I reach for my phone. Still no word from Peter. It’s only five thirty and, if he’s working nights, or is asleep, he might not pick up. But I dial his number anyway. When it goes straight to voicemail I decide to leave a message for once, and whisper into my phone. ‘Peter. It’s Una. Sorry for the early hour. I really need to speak to you. I’ve …’ I hesitate, not wanting to say too much in a message ‘… I’ve found something. I think it’s important. Please call me back as soon as you can.’
Half an hour later, as I’m helping Elspeth dress, my phone buzzes. I can tell she’s not pleased at the intrusion as her eyes flicker disapprovingly to where it’s wedged in the back pocket of my jeans. I ignore the call and continue assisting her into her favourite pale green tweed skirt and silk blouse. I’m hoping it’s Peter, but even if it is I can’t speak to him with Elspeth in such close proximity.
My phone rings again. ‘Aren’t you going to answer that?’ snaps Elspeth. She’s perched on the edge of the bed and I’m bending over to help her with her ‘indoor shoes’。 She refuses to call them slippers.
I stand up and reach for my phone. Courtney’s name flashes up on the screen. I press decline and turn it off. ‘No, it’s not important,’ I say.
While Elspeth has a midday nap, I tap out a quick text to Courtney: I’ll ring you later. I can’t go to the police today. I’m working. I’ll go tomorrow as it’s my day off. Xx
A reply pings back straight away: I think you’re mad. You should take it today! It could be important.
I’m beginning to wish I’d never told Courtney. As much as I love her, and we complement each other as friends, we are different. Courtney is bossy, opinionated and always thinks she’s right. Usually I respect her opinion. She’s always been wise beyond her years, but I have to handle this in my own way. It’s my job on the line. And my home. I can’t go around ruffling feathers. I wish I could ring Mum for advice. Although I know she’d agree with Courtney. Damn it. I hate it when Courtney’s right. But logistically I can’t just say, ‘Oh, by the way, Elspeth, I’m off to the police station to dob your daughter in because I’ve found Jemima’s stuff that she’s hidden and she’s obviously lying about what happened the day she died. But please can I keep my job?’
Then I think of the bag hidden in the en-suite upstairs, like an unexploded bomb that could go off any second, destroying us all. I owe it to Jemima to take it to the police. If she didn’t take her own life, if something else happened that day, then her family – Peter – deserves to know. And if Kathryn did hurt her, she deserves to be punished.
‘Penny for them, ducky.’
I’m so deep in thought I don’t hear Aggie come into the kitchen until she’s right beside me. I look up at her round, friendly face. She’s known the McKenzies for ever. Can I trust her? Then I think of how much she’s gossiped to me and know I can’t. I like Aggie, she makes this job bearable, but she’s been here since Kathryn was a teenager. Surely her loyalty will lie with her. And I can’t risk her telling Kathryn. But then Kathryn will know I took the bag. Who else could it have been? Urgh, I’m doing my own head in.
‘I’m fine,’ I lie. ‘Just tired.’ I try to smile but she doesn’t look convinced.
She takes a seat next to me and lowers her voice. ‘I know working here can be …’ she glances around to make sure Elspeth isn’t creeping into the kitchen ‘… problematic, but stick with it. It’s good money, the house is lovely, the location convenient.’ She pats my hand. ‘I know it can be boring for a young girl like yourself to be stuck with old folk like us, but do it for a year and think of the money.’
I laugh in spite of the turmoil I feel. ‘Thanks, Aggie. I intend to.’ And then I find myself telling her a little about Mum and her illness, the promise I made to her.
Her face is full of sympathy and I flush when she gives me a quick hug. ‘I’m so sorry to hear about your mam. Hopefully one day you’ll go off and see the world for the both of you.’
I don’t tell her I’m hoping to do it by the end of the year in case she lets slip to Elspeth. Although I can’t think that far ahead at the moment. All I can think about is that bloody bag upstairs.
‘Aggie …’ I pause. She’s been so kind to me, so warm and understanding about my mum that I suddenly feel closer to her. ‘I found Jemima’s stuff. In the cellar.’