Page 68 of Worse Than Murder (DCI Matilda Darke Thriller #13)

I don’t remember much after that.

I remember being on the floor of Lynne’s kitchen, crying my eyes out, really bawling my head off. The knife is in my bloodied hands. Alison is holding me in her arms. She’s telling me it’s all over.

‘I’m sorry,’ I’m screaming. ‘I’m so sorry.’

I repeat the same words over and over again.

‘I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you.’

‘We need to get her to a hospital,’ someone says.

‘The ambulance is on its way.’

‘What will happen to her?’

‘I’ve no idea.’

‘I can’t get her to stop crying, Gill.’

‘Just keep hold of her. The ambulance will be here soon. They might have to sedate her. She’s in shock.’

‘Matilda, it’s Alison. I’ve got you. You’re all right. You’re safe. Everything’s all right.’

‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.’

I can feel Alison’s arms around me.

I can feel Adele’s arms around me.

I can feel my mum’s arms around me.