The Quarry

"What quarry?" Bethan was confused.

Dave explained. "The old stone quarry at Axton Hill."

Bethan shook her head. She didn't know what he was talking about.

"How don't you know it? I'm surprised. I mean, it's not been used for over a hundred years but it was a place I thought most people knew about. It's not far from here actually."

Bethan looked deflated. A deserted quarry. Close to where they'd lived. And she'd known nothing about it? But these woods were new to her too. She felt blindsided by this.

"We always used to hang out there as kids," Dave continued. "Great place. Craggy, out of the way. No adults to watch over you."

Bethan looked at her ex, trying to shake off this feeling of being kept in the dark about something important. A place where Laney may have gone. A place to be searched...if only she'd known...

And then, a thought struck her like she'd been hit in the head with an iron bar. Dave knew about it. Dave had found Laney's camera there. Oh my God. Had Dave killed Laney? Because if not, why didn't he mention this to the police?

Suddenly, with her heart galloping, she feared for herself. Was she in danger? What would make a father kill his own daughter? What motive would he have had?

She thought of where she was. Alone, in a field with a man who may be a killer. Could she run? Maybe. But if he was intent on killing her, she wouldn't stand a chance and those woods were big.

This meeting was a mistake.

She willed herself to stay calm. Think. Think!

This was all about the truth. She didn't want to die not knowing.

She stammered: "Did you kill her? Did you kill our daughter?" Her voice rose with her last words.

Dave replied instantly and vehemently.

"No, Bethan. NO! How could you think...?"

He shook his head in disbelief but Bethan wasn't convinced and now, she was on her own in a field with a possible killer.

*

But there was someone about. A silent observer watched, from the cover of the woods, steadfastly following and remaining unseen.

***

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