Page 51 of The Stranger in Room Six

It’s like being back in prison all over again. How ironic that Mouse nearly died for me. And now she’s the one threatening both me and my girls.

I love Mabel. I can’t help it. I’ve grown genuinely fond of this brave, vulnerable girl who has grown into an eccentric and feisty old lady.

But my daughters clearly have to come first. So the following day, feeling like a traitor, I arrive at Mabel’s room, armed with a packet of chocolate ginger biscuits: her favourite.

‘How lovely,’ she says. ‘Please sit down here.’ She pats the chair next to hers.

‘Thank you,’ I say. ‘You know, I’ve been dying to find out what happened after the Colonel was taken away.’

‘Ah,’ she says, her eyes looking as if they were in another place. ‘That’s when it really got dangerous.’

If only Mabel knew how much danger she’s in now, thanks to me.

‘Please,’ I say, my smooth voice hiding a fast-beating heart. ‘Do continue your story.’

She leans back and closes her eyes as if transporting herself to another time. ‘Very well,’ she says. ‘It was 1943 …’