Page 75 of Winter

“Luna, look, I’m sorry that I had to tell Knox about what Olly …”

Luna held up her hand. “Please, don’t. It’s okay. What he did is unforgivable, even if he is my brother. Though I would like to know from you what exactly happened.”

Inca told her about the house, how Olly had behaved, about her things being stolen. By the end, Luna had to sit down, and Inca felt bad for telling her.

“I don’t know why he’s suddenly behaving like this. I’m so sorry, Inca.”

Inca was uncomfortable. “Let’s not talk about it. Even though I am so pissed at him, I hope he’s okay. Maybe he’s just …” She stopped talking, but Luna half-smiled.

“Say it. Maybe he’s having a psychotic break. Just like his little sister.”

“No, I …”

“Inca, it’s okay. Sometimes these things are genetic and, in a way, I hope that’s what he is having. Let’s be real honest here. Do you recognize this Olly? Is he the same man you grew up with and had a relationship with?”

Inca shook her head and Luna nodded. “Remember when I had my breakdown? Did I seem different to you?”

“You did. I remember thinkingLuna has disappeared.It was scary—obviously not as much as for you and Olly but I felt like you’d died in some way.” Inca felt tears prick her eyes.

Luna sighed. “That’s how I felt. I was no longer me. And maybe, I think, Olly is going through the same thing. I think it’s been going on a while. I think it’s the reason he broke up with you, I really do. He’s unstable.”

“God.” Inca was choked up, but she got up and made some tea to cover it. “What a fucking mess.”

“Indeed. Look.” Luna got up. “I don’t think Olly meant any harm; I really don’t. I know he scared you.”

“He lied to me as well, Luna.”

“I know. He lied to me too. Look, shall we open up and distract ourselves? Knox will tell us if they find anything.”

Luna had been tryingto call Knox all day. At seven o’clock, frustrated, she shoved her cell phone in her pocket and strode over to the police station. Fred, one of the deputies, greeted her.

“Hey, Knox here? I’ve been trying to get hold of him all day.”

Fred shook his head. “Got called into the city. They’ve got some big break in the murders and wanted to know what Knox knew.”

Luna frowned. “Surely they have records?”

Fred shrugged. “Can’t say I know too much. Knox went harin’ outta here this morning; haven’t heard a thing since. Looked pretty tense.”

“Okay, thanks. I’ll be across the road if he comes back.”

“Sure thing.”

She returned to the Sakura and shook her head. Inca sighed. “We’ll just have to wait some more.”

A few minutes later, Tyler came in, breathless and frantic.

“Either of you seen Nancy? She didn’t come home, and I can’t get hold of her. She was meant to be home an hour ago.”

Luna gave a short laugh. “Maybe she’s with Knox. He’s been AWOL all day too.”

Tyler didn’t smile, his face creased with worry, and Inca went to him. “Look, I’m sure she’s just gone to get groceries or something. Come have some coffee and we’ll wait for her.”

Tyler hesitated, glancing over to the police station across the street. Finally, he sighed, still antsy, and sat on one of the bar stools. “Okay. Maybe you could try her from your landline?”

Inca nodded, casting a concerned look at Luna. She poured him some coffee and went out the back to try and call Nancy. Luna rubbed Tyler’s back, trying to comfort him.

“I’m sure her cell just ran out of power or something. When did you see her last?”