Chapter 54: Elliot - The Foster Child

‘Anyone want a coffee with brandy?’ Cora asks when we get home.

‘I’ll do it. You and Lori go into the living room and get cosy.’ I walk into the kitchen, switch the kettle on then freeze as I notice that the connecting door to the garage is open. I’m sure that was closed when we went out. I always close it.

I swallow, my heart thudding, and look around for something to defend myself with. Just in case. I grab a bottle of wine out of the fridge, that looks innocent if Cora comes in and will make a good weapon. I push open the garage door, hit the switch and hold the bottle tight, ready to use it.

It’s quiet and still. I look around, listening. Then I step inside and cautiously walk around the side of my car. I carefully check out all the garage. Nothing is out of place.

As I walk back to the connecting door I glance inside my car and my blood runs cold. There on the driving seat is a Christmas card.

I shine the torch around again, then onto the back seat. The car is empty. I reach for the handle. The door is locked, but then it self-locks after a few minutes. I reach in my pocket and press the key fob and the door clicks open. I reach in and take the card.

My fingers are shaking as I open it. It’s another condolence card, this time there’s a huge wooden coffin on the front of it and the letters R.I.P. across the top. I open it slowly.

ELLIOT BROOKES

DIED 25.12.2026