There were messages from lots of people, always excuses from Louisa. And in the end, even those had dried up. It had made Sarah angry and more determined than ever to go through with her plan. Richard really was a piece of work. Had she known that before the fateful night, things could have been very different. She almost wanted to be angry with herself too, for letting him trick her, but also for poisoning her mind.
Richard was more cunning than she’d given him credit for. But he had met his match with her. He wouldn’t be allowed to get away with this.
And at least Juliette now knew that she and Louisa were sisters. It must heighten things dramatically, she suspected. Juliette would want to know all the whys, but she wasn’t willing to tell her yet.
She sent another message to Juliette.
I realise now that Richard must have had Louisa’s phone and sent me messages making me think they were from her.
She waited a moment for a message to come back.
That’s so cruel. And heartless. I think we need to meet again to discuss what you know. I can understand why youdidn’t tell me that Louisa was your sister, but I wish I’d known earlier.
Sorry, I was scared you wouldn’t believe me.
Of course I believe you! I have been researching some places where you and Daisy could go. I could even take you to Derby, somewhere safe where Richard can’t get to you. I want to help.
Thanks.
I need Danny to see Daisy though. Do you think you can get Richard to invite us around for a meal?
She typed back.
I’ll try.
Sarah sighed as she put down the phone. It was good of Juliette to offer to take her to Derby and look for alternative places for her and Daisy to stay. But Sarah couldn’t go anywhere. She couldn’t leave her sister behind.
Not without doing what she’d set out to do to Richard.
CHAPTER SIXTY
Juliette logged on to Facebook and typed Louisa’s name in the search box. Nothing came up. She tried the name of the estate mentioned on the back of the photograph she’d got from the box. A neighbourhood group came up and she clicked on that. It was set to private so she clicked to join and her request went to pending.
When she next logged on, she had been approved. Once inside, she scrolled down the posts. She noted a few names and made a few friend requests. Then she decided to add a post.
Hi, I’m looking for anyone who knows Louisa Banks.
Juliette waited, then a comment popped up.
I knew Louisa. How do you know her?
She’s a friend of mine and I’m trying to contact her. I haven’t seen her for twelve months.
She left the estate when she got married. We lost touch, sorry.
Juliette sighed. She made coffee and when she returned, there were three more messages.
I haven’t seen her in ages.
That’s a blast from the past. Sorry, me neither.
The last I heard she was living in Mapleton.
A friend request popped up. Suzanne Ridley. She wasn’t one of the commentators. Juliette accepted it and seconds later, there was a direct message.
I used to be Louisa’s friend at school. Can I help?
I’m trying to locate her. I’d like to invite her to a reunion.
