The Silent Twin Read Free Page B

the living room.’
    ‘Of course, darling, you and your police talk. I’m sure it’s all above my head anyway.’ A dainty laugh passed her lips as she slid out the box of sugar lumps from the cupboard.
    ‘Come with me,’ Nick said, taking Jennifer by the elbow, not quite forcefully, but hard enough to take control. He steered her out into the hall, guiding her down the corridor into a door on the right.
    Each room seemed more oppressive than the last, and she fought to acclimatise herself to the leaden atmosphere. The ceiling creaked overhead, driving a shiver up Jennifer’s spine. In Haven, old houses didn’t settle. They carried a life of their own, and Blackwater farm was no exception. This was a house that would never be a home. The best they could hope for would be to co-exist with the ghosts of the past.
    ‘Take a seat,’ Nick said, pointing to an old leather chair. Most of the furniture seemed to have woodworm. A plasma television flashed with the sound turned down, ill suited with the other furnishings.
    Jennifer stood, rooted to the spot. She didn’t appreciate being manhandled, and was not about to allow him to take his frustrations out on her.
    ‘With all due respect, Sergeant, I’ll sit when you do.’
    Nick rubbed his hand across his stubble as he breathed a terse sigh. ‘I’m sorry. I just . . . I can’t handle Joanna right now. Our daughter’s missing and she’s making tea. Fucking tea!’ With one swift kick he sent a spindly coffee table skidding across the threadbare carpet.
    Jennifer took two steps forward and grasped his forearm. His sinews were tense in her grip. ‘We’ll find your daughter. But you’ve got to stay focused and calm the hell down.’
    Nick broke away and turned to face the window. ‘I just feel so helpless. I need to be out there, looking for Abigail.’
    Jennifer understood his frustration, but to her mind, answers could be nearer than they imagined.
    ‘I was wondering if I could spend some time with Olivia. I know she’s not talking, but she might open up to a stranger . . . Nick?’
    But Nick wasn’t listening. Evening was drawing in, bringing with it the prospect of his little girl being alone in the dark for the very first time.
    Jennifer followed Nick’s gaze to the bleak fields, and to the left, the array of outbuildings, which had been searched more times than they needed to be. Police did not believe Abigail was in the immediate vicinity, and the search area had widened considerably. Jennifer tried to pick up clues from the energies in the house, but the air was too charged, filled with vibrations of anger and despair. She softened her voice. ‘I understand your devastation, I really do. My nephew went missing last year and I nearly went mad with worry. Why don’t we sit down and discuss things? Maybe a fresh perspective will help?’
    Nick faced her, the anger withdrawn from his eyes for now. ‘Your nephew . . .’ he said, swallowing to ease the croak in his voice. ‘Did you find him?’
    ‘Yes, alive and well,’ Jennifer said, leading Nick to an old wingback leather chair.
    ‘Good. And please, call me Nick.’ He hitched up his jeans as he took a seat.
    Jennifer nodded, inwardly groaning as Joanna entered the room with a tray. Just when I’m making progress, she thought, hoping she would hurry up and leave. Jennifer placed the coffee table on its feet and Joanna put the tray on top, still wearing her plastic smile.
    ‘Here you go. Help yourself to sugar and cream. Oh, and I’ve put some croissants on the side just in case you change your mind.’
    Jennifer smiled a thank you, afraid her words may spark off another bout of anger from Nick. Throughout her career she had to be the bearer of bad news. People would curl up in a ball and wail, would want to attack her, or would just push her out of the door rather than face the reality that their loved one had died. Although no body had not been found, the disappearance of a young child was every