Page 106 of The Jealous Girl

Was it what we wanted?

What I wanted?

I slowed as I approached the house, my gaze locking on the police car parked outside.

Why were the police here?

Did they know I’d stolen the files?

Surely not. Ryan would have said something last night if they knew.

I pulled to a stop, the engine still running. Perhaps I should come back another time.

But, then, how would that look?

Would people think I’d seen the police car and fled? Would the police think that?

I shook my head. Why would they?

Charlotte had died in a riding accident. There would be procedures. Questions. She’d been riding one of the Blackwaters’ horses. Of course the police would need to come here. That was normal.

Wasn’t it?

I turned the key, stepped out of the car and automatically crossed the yard.

‘Hey, Kirsty,’ one of the yard staff greeted me as I neared the stables.

‘Hi, Paul.’ I smiled back.

‘Not seen you here for a while,’ he said, shoving a spade into the soil and unearthing the roots of a foxglove.

I glanced down at the small pile of plants he’d already dug out. ‘Just looking for Ryan. Is he around?’

He shook his head. ‘Think he’s up at the house, talking to the police again.’

‘Oh.’ I glanced over my shoulder back at the house, not sure what to do now.

‘I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you stick around, if you want to wait for him?’

‘Okay, thanks,’ I replied hesitantly.

He was right, Ryan probably wouldn’t mind. But Denise?

I shook that thought away. I no longer care, I reminded myself.

I wandered into the stables. It felt strange to be back here. Memories of the other night flashed through my brain as my gaze fixed on the tack room window.

I moved along the aisle, the soft snorting and scraping of hooves no longer as intimidating as it once had been. Atlas poked his head out of his stall as I approached.

I flinched but didn’t step away. Instead, I lifted my hand tentatively. ‘Hey, remember me?’ I whispered softly. My fingertips brushed his neck.

Atlas didn’t move.

‘Do you like that?’ I asked, smiling slightly.

‘Kirsty?’

I spun round at Ryan’s voice behind me.