Drive-by

Bethan

Katie's phone call was, was...I don't know if I can describe it in one word. It was like a light that had been dimming for all these years suddenly coming on like a floodlight in a POW camp. Brutal, clarifying, revealing.

When she said she knew who the boys were, I was dumbfounded. I don't need to quiz Dave anymore about who they are. She's given me their details and I can finally see if they are able to give me some answers.

I'm eager to pursue it. Luke, Matt and Mark. I don't know how I didn't remember them. But then a lot about that time is in a haze, created by grief and depression and longing that tore and clouded and sucked the life from me.

She's given me their addresses.

Katie

The phone conversation went better than expected. I like Bethan so much. She deserves to know the truth, whatever that is. She deserves to know what happened to Laney. The camera has got to be important.

I never got to tell her about the other photos. She wanted to know about the boys. I was always going to tell her about them anyway so I shared what I'd found out. It's up to her what she does with that.

I was just about to tell her about the other photos too but she said she had to go, someone needed the bathroom, which I didn't understand but she said she'd be in touch. I know she will. I texted the boys' addresses.

I wish I'd got to tell her about Dad. At the moment, I feel more loyalty to her than to him. More and more, I'm wondering just what sort of person he is. Nothing's been said, but when I'm alone with him, I can feel the tension between us.

Bethan

I leave work early. I drive to the first address. Luke. I sit in my car, staring. I don't know if he's in there.

Luke

I'm about to head out to buy myself a ready meal when I see a strange car pull up and park outside.

It's a woman, staring at the house.

It's Laney's mum.

***

366 words

What's Bethan going to do?

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