I gasp and stare down at the page. Lilly killed Hazel. Then she planned to blackmail Bryce. In the days that followed, she must have managed to push him over the edge. Enough to make him kill her. I leaf through the journal. There’s only two entries left.

  29 April

  Now that I have Hazel’s death to hold over Bryce, it doesn’t matter if he finds out I’m not pregnant. I’ve told him I want $250,000, or I’m telling the police. Not Herm, the real ones in Winton River. As soon as he pays up, I’m getting the hell out of here and never coming back. Maybe I’ll go to Europe or America. I could be a model or an actress. With that much money, I can be anything I want.

  1 May

  It’s been two days. He still hasn’t paid. He thinks he can bluff me. He has no idea who he’s dealing with. I’ve just told him I’m going to tell Herm. At the very least, he’ll shit himself that his dad will find out. Maybe that will change his mind about paying.

  I flip the page, and when there are no more entries, I close the cover over.

  Britt must have read this and let her emotions get the better of her. She must have called or texted him. I put the journal down and shake my head in disbelief. Why would Britt do that without telling me?

  Then I remember the page marker. It was tucked into the middle of the journal. Britt didn’t get up to the part where Lilly threatened Bryce.

  None of it makes any sense, and time is ticking. I grab my keys and head toward the front door.

  ‘Where are you going?’ Mum calls from the couch where she’s tucked up under Dad’s arm like a broken baby bird.

  ‘Just for a drive to clear my head,’ I tell her. ‘I won’t be long.’

  Everything points to Bryce picking up Lilly and then killing her. Now my sister is missing. Lilly didn’t have anyone to look out for her, but Britt has me, and I’m not wasting any more time.

  I pull up outside Mia’s house and almost leap out of the car. There’s a light on inside. She’s home.

  Racing up the path, I try to un-jumble the words crashing around inside my head. I need to tell her everything I read in the journal. She needs to know that we were right about Bryce, but when she opens the door, I’m suddenly no longer worried about how to explain it. Her hair is tied up in a haphazard ponytail, and her pink T-shirt has at least three stains down the front. From the smell of her, I don’t think she’s showered in days.

  ‘Mia, what the hell?’ I gasp as I stare at her, my mouth open in shock. She doesn’t answer right away, and I glance over her shoulder into the living room. What could be a cosy room room is a mess of neglect. Dust motes drift through the air like ghosts. The couch sags beneath a pile of clothes, and a half-empty wine glass sits on the floor beside it. Even the fireplace looks tired, its cold mouth full of days old ash.

  ‘Will left me. He’s in love with Jessica. Gerry is taking me to a clinic,’ she says, using her fingers to create inverted commas in the air. ‘It’s for the best.’

  Her tone is flat, accepting. I have no idea who this person is or what’s happened to the Mia I’ve been getting to know, but this isn’t her.

  ‘Mia, listen to me,’ I begin. ‘Lilly had a journal. There’s so much I need to tell you, but Bryce killed her, and Britt is missing. I don’t know for sure, but he may have taken her to the national park just like he did with Lilly.’

  I expect her to stare at me wide-eyed and worried, but there’s almost no reaction at all. ‘Mia, did you hear me? Bryce killed Lilly. Britt is missing. We need to find her.’

  She continues to just stand there, holding onto the doorframe and staring at me through vacant eyes.

  ‘Gerry will be back any minute,’ she manages. ‘He’s taking me to Sydney.’

  Frustration pulls at my chest, and I will myself to stay calm. I step forward and wave my hand in front of her face. ‘Mia, did you hear what I said? Britt is missing.’

  She shrugs, and I want to slap her, just to see if it shocks her back from whatever dark place she’s gone to in her head. ‘Can I come in?’ I ask instead.

  ‘He’ll be back any minute.’

  Certain she won’t stop me, I step inside and try not to gasp at the state of her house. The curtains are drawn, stopping the outside world from pressing in against the glass. The television screen glows faint blue, soundless, and casting shapes across the floor. Mugs and crumb-speckled plates crowd the coffee table, and on a dish sits a candle that’s been lit for so long it’s puddled into itself.

