One of Us Is Lying: A totally gripping psychological thriller with a brilliant twist

by Shalini Boland

  ‘She wasn’t tied to a chair ever! Not unless she tied herself to the thing!’

  ‘Okay, I understand.’ His voice is calm, gentle, bringing me back from the brink of a near-meltdown. I realise I’m shaking. I can’t lose it. I need to stay focused. I need to do everything I can to make them believe I’m telling the truth. The quicker I prove my innocence, the quicker I can get back to Ryan and Sonny. I take a breath.

  ‘So, when can I expect to get out of here?’

  ‘They’ll want to interview you tonight. But I advise against answering any of their questions at this point.’

  ‘What? Why? I’ve got nothing to hide.’

  ‘Your story isn’t straightforward. There’s far too much you could say to incriminate yourself.’

  ‘But I’m not guilty.’

  ‘Doesn’t matter. For now I would advise you answer all their questions with a strict “no comment”.’

  ‘Won’t that make me look even more guilty?’

  ‘It will make you less likely to say something that can be used against you. They’re going to interview you shortly, which won’t give us enough time to prepare.’

  ‘Okay… So I just say “no comment” every time they ask me a question? That seems wrong. What will they do? Will they let me go home after?’

  ‘They’ll probably bail you tomorrow with conditions.’

  ‘Bail me?’ I can barely breathe. ‘But I didn’t do anything wrong! This is a nightmare. Surely I should just tell them everything I know, explain what happened so they can release me.’

  Saul gives me a stern look. ‘Kelly, I know this is hard to take in but try not to worry. One thing in our favour is that your children spoke to Sophie. How old are they?’

  ‘Eight and eleven.’

  ‘Good. Children that age are generally truthful, or at the very least bad liars. When the police question them—’

  ‘They’re going to question my children?’

  He makes a calming motion with his hand. ‘Trust me; in this instance, it’s a good thing.’

  ‘I still can’t believe this is happening. And you said they won’t let me out until tomorrow?’

  ‘I said they’ll possibly bail you tomorrow. But that’s not guaranteed.’

  My brain is buzzing, and the brightness of the room is giving me a headache. All I want is for this to be over. To go home and hug my children before sinking into a warm bath. But right now, that feels like an impossible fantasy.

  After a few more questions and some administrative details, Saul stands up. ‘I know this seems scary and strange right now. But I’ll do everything I can to clear your name, okay?’

  I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The thought of going back to that antiseptic cell is filling me with dread. But I don’t want to lose it while I’m in here. That will only make things worse. I need to stay calm and try to think positively. I need to focus on the strong possibility that tomorrow I’ll be able to go home – even if it is just on bail. I can cope with one night in here, can’t I?

  Twenty-Nine

  Sunday

  FIONA

  ‘But, Kelly, what were you thinking, letting a total stranger into your house? Letting her stay with you?’

  ‘Please, Fi, I’ve spent the last twenty-four hours either answering questions about it or thinking about it. Could we save your questions for later?’

  It’s early afternoon and Kelly and I are walking out of the police station. I parked around the corner and Ryan and Sonny are anxiously waiting in the car to see their mum. They wanted to come into the station with me, but I thought it best if I went in without them. I figured Kelly wouldn’t want her children to see her in there. And besides, I didn’t know what kind of state she’d be in.

  While she was being processed out, and picking up her things, Kelly briefly filled me in on what’s been happening, and I have to say I’m shocked. Kelly’s always been a sweet, kind-hearted person; generous with her time and going above and beyond. But what she did – taking that girl in – was just plain stupid, in my opinion. And now it’s come back to bite her on the backside.

  Although, if we’re talking stupid, then I guess I can’t really talk. I’m still burying my head in the sand about the tax audit.

  ‘Kelly, I’m sorry for firing loads of questions at you. It must have been awful having to spend the night in a cell. And I’m so mad at Ash for taking that awful girl’s word over yours.’

  ‘It’s not his fault, Fi.’ She runs a hand through her messy blonde waves. ‘He was just doing his job. He can’t very well turn a blind eye just because a friend is involved.’

