Cliff Edge: a gripping psychological mystery by Florrie Palmer

Author:Florrie Palmer [Palmer, Florrie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloodhound Books - crime, thriller and mystery
Published: 2020-10-06T16:00:00+00:00

The next time they met was what Bette called a watercolour day. The leaves and berries in the woods on the down starred in magnificent colour below the palest of suns just visible behind bulging clouds that appeared glued into place on soft blue skies. Bette decided it was a suitable day to tell Sara about Lucy. She had never talked about it to anyone but she wanted Sara to know. She felt she needed to redress the balance by putting Sara in the true picture.

‘I loved my job and then I fell pregnant,’ said Bette. ‘It was sooner than I had wanted to have children. But my partner wanted them as soon as possible and kept pressing me to stop taking the pill. Anyway, as soon as Lucy was born, I fell in love all over again. I had never felt like that before and couldn’t believe how strong my love was for that little mite. It was all-consuming and I completely adored her. I suppose I shouldn’t say it, but I was the most devoted mother, absolutely besotted with that little angel. Then, when she was just four months–’ A break in her voice and she stopped. Her head drooped.

Sara had the sense to remain quiet.

Finally Bette shrugged. ‘It was confirmed as sudden infant death syndrome. That’s it. I can’t talk about it now and never will. I just feel hollow. Simply hollow. Like the frame of a person with nothing inside. But that frame will never stop aching. Never. Life since that day has been the most desperate and frightening time. At times it has been unbearable. I couldn’t believe that a healthy baby could just die. I was convinced I must be responsible in some way. I remember thinking, It’s my fault.’

Bette’s eyes welled and she looked away as tears cascaded down her cheeks. Sara held her while she wept on her shoulder.

6 October 2017. Bette Davies’ Five-Year Diary

Met a lovely woman today called Sara on Magog who I hope may become a good friend. She too has a dog and we had a lovely walk together. The dogs got on extremely well and we have agreed to meet again soon. It would be great to have a female pal in Cambridge. I really am in need of someone as Mike is no longer my soulmate. I miss him so much but I have lost him along with L. He has turned against me. I know it is because, like me, he is so unhappy. He seems to hate me. Always so angry.

One day I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t do away with–

No, I won’t allow myself to think it, let alone write it down.

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