  ‘Mia, please listen to me,’ I try, drawing my eyes back to her. ‘I need your help.’

  Koda presses himself against her leg, his eyes never leaving hers.

  ‘Hazel fell and hit her head. And Lilly wasn’t pregnant,’ she says, her voice no louder than a whisper. ‘No one did anything. It was all in my head.’

  ‘What? No, Mi.’ I step in close and peer at her. ‘I read Lilly’s journal. She was pregnant. Bryce was the father, but she lost the baby. She was the one who killed Hazel. She wrote it herself in the journal.’

  Mia gazes at me, and I can see a part of her mind ticking over. ‘She did?’

  ‘It’s not in your head.’

  ‘It’s not?’

  ‘Come with me.’ I gently guide her to the kitchen and sit her down at the table. ‘I’m going to make you a coffee.’

  As I boil the kettle, Mia strokes Koda’s head and manages to smile at him.

  ‘It’s normal to be upset after a breakup,’ I begin. ‘And you’ve been through a lot. It would be strange if you weren’t upset. That doesn’t mean you need to be institutionalised.’

  ‘But I tried to kill myself.’

  I spin around and stare at her in shock. ‘Tonight?’

  ‘No, when I was a teenager,’ she tells me, her voice empty. ‘Because of Herm.’

  My heart aches for her. I want to say the right thing, something that will make her realise she’s stronger than this. ‘That was a long time ago,’ I tell her. ‘You were just a kid. Whose idea was it for you to go into care?’

  ‘My stepfather… and my brother.’

  I nod slowly, the pieces falling into place. Potentially upsetting Jack so close to launching his drilling project is the last thing Jason Thomas would want, but I can’t believe he’s gone so far as to try to have his own sister sent to a mental health in-patient centre.

  ‘Mia, listen to me,’ I say, putting the steaming mug of coffee down in front of her. ‘You do not need to go to a treatment centre. I saw you the night you came to rescue me. You’re a strong and accomplished woman. I’ve never met anyone who can go out and do the things you do. I was genuinely awe-struck that night. Do not let your brother or anyone ever tell you that you’re anything less than perfect, exactly how you are. If Will can’t see that or it doesn’t suit Jason’s agenda, then screw them, Mia. Do you hear me? Screw them. You have Koda, and you have me. That’s all you need.’

  Mia’s eyes linger on mine. She thinks a moment, then slowly pushes up out of her chair. She’s unsteady on her feet, but finally taking it in. ‘Yeah,’ she whispers eventually. ‘You’re right. Screw them.’

  Chapter Forty

  I WARM my hands on the mug of coffee and try to brush the cobwebs from my mind. Since I was a child, all I ever wanted was to be like my brother, but as the years passed, and it became clear I never would be, a single question hung over me – how do you forgive yourself for all the things you never become?

  Maybe I did put myself in situations for Herm to abuse me. Maybe I did lash out instead of letting people in. Maybe I did push Will away because deep down I thought I didn’t deserve him. Maybe I tried everything I could to punish myself just for being me.

  But what if Juniper is right? I might not be Jason, but perhaps it’s time to ask myself a new question. What’s so wrong with being me?

  There are things I can do that he can’t. Things I have that he doesn’t. Things I won’t stand for that he will – and one of those things is letting the men of this town think they can do whatever they want.

  Edgar Stanton stole most of the farming land in Wildling from the First Nations people. Since then, every generation of Stanton men has taught their sons they’re better than everyone else, that they’re smarter and more deserving. As a result, Jack grew up to be heartless and shrewd, his son Bryce watching on with feverish intent, destined to inherit his father’s privilege and intolerance. Now he thinks he can get away with murder.

  If no one acts, this will be the legacy of Wildling – a patriarchy that allows young women to be abused and murdered at the whim of white men carrying a licence of wealth and power around in their pocket.

