Page 3 of Perfect Wives

Then a white Tesla rounds the bend and, for a heart-stopping second, I think it’s ours. That Nate has dug and dug in that way he does, putting it all together, and come to stop me. He’s going to kill me when he finds out what I’ve done.

Panic constricts my airway. I scrunch my eyes shut, blocking out the watery autumn sun and the road and the police station. Will Nate see I’m doing this for Oscar? Will he understand one day? Or will he hate me? Will Oscar?

I open my eyes to find a gap in the traffic. Taking it as a sign I’m doing the right thing, I dart across the road, ignoring the angry yell of a cyclist. I’m up the steps and pushing through the glass doors before I can change my mind. The heels of my boots tap against the polished floor, a countdown to something I can’t take back.

The waiting area is busy. A mother bounces a crying toddler on her lap while filling out a form. A white-haired man dozes in the corner, his mouth slack. At the front desk, a bored-looking officer with a buzz cut lectures a trio of teenage girls in baggy jeans and cropped vests. They could be thirteen or eighteen – who can tell anymore?

By the time I’m across the waiting area, the girls are turning to leave and the officer is looking at me with an expectant glance. Anxiety coils tight in my chest, but I close the gap.

‘Can I help you?’ he asks.

I nod, forcing myself to look straight at him.

Own your power!

‘I’d like to talk to Detective Sató please.’

He raises a single eyebrow. ‘May I ask what it’s regarding?’

I swallow down the lump lodged in my throat. Shoulders back. Gaze straight. For Oscar. For Nate. For Beth and Tasha and my big, beautiful life in Magnolia Close. I may not have been entirely honest with the people I love, but that doesn’t make my need to protect my life – protect them – any less. I will fix this for all of us.

I offer my most determined, take-no-shit smile. There’s no going back. Whatever happens next, it’s done.

‘I’d like to confess to the murder of Jonny Wilson.’

18 DAYS EARLIER

Magnolia Close WhatsApp Group

Ryan (No. 9)

Has anyone seen Mr Pickles? He’s gone walkabout again.

Jean (No. 5)

Bill says he saw him sunbathing on top of Steve’s car earlier.

Steve (No. 4)

Fur everywhere. He’s lucky he’s cute!

Andrea (No. 7)

A gentle reminder to bring bins in promptly please. The close looks so untidy when they’re left out.

Andrea (No. 7)

The gate was propped open again today. ALL – please make sure it’s shut. We don’t want any unexpected visitors!

Dan (No. 9)

Anyone else having trouble with their key fobs not working? Or is it just me and Ryan?

Jean (No. 5)

Mine is working fine. Bill’s good with electronics. Want him to pop over later and take a look?

Dan (No. 9)