The Mother Next Door: A completely addictive page-turner packed with secrets and suspense Read online

  THE MOTHER NEXT DOOR

  A COMPLETELY ADDICTIVE PAGE-TURNER PACKED WITH SECRETS AND SUSPENSE

  LEAH MERCER

  BOOKS BY LEAH MERCER

  The Mother Next Door

  A Secret in the Family

  Why She Left

  A Mother’s Lie

  Who We Were Before

  The Man I Thought You Were

  The Puzzle of You

  Ten Little Words

  Available in Audio

  A Secret in the Family (Available in the UK and the US)

  Why She Left (Available in the UK and the US)

  A Mother’s Lie (Available in the UK and the US)

  CONTENTS

  Prologue

  1. Fiona

  2. Alison

  3. Jasmine

  4. Tabitha

  5. Fiona

  6. Alison

  7. Jasmine

  8. Fiona

  9. Alison

  10. Fiona

  11. Tabitha

  12. Fiona

  13. Alison

  14. Jasmine

  15. Fiona

  16. Tabitha

  17. Fiona

  18. Fiona

  19. Jasmine

  20. Alison

  21. Tabitha

  22. Fiona

  23. Tabitha

  24. Alison

  25. Jasmine

  26. Tabitha

  27. Fiona

  28. Jasmine

  29. Alison

  30. Fiona

  31. Tabitha

  32. Jasmine

  33. Alison

  34. Fiona

  35. Alison

  36. Jasmine

  37. Fiona

  38. Tabitha

  39. Fiona

  A Secret in the Family

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Hear More from Leah

  Books by Leah Mercer

  A Letter from Leah

  Why She Left

  A Mother’s Lie

  Acknowledgements

  PROLOGUE

  The river pulled at the shape floating in its waters, playfully passing it from one wave to the next, completely oblivious to the panic and fear of the women watching from the bank. Sharp tendrils of cold currents buffeted the limp body around one bend and then another, long hair trailing like a tail. Shouts and sirens faded, and there was only silence as the waters carried the motionless bounty forward, far from the sharp screams rending the clear-skied afternoon.

  Away from the small broken shoe, spinning in the shallows like a talisman from the past.

  Away from the horror of what had happened; the terror of the day.

  Away from life.

  ONE

  FIONA

  5.30 P.M.

  ‘Come on, come on,’ Fiona Bryson muttered, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel as she waited for the traffic light to turn green. It was almost 5.30, and she should have picked up her ten-year-old twins from Lou’s thirty minutes ago. She would have, too, if it hadn’t been for the terrible traffic on the way home. Thank God, Lou was one of those women who rolled with whatever was thrown at them, making even the dullest detour seem fun. How she had the energy between her own kids and a full-time job, Fiona had no idea.

  Where was Lou anyway? Fiona glanced at her next-door neighbour’s house as she pulled into the drive, surprised that it was still dark. She and the kids should have been home from school long ago, but her Range Rover was nowhere to be seen. Painted a glossy lime green with shiny chrome, it was almost impossible to miss. Only an uber-stylish, uber-confident woman like Lou could get away with that.

  Fiona smiled, remembering the first time she’d seen it parked in the drive next door, five years ago now. She’d expected an older couple to purchase the tidy 1970s-style bungalow, but instead Lou had burst outside clutching her two kids’ hands, full of energy and light, perfectly matching the van outside. She was recently divorced, she’d explained, and she couldn’t have seemed happier. She couldn’t have looked more beautiful either, her glossy dark hair and dewy olive skin a marked contrast to Fiona’s faded ginger locks and pale, tired face. An interior designer, Lou had gutted the inside of the bungalow, making it like a showroom – her calling card, she’d laughed, to get more business around the village.

  She’d gone from strength to strength, slotting easily into the small Surrey commuter town and making friends with everyone she came across. Her place was usually heaving with kids who stayed after school until their parents could get them, but it was still immaculate when Fiona was finally able to pick up her own two. Lou always managed to look so well put together, without an inch to spare, despite saying she wouldn’t set foot in a gym if you paid her. Fiona would have hated her if she hadn’t become such a great friend and confidante. She’d made life in this town bearable.

  She pulled up Lou’s contact and hit ‘call’, wondering if she had taken the kids on an afternoon walk. It was only February, but the evenings were starting to lengthen. The sky was bright blue, the sun warm on her back despite predictions of a coming storm. The news had been full of warnings of gale-force winds and record rainfall, but right now the day couldn’t be more picture perfect. It would be just like Lou to decide on the spur of the moment to enjoy some nature – Fiona’s worst nightmare with all the kids in tow, but Lou was like Mary Poppins when it came to those kinds of things. She’d probably got so caught up in the fun that she’d forgotten to call.

