Page 71 of The Stolen Child

Sally’s heart began to hammer so loudly that she was sure Elise could hear it. She saw Elsie’s jaw clench as she spoke. And Sally could tell how much Elsie’s story was costing her to recount. Sally reached over to clasp Elsie’s hand under the bedclothes as she spoke, trying to show her that she was on her side.

But Elsie was lost in her memory and didn’t seem to notice.

‘I wore my best dress and walked to the end of the common, standing a few feet from a pretty woman with long blonde hair and pink lips. She smiled at me when I joined her. I was trembling so much I thought my legs were going to give way under me. And she must have understood that it was my first time, that I didn’t know what I was doing, because when a car pulled up in front of me she walked over and spoke on my behalf, telling the punter it was five pounds a trick, and he had to bring me back to this spot when he was done.’ Tears poured down Elsie’s face. ‘You don’t need to hear any more. But you need to know that when a person decides to do that, it’s not a life choice made on a whim.’

‘I’m so sorry, Elsie,’ Sally said, squeezing her friend’s hand. All those times she’d been sure Elsie was hiding something, Sally had never suspected anything like this. And then another thought struck Sally, that if Elsie hadn’t found her at the rubbish bins that day, she herself might have followed in her mother’s footsteps.

‘I think you are so brave. And strong. And wonderful,’ Sally said, desperately trying to find the right words to help take some of Elsie’s pain away.

‘I wanted you to know so you don’t think badly of your mother. To help explain that just because you do a bad thing, it doesn’t make you bad.’

‘I don’t think you’re bad, Elsie,’ Sally said. ‘And, if anything, hearing this about my mother helps me understand her more. I’m glad you’ve told me. And I’m here to listen to you, any time you want to talk about it.’

Elsie’s face darkened. ‘I will never discuss it again. I can’t, Sally. It’s too difficult. The only way I can live with . . . certain parts of my life is to pretend that they’ve never happened. Promise me you will never ask me about this again.’

‘I promise,’ Sally whispered as the hairs rose on the back of her neck. What other parts of Elsie’s life were hidden? Did she know her best friend at all?

Elsie climbed out of the bed, then kissed Sally’s forehead lightly, before tucking the bedclothes in tight around her. ‘I know this must feel overwhelming. You’ve had to deal with a lot of shocks today. But you are the strongest person I know. You’ll be okay.’

Sally’s head pounded as a tension headache took firm hold. Elsie was right – she would find her way through this. What else could she do but continue to move forward, as she’d done her entire life?

But as Sally heard the front door close softly behind Elsie, her only thought was for her best friend.

What about you, Elsie? Will you be okay?

NOW

August 2023

Lily

Ronda, Spain

Zach had been quiet since they’d left the Alvarez villa, refusing to debate the new information they’d gleaned from their hosts. He marched purposefully into Ronda town centre, and all Lily could do was try to keep up with his long strides.

He only stopped when they reached the foot of what looked like a church.

‘The Convento de Santa Benedictine,’ Zach said, waving towards the building with cream brickwork that was typical in the area. The convent was at the top of a flight of wide steps, lending it an air of grandeur and majesty.

‘Do you think this Sister Monique is still here?’ Lily asked, using her hand to shield the sun as she looked at Zach.

Zach shrugged. ‘There’s only one way to find out.’ He reached up to rap a brass knocker loudly on the wooden door.

‘What are you going to say?’ Lily whispered as they waited.

‘I don’t know. I’ll figure it out,’ Zach replied.

A few moments passed before the door opened to reveal a diminutive nun, who was no more than five feet tall. She was dressed in grey, from her veil to her long-sleeved blouse and knee-length skirt. She looked up at them both and smiled a welcome.

Lily had to let Zach take control, and how smoothly he could switch to fluent Spanish once again impressed Lily.

‘Estoy buscando a la Hermana Monique,’ Zach said.

The nun’s smile broadened, and she pointed to herself, ‘Esa soy yo.’

Zach looked triumphant as he quickly told Lily that the woman in front of them was Sister Monique.

‘Hello, Sister,’ Lily said, fighting the urge to curtsy.