Girl in the Attic

by Valerie Mendes

  Amy spins round. She crashes out of the room, across the hall, up to the top of the stairs. She hears Dad walk out of the kitchen to the living-room door.

  “Any luck?”

  “None, Dr Grant.” Mary’s voice comes grim and sad. “Amy won’t budge an inch.”

  “Didn’t think she would.”

  There is a rustling.

  “This is for their livery, Mary. Thank you . . .”

  Dad’s voice breaks.

  “They’re all yours now. Take them away.”