Contemplation

Bethan tried to still her shaking hands. Dave stared off, meditatively, still. He was right on the edge.

Dave

It all comes back to here. I should've known that it would catch up with me eventually. But so many years passed and the veil was never lifted...

I suppose I got arrogant, too comfortable. Why did I keep the fucking camera? If I'd just destroyed it, this would have been laid to rest, buried. Apt turn of phrase. I wonder, as I'm standing here, why did I keep it?

I've never admitted this but I do feel guilt about that day, about my last words with Laney. I never knew, never knew, that that would be it, the last conversation, with my little girl. Did I keep the camera as a keepsake, even knowing what it might contain, even with the chance of discovery? To destroy it felt too callous, too final. Maybe...maybe...

*

Bethan watched Dave. He was in a world of his own and she could see his lips moving, like he was engaging in dialogue, working something through in his head.

More and more, she was feeling uncertain about her situation. She decided to break the spell.

"Dave?"

Dave

Bethan. I reckon I can bring Katie round, talk her down. I'm her dad. She wouldn't want to see anything happen to me. I know it.

*

"Can you show me, Dave?" Bethan asked. This is such a mind-fuck, she thought, using words that she would not usually use, to describe the uncertain intensity of the situation.

Dave

She wouldn't want anything to come between me and her mum, I'm sure. But Bethan... Bethan will take what she knows about the camera to the police, I know it. And the police will come a-knocking. And they'll ask Katie and she's already been influenced but if I can just stop Bethan, there's a chance...for it all to settle again...because that camera does suggest I know more than I do. It speaks of guilt but I'm not guilty of murder! But it will bring that suspicion to my door nonetheless and my life, our lives will be blown apart...

*

In a sudden movement, Dave lunged.

***

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