  Fiona’s brow furrowed as the mobile rang out. That was odd; Lou always said that any missed call was a missed opportunity. Why wasn’t she answering? She let herself into the house and put down her handbag, unable to resist straightening the cushions on the sofa. Her mum’s mantra had always been ‘agreeable home, agreeable family’, obsessively cleaning each day as if she was afraid her new husband would leave her over one speck of dirt. Fiona had to admit there was something therapeutic about putting your house in order, like slotting every little item in place kept all threatening emotions tucked neatly away too. Sighing, she picked up her mobile again to call the school. They would have rung if the kids were still there, but she wanted to make sure they were with Lou. If they were, she had nothing to worry about.

  ‘Hi, this is Fiona Bryson,’ she said, when the secretary answered in a harried voice, probably hating the fact that she was still in the building. ‘Tabitha and Timothy’s mum,’ she added, knowing the woman would have no idea who she was unless she identified herself by her offspring. ‘They were meant to go home with Lou Drayton – Charina and Saish’s mum – today. Do you know if she picked them up?’

  ‘Yes, I believe so,’ the secretary responded. ‘I’m sure I saw her loading them into her car, along with a few other kids. She was right on time, as always. More than I can say for a lot of other parents around here,’ she added darkly.

  ‘Thank you.’ Fiona clicked off, then sank onto the sofa. Until Lou had taken over the school run, she herself had been one of those parents who was rarely on time, despite her best efforts. She probably should find a job closer to home, but she’d been at the accountancy firm for years now, and there were never enough minutes in the day to begin searching. Thank goodness Lou had moved in. Fiona had no idea what she’d do without her.

  She stared out the window, taking in the large trees that blocked any ray of light brave enough to attempt entry. God, she hated this place. Nick had fallen in love with the sprawling double-fronted house the first time they’d seen it, but Fiona had felt instant revulsion. The way it overlooked the houses around it reminded her of the place she and her mum had moved into when her mother had remarried. Fiona hadn’t wanted to leave their cosy flat, but her mother had said they had no choice: with three new stepchildren to contend with, she knew they needed somewhere much bigger. She’d squeezed Fiona’s hand, begged her not to make a fuss and asked her to pitch in and help pack up. Fiona had bit her lip and done just that. She’d have done anything for her mum to be happy again, and soon, biting her lip and pitching in became second nature. She wouldn’t be the one to make her mother sad the way her father had done. She didn’t want to make anyone she loved angry or upset.

  So even though the thought of moving back to her hometown had made her want to run, she’d done the same thing when Nick had declared himself tired of London life, deeming the picture-postcard village where Fiona had grown up the perfect combination of country life and easy access to London. He loved the sparkling river that ran through the town, evoking images of the kids paddling on its banks and playfully splashing in its shallows.

  Fiona had swallowed down the rising darkness, forcing away the nightmarish images that tumbled through her mind. She couldn’t think of the river. She wouldn’t think of the river. At least this house was some distance from its meandering path, although the memories – and the people who’d played a part in them – were never far away. But the place was big enough that there was always something to keep her busy, and between the house and the kids, family life thankfully enveloped her.

  Eleven years later, Nick still loved Holmwood, even though his busy job in London meant he was rarely around to experience the joys of village life. Fiona sighed, thinking of her husband. These days, they were more like flatmates than husband and wife, only pa
ssing in the hallway with hurried logistics about the kids. That was normal, though, right? But maybe if they’d spent more time together, she wouldn’t have… She pushed the memory from her head, shoving aside the accompanying guilt.

  Nothing happened, she told herself for the millionth time. At least she didn’t think so. Anyway, there was no point dredging it all up now. Better to tuck it neatly away at the back of the closet, like she had with the dress Lou had given her to wear that night. Only Lou knew about the party, and she wouldn’t say anything. Fiona hadn’t even needed to ask.

  She sighed, telling herself to relax. If Lou was with Tabitha and Tim, they were fine. Lou was the most careful driver she’d ever seen, so an accident was out the question. Perhaps her beloved Range Rover had broken down – she kept saying how she had to take it to be serviced soon. Or maybe… Fiona shook her head. Who knew?

  Wherever they were, all that mattered was that the children were safe with her best friend. Soon they’d be home, filling the space with their voices and demands. And until then, she’d do her best to savour this rare moment of peace.

  After she’d wiped down the countertops and put away the dishes, of course.

  TWO

  ALISON

  5.30 P.M.

  Alison Evans got to her feet and stretched, admiring in the shiny mirrors of her gym how her muscles popped. She’d worked hard over the years to achieve this physique, and despite advancing age – forty was knocking on the door – she was in the best shape of her life.

  Pity the gym wasn’t, she thought, slumping in a chair to fill out yet another loan application. Given her past rejections and the dire state of the gym’s finances, she knew it was probably in vain, but she had to try. She had to do everything she could to keep the place afloat, especially given what she’d already put on the line.

