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 21

The more I stared at the farmhouse the closer I wanted to get. I had no idea what I expected to find, but I knew that I wouldn't get any closer to the truth without going up there and taking a look around.

Pasting a smile on my face I knocked on Jenny's door. When she answered though I almost changed

my mind. Court unawares my neighbour looked frail and forlorn.

I'm so sorry, I said, trying not to look at her head. Her scarf had slipped a little to reveal a small patch of hairless scalp.

Were you taking a nap? I can come back another time.

I wondered at the treatment she was receiving, but couldn't bring myself to pry.

No, it's fine. I was just resting. She adjusted the scarf and smiled at

Kara sleep soft on my hip. Hello little one, she said, her face lighting up.

What a lovely surprise. To what do I ever? The little one, she said, her face lighting up.

What a lovely surprise.

To what do I owe the pleasure?

Well, I, a flush crept into my cheeks.

I was just wondering, you know that thing that you said last week about babysitting?

I was thinking that if you're not busy, I mean obviously feel free to say no if it's not a good time,

but I was hoping that Jenny beamed. Would you like me to watch

Kara for you? Yes I mean yes I just really love to go for a run She's already fed and changed and I've got everything set up downstairs.

Would you mind? Of course! Jenny clapped her hands together.

Oh, I thought you'd never ask. Thank you. I promise I won't be long. An hour

or two I'd decided would give me more than enough time. In the thick of the woods, gigantic red and gotherers,

towered and twisted above me, their trunks knotted and gnarled like creatures in a

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