Page 65

CHAPTER 65

OLIVIA – D AY F IVE

The noise is deafening.

‘Mummy, what’s happening?’

I’ve never heard a roar like it. Or seen Chloe so scared.

‘It’s OK. It’s OK.’ I clutch her close, feel her forehead again. Still way too warm. Her breathing still too fast.

The noise comes again. Like thunder over the caravan. I frown and glance at the tiny window. Dry. I listen. And then I realise.

‘It’s a helicopter, Chloe. I think they’re looking for us.’ I wait and the sound moves closer. Clearer. Yes. It’s definitely a helicopter. It seems as if it’s circling now. Louder for a while and then slightly quieter. And then roaring overhead once more.

I feel this sweep of relief. This new hope that maybe Amelie did somehow run away. That she’s found help for us. Found the police and sent them here. I try to picture her with the police this very moment, pointing out the caravan.

There is a rattle of the padlock and my father swings the bedroom door open.

‘You two need to get out here,’ he says, his face puce with panic. The shotgun is in his hand.

‘I told you. Chloe’s not well. You need to go out and speak to them. It’s over, Dad. It’s best you—’

‘No way is this over, Olivia. You started this and now I have to do as I am told.’

‘I didn’t start anything.’ I feel furious. Emboldened. But also confused. What does he mean – do as he’s told ?

‘You took Amelie,’ I say. ‘You did this.’

‘I only took Amelie because the Lord saw how like you she was.’ He’s shouting now. ‘He wanted me to save her too. You and Chloe and Amelie. All of you. Do you not see that I have to do as He asks?’

I feel overwhelmed. All Amelie and I have in common is our colouring. Same hair. Same blue eyes. Is that what he means? And why is he talking about her in the past tense again? I take in the wildness in his eyes and I see that this madness goes beyond anything I can try to understand. Or reason with. This has nothing to do with religion.

This isn’t religion. This is something twisted and evil. And mad.

‘She looked like you when you were little. Do you really not see it?’ He is rambling now. Eyes blazing. Turning his head this way and that, his gun still in hand, pointing at the ground. ‘When I’m given a task, I have to accept it.’

Suddenly there is the roar again of the helicopter, moving back closer. Right overhead again.

It is difficult to hear what my father says next but he is crossing himself as if praying. He reaches inside his shirt collar for the crucifix he wears around his neck and puts it to his lips.

He lifts his gun and clicks it into position. He points it towards us – me and Chloe. And then comes the loudhailer.

‘This is the police. We need you to come outside with your hands in the air. All of you.’