by Lauren North
It was Rob who hit Dean that day in Sue’s driveway. He must have found out that Dean wanted to sell the land.
Mutual assured destruction.
My mind races back to the night in the stable. How keen Rob was for me to go home that night. I thought it was concern for me. I hear Sandra’s spiteful words. You’re involved in this too. I thought she was looking at me, but it was Rob standing right by my side. He’s been in on everything. Jack and Sandra Briggs. Mike and Bev Pritchett. Anthony and Tracy Campbell. Kat Morris. And Rob James.
I turn my gaze to Harrie – my beautiful girl – and picture the way she looks at her dad sometimes. The sideways glance. Watchful. Mistrusting. I think of the time she spent with Dean in that dark stable. She never told me what they talked about, but I think I can guess. Is that why she didn’t call the police that night? It wasn’t just because of Jack’s threats, but because she knew her dad, her hero, was part of it.
Sue is still rooted to the spot. Her eyes flick to Rob and then back to me and I meet her gaze and nod because I know what she’s seen and what she’s trying to tell me.
Tears burn in my eyes and my chest rips open for the marriage I’ve lost, the fresh start that wasn’t fresh, but rotten to its core.
Acknowledgements
When I think about the long list of thank yous I want to make, there is always one that stands out, and that is to you – the reader. Thank you for reading Safe At Home. I really hope you enjoyed escaping into this story. If you’ve got this far and can spare one more moment to write a quick review or give a rating, it really does make a big difference to authors.
To Tash Barsby, my wonderful editor, and all the Transworld team – thank you for believing in me and for making this story the best it can be.
To my fantastic agent, Tanera Simons – thank you for your unwavering support, pep talks, advice, editing notes and everything else you do behind the scenes.
To my friends and family, I’m always so grateful for your support. A special mention to Kathryn Jones for being the most amazing, eagle-eyed proofreading friend. To Saff Griffiths for always being so lovely, and to Laura, Zoe and Nikki for absolutely everything.
To my son, Tommy, who worked so hard during the months it took me to write this book and many afterwards. No matter what, we’re always so proud of you. Thank you for asking me again and again why I wouldn’t let you stay home while I popped to collect your sister from gymnastics. My worst case scenario answers gave me the seeds of this book. And to Lottie, my shining light of kindness and good, brave and funny, thank you for always being you and brightening every day.
I really should give a shout out to my husband Andy too. Thanks for the million ways you make every day better.
I would also like to take a moment to say that this book is dedicated to the lovely ladies in my village because they are nothing like the characters in this book!
To all the book bloggers – you lot are the bee’s knees. Your dedication and support to books and authors blows my mind. Thank you!
It feels as though I can’t end without a mention to the terrible year that was 2020. I may have based Safe At Home in a fictional year but it was written during lockdown and homeschool and endless news cycles, and it’s there between the lines in Anna’s anxiety and Harrie’s fear. 2020 really was the year we were safest at home, and so my final thank you is to every single key worker who went to work and kept the country going. We’re forever in your debt!
After the sudden death of her husband, Tess is drowning in grief. All she has left is her son, Jamie, and she’ll do anything to protect him – but she’s struggling to cope.
When grief counsellor Shelley knocks on their door, everything changes. Shelley is understanding and kind, and promises she can help Tess through the hardest time of her life.
But when a string of unsettling events happens and questions arise over her husband’s death, Tess starts to suspect that Shelley may have an ulterior motive. Tess knows she must do everything she can to keep Jamie safe – but she’s at her most vulnerable, and that’s a dangerous place to be …
*****
‘A captivating, suspenseful thriller that draws you in – with a twist that will take your breath away.’
T. M. Logan, bestselling author of The Holiday
OUT NOW
Jenna is a wife, a mother, a doctor. She’s also the victim of a stalker.
Every time she leaves her house, she sees him. Disturbing gifts are left at her door. Cruel emails are sent to her colleagues. She has no idea who this man is but she feels powerless against him.
Until the day he is brought into her hospital after a serious accident, and Jenna is given the chance to find out once and for all why this man is tormenting her. Now, the power is all hers.
But how many lines is she willing to cross to take back control of her life?
*****
‘A gripping psychological thriller that pulls the reader through the story at a terrific pace, not giving them a moment to draw breath.’
Nikki Smith, author of All in Her Head
OUT NOW
If you loved Safe At Home, keep an eye out for Lauren North’s pulse-pounding new thriller
ALL THE WICKED GAMES
Coming in 2022
THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING
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TRANSWORLD
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Transworld is part of the Penguin Random House group of companies whose addresses can be found at global.penguinrandomhouse.com.
First published by Corgi Books in 2021
Copyright © North Writing Services Ltd 2021
This book is a work of fiction and, except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Every effort has been made to obtain the necessary permissions with reference to copyright material, both illustrative and quoted. We apologize for any omissions in this respect and will be pleased to make the appropriate acknowledgements in any future edition.
The moral right of the author has been asserted
Cover design by Richard Ogle / TW
ISBN: 978-1-473-58923-0
This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s and publisher’s rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.
Table of Contents
Title Page
About the Author
Praise
By the Same Author
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
>
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Acknowledgements
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Copyright