Page 111 of The Stranger in Room Six

Belinda

I’m called to Room Nine, which I’ve never been in before. To my knowledge, it’s always been empty, but now I see there’s electronic equipment everywhere. Harry Marchmont is there and – to my surprise – Butlins Bill.

‘I’m afraid I had to deceive you all,’ he says.

‘My real name is Garth. I’m from Special Branch, here to keep an eye on Miss Marchmont.

We have recently learned that you were in prison with Amanda Smith, also known as Mouse.

It’s all right. You’re not going to get into trouble for failing to mention your earlier conviction, providing you can give us some help. ’

I swallow. ‘First, can you make sure that my daughters are safe. Mouse said they’d be in danger if I didn’t get her the information she was after.’

‘So that’s why you got so close to Mabel. I wondered as much.’

‘Actually, I really care for her,’ I start to say but he gives me a ‘who do you think you’re kidding?’ look before continuing.

‘As for your girls, we’ll see what we can do. In return, I want you to think very carefully. You spent a lot of time with Miss Marchmont. Can you think where she might have hidden that list?’

‘I’ve no idea.’

‘Please,’ says Harry. ‘My sister’s life might depend on it.’ He puts his head in his hands before looking up at me again. ‘My enemies hope that the connection will ruin my career. But we’re more concerned that Mabel is becoming a target. Someone has already tried to kill her.’

I shudder. ‘Mouse threatened my girls’ lives if I didn’t give her the list.’

‘Well, at least you don’t need to worry about that any more,’ said Garth.

‘What do you mean?’

‘Amanda Smith – Mouse, as you call her – died on the way to hospital.’