Even though it’s a while since I took the sedatives, I know I shouldn’t really be driving yet.
But I have no choice.
I think about the safety checks but I don’t do any.
When I have more time I will go back to the beginning and get everything straightened out again. I will sort out all the stuff that has got mixed up and in the wrong order in my head.
When I get to Liam’s I haven’t even reached the back door before I hear raised voices coming from inside the house.
‘I’m not leaving, not before you tell me—’
The door is slightly ajar, and I see Liam first and then Amanda standing at the bottom of the stairs, yelling. When I step inside Liam rushes forward quite deftly, and I notice with surprise he doesn’t need his crutches at all now.
‘Thank God you’re here, Anna.’ He puts his arms around me and whispers in my ear. ‘I’m trying to get rid of her but she won’t leave.’
‘Anna, I need to talk to you—’Amanda begins.
‘I think it’s time for you to go,’ I snap, and Liam steps back from me to glare at her too. ‘Your sad little game isn’t working; Liam knows you’re trying to wriggle out of prosecution.’
‘It’s got nothing to do with that,’ she sighs. ‘Anna, you need to know—’
‘I know everything I need to know.’ I watch her through narrowed eyes. ‘About you.’
She runs rigid fingers through her hair.
‘You don’t know him.’ She nods at Liam.
‘I know you.’ I take a step towards her. ‘I know you very well. I remember everything that happened, everything you did, Carla.’
‘Who’s Carla?’ Liam frowns.
‘How do you know about her?’ Amanda’s face drains deathly pale.
I’m astonished that she has actually convinced herself that Carla is a separate person. She must have some kind of personality disorder.
‘Look at my face.’ I jut my chin out. ‘Remember now, do you?’
‘What are you two going on about?’ Liam shouts. His arms cross over his body like an armour of flesh.
‘I’ll tell you everything, Liam,’ I say walking over to her. ‘Soon as I’ve got rid of her.’
I grab her arm, but she shakes it free. ‘Get off me, you nutter,’ she spits.
Before I can retort, she storms out of the house and slams the door behind her.
Then I hear banging on the floor upstairs.
‘It’s just Gran,’ Liam says quickly. ‘She’s not well; the doctor says she has to stay in bed.’
Suits me. At least she isn’t interfering down here when Liam and I need time to talk.
‘Let’s go through to the living room,’ I suggest. ‘And I’ll tell you everything about so-called Amanda Danson.’
‘Anna.’
I hear Ivy call weakly.
‘Please. . . come up—’
I place my foot on the bottom step.
‘Don’t,’ Liam says, pressing his hand on to my shoulder. ‘Leave her to rest.’
‘Anna—’ Ivy’s voice floats down again.
‘She sounds distressed,’ I say. ‘I’d better just pop up.’
‘I said leave her.’
Something in his eyes flashes, and I take my foot off the step.
‘I need some thinking time alone, Anna,’ he says looking away. ‘Can you come back later?’