  The gym was worth it, though. It was her first baby, something she’d nurtured ever since she’d opened it sixteen years ago. It was the one thing that belonged to her and her alone, her escape when she felt like she didn’t fit in the home Greg had inherited from his father – the home she’d remortgaged to try to pump more money into her business. The home her husband didn’t know she’d remortgaged. A shot of fear and guilt went through her. She’d never done anything behind his back before. She hadn’t wanted him to worry, though, and she’d truly believed she could pay it all back. But reality was proving different. What if…

  Focus! she told herself, shoving back her dark bob then typing another line of text. She didn’t have time to think about that now. Thank God Lou had agreed to bring Gabby home today so she could stay late and get this done. Lou was such a good friend, full of great advice. Alison winced, thinking of Lou’s horrified expression when she’d told her she’d remortgaged the house – and the small fact that she’d forged Greg’s signature on the papers. Lou had shaken her head, then proceeded to recommend some great business loans. Panic went through Alison. She had to get them. There was no other option.

  No other option except… She tilted her head, remembering their conversation yesterday. Lou couldn’t have been serious when she’d offered to become a partner in the gym, could she? Alison hadn’t believed it when she’d casually mentioned she could invest. Sure, Lou was a regular gymgoer, but she didn’t have a background in fitness; didn’t understand how the gym functioned. With a full-time interior design business of her own, how could she have time to learn? Alison bit her lip, picturing Lou’s expression when she’d said she wasn’t looking for investors. She’d been disappointed, but the gym was Alison’s and no one else’s. Anyway, she couldn’t have been too upset if she’d agreed to take Gabby today. If she’d got over it that quickly, it hadn’t been that important to her.

  Alison got to her feet again and went over the treadmill. Exercising always helped work off any nervous energy, calming her emotions until she thought of nothing but the working of her muscles. It was what had got her through the difficult years in secondary school, when fear and panic had battered her over and over; when the snaking river slithered into every thought, day and night. She was teaching Gabby about the benefits of exercise now, too, after a stint of being bullied in class. Alison’s mouth twisted as she pictured the girl making her daughter’s life hell. With her blonde hair and perfect features, Juniper was every inch her mother’s daughter – a woman Alison had watched make other people’s lives hell as well. She wasn’t going to let history repeat itself if it was the last thing she did.

  Lou had been great with that, too, Alison remembered. She’d told Alison in no uncertain terms that bullying had to be met with strength, a sentiment Alison couldn’t agree with more. So, despite Gabby’s protests, she dragged her to the gym every day after school, trying to build her up. Gabby seemed no happier, though, and Alison had no idea if the bullying was continuing or not – her daughter had stopped confiding in her. Maybe she’d speak to Lou about that again when she dropped Gabby off, she thought now, increasing her pace.

  She smiled, remembering the first day she’d met her friend. Lou had been on this very treadmill, dressed in stylish leggings and a grey tank top. She’d been furiously punching at the buttons and trying her best to get it to work.

  ‘Fuck!’ she’d said, before spinning around and clamping a hand over her mouth when she saw Alison standing there. ‘Oh, I’m sorry. Terrible language, I know.’

  Alison hadn’t been able to help laughing, and Lou had giggled too. She’d shown Lou how to use the treadmill, then introduced herself, beaming with pride when Lou told her how wonderful this gym was and how it was a million times better than the gym she’d used in London. That had made Alison smile even more. She’d wanted to work in London after finishing her personal training course all those years ago, but then she’d met Greg. He owned a sports shop in the village, so they’d settled here, in their hometown. To hear that her place rivalled major chains in the capital… that was everything.

  Lou started coming every day at lunch, and they’d fallen into the routine of having a quick coffee at the café once she finished her workout. Thrilled to have finally met someone who seemed to love exercising as much as she did, Alison had plucked up the courage and invited her for a drink one night. But Lou had shaken her head, saying with a grin that her body was a temple and she didn’t touch alcohol. Alison’s heart had plummeted, sure it was only an excuse. The very next day, though, Lou had invited her out for dinner. They’d talked for hours, and when they found out they had kids at the same school, Lou had offered to pick Gabby up whenever Alison needed. They’d been firm friends ever since, and Alison – who’d steered clear of female friends since secondary school – appreciated Lou in a way she never had anyone else. Besides Greg, of course.

  ‘Speak of the devil,’ she muttered, as his name flashed up on her mobile screen. She turned off the treadmill and stepped onto solid ground.

  ‘Hi, babe.’ She grabbed a towel and wiped her face. ‘What are you and Gabs up to? Did she manage to find her inhaler at school?’ Gabby’s asthma flared up when she was stressed. Alison had given her some medicine to bring into school, which she’d promptly lost in the depths of her locker.

  ‘Actually…’ Greg drew out the word, and Alison shook her head as she sat down to do some leg presses. By the sound of things, the inhaler was long gone, and the last thing she needed was a long queue at the pharmacy on the way home. But Greg’s next words jolted her. ‘Gabby isn’t home yet,’ he said. ‘Didn’t you tell me that woman from the gym was going to drop her off after school?’ Greg had never met Lou since he was always too busy at the shop during the day to hit the gym or do the school run.