Carol Wyer - The Sleepover

The DI Natalie Ward series:

The Birthday (Available in the UK and the US)

Last Lullaby (Available in the UK and the US)

The Dare (Available in the UK and the US)

The DI Robyn Carter series:

Little Girl Lost (Available in the UK and the US)

Secrets of the Dead (Available in the UK and the US)

The Missing Girls (Available in the UK and the US)

The Silent Children (Available in the UK and the US)

The Chosen Ones (Available in the UK and the US)

Cathy Curtis fished the teabag from her mug and tossed it into the sink, where it splattered onto the already brown-stained chrome. Shed clear it away later; for now she wanted nothing more than half an hours peace and quiet.

Charlie was in the bedroom he shared with his brother, Seth, no doubt glued to some video game, controller hot and sticky in his hands. Roxy was still sulking in hers. Shed been there most of the day. Cathy felt a pang of guilt. Shed not meant to be so hard on the girl but it was important she got her message across. Roxy was stubborn and single-minded, but on this occasion, Cathy had been forced to step in and dissuade her.

She poured the milk into the mug, ensuring the tea was good and milky, and took it with her into the sitting room, where she dropped onto the settee with a sigh. She kicked off her slippers and swung her legs up so she was almost lying down. Moments like this were rare. She was inevitably running around after one of her children or her partner Paul, who at times was more of a kid than the boys. She smiled at the thought. Paul was fine just as he was. He brought out the best in her.

The tea was sweet and perfect. Seth and Paul werent due back until much later so shed probably watch some telly or catch up on a box set while they were out. Charlie wouldnt come out of his room until it was time to eat, so once Roxy went out, shed have the evening to herself. She cupped the mug and let her thoughts drift again. Roxy was growing up. They all were. Soon, theyd all have left the nest, like Oliver before them. A sensation like the twanging of a guitar string resonated in her chest. Soon it would be just her and Paul and thered be endless afternoons like this, but shed miss them for all their noise and arguments, shed miss them all.

Roxy appeared at the door in skinny jeans, a T-shirt and a green baseball cap that complemented her creamy skin and drew attention to her large hazel eyes.

Hey.

Cathy looked up and gave her daughter a warm smile. Roxy would always be her little girl, no matter how old she got.

Sorry about the row earlier, said Roxy.

Me too. You okay about it?

The girl nodded. Yeah. You were right.

Cathy put her mug on the floor and stood up, padding across the worn carpet to her daughter. I know you didnt want to be told what to do

The girl stopped her with a shake of the head. No, you were bang on. I was being pig-headed. I dont even think he likes me that much.

Cathy wanted to contradict her and say of course hed be interested in her. Who wouldnt like her feisty, gorgeous daughter who had guts and determination and knew her own mind? But she didnt want to encourage that particular relationship. Instead she brushed away a strand of dark hair that had stuck to Roxys cheek. You all ready for Ellies? she asked, spotting the plastic bag propped by the door.

Yeah. You still cool about me going?

Sure, why wouldnt I be? Cathy knew the reason why, but she wasnt going to argue again. Theyd quarrelled enough for one day.

Roxy gave a shrug and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. Cathy loved it when Roxy smiled. Her face transformed and her real beauty shone through.

Thanks.

Got any plans for tonight? Cathy asked lightly.

Sit around in our pyjamas eating crisps and chocolate and watching Netflix, said Roxy with another grin.

Sounds like my ideal night.

You want to join us? Roxy asked jokingly.

Cathy laughed. Ill pass. Maybe next time.

Youre on. Okay, Im off. See you, Mum.

Have fun. Say hi to Ellie for me. Not seen her for a while. Cathy dropped a kiss on her daughters forehead, and when Roxy didnt pull away she felt much better. Their spat had been forgotten.

Roxy looked up at her mother with clear eyes. Bye, Mum. Catch you tomorrow. She lifted the plastic bag and Cathy accompanied her to the front door, where she stood and watched as her daughter left for a sleepover with her best friend, who only lived in the flats behind their own. The yard gate opened with a high-pitched squeal, and Roxy bounced through, hand raised in a farewell gesture. Cathy caught a final, See you, as the girl disappeared from sight, and she went back inside, glad theyd patched things up between them.

She sat back down on the settee and lifted the remote control, ready to enjoy some time on her own. It was a thought she would live to regret.

Urgent cries rang out as more glittering flames crackled along a distorted window frame and threatened to escape the building. An intense cascade spurted from the water cannon and quenched the inferno but Jamie Bull, the watch manager, the man in charge of the crew, knew it was hopeless. The fire had taken a firm hold and ravaged the interior of the house, destroying everything in its path long before the firefighters had arrived at the stylish Victorian residence on the leafy street one of the smartest in Armston-on-Trent. Neighbours had rung the fire brigade, panicked by the flashes and explosions and fearful for their own safety and properties. Several were currently huddled at a distance, behind the cordon, eyes wide as they observed the emergency services battle the blaze and attempt to bring it under control.

Jamie had seen enough infernos like this one to be sure thered be nothing left of what had once been the owners personal sanctuary. It shook him to the core every time he picked his way through the debris and smouldering charcoal remains of a building to be reminded of what the house had been like. The small signs of normal life: a pushchair, a childs toothbrush, a picture frame, plates and cups set up on a table all the things taken for granted as part and parcel of everyday existence, melted into blackened tokens.

Worse still was when they found lifeless bodies. Jamie had been relieved to learn the property theyd been dousing for the last hour was owned and occupied by two brothers, Gavin and Kirk Lang, neither of whom had been at home when the inferno started. Gavin, a thirty-something-year-old with pale grey eyes and designer stubble, had arrived soon after the crew and now stood alone, some distance from the small crowd, with his mobile pressed to his ear, lips moving, as the twenty-five-strong crew continued to tackle the fire.