Page 111 of Killing Mind

‘My new second theory is that you’re still coming to terms with being right about something.’

‘Jen.’

‘Okay, scrap that one. My next theory, which you’re probably not going to like, is that you’re hanging onto this case because you don’t know how to let it go.’

It wasn’t the first time he’d been told that today.

‘And the last theory?’

‘Is that you’re holding on to it for a legitimate reason. That your gut is trying to communicate something to your brain.’

‘And, if you were a betting woman?’

‘My money would be on the last. I don’t know the case but I do know you. So, take out your laptop, go over everything you know and I’ll make the cuppa.’

Bryant watched her go. He really was the luckiest man alive and he always knew when to do what his wife said.

Eighty-Eight

Tiff lay in bed and felt her eyelids drooping to the rhythm of Britney’s deep breathing, despite the quiet unease in her stomach.

She couldn’t believe that it had only been that morning that she and Britney had visited Hilda in her home. The day had been packed full and it had been one thing after another.

The meeting in the dining hall had resumed and had been a totally different story. The air had been charged with positivity as Lorna had updated them on progress for the building work and the schedule for the new indoor swimming pool, hot tub and steam room. She’d talked of success with booking sessions with a well-known yoga teacher and a reiki master. Also, there were plans to introduce their own selection of livestock. Volunteers had been requested to take responsibility for various tasks and hands had shot into the air.

Last had been the highlight section where everyone was asked to choose their most positive moment of the week. A short clap had followed every one. Tiff had been surprised when they’d asked her to offer one too.

‘Meeting Britney,’ she had blurted out. She’d been moved to see the colour flood the girl’s cheeks as she’d touched her lightly on the arm.

The meeting had broken up amidst excited chatter, laughter and high spirits, the earlier sadness totally forgotten as people’s attention was re-focussed on the future. Was it choreographed that way? Were the meetings a monitoring session to see who was at risk of leaving?

It was only now, here in bed, alone with her own thoughts that she had the clarity of mind to ask herself these questions when all she really wanted to do was go to sleep.

When she was amongst the other ladies, taking part in activities, listening to their stories, she kind of understood the attraction of life at the Farm. There was a loyalty amongst these women that she had never witnessed anywhere else.

She could feel herself being drawn in. She felt a part of daily life. Occasionally, it slipped her mind why she was here. At times, she felt as though she was stepping outside herself, shedding something, leaving something behind. It was both exciting and unnerving at the same time.

The thought of Ryan in her room no longer filled her with the same level of rage. The problem now seemed so small and so far away.

And that’s the problem, she realised, as her eyes opened wide. This was how it worked. There was no big thing that changed her outlook. It was a gradual wearing away of the person you were. It didn’t hurt, it wasn’t painful. It was soft, gentle, seductive and above all dangerous.

Tiff turned over, facing away from Britney. She knew she would get no sleep tonight.

She’d done what she’d been asked to do. The boss had texted her earlier to check on her and to ask about Sophie. She’d assured the boss she was fine and reported that Sophie Brown wasn’t here.

She was no longer sure she’d answered the first question truthfully.

Tomorrow, once she and Brit reached the college she would make her excuses and leave.

She had to.

Eighty-Nine

‘Okay, guys, what have we got?’ Kim asked, entering the squad room. Her team had started working while she’d briefed Woody. He’d agreed with her assessment of the case and the direction. With instruction from Kate Brown, and after confirmation from Tiff that Sophie was no longer at Unity Farm, the emphasis was on finding her. Quickly.

‘Got him,’ Stacey said, reaching for a chocolate chip cookie from Penn’s treat box.

‘Go on.’