Chapter Twenty-ThreeMatilda squeaked and gathered up her dress, leaping into the narrow cupboard along with Yasmi’s few belongings. I realised I held the exalted position of being the only person who had permission to see her naked, and couldn’t stop smiling.
Mrs Newry entered the room. ‘I can see your elbow, Matilda,’ she said dryly.
Matilda managed to more or less dress herself despite being bent in half and in the dark. Then she backed out and continued straightening her clothes as Mrs Newry spoke.
‘The police are coming,’ she said. ‘I will keep them here as long as I can, and I will say I killed Mr Peterson in self defence.’
‘No!’ said Matilda.
Mrs Newry tucked back a wayward strand of Matilda’s curly hair. ‘I have watched you from a distance since you ran away. Ever since that da
