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.” I quickly pull my clothes off and head toward the shower.“The doctor said I should take it easy for a few days.She didn’t say I should stay in bed for the next six months.I haven’t moved.I’ll go mad if I don’t get out of here soon.”“We’ll drive, then.”“Don’t be ridiculous.We’ll never get a parking space.”“True.” He sighs.“But are you sure you’ll be okay? I could go and get us some takeout—”“I’ll be fine.We’ll walk slowly.” I laugh.“Like two old married people.”It isn’t far to the restaurant, and we take the path that runs along the beach.It’s not raining yet, but there are storm clouds in the sky and the beach is wild, the waves rough and foamy.It’s a spectacular sight and we take our time, arms linked, strolling leisurely.We’re both enjoying being out of the apartment, taking in the fresh air, the beauty of the view.And we take our time over our meal.Mick talks about the band, about composing music.We imagine a future tour of the world—money, fame, thousands of screaming fans.I laugh and tell him that I’ll be beating the girls off him.“I’ll be the witchy, jealous, fat wife at home.With six kids.”“Yes,” he teases.“Fat, jealous, and witchy.I can imagine you like that.”We contemplate taking a taxi home because it looks as though it might rain at any second, but decide against it.It’s gorgeous outside, and it’s only a short walk.And a little rain can’t hurt us.37You hear footsteps behind you—the sharp click click click of heels on concrete—but think nothing of it.As the footsteps grow louder, closer, you and he move to the side, make way for the woman to pass you by.But she stops, turns, faces you.It’s getting dark out, so it takes a moment before you realize who it is.Alice.She tilts her head to the side, smiles.“Katherine,” she says.And you can hear it in the way she speaks slowly, carefully—she’s drunk again.“I knew I’d find you here.I knew if I waited long enough that I’d bump into you and the little drummer boy.”He pulls you away, holding your hand tightly.You keep walking.“It’s such a beautiful, wild night to be out and about, isn’t it?” She follows close behind, talking in an artificially friendly voice.“I’m so glad I bumped into you.Well, both of you, actually.We’ve just got so much to talk about.”You walk faster, don’t turn around.Don’t answer.“Oh, come on, you two.Don’t you want to talk?”He squeezes your hand so hard your fingers hurt.You keep walking.“Okay, then.Maybe you don’t want to talk.I can understand that.But I want to talk.In fact, I need to talk.There’s a lot that’s been unsaid, Katherine, a lot you don’t know about that night.” She laughs viciously.“And I know you know which night I’m talking about.That night.”You falter.You stop walking.She laughs, behind you.“Oh, that got your attention, didn’t it? Hmm? Can’t run away forever and ever, can you, Katie? Got to face up to the truth sometime.”You turn to face her.“What are you talking about?”She puts her hands on her hips, looks you up and down.“What’s it like to have the perfect life, Katherine? The perfect family? Must be nice to be so spoiled, to be oblivious to the suffering of others?”“The perfect family? Oblivious to suffering?” you repeat, incredulous.“Are you joking, Alice? My little sister was raped and murdered.My family is far from happy, far from perfect.”“But your parents love you, don’t they?” she sneers.“I know they do.I’ve seen them.They worship the very air you breathe.You’re their little princess.That’s why you’re so smug.That’s why you don’t give a damn.”“Why I don’t give a damn? You’re insane, Alice.You talk in riddles.”“You don’t care about people like us.”“People like us?” I look around her deliberately.“Who’s us, Alice? Who are you talking about?”“Me and my brother.That’s who I’m talking about.Me and my brother.”You shake your head in confusion.“What on earth …”“Everything’s easy for people like you, Katherine.Your parents love you.The world loves you.You’ve never had to prove anything to anyone [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]