  ‘Do you think Jack knows what Bryce did and is covering for him?’ I ask.

  Juniper thinks about it and then nods. ‘From how he reacted to Britt at the dinner, I’d say yes.’

  ‘And Herm. He knew that Hazel was out there.’ I shake my head in disbelief. ‘This has to stop,’ I whisper, mostly to Juniper, but also to myself. ‘They’re monsters.’

  ‘I know,’ she agrees, ‘but Mia, we have to find Britt. I can’t do it without you and Koda.’

  ‘You’re certain he would have taken her out to the park?’

  ‘No, but he killed Lilly, and that’s where you found her.’

  We both turn at once as Koda barks and steps into the hall.

  ‘Sorry, the door was unlocked,’ Gerry says, glancing back over his shoulder. ‘I was worried that maybe…’

  He stops in the doorway and glances at Juniper. Behind him is Jason.

  ‘I’m fine, Gerry. In fact, I think I’m better than I have been in a while.’

  ‘But you’re still going to the centre,’ Jason adds. ‘You have to, Mia.’

  My perfect brother, with the entire world stretched out at his feet. In his way, he loves me. Enough to convince himself that sending me away is as much for my own good as it is his. In his mind, I get a week of care and comfort, he gets his proposal signed off, and Jack gets to feel like he gave the final nod. Everyone wins. It’s how things always go, but not today. Not anymore.

  ‘No,’ I tell him, the strength of my voice surprising me. ‘Bryce killed Lilly. Now Britt is missing, and I’m going to find her.’

  ‘Not this again,’ he says, throwing up his arms. ‘Mia, this is ridiculous. First it was Herm, then Jack, now Bryce. This is exactly why you need to go. You’re spiralling. Gerry, tell her. She’s not well.’

  ‘She doesn’t need to go anywhere,’ Juniper says, stepping in. ‘Bryce does have my sister, and he did kill Lilly. None of this is in Mia’s head, and you should be ashamed of yourself for treating her this way. The both of you.’

  Gerry peers at me, clearly assessing the situation. ‘Mia, if you don’t believe you need to go, I’m certainly not going to force you, and if those girls died at the hands of someone, then your friend is right. We need to call the police.’

  But Jason isn’t having it. ‘Gerry, don’t let her fool you. She needs help. Just listen to what she’s suggesting. It’s crazy. The Stantons aren’t serial killers.’

  ‘Actually, what I see is a bright young woman who seems quite sure of herself,’ Gerry says. ‘If there is proof of what you’re saying, then removing the one person able to go out and find young Britt seems a very irresponsible thing to do.’

  ‘You’ve got to be joking.’

  ‘You’re sure about this, Mia?’ Gerry asks me.

  ‘I am, and we’re wasting time. Britt needs our help.’

  ‘Mia, you can’t,’ Jason objects, stepping forward. ‘You can’t go out traipsing around in the dark and the snow chasing monsters that don’t exist.’

  His hands are balled into fists at his sides, and his jaw is tight. This might be the first time my brother has ever been told no, but no matter how hard it is for him to swallow, I'm going to search for Britt.

  ‘The only thing that doesn’t exist, Jason, is your ability to concede that maybe, just this once, you’re wrong,’ I tell him. ‘Now get out of my way. Koda and I have a job to do.’

  Chapter Forty-One

  Juniper

  WATCHING Mia stand up to her brother was a revelation. She reclaimed herself. Right there, in that little kitchen with its round wooden table and yellow chequered curtains, she gathered herself the way a storm gathers on the horizon.

  When I returned to Wildling, it was without a clue what I would do. I had two options. Save my career or shackle myself to a belief I’d always thought of as liberating – that in Wildling, I was special.

  Now there is no doubt in my mind. With Mia’s help, I can save my sister, pull her in tight, and stitch together the space that has grown between us. Then I will kick the shit out of this town and everyone in it who thinks they can dictate or destroy other people’s lives. I’ll ink the names of men who, for too long, have hidden behind sprawling fences and prestigious surnames. Jack, Herm, and Bryce. Daylight will finally shine on the rot they’ve buried.

