Welcome to case closed. You're listening to The Shadow House by Anna Downs, narrated by Natasha Beaumont and the author. Let's pick up where we left off last week.

Alex Chapter 4

At first we lived out of suitcases. The move had exhausted me even more than I'd thought

and I was still so jacked with anxiety that I couldn't bring myself to unpack in case we had to run again.

But on the third day, once I'd relaxed a little, I opened a couple of boxes and put a few things away, and then once I started I couldn't stop. Sweat rolled down my back and my shoulders burned as I charged around the unit with

armfuls of clothes and piles of towels, scattering our belongings in an attempt to make the

place my own. In between nappy changes and breastfeeds, I opened crates and

unzipped bags running through a mental checklist as I took stock of our stuff.

Laptop, check, charger, check. Breast pump,appies, bottles, soft toys, shoes, makeup and underwear. Nursing pads. The good saucepan, the sharp knives. I'd forgotten my favorite coffee mug and a couple of baby blankets but otherwise we seem to have everything.

I saved the most important bag for last, an old sports girl duffel in which I'd shoved my two most important

possessions, a large topperware container and a picture frame made from paddle pop sticks.

I took the bag into the laundry and quietly closed the door behind me.

Taking out the container I popped the lid and checked the contents.

Once I was satisfied that everything was still there, I wrapped up the container in a bin liner and shoved it to the very back of the cupboard under the sink,

tucking it behind a value box of detergent.

When that didn't seem enough, I arranged a stack of sponges and cloths

around the detergent as well.

Back in my bedroom, I placed the picture frame

front and center on my chest of drawers.

Well, thank Christ you didn't forget that piece of crap, said Ollie sauntering past the doorway on his way to the toilet.

Shh! I hissed, pointing at the travel cop where Kara was taking a nap.

He ignored me.

...