I Know You're There
Page 31
‘Or more, he allowed this side of him to be up here. Then the notes, the stealing, the shadows and all those other horrible things?’
‘Daniel was fighting all the time to keep Iago away, but sometimes he lost. As Iago, he wanted to manipulate, turn us against each other and isolate himself. Scared we would discover his dark past, as he saw it. But as Daniel he was truly scared and confused.’
‘He was genuinely frightened about the notes. He was scared of himself without realising it.’
‘Yes. Poor Daniel, he was trapped by himself. We can’t allow ourselves to see them as the same people. Daniel cared about us, he hated what Iago was doing to us. He didn’t ever appreciate it was him doing the things he did, not even in the very end, is what Tommy said.’
‘Which makes sense, doesn’t it, with the night here? He killed himself to prevent Iago from finishing you off.’
‘I guess.’ Daniel killed himself with his own kitchen knife after I was struck by the metal rod. He must have fought his way back to being Daniel from Iago and, with me knocked unconscious, he either believed me to be already dead or knew Iago would kill me properly. So he took his own life to stop it.
‘I mean, he even used Mark’s clothes?’
‘Hmm, Iago had a certain image. He took clothes from Mark’s flat when Mark asked him to fetch something for the gallery. Clothes Mark hadn’t worn for years, since some Cluedo-type mystery event. They were hidden away in an unused wardrobe. Even an old donkey jacket thing.’
‘The aftershave?’
‘An old bottle of Mark’s. He has so many, mostly unwanted gifts, he’d never have noticed it missing.’
‘How could his parents have allowed him to take the blame? They could have done more to help him see the truth, surely.’
‘Tommy reckons his father has his mother on such a pillar-high pedestal and was frightened of unsettling her further, feeling guilty for her lack of time for Rebecca, he felt Daniel would worsen her condition. I suppose his father didn’t know how to handle it all, did he, caught in some devastating circle? Bloody hell, Mo, families, eh?’
‘Tragic. Tragic waste.’
‘Daniel couldn’t escape himself. He always knew Iago was there, inside. No matter what. But then he couldn’t live with himself any other way.’
We stay until the sun lowers onto the millpond sea and the air temperature dips. Then I stand to gently place the rock along with the posy of flowers to the side of the bench. Some time soon this spot will crumble away and return the rock to the depths of the sea. On the rock I have scribed one final message to Daniel, something I found underlined in one of his books Tommy kindly rescued for me before the boxes were shipped away.
Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once…Julius Caesar, Act II, scene ii.
Daniel, the hero who saved my life. With love always. Sleep tight. Natalie x
Acknowledgments
I really cannot thank my family enough for their assiduous, endless caring support and generally for being my reason to get up each morning. Especially, Anth. Katie, Amy and Ben. My mum and dad. I literally wouldn’t be able to do this without you all. A huge heart-felt thank you.
My wonderful agent Broo Doherty and all the people of DHH Literary Agency. Broo for all your precious enthusiasm and belief in me, your professional expertise, ever ready honest advice and absolutely invaluable support and friendship.
My publishers and editors at Aria, Head of Zeus, Lucy Gilmore, Laura Palmer for the publication of my three novels, for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to write. Not forgetting the hard work and diligence of Victoria Joss and Nikky ward who manage, develop, arrange and care for all my social and digital media marketing. Sue Smith for your excellent, conscientious copy editing and Susan Lamprell for your brilliant, eagle eyes and clever proof editing services.
Too many devoted and conscientious book bloggers to name in person, who pledge so many hours to reading and spreading the word of countless books. Your support throughout my writing time has always staggered me, you are so very much appreciated.
To the entire encouraging and supportive network of authors, what an amazing community to be a part of, I feel incredibly honoured each day.
And of course, an enormous thank you to my readers. It still amazes me that out there in our wide world are people who chose to read and hopefully enjoy my novels and without you there would be no books at all.
Biography
Her Greatest Mistake was Sarah’s debut novel which reached 16 in the overall UK Kindle chart, achieving a best-seller status within specific genres. It also reached the top 10 in both Australia and Canada and again achieved best-seller status. Her second psychological novel - Who I Am was released 6th November, 2018 and is now available online at all major retailers.
I Know You’re There is Sarah’s third psychological thriller, set in the stunning town of St Ives on the Cornish coast.
Sarah is relatively late to the writing scene, despite a love of books and writing from when she was very young. In June 2017, she signed with her current agent Broo Doherty and shortly after was offered a three book publishing contract with Aria, Head of Zeus.
Sarah now lives in a small coastal town in beautiful Cornwall with her husband, three children, German Shepherd and cat.
Sarah loves to hear from her readers so please do visit her at:
Website: sarahsimpsonauthor.com
Facebook: @sarahsimpsoncornwall
Twitter: @sarahrsimpson
Instagram: @SarahSimpsonAuthor
About Sarah Simpson
Sarah Simpson has a first-class honours degree in Psychology and has experienced working at a Brain Rehabilitation Hospital. She has spent time as a family consultant for Warwickshire and Oxfordshire solicitors and gained knowledge of the Family Court System. She now lives in Cornwall with her husband, three children and animals.
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