Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
FAYE
“Well,” I turn to the young woman in the crowd, “they say to write what you know. So, I did.”
I look out at the sea of faces – many more than I’m used to at a book launch – and watch them chuckle and smile politely at my little joke.
None of them have any idea which book I’m making the comment about.
They think I’m referring to The Phantom Half, the memoir I wrote, detailing my journey to finding Claire, being kidnapped by her stepson and discovering how the strange, twisted Dina masterminded it all.
But I’m really joking about the final Palmer Twins novel, where the twins kill and bury the over-arching villain in the series.
“Mum, I’m so proud of you.” Penny pulls me into a huge hug once the talk is over.
“It was really wonderful, Faye.” Alistair places a glass of champagne in my hand and a kiss on my lips.
After I got back from Scotland, we met for a drink and worked things out.
The reunion was full of apologies from both sides, me for covering up the diagnosis and him for shutting me out.
We made a promise to one another to take things one day at a time and just enjoy ourselves, which was a pledge I was more than happy to agree to.
Now we have been almost inseparable for a year, and I thank my lucky stars I didn’t lose him.
Nathan walks into the shop, closing his dripping umbrella. “Am I late?”
“You missed the whole thing!” Penny chastises. “But she was great.”
“Sorry,” he says with a slight smirk. “Traffic was terrible. Forgive me?”
“Of course,” I say, pulling him into a hug.
I’m more inclined to forgive the crimes of a child now. Despite the tragedy that occurred because of what he did.
Book sales for both the final Palmer Twins novel and the memoir are my best yet.
I’m not too proud to admit that the infamy surrounding my kidnapping, along with the discovery of my twin sister, is certainly a driving force behind many of those sales.
Shalina called it “a media frenzy”, and a lot of people are going back to book one in the Palmer Twins series to discover how it all started.
It seems my living nightmare has turned into my publisher’s dream.
A year has passed since we rolled Magnus Blackburn into the grave he dug himself.
Claire and I don’t talk about it. There appears to be an understanding between us that we don’t want our relationship to be defined by it.
After we got back, she took a leaf out of her cleaner’s book and went on a long cruise.
The start of her new life, no husband or stepson to control her every move.
She sends me regular photo updates from her travels and we’re working out where we’re going to go together next.
The police still have a case open to find wanted criminals, Magnus Blackburn and Dina Lacey. DS Oliver calls me with updates every now and again, potential sightings, leads that come to nothing. Only Claire, Penny and I know the truth.
After a few months of rest and recovery, Penny started to find her feet again. What she went through will be with her forever, but therapy definitely helps. At least I am likely to forget what happened one day soon.
A year is a long time when you have young-onset dementia. There is a lot of progression that can occur. I’m holding steady. I have my episodes, but I am still able to live a largely normal life.
After all, even with this disease, I found my twin sister and I saved my daughter. I did all those things, and I survived.
I watch Penny smiling as she chats to her brother and my heart glows. Nathan has no idea what any of us went through, and he still makes jokes about Penny disappearing. In his case, ignorance is bliss.
“I’ve told Kiri that her granny, the famous author, will come and do a talk at her new school.”
“Ah, I see,” I say. “And did you check with her famous granny before you made this promise?” I pull my face into a tight line of pretend disapproval.
Nathan laughs. “No, I figured unless she’s busy robbing a bank that day, she’ll do it.”
I burst into laughter and lightly smack his shoulder. As I pull my hand back I lose my balance slightly. I start to feel lightheaded and hold onto Alistair’s arm, afraid I’m going to tip over.
“You okay?” Alistair holds my arm, his warm hand supporting me.
“Yes… sorry. It’s just the champagne.” I smile.
“It’s time for the signing, Mrs Mathis,” one of the booksellers reminds me.
I take my place at the table, aware of Alistair, Nathan and Penny in the distance chatting to Shalina.
Penny laughs and it brings me comfort, though there isn’t a day I don’t worry about her and everything she’s been through.
One thing I do know, though, is that she’s resilient just like her mother.
Faces blur into one as I sign book after book. A few readers take photographs. One leaves the flash on and the sudden light startles me. I look out at the sea of faces and am momentarily confused by it all.
Are all these people here to see me?
How do they know who I am?
Then I look down and see the new Palmer Twins book sitting on the table in front of me. Of course, they’re here for the books.
“Hello.”
I look up at the woman in front of me, her sharp brunette bob bouncing around her cheekbones. Her eyes are mesmerising. They’re so green I wonder if she’s wearing coloured contacts.
“I loved your book,” she says. “It felt so… real.”
I feel strange, like the world is turning, but I go into autopilot. “Thank you,” I say. “Who am I signing it to?”
“Dina,” she says, gazing at me intently.
“Okay, Dina. Thanks so much for coming.” I scribble a message and hand her the book.
“The pleasure’s all mine. Believe me, I’m your biggest fan.”
I smile awkwardly, wondering if I’ve heard her voice somewhere before.
The woman walks away and the blur of faces return. A hand appears on my arm.
“Mum? Are you okay?”
It all comes flooding back then. I’m at a book signing for my two new books. My boyfriend Alistair is here along with Penny and Nathan. I am back on the bestseller charts. Everything is perfect.
***
Thank you so much for reading.