Of course, the subsequent investigation uncovered Jade’s fraud and the truth about Ben finally came to light. Mark had been in touch with the authorities to say he was worried after not having seen Ben for so long. He made no mention to them of a Halloween visit by a woman dressed like Shrek and carrying a small, squirming pumpkin.
But by the time the truth was out, Maddie had other things to focus on. News had reached her that while Jade had been unsuccessful in ending Maddie’s life, Gemma had been successful at ending hers. All it had taken was a few too many sleeping pills and she had drifted off into oblivion to be with Greg. The inquest had ruled accidental death, a simple case of not monitoring the dosage in her grief-stricken state, helped by her mother’s testimony that Jemima was Gemma’s whole life and that she would never have abandoned her. Not intentionally.
When asked, Maddie had agreed with them.
No one needed to know about her last conversation with Gemma.
At least Gemma knew Jemima was safe before she died.
And when the legalities were formalised, it would seem Greg had indeed requested Maddie as legal guardian of Jemima.
So here they were now, this strange little convoluted family, in their seaside cottage. Maddie supposed it had all worked out well for her, but she didn’t like to dwell on that. There had been too much heartbreak and agony, too much hurt and anguish.
Her eyes fell to the fridge where the photo of herself and Ben was still displayed. His drawing was there too, tucked in behind some of Jemima’s celebrated pieces.
She still thought about Ben often, wondered how he was, hoped he was happy. She thought about Mark often too, who she hadn’t seen again. She could only imagine how the news about Ben had affected him.
Her mobile buzzed as she pulled the teabag from the mug.
She read the text, feeling delight thrum through her.
On my way. I’ll bring pizza – with pineapple and anchovies, right? L x
Luke had been a godsend in those weeks after everything had happened. He’d been a true friend, a shoulder to cry on. He wasn’t much of a talker, but he turned out to be a good listener. As it came closer to Maddie selling up and moving on, they’d both been surprised to realise that their friendship had blossomed into something deeper. They were still taking things slowly. Maddie was enjoying her newfound independence too much to take too big a step too early with Luke, so he came to visit most weekends and was ready to drop everything closer to the time when the baby was due. He adored Jemima and was excited about the new baby – and Maddie wanted him in her life, in all of their lives.
She hadn’t told him the truth about what happened that night on the roof or to Greg and Gemma – and she never would.
All those secrets and lies would be buried with her.
Acknowledgements
Families, in whatever shapes and sizes, are at the heart of this book. I finished writing the first draft of The Pact just before the world was forced to pause and everyone headed indoors. For many of my readers, that has meant being separated from their families at a time when they have really wanted to hold them close. For others, it has meant a chance to spend quality time together without the distractions of everyday life. My hope is that all of my readers remain safe and well, and that you have had a chance to reconnect with your families, whether remotely or in person.
My family is always at the heart of everything I do and write, and I wouldn’t be able to do this without their support and faith in me, whether near or far.
I am also lucky to have the tremendous support of my lovely agent, Jo Bell, who is always bursting with energy and enthusiasm for whatever I write, and the publishing team at Aria Fiction, in particular my editor Hannah for her unwavering passion and dedication to creating brilliant books. My books wouldn’t exist without the team behind me and I am truly grateful that they are there, propping me up and pushing me forward.
My friends are an endless source of encouragement, bottomless glasses of wine and much-needed laughs, not only those I have known for years, but also those I’ve met through the incredibly generous and open writing community. I know and am in awe of some very talented writing friends and it’s good to know we have each other’s backs.
Finally, as always, my eternal thanks and love go to Ted, Paige and Erin, who are my constants, my muses, my world.
About the Author
DAWN GOODWIN’S career has spanned PR, advertising and publishing. Now, she loves to write about the personalities hiding behind the masks, whether beautiful or ugly. Married, she lives in London with her two daughters and a British bulldog called Geoffrey.
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