The Missing American by Julie Highmore

Author:Julie Highmore [Highmore, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-04-09T23:00:00+00:00

EIGHTEEN

Three days later, it being my turn to tail, I found myself approaching Middle Thing again, several cars behind Nadya’s. This time only she and Shona were in it, and I guessed Matt was on a late shift. Jack had followed the three of them out here two nights previously, and it had been pretty much the same story. They’d stayed a while, then driven back to the services, where Shona and Matt had been dropped off by their car. That time, Nadya had driven off in hers, and not gone to the hotel. Jack had begun following Nadya, but lost her before even leaving the car park. We’d tried finding her address, with no luck, and I cursed myself for not getting it from Shona.

However, in an exciting development, when watching the house the following morning, Jack had seen an elderly man enter and a youngish dark-haired olive-skinned guy leave just minutes later. Curiouser and curiouser, we thought, and Jack had shot back to Oxford and my office, where we’d discovered online that the property belonged to an Alex Erskine. Nadya Erskine’s brother or cousin, we’d guessed, as Shona hadn’t mentioned a husband. We’d already decided against interviewing, or even contacting Nadya, since it might alert them all to the fact that we were suspicious. For now, we’d just watch.

I drove past the familiar landmarks: the water tower, the Norman church, the field where three horses huddled together against the cold. Had anyone worked out how much cold a horse felt? It wasn’t like they could tell you. I remembered watching Babe and wondered if technology would one day allow animals to tell us their thoughts. ‘Don’t call me Bidget, Alfie. It makes your gran resent me.’

Light was fading fast as I entered Middle Thing and almost ran down a black-clad jogger, who clearly thought he had right of way. ‘Idiot!’ I said, slamming on the brakes as he disappeared into the woods. It shook me up, somewhat, and passing the Queen’s Arms I had a hankering for a gin and tonic. Surely one would be OK? But I’d stand out, as a woman drinking alone. No, I couldn’t risk it. So far, I felt sure both Jack and I had remained unnoticed. I found the same free spot and reversed into it, so that I had a good view of the house. Nadya’s car was on the drive and lights were on in the house.

I’d heard my phone en route to the village, and checked it now. Jack. He’d left a voicemail message, saying he’d just driven past Shona and Matt’s house and all lights there were off. He was heading home for an early night, he’d added with a noisy yawn. ‘Let’s catch up tomorrow.’

If Matt wasn’t home, he was most likely working. If he wasn’t already in the house opposite me, I thought… the house where the door suddenly flew open and two women ran out, Nadya with arms wrapped around her chest and Shona with a hand over her mouth.

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