Page 41 of The Dead Ex

The boys were waiting. ‘Let’s go.’

It all happened so fast! First, Darren knocked over thestand. Then Dawn gave her a ‘Now’ shove, which sent herflying. She stumbled over her shoe and then righted herself, remembering her instructions. Go for the section markedNEW RELEASES. One. Two. Three. Maybe a fourth. Scarlet hugged them to her chest and made to run back towards the door. But a big man in black trousers was standing there. Huge arms folded. Feet wide apart. Glaring at her like his eyes were on fire.

Crouching down, Scarlet flungherself between the man’s legs. Out the other side. Faster. Faster. Knocking into an old lady with one of those walking frames.

‘My leg!’ she screamed.

‘I’m sorry.’ Scarlet ran back towards her. ‘Are you all right? I didn’t mean to –’

That was when she felt those big arms on hers. She was being marched now towards the main doors of the shopping centre. ‘You’re hurting me!’ she tried to say.But fear kept the words inside.

Everyone was looking. There was no sign of Dawn or Darren or any of the others.

Into a police car like the one that had taken her away from the park. There was a woman in the back, wearing uniform and no smile. ‘What’s your name?’

Don’t tell them nothing if they catch you. That’s what they’d told her.

Scarlet pressed her lips together to make sure they obeyed.

‘What do you think you were doing? Stealing’s bad enough. But knocking an old lady to the ground is wicked.’

Her eyes filled with tears. This time she couldn’t stop the words. ‘I didn’t mean it. Is she going to be all right?’

‘Wouldyoube all right if you were old and some kid attacked you? Now, empty your pockets.’

Reluctantly she handed over her rubber, pencil and new spellings book.

Scarlet Darling.

The policewoman shook her head as she read the name on the cover. ‘Right, Scarlet. So what’s your mum called?’

Her voice was squeaky with nerves. ‘Zelda.’

‘Got a mobile phone number for her?’

‘She has to use a pay phone cos she’s in a place called Aitch Em Pee, where they don’t let you have mobiles.’

Something changed in the policewoman’s face. ‘Right.’

‘I’m seeing her tomorrow!The social worker’s going to take me.’

‘We might have to see about that.’

Scarlet got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.Might have to see.That was something Mum said when she really meantI don’t think so.

‘But I’vegotto see my mum. I have to. I haven’t cuddled her since they took her away from me, because of the game.’

‘What game?’ demanded the other policewoman sharply.

Maybeshe shouldn’t have mentioned that.

‘I can’t remember.’

‘How convenient. Well, when we get to the station, maybe you can remember what those other kids asked you to do. Don’t think you’ve got to cover for them. And don’t go getting excited about seeing your mother tomorrow. You’ll be up before the judge instead.’

I sell oils to my clients sometimes.

One of the most popular is frankincense which is part of my special ‘Escape’ gift pack. After all, we all want to get away, don’t we? Including me.