Page 49 of The Stranger in Room Six

‘Now let me in,’ I hiss, before anyone sees us.

Shaking, Belinda obeys.

‘You know,’ I say, ‘the thing about prison is that you never know who or what to believe. It doesn’t surprise me at all that people thought I was dead, including you. You must have thought it was highly convenient. You never really trusted me, did you?’

Belinda has the decency not to disagree.

‘I nearly did die, actually,’ I add. ‘It was touch and go. I was in hospital for months then they moved me to another prison. I only got out six months ago.’

‘What are you doing at Sunnyside?’ Belinda stammers.

‘I could ask you the same.’

‘I work here.’

‘I can see that. I suppose no one knows what sort of person you really are then, Lady Belinda.’

Silence.

‘I’m presuming you faked your DBS.’

Belinda looks scared. ‘I needed a job. But please don’t tell anyone.’

I love it when someone says that. It’s like an open invitation to blackmail. ‘Well, that’s convenient, as I may have a little job for you. But this one is a bit more complicated. Your life depends on this job. And maybe your girls’ lives too.’

‘No,’ she whimpers. ‘Please don’t hurt them.’

I glance meaningfully down at my walking stick. ‘My employer chose me for this job because I need the sort of help that you can only get in here. And that’s all thanks to you, Belinda. If you hadn’t needed protecting, I wouldn’t be in this state. You owe me. And now I’m calling in the favour.’

‘All right, Mouse,’ she says in an ‘I know when I’m beaten’ voice. ‘Tell me what to do.’