Chapter 42 Fenna – Day 10
Fenna can’t stop thinking about those furious Italian men in the restaurant last night.
Her appetite vanished immediately when she overheard their conversation.
It was obvious from the way they glared at the family that they had links to Carla.
One was the spitting image of her – family, perhaps?
She only told Marianne some of what they’d said.
The shorter one, with the more menacing eyes, had said in pointed Italian, ‘Another girl that’s vanished whilst they’re on holiday.’
Every word was laced with suspicion. She didn’t tell her mother-in-law that the phrase he used isn’t common. But she understood the meaning. ‘Lies have short legs.’ The lies won’t last long, the truth will come out eventually.
Their reaction ignited something. She’s never seen such disgust on a stranger’s face.
Has she been ignorant to how the locals view the Frasers for all these years?
She thinks about what Giovanni said about Luke in the cafe.
Be careful of him. She thought it was because he has this weird grudge with her husband but what if there’s more to it?
What if Rosie is onto something? What if there are secrets to uncover? Could one of the family know more than they’re letting on about Danielle? About Carla?
She needs to speak to Rosie.
The following morning, Luke and Theo go out early. She hopes he won’t be asked to be the best man. Surely it won’t get that far? Luke practically pushed her and Rosie together and told them to have fun.
He has no idea.
They stroll away from the house, down the garden path that leads in the opposite direction to the swimming pool.
Rosie looks nervous. They silently walk through a stone arch, past a well-trimmed bush covered in speckled purple flowers.
A pleasing perfume scent fills her nose as they go.
Alba plods ahead, picking up fallen petals and singing to herself.
‘You need to start with what you know . . .’ Fenna breaks the silence first. Her hands grip the pushchair.
‘So you believe me?’ Rosie asks, avoiding her eyes.
Fenna’s insides twist. After a moment’s hesitation she slowly nods her head. ‘I’m ready to listen to what you have to say.’
Rosie checks they are alone. She takes a deep breath and starts to talk.