Page 143 of Don't Believe A Word

CONNOR: ‘Since getting the tip-off we’ve been trying all our contacts on the island – including Sadie, Gabe and Lukas – but so far all we’ve had is a text from our original source telling us that things aren’t looking good.’

CRISTY: ‘What the hell does that mean, you must be asking, and believe me, we are too. Our imaginations are running out of control. Is everyone safe? Has someone set fire to the villa? Where is Sadie? What’s happening to her, or her aunt? Are Gabe and Lukas still there? It was Evie who raised the alarm, apparently, so we’re guessing they are, but she’s not responding to messages either.’

CONNOR: ‘As a quick recap: the last we heard from Sadie was earlier today when she told us she was planning to go to the villa again in the morning in the hope of speaking to her aunt. So, did she go this evening instead?’

CRISTY: ‘I know it’s doubtful we can use this next bit, but just in case: now could be a good time to share a callwe had from Mia, also earlier today, in which she was clearly confused between Sadie and Lottie, and ended up accusing us of turning Sadie against her. She claims to be afraid of what Sadie might do to her, and insists that Gabe and Lukas are imposters. A quick reminder here that the results of a DNA test on both men show that they are indeed who they claim to be. Anyway, have a listen to some of Mia’s distress call, because that’s what it sounds like – a woman in distress.’

As Connor stopped recording Cristy noted the time code and wrote,She’s coming for me,next to it, a guide for where to edit in the call later. That done, she sat back on the sofa, tired and worried, and annoyed with David for keeping them in the dark for so long.

‘What the hell’s going on over there?’ she muttered, glancing up as Jodi put her head round the sitting room door. The baby was in her arms, goggle-eyed and dribbly, and smiling in a way that caught Cristy’s heart.

‘More coffee?’ Jodi whispered, as if someone might be sleeping.

‘What are you doing up?’ Connor asked, going to take his daughter.

‘She’s hungry,’ Jodi replied, ‘so I thought I’d come and sit with you guys while she feeds.’

Nuzzling, kissing and cooing over his girl, Connor said, ‘Then I’ll make the coffee.’

Jodi smiled her thanks and went to sit with Cristy on the sofa, taking Aurora back as Connor said, ‘I’m guessing you won’t want one?’

She shook her head and yawned while opening her top ready to nurse.

Watching, Cristy couldn’t stop her mind leaping from Aiden to Bear and on to the awful possibility that she was going to be drowning in babies in the coming weeks and months. Thank God this sweet little angel wasn’t her responsibility, was completely loved and cared for by her parents and had no need of anything from her soon-to-be godmother other than to be doted on and spoiled.

‘Connor told me about Aiden,’ Jodi said, after settling Aurora against her breast.

Cristy’s eyes closed, then quickly opened again as her phone rang.

‘David!’ she shouted to Connor, and clicking on, cried, ‘Thank God. What on earth is happening over there?’ She glanced up as Connor rushed in and set to record.

David’s voice was hoarse and low as he told them what he could.

DAVID: ‘It’s been pretty chaotic. The police and emergency services are still all over the place, but mostly they’re searching the cliffs under the villa …’

CRISTY: ‘Christ! What are they searching for?’

DAVID: ‘A body. I guess it can only be that, the fall is too great to survive and the rocks …’

CRISTY: ‘Who are we talking about, David? Please, for God’s sake, don’t say it’s Sadie …’

DAVID: ‘Sorry. No, it’s Mia. Apparently she contacted Sadie earlier and told her to come … I’m not sure how long Sadie was there, or what happened between them … All I can tell you is what a detective told me, that apparently Mia threw herself from one of the balconies.’

CRISTY: ‘Oh my God! In front of Sadie?’

DAVID: ‘I’m afraid so. Sadie’s been in a pretty dreadful state since. They’ve given her some kind of sedative now. As far as I can make out she went down there alone, but it’s possible Lukas was with her … I haven’t got that straight yet …’

CRISTY: ‘Have you managed to talk to Sadie at all?’

DAVID: ‘A few minutes ago, but she was pretty out of it by then. Exhaustion, shock, the drugs kicking in … She seems more worried about Mia than anything else.’

CONNOR: ‘Where are you now?’

DAVID: ‘On my way home. The police want to talk to me again tomorrow, and there’s a good chance someone will contact you … I told them about the podcast, and the noose incident, I hope that’s OK. It kind of goes to her being suicidal.’

CRISTY: ‘Of course. We can let them have—’

DAVID: ‘Sorry, Lukas is trying to get hold of me. If there’s anything to report I’ll call back, otherwise let’s speak in the morning.’