  ‘You’re incredible,’ I tell Mia as she gathers her search-and-rescue gear from a bedroom closet. ‘I’d say that it’s beyond me why you let the people in this town convince you otherwise, but I grew up in Wildling, too, so trust me, I get it.’

  ‘All that matters now is we find Britt,’ she says, determination rising in her voice. ‘We’ve already wasted too much time. How long has she been missing?’

  I glance at my watch. ‘Two hours, but Britt’s smart. If anyone can survive this, it’s her, and besides, I’d know if something had happened. I’d feel it.’

  ‘If she’s out there, Koda and I will find her. You have my word.’

  ‘We will,’ I reply in a bid to reassure myself. ‘We’ll find her.’

  Mia stops what she’s doing and catches my eye. ‘Not we, Juniper,' she tells me. 'No offence, but you’ll just slow us down out there.’

  My chest falls, but I know she’s right. The last time I went out into the park, it was Mia who had to save me, but I want to help, and there might be something else I can do. ‘Okay, while you search, I’ll go to Willow’s Crossing,’ I tell her. ‘Sarah is a good person. She wouldn’t want this. I think she’ll help us, maybe even get a hold of Bryce and bring him around. She’s his mother, after all.’

  ‘You think she’ll listen to you?’

  ‘I was almost her daughter-in-law once,’ I reply. ‘I’d like to think so.’

  I watch as Mia spreads everything out across the bed and points at each item, mentally ticking them off. In my pocket, my mobile phone vibrates, and I see my mother’s name on the screen. ‘Shit, it’s my mum. She and Dad aren't coping very well.’

  ‘They’ve been through a lot,’ Mia says as she places Koda’s chew rope into her pack. ‘You go take care of your family and speak to Sarah. Koda and I will head to the ranger station. I’ll call Daley on the way. He won’t like this, but I’m going. You have my word. If Britt’s out there, we’ll find her. I promise.’

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Juniper

  WHEN I call Mum, she tells me the State Police are at the house going over every detail of Britt’s movements before she went missing. That’s what they’re calling it. Missing. Not kidnapped or taken – missing.

  Out in front, my headlights devour the dark, and I think about my sister. All the times she must have swallowed Mum’s suggestions that she should be more like me. How desperate she must have been for our parents to actually see her, to love her for the incredible girl she is. Maybe if I’d realised sooner, I could have saved Britt from getting caught up in Lilly’s drama. I could have told her that she can and should be whoever she wants.

  I drive along Wildling Road towards Willow’s Crossing. Up ahead, the house is lit up, light spilling from the ground-floor windows. There’s no turning back now. After Britt’s accusation at dinner the other night, they’ll know why I’m here. My stomach twists, and I whisper to myself to stay calm. They’re just people, Juniper, I remind myself. Britt is counting on you.

  Relief washes over me when it’s Sarah who opens the door instead of Jack.

  ‘Sarah, I need to find Britt,’ I blurt, skipping any pleasantries. ‘I think Bryce may know something about her disappearance. Can I come in?’

  She nods and steps aside. ‘Jack isn’t home, but let’s talk in the library. It’s more comfortable.’

  I follow her through the entry foyer and notice for the first time how small she looks. Dwarfed by the enormity of the house, Sarah seems fragile as she makes her way down the corridor, moving through a world built for someone much bigger than her – someone like Jack.

  When we reach the library, she ushers me in and closes the door. Inside, the room feels different from the rest of the house. Still grand, with soaring mahogany bookshelves and a crackling fire, but there’s a warmth to it, a cosiness the other spaces lack. Instead of dark floors and sharp edges, the library is decorated with rugs and cushions. It’s softer, feminine – undoubtedly Sarah’s place in the house. On the wall hangs a collection of photos of her as a teenager with her sister beside her. Riding horses, running through paddocks, and laughing at a joke no one else could hear.