  ‘Yes, but he’s Tia’s brother. He knows you’d never do anything like what that little witch is accusing you of. I mean, she must be unstable, delusional. It’s crazy! And now you have to go to court! What a joke. What an absolute waste of taxpayers’ money.’

  ‘How are the boys?’ Kelly neatly changes the subject. ‘Thanks for looking after them. I hope they weren’t any trouble.’

  ‘They were lovely, Kelly. No trouble at all. Maybe just… a little subdued, but that’s understandable.’ I don’t mention Nathan’s attitude towards them. He didn’t show his true feelings to Ryan and Sonny, but I’m worried that they might have picked up on his reluctance to have them to stay. Luckily, Nathan was all smiles today. He seems to have forgotten about yesterday’s outburst. When I got back from Kelly’s place yesterday evening, he was still in the lounge, so I crept upstairs to check on the boys, who were out for the count, bless them, so I turned off their light and crawled off to bed too. Nathan came up a while later. He whispered my name and didn’t sound cross, but I didn’t want to risk a repeat of earlier, so I pretended to be asleep.

  ‘I can’t wait to see my boys,’ Kelly says, picking up her pace. ‘This whole thing has been such bad timing – not that there would ever be a good time for something like this. But Ryan was finally cheering up after his disastrous race and we were planning on spending a lovely family evening together. I was feeling so optimistic yesterday.’

  ‘You can still pick up where you left off,’ I say, realising that it won’t be the same. That Kelly won’t be able to relax. She’ll be worrying herself sick about what’s going to happen next.

  ‘What if I go to prison, Fi?’ Kelly stops in the middle of the road and I have to nudge her forwards. ‘What if I’m found guilty of this false imprisonment thing?’

  ‘Never gonna happen.’

  ‘You don’t know that.’

  ‘Mum!’ Sonny has jumped out of the car and is running towards us. Ryan follows suit. I watch the three of them hug as though they’ve been parted for centuries, and I feel a pang of envy at their closeness. I don’t think I’ve ever loved anyone like those three love one another, and I’m not sure I ever will. I walk to the car and wait for them to join me. Through the windscreen I see them talking nineteen to the dozen. Kelly still looks exhausted, but the light has come back into her eyes. She sees me looking and gives me a smile, ushering the boys back to the car.

  ‘You know you didn’t need to pick me up.’ Kelly gets into the passenger seat. ‘It’s lovely of you, but it’s not exactly miles to walk.’

  ‘Are you kidding?’ I reply as Ryan and Sonny get into the back seat. ‘As if these two would have waited patiently for you to walk home. They’ve been antsy all morning waiting to hear when you were coming back.’ I start the engine and pull off down the road.

  ‘Yeah, Mum,’ Sonny agrees. ‘We missed you. What was it like at the police station?’

  While Kelly fields more questions from the boys, my mind wanders back to my own problems. The tax inspectors will be coming back to Salinger’s tomorrow, and they still haven’t given me any information about anything. Any hint about what they might be looking for. The only time they ever speak to me is to query paperwork or ask what certain receipts are for. They’re stern-faced and completely unapproachable, and I’m seriously worried. Especially as I’ve reassured Nathan that everything is fin
e and above board. What will I do when it all comes out into the open?

  Maybe I should confide in Kelly. It would take her mind off her own problems. But that’s just selfish of me. I can’t burden her with my issues. Not now.

  ‘Fi… Fiona? Are you okay? You missed the turning.’ I realise Kelly’s talking to me, and that she’s right. I’ve been so caught up in my thoughts that I’ve taken the turning towards my house instead of hers.

  ‘Oh, sorry. I’ll turn left here.’

  ‘Is everything okay?’ Kelly puts a hand on my arm.

  ‘Yeah.’ I take a breath. ‘Yes, everything’s fine. I just zoned out for a minute.’

  ‘Oh!’ she cries suddenly. ‘Slow down! Slow down!’

  At her outburst, I hit the brake, swerve slightly and almost hit a parked car. ‘Kelly, what is it? What’s wrong?’

  ‘Mum!’ Sonny calls from the back seat.

  ‘Are you okay, Mum?’ Ryan asks.

  ‘Sorry, Fi, but is that Tia?’ Kelly turns and cranes her head. ‘On the other side of the road, back there on the corner. Who’s that she’s talking to?’

