Page 113 of Sisters

‘Looks like we’ve reached the end of the road,’ said Ellie.

‘Yes.’

‘We’ve come a long way.’

‘We have,’ agreed Abby.

‘Seems a long time ago we were swimming in the sea at your place.’ Ellie thought back to the house they had left, the simple life Abby had carved out for herself. There would be no going back. ‘I’m sorry I messed up your retirement.’

Abby was quiet for a moment. Then suddenly her face broke into a huge smile. ‘Are you kidding? These last three days. They’ve been the best of my life.’

‘Seriously?’

‘I was too young for retirement anyway.’ Abby nodded towards the cliffs. ‘You want to get out?’

‘Sure.’ Ellie opened the door and the wind immediately caught it. A chilly blast filled the car. ‘It’s cold out here,’ she said.

‘Take my jacket if you want,’ said Abby as she got out of the car.

Ellie leaned over and grabbed it. As she stepped onto the cliff, she pulled it on.

She walked as near to the edge as she dared. Then she leaned into the wind and felt the physical freedom of the seabirds as they soared. She didn’t see Abby step behind her, lift her hands.

‘Look at that,’ said Ellie in awe, as she saw a gull swoop through the air. She turned then, saw Abby’s hands just behind her shoulders, at exactly the right position to push her off the edge. She wouldn’t stand a chance; the shock and the loss of balance would make her stumble right over.

‘Abs...?’ Ellie said in a scared voice.

Abby’s face broke into a grin. ‘That’s my third.’

‘What?’

‘Idea. From when I was little. I was going to push you off a cliff.’

‘Oh my God.’

‘Not now, obviously.’ Abby lowered her palms.

‘Are there any more?’ asked Ellie. ‘Only, if we could get them out of the way now, that would save me having any more heart attacks.’

‘You’ll have to wait and see.’

‘Oh, come on.’

‘No.’ Abby smiled and turned away.

‘There’s something I need to tell you,’ said Ellie.

‘Sounds serious.’

‘Kind of...’ Ellie took a deep breath. ‘It’s about Mum...’

‘What about her?’

How did she explain? Abby was looking at her expectantly but then they heard the sound of sirens squealing, tyres screeching to a halt. Both girls looked back to see several police cars blocking the road, dust rising into the air. Doors flung open and police officers exited at speed, crouching down behind their vehicles, guns raised.

‘Oh my God,’ said Abby.

‘Are they pointing those things at us?’ asked Ellie in shock.