Page 111 of The Stranger in Room Six
Belinda is late, observes Mabel crossly, glancing at the grandfather clock in her room. She can still remember standing on tiptoes as a child, admiring the silver moon and stars on its face.
The two of them had arranged to chat after lunch today, when the residents have their quiet time. But she isn’t here.
Mabel isn’t just bored; she is scared. Last night, a familiar nightmare reared its ugly head: the one where she found Aunt Clarissa’s bloody body on the ground, moments before it stood up and started to scream. Mabel has had this nightmare – or variations of it – ever since Clarissa died. It terrifies her, despite the fact that some would say her aunt deserved it.
Thank goodness for Belinda’s story, which helps to distract her from her own horrors. Now whereisshe?
Crossly, Mabel rings the emergency bell.
It takes a while for someone to answer it.
‘This isn’t good enough.’
‘What’s wrong, Mabel?’
‘I need Belinda.’
‘She’s looking after someone else at the moment. Mabel, you know we have to look after everyone and that we don’t have enough staff as it is.’
‘I don’t care. Go and tell Belinda that if she doesn’t come now, I will tell on her.’
‘And say what?’
‘Just give her the message.’
Belinda arrives, breathless, fifteen minutes later. ‘You can’t do that,’ she gasps. ‘Someone needed me.’
‘I need you more.’
Belinda looks scared. ‘I was warned that you’d “tell on me”.’
‘It was only a joke.’
‘It isn’t funny. Now they might suspect me of something.’
‘I’m sorry,’ says Mabel, feeling a little guilty now. ‘But I’m so bored when you’re not here. Just tell me what happened to Karen.’
Belinda sighs. ‘I have to tell you more about the prison first for it to make sense.’
76
Belinda
Nearly five years have gone by since I was sentenced. Elspeth has graduated from Oxford with a 2:1. I’m bitterly disappointed not to be at her graduation, although she does bring in photos, which she’s thoughtfully had printed out. Gillian has been promoted at work; I have continued my Listener work, but all I want is to turn back the clock and be with my girls.
Gillian got married four years ago. I only found out from Elspeth that her sister was expecting a baby. A baby! A grandson or granddaughter whom I wouldn’t be allowed to see. A child who would one day discover the appalling secret that their grandmother murdered their grandfather.
Every morning when I wake up, I think of Karen. How can I find her? How can I make her pay?
Part of me knows I should let it go, but I can’t. I will find that woman, even if I have to wait until I’m released.
Some months drag so badly that it’s like being stuck on a calendar page, unable to turn the date.
At other times, it goes faster, especially now I’m helping to train others as Listeners. The chaplain says I’m a ‘natural’. It’s been a long time since someone praised me.
Then Gillian gets married. I only find out after the event, in a letter from Derek.She doesn’t want you to know any details.
I write back, asking for a photograph, but I don’t receive a reply.