  I glance in the rear view and see Tia talking to a youngish, dark-haired man. ‘Yes, that’s Tia. Do you want to go and speak to her?’

  ‘Who’s that man she’s with?’

  I realise I’ve stopped in the middle of the road, but there are no cars behind me so I’m all right for the moment. I put my hazards on anyway and turn around to get a better look. The guy looks to be in his twenties, but it’s not anyone I recognise. ‘Is he someone you know? Do you want me to pull over?’

  ‘Yes! I mean, no! Keep driving, keep driving!’

  I turn off the hazards and continue down the road, wondering what it is that could have got Kelly so spooked about that guy.

  The boys are still looking out of the back window. ‘What’s the matter, Mum?’ Ryan asks.

  ‘Nothing, Ry. I just thought it was someone I know, that’s all.’

  ‘Everything okay?’ I mouth at Kelly.

  Her face has drained of colour and she’s wearing a worried expression.

  ‘Who is that guy?’ I hiss, trying not to let the boys hear me.

  ‘It’s him,’ she says in a low voice so the kids can’t hear.

  ‘Who?’

  ‘He’s the man who called round to my house asking about Sophie. He said she’d gone missing and that he was her husband. His name’s Greg Jones.’

  ‘So what’s he doing talking to Tia?’

  ‘I don’t know.’ Kelly fidgets with her hands in her lap.

  ‘That man’s not called Greg Jones,’ Sonny calls out from the back seat. Obviously we weren’t speaking quietly enough to keep our conversation private.

  ‘What do you mean he’s not called Greg Jones?’ Kelly turns to look at her son. ‘How do you know what he’s called?’

  ‘Because that’s Rosie’s teacher, Mr Jeffries.’

  Kelly tuts. ‘No, I think you must have got it wrong, Sonny.’

  ‘It’s definitely Mr Jeffries, Mum,’ Ryan chips in. ‘He sometimes teaches us PE, if Mr Nichols is off.’

  ‘Are you absolutely sure?’ Kelly asks.

  Both Ryan and Sonny make noises of agreement.

  With one eye still on the road, I glance across at Kelly, whose face is now even paler than before. I wonder what on earth this could mean.

  Thirty

  TIA

  The plastic handle is digging into the skin on my fingers, so I transfer the shopping bag to my left hand and roll my right shoulder back and forth. I should’ve divided the groceries between two bags and evened out the weight. I’m debating whether or not to set the bag down on the pavement, but that might give Mr Jeffries the idea that I want to linger and chat, when actually I’m dying to get these groceries home before the hot sun curdles the milk and wilts the vegetables.

  I bumped into Rosie’s teacher a couple of minutes ago on my way home from the supermarket. I nodded and smiled and gave him a quick hello, but then he started talking to me about the weather and it would have been rude to cut him off, so here we are on the corner of the empty street in the middle of a stilted conversation. I would have thought the last thing a teacher would want on his day off is to talk to one of his pupil’s parents.

  He pushes his dark fringe out of his eyes. ‘I saw your husband at the regatta yesterday. He put in a good performance on the lake.’

  ‘Thanks, I’ll tell him you said that. He’ll be pleased. Do you sail?’

  ‘Used to when I was a kid, but haven’t done it for years.’

  ‘Well, if you want to get back into it, let me know and I’ll give you Ed’s number. They’re always looking for new members at the club.’

  ‘Thanks!’ He seems genuinely thrilled. Great, this would be a good point to slope off. ‘Well, it’s been nice talking to—’

  ‘Look, I’m glad I bumped into you, Mrs Perry—’

  ‘Please, call me Tia.’

  ‘Thanks, Tia. I’m glad I bumped into you because I wanted to ask how Rosie’s been getting on at home… you know, after the incident last week with those boys calling you a murderer.’

  I feel the blood rush to my cheeks. Mr Jeffries’ facial expression is sympathetic, but the starkness of his question has shocked me a little. Using the word murderer like that. And just when I had started putting that unpleasant incident behind me. ‘Uh, yes, Rosie’s fine now. It was probably like Mrs Lovatt said – just children getting carried away and making things up.’

