15:51
They’re sitting in a circle around a small table: Kate, Dominic, Maddie, Juliet and Noah. Mr Bill’s there too, waiting to take Juliet and Noah back to Greenhills.
Noah’s mother examines the menu: ‘Well, I don’t see g&t here, so a strong coffee will have to do.’ Her voice is light, like she’s making a joke, but there’s no hint of a smile on her face. She’s sitting opposite her husband, but when he leans forward and says, ‘Kate, I—’ she pushes her chair back so hard that it scrapes into the wall behind her.
‘Maybe we should discuss this at home,’ his father says, and she flinches and pushes her body back even more.
‘“Home”, Dominic?’
Maddie looks over at Noah, scared. Juliet’s also looking worried and Noah must be too, because his mother tries to smile and says, ‘Sorry, Noah. Mads. Sorry, Juliet. I’m sorry for being rude.’
‘Would you like me to leave, Mrs Groome?’ Juliet asks, her voice small. ‘I can wait in the car.’
Noah grabs her arm before his mother can reply. ‘Stay, Juliet. You’re the one who—’
‘Yes,’ Maddie’s determined, nodding her head. ‘Juliet’s the one who came up with the plan, Mom, Dad. She’s brilliant. She knew exactly what we should do. And it worked, didn’t it, Juliet?’
‘I’m not sure it did, actually,’ Juliet says and Noah’s never seen her look so unsure of herself. ‘Look, I—’
‘Oh, I think it did, Juliet. Thank you.’ Noah’s mom tries to smile at her, and waits until Juliet gives a small smile back. Then Mr Bill takes charge.
‘Why don’t Juliet and I wait over at that table.’ Mr Bill gestures to a small, round table in the corner of the café. ‘We can get a coffee, can’t we, Juliet? Give you folks a bit of time to yourselves.’
Juliet gives Noah a quick, encouraging smile as Mr Bill ushers her away.
There’s a small silence, then Noah’s mother looks at her husband for the first time since they walked out of Martha Felix’s room.
You mean your long-lost grandmother’s room?
The Dark is growing, ready to consume Noah, but—
Quiet! he yells inside his head. He doesn’t have time to be messed around. His mother’s talking and he needs to hear what she’s saying.