Chapter 242: Hunters, Part 25, Seven Years Ago

Jenny sits up in bed, Chad perched on the blankets beside her, holding her hand.

There's a sharp tap at the door and the kind of short hesitation that suggests the maker of the rap might be allowing a moment's grace before entering.

The door swings open and Mrs Collier steps in with a tray. "I've made you chicken soup Jenny. You'll be staying to eat with us of course, Chad?"

"Thank you, Mrs Collier. I'd like that."

She places the tray down on Jenny's lap. Pale creamy soup, fragrant with thyme and sage and.... something else wonderful.... steams gently up. "If you want more, there's plenty more where that came from."

"Thank you. It smells lovely."

The woman flicks non-existent crumbs from her apron. "I'd like you to know Jenny that, while we will all respect your wishes not to bring the police into this, Jacob is in hospital and whatever happens, he won't be coming back here. We have also put the word out that he is unwelcome here to all the neighbours, but we have not told