  ‘Yes, that’ll probably be it.’ He smiles and straightens. ‘Well, I’m glad Rosie’s okay now. She’s such a bright child – a real pleasure to teach.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘Sorry, Tia, I really can’t stay and chat any longer, I’ve got lots to get on with today. It’s a busy time, you know.’

  I can’t help thinking it’s a bit rich that he’s acting like I’m the one keeping him here when it’s actually him who’s been keeping me talking. ‘Yes, you must be rushed off your feet with it being nearly the end of term. Well, enjoy the rest of your day.’

  ‘I’ll do my best.’ He nods and walks off, whistling.

  Who on earth whistles these days? I always thought I liked Rosie’s teacher, but I can’t help feeling just a little creeped out by our encounter. I shiver and tell myself not to be so sensitive. I’m probably still a bit on edge after last night’s episode, when I thought someone was following me home.

  I hoist up the shopping bag and carry it in my arms. That feels much more comfortable, even if I am still hot and bothered. Finally I reach home, and put the bag of groceries down on the doorstep while I reach into my handbag for my keys. As I pull them out, they catch on a scrunched-up piece of paper. It tumbles onto the ground and I pick it up, thinking it must be a receipt. But it feels more weighty, like a crumpled sheet of copier paper. Curious, I straighten it out and try to make sense of what I’m looking at.

  It’s a poor-quality copy of a photograph. I recognise it – it’s a picture from my old photo album of me, Kelly and Fiona back when we were teenagers, our arms around one another. But, troublingly, someone has used a red marker pen to scribble out our faces.

  My body goes cold and then hot when I realise this must be from the same person who sent the photos.

  I was only this minute with Mr Jeffries! Could it have been him? But he wasn’t anywhere near my bag. Also, my keys were sitting on top of the crumpled photo, so it must have been put in my bag some time before today. Who had access to my bag? Fiona. She would also have a copy of the photograph. But why would she scribble out her own face? Perhaps to throw me off the scent?

  ‘There you are!’ I shove the photocopy back into my bag as Ed opens the front door, barefoot in shorts and a T-shirt. ‘I was worried about you, Tee. You’ve been gone ages. I thought you were only nipping out for milk.’ He picks up the bag of shopping and kisses me as he stands back up, his blonde stubble grazing my chin.

  As he does so, I’m suddenly struck b
y how much I love this man. By how lucky I am to have him in my life. He loves me and I love him, and I realise that I can’t keep this terrible secret from him any longer. I need to show him the disturbing photocopy as well as the other photos, and make him understand that they’re fakes. That I have no recollection of kissing anyone or sleeping with anyone. That I would never do that to him. To us. I need to tell him that someone is messing with me. Trying to come between us, to break up our relationship.

  Ed frowns. ‘What’s wrong?’

  I follow him into the hall, trying not to let my emotions get the best of me. I need to do this quickly, before I chicken out and change my mind. ‘Where are the kids?’

  ‘In the garden. Rosie’s making Leo have a tea party with her and her cuddly toys.’

  Normally this would melt my heart and we’d both talk about how cute our kids are, but I can’t focus on them right now. ‘Can we talk?’

  ‘Sounds serious.’ Ed takes the shopping through to the kitchen and dumps the bag on the counter. He puts the milk away in the fridge.

  Through the window I spy Rosie and Leo sitting cross-legged on a picnic rug on the grass in the shade of the neighbour’s overhanging tree. All Rosie’s toys have been arranged in a circle with a plate and cup in front of them. Miraculously, Leo is sitting fairly still and seems to be enjoying himself – probably because each plate contains a tiny piece of cake and Leo will get to eat some of it if he goes along with Rosie’s game.

  Ed sits at the kitchen table. I should probably join him, but I’m far too wound up to sit down. A trickle of sweat runs down my back and my guts twist at the thought of what I’m about to say.

  ‘Tee?’ Ed gives me a worried stare. ‘You’re starting to freak me out.’

  ‘Sorry, sorry.’ I push an imaginary strand of hair out of my eyes and take a breath.

  My phone buzzes in my bag, but I ignore it.

  ‘So?’ Ed prompts.