‘Fine. I’ll find a bed and breakfast somewhere.’
‘Be careful,’ said her mum. ‘You read about people being murdered and chopped up in places like that.’
‘No you don’t, Mum. That’s only in novels and they’re usually set in remote parts of America.’
‘That’s true it is usually in America. Maybe go for a Travelodge in a town somewhere to be on the safe side,’ said her mum.
Charlotte and Liv exchanged knowing looks. They loved their mum. As a single mother she’d been amazing at bringing them up on her own but sometimes it was a wonder how she’d managed it with her blurred view of real life and fiction.
‘Okay, Mum. I’ll make sure I stay somewhere legit. Okay?’
‘Thank you.’ Her mum gave her a hug. ‘And if you hear a strange noise. Don’t go to investigate.’
‘Mum!’ Liv’s patience was being tested.
‘Charlotte, have you still got that large torch?’ asked her mum. Charlotte nodded. ‘Please give it to your sister; she can use it to defend herself.’
Liv needed to finish packing and escape this madness. She grabbed cola and crisps from the cupboard. That would tide her over and she could always stop at a Greggs on the way. She’d be fine. She headed to the front door with her bag and snacks.
‘It’s seriously cold up there right now. They’re expecting minus eight tonight,’ said Charlotte. ‘Take my torch, and my car.’ Charlotte handed her the keys.
‘Really? Are you sure?’ Charlotte loved her BMW. It was her pride and joy.
‘Yours will never make it and I need my little sis safe. I’m getting the train to London so I don’t need it. Plus, it has something yours doesn’t have – acceleration, so you can escape the bad guys. I don’t want you getting carjacked by some mad axe murderer.’
‘Oh my word, Charlotte!’ said their mum looking horrified.
‘Mum, I’m joking. She’ll be all right. It’s full of petrol so it should get you there but keep an eye on it.’
‘I’m not a complete moron,’ said Liv, taking the keys and getting pulled into a tight hug.
‘Remember he doesn’t know you and you’ll never see him again. So you can be the person you want to be and say all the things you want to say,’ whispered Charlotte.
‘Blimey, Yoda, that’s a bit deep,’ said Liv.
‘Fine. Give him hell and then come home safe.’ Charlotte gave her a final hug.
‘I’ll be fine,’ said Liv, feeling buoyed by the anticipation of her adventure. Especially now she was going in Charlotte’s BMW as opposed to her vintage Fiesta.
‘Take care,’ said her mum, getting teary as she gave Liv a hug. ‘I love you.’
‘Love you too, Mum. Don’t worry about me.’ She waved them off, put her bag in the boot and went to get in.
‘Argh!’ she yelped, spotting someone inside the car.
Charlotte and her mother appeared at her side. ‘I thought you’d like some company for the drive,’ said Charlotte with a grin.
Liv pointed at Plastic Stan, propped up comfortably in the passenger seat. ‘Stan? And what is he wearing?’ asked Liv.
‘I couldn’t leave him naked. I put him in my old gym kit so at a quick glance it looks like you’re not alone,’ explained Charlotte.
‘Oh that’s a really good idea,’ said their mum, nodding furiously.
‘I’m not taking Stan with me,’ said Liv leaning in to undo his seatbelt.
‘Think about it,’ said Charlotte. ‘You’ve no idea if this place is a nice area or well dodgy. This way thieves might think twice about nicking my car. Think of Stan as a theft-prevention device.’
Liv studied her sister. There was little point in arguing. ‘Fine, I’ll take Stan. Now clear off because I need to get going.’ She could always put him in the boot at the first services.
