Chapter 59
Nel stood under the hot steady stream, watching the water run down her legs and pool at the drain, waiting for relief to come. She’d done all she could. She’d delivered the photo to Jimmy as soon as she left the Marshalls’ place. It was out of her hands now, but impatience thrummed inside her.
As she turned her face to the showerhead, her thoughts turned to Sophie.
Nel had felt elated when she’d read her letter, but leaving was just the first step.
It was the end of one part of Sophie’s story, but the beginning of another.
What would she do? Where would she go? How would she make a new home for her three children and her unborn baby?
She would need housing, a job, school for the kids, perinatal care—
‘Nel! Come!’ Cath’s voice was just audible over the rush of the water.
Nel jumped out of the bathtub, wrapped herself in a towel and rushed down the hall, dripping on the floorboards. Cath was standing in front of the TV.
Text at the bottom of the screen read, Carrinya Man Charged in Relation to Madeline Marshall Case.
‘I understand there’s been new developments this afternoon in the case of Carrinya teenager, Madeline Marshall?’ the anchor said.
The shot cut to a blonde reporter standing in front of Carrinya Police Station.
‘That’s right, Ross. A 35-year-old man is facing two charges tonight relating to the death of local teenager Madeline Marshall in 2010.
The Carrinya local has been charged with perjury and perverting the course of justice in the original investigation into the teenager’s death, following the discovery of new evidence.
It’s my understanding, Ross, that this man was charged in relation to a separate matter yesterday, relating to the assault of a local woman and a fifteen-year-old girl.
A bail hearing is scheduled for 9 am tomorrow morning. ’
The shot cut back to the anchor. ‘Madeline Marshall was the daughter of National Party leader, Geoffrey Marshall. Has he spoken publicly about these unexpected developments?’
‘We’re yet to hear from Geoff Marshall, who is just two days out from the federal election. We’ll stay on this developing story as more news comes to hand. Back to you in the studio, Ross.’
Nel’s phone beeped on the coffee table. Jimmy.
Sorry I didn’t get the chance to call, but you’ve probably heard by now. Charges laid. You did it.