Page 20 of Don't Believe A Word

‘She was there, beneath her new pink-frilled canopy and magic glow of fairy lights, all curled up around her teddy, eyes closed and mouth half-open as she breathed steadily, peacefully and so sweetly that Lottie’s heart seemed to fold around her.

‘“Lottie,” Mia whispered.

‘Leaving Sadie’s door ajar, the way she liked it, Lottiereturned to the landing. Mia was at the top of the stairs staring down at something. Lottie followed her eyes and her own immediately widened with surprise and unease.

‘An envelope was lying on the mat, just inside the front door, large and brown and apparently unsealed.

‘Thinking immediately of blackmail, ransoms, all kinds of craziness, Lottie indicated for Mia to stay close to Sadie and started down the stairs. She had a horrible feeling that someone was watching her, but who on earth could be?

‘Everything outside remained silent as she stooped to pick up the envelope, almost afraid to touch it in case it was some sort of booby trap. It wasn’t addressed to anyone and not at all heavy, so she reached into it and pulled out the contents. At first she felt confused, until understanding dawned and she gasped in shock.

‘“What is it?” Mia cried, coming quickly down the stairs.

‘Lottie’s face was pale and frightened as she handed over the envelope’s contents and watched her sister register what had been delivered to their door.

‘“Oh my goodness,” Mia murmured, clasping a hand to her mouth. “Is there a note?”

‘Lottie checked and shook her head. “That’s all there is,” she said.’

As she finished reading Sadie looked up to the camera, waiting to be told what to do next.

Cristy said, ‘Well done, you read that very well. How do you feel?’

‘You mean apart from frustrated and mad keen to know more?’

Cristy smiled. She could see the girl was shaken.

‘It feels kind of sinister, don’t you think?’ Sadie said. ‘Two middle-aged women alone in a remote house with a child they seem to be in the process of abducting and suddenly, out of nowhere, something – God knows what – comes through the door.’

Cristy had to agree, it did feel sinister.

Sadie glanced up as someone, out of shot, handed her a mug.

‘Who’s with you?’ Cristy asked, not really thinking it would be Mia, but feeling the need to check anyway.

‘Just me,’ Anna answered, stooping to join Sadie in the shot. ‘Great stuff, isn’t it? But we have to find out what was in that envelope.’

‘Jasper’s down at the house now seeing if he can turn something up,’ Sadie informed them.

‘Shall I stop recording?’ Connor asked.

Cristy shook her head. ‘I’m just going to do a little spiel,’ she told Sadie, ‘and then we’ll get into the interview we discussed yesterday if that’s OK?’

‘Take it away,’ Sadie responded. She sipped her coffee as Cristy waited for Connor to bring the script to the screen, then began.

CRISTY: ‘I know, beyond frustrating that the latest extract ends where it does, but what we do get from it is that whatever was inside the envelope scared Lottie.’

CONNOR: ‘And Mia. What we don’t know from this though is how long Sadie had been with the sisters by then.’

CRISTY: ‘And it’s possible that other pages or chapters exist that detail events leading up to this scene.’

CONNOR: ‘In other words, there’s every chance Lottie’s story isn’t going to be revealed in order, which could end us up with answers before questions are asked, or pieces of the puzzle that could belong to another picture altogether.’

Though they were still recording, Cristy said, ‘We might have to cut that last bit. We could lose our audience if they think we’re just going to confuse them.’

‘It’s the truth though,’ Connor countered.

‘So maybe we record the whole series before going to air?’