across her chest. ‘You already know the truth. I didn’t kill her.’
Amber nods. ‘Yes, I really want to believe that, but …’ She hesitates. ‘Did the police show you the CCTV photo?’
‘Yes, and it’s not Lewis.’
‘How do you know – for sure?’
‘Because I love him and I know he’s a good person.’
‘But what if—’
‘Lewis had no reason to harm Mabel, okay?’
‘I know, I know,’ agrees Amber. ‘But whoever took her has to be somebody we know, someone who had a key or who was let in.’
Ruby groans. ‘I didn’t let anyone in, you’ve got to believe me.’
‘I don’t want it to be you or Lewis, but there doesn’t seem to be any other expla—’
‘Listen!’ Ruby leans across and shakes her sister by the shoulders. ‘Lewis and I are totally innocent. You know that. You’re just creating a diversion.’
Amber removes her hands. ‘What on earth do you mean?’
Ruby sighs audibly. ‘Look, I know you weren’t at Gaia Hall.’
‘Well you’re wrong there, because I was. The police have already checked my alibi.’
‘Okay, then you were meeting someone there. You must have been, otherwise you would have told George.’
Amber’s face tightens.
‘I think you’re having an affair,’ Ruby continues.
‘That’s ridiculous. How on earth would I have time for an affair?’
‘Well, it’s obvious that something’s wrong between you and George. You’ve been acting weird for months.’
‘I’ve had a few problems adjusting to motherhood, that’s all. That’s normal.’
‘No, it’s more than that. You’ve been carrying a secret around. A big secret. And I’ve a pretty good idea what it is.’
‘You clearly don’t. Just leave it, okay?’
There’s a dangerous pause as Ruby sharpens her stare. ‘Is George Mabel’s father?’
Amber recoils. ‘That’s really none of your business.’
‘I guess the police know. DNA results must have revealed it.’
‘I’m not talking to you about this. It’s got nothing to do with you.’
‘Does George know?’
Amber sets her mouth. ‘I’d like you to go now.’
‘Ah … so he doesn’t.’ Ruby’s eyebrows flash up and down. ‘God, no wonder you’re stressed.’
‘I’m stressed because my daughter is missing!’ Amber’s voice rises. ‘This is a private matter, Ruby, just butt out.’