Page 48 of Dying Truth

She rolled her eyes. ‘Err… yeah. There’s no higher honour than being a playing card. It means you were chosen to join the most important club you’ll ever belong to.’

Dawson smiled. ‘That’s a bit of an exaggeration, surely?’

‘It’s not just while you’re here. You’re a member of that club for life. The other members of your club are closer than family. Other cards know all of your secrets.

‘Cards go on to become politicians, bankers, barristers, doctors and stuff. The last deputy prime minister used to be the Nine of Clubs,’ she said. ‘Cards are influential in the outside world. Cards help each other throughout life.’

‘As long as it’s the same suit?’ he asked.

‘Of course,’ she said, as though that was obvious.

‘And how are new cards chosen?’ he asked. ‘What’s the criteria for becoming a card?’ he asked, feeling ridiculous.

She shrugged and wrinkled her nose. ‘Could be the kid excels in some academic subject or sport or something like that…’ She hesitated. ‘That’s it really.’

‘What is it, Tilly? You were going to say something more but stopped yourself.’

She coloured, and he recalled what she’d been saying.

‘Is there another way to get chosen?’ he asked.

‘Not officially,’ she said.

‘How about unofficially?’ he asked.

‘I think you can get a calling card because of family.’

‘“Family”?’ he asked.

‘Like, if your parents hit the rich list or they get a huge promotion or become famous for something.’

‘So, the kids themselves don’t have to be gifted as long as their parents are influential?’

She shrugged. ‘I’m just saying. It happens.’

The more Dawson learned about these exclusive clubs the more he grew uncomfortable with their existence.

‘What if you refuse the invitation?’ he asked. ‘Say you don’t want to be in one of these clubs?’

‘No one refuses an invitation to be a card,’ she guffawed as though he’d lost his mind. ‘Unless you’ve got a couple of screws loose.’

‘Tilly, did Sadie receive a calling card?’ he asked.

She reddened slightly before shrugging.

‘I wouldn’t know. It’s secret.’

‘Could Sadie have refused the invitation to join one of the girls’ exclusive clubs?’

The idea of the Sadie he’d come to know gleefully receiving and accepting a red ace on her bed was not a picture that would form in his mind.

‘I’m sorry, officer,’ she said, turning back to her books. ‘But I really must get on with my work.’

Dawson knew that the girl hadn’t answered his question either way.

Thirty-One

‘So, who do you think tampered with the letter?’ Bryant asked, as they awaited the arrival of their next interviewee.