Page 76 of The Stolen Child

‘You okay?’ she asked tentatively.

He shook his head. ‘I’ve been so busy worrying about myself I forgot to think about my family.’

‘I think you can be forgiven for being a little preoccupied. I’m not sure I’ve won mother or wife of the year these past few days,’ Lily replied, feeling a stab of guilt as she thought about her two boys at home.

‘Maybe I should call my sisters,’ Zach said, almost to himself.

‘Before you call your mom?’ Lily asked, wondering if that was the right move. ‘Would it be better to have all the facts first of all? Only call them when you have proof that you are Robert?’

‘Maybe. I don’t know.’

‘Out of the three girls, who are you closest to?’

He sat down opposite Lily again. ‘I’d say Issy because I’ve seen more of her over the past few years, as she’s in London. Ally and Jenny are busy with their own families.’

Lily rubbed her temples as she considered possible scenarios for Zach. ‘After the results, call Issy. Or fly over to see her. That gives you some support too, when you confront your mom.’

‘Do you think your parents will give me the time to visit my mom before they call the authorities?’ Zach’s lip trembled.

‘I’ll make sure they do. They will want this to be as easy on you as possible. They love Robert . . . love you . . .’ Lily paused, flustered again as she tried to navigate the complications of how to refer to her possible missing sibling.

Zach looked at her sadly, whispering, ‘For the first time today, I wished I’d never seen your dad’s interview.’

And Lily realised a truth for her, answering, ‘Well, for the first time today, I’m glad you did see it, because I’ve found you again. And I know it’s an unholy mess, but we’ll figure it out. Together.’ She reached over and clasped his hand.

‘Thanks,’ he whispered back to her. His eyes drifted down to the iPad screen.

‘You will not believe where Inspector Ortega lives. Only in Marbella! Isn’t that mad?’

‘Wild! Let’s see if I can find out where in Marbella.’ Zach picked up his own phone and began typing away.

Lily tidied up their cups and dishes, but hadn’t even begun drying them when Zach shouted out, ‘Got him!’ as he raised his fist in triumph.

‘How on earth did you manage that so quickly?’

‘Honestly, you’d be surprised what people put up on the internet. I found his wife’s personal Facebook page, and she has no security.’ He turned his phone to show Lily, but as it was all in Spanish, it meant little to her. ‘She is a member of the resident’s society for a square in old Marbella called Plaza de los Naranjos. I know it. We can swing by there on the way to the airport if you like. We’ve got a few hours to kill before returning the car.’

Lily looked at Zach in surprise.

He shrugged. ‘Look, sometimes you have to grab the bull by the horns, so to speak. I did when I booked an appointment with you. Look where that has led us.’

Lily couldn’t disagree. Every day they learned another clue, which she believed was bringing them closer to solving this mystery. Within thirty minutes, they had packed up, said their goodbyes to the Alvarezes and made their way back down the twisting road towards the coast.

BEFORE

May 1979

Sally

South London Crematorium, London

Lizzie Fox’s body was released for the funeral once the post-mortem was completed. This confirmed that Sally’s mum had died from a single blow to the back of her head. Wearing a black skirt and cream blouse borrowed from Nicola, Sally couldn’t believe that her mother was finally gone. Only when she arrived at the crematorium with her friends and saw the simple pine coffin did the stark reality of the situation begin to sink in.

Sally trembled and her breath quickened. She wasn’t sure she had the strength to get through the service. But then Elsie and Nicola, who had supported her steadfastly over the past couple of weeks, tightened their clasp on either side of her. She’d never needed them more than she did right then.

To Sally’s surprise, shortly before the short service began, Sister Jones arrived, followed by Cyril, along with Noreen, Sandra, Carys and Mary. This gesture, knowing that they had each forgone sleep to be there, made her heart ache, and it was her undoing. Tears she’d promised she would not shed today came thick and fast. She looked around the small room with gratitude.

These people had never met her mother yet were here for her.