The Girl Beyond the Gate
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Kindle Notes & Highlights
Read between April 7 - April 11, 2022
2%
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Unlike my neighbours, I’m not interested in catching a glimpse of the dead body in the community centre.
Paris
What a good hook
2%
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Of course, I do, but they don’t need to know that. My plan is already in motion. Everything is resting on what happens over the next twenty-four hours. I can’t afford to make a single mistake.
Paris
What???
3%
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In its previous life it was an asylum.
8%
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shards. It reminds me how much I loved you. How much I still do.
Paris
This is honestly already so good!
16%
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Just as they are about to turn the corner Lacey glances back at me and flashes me one last smile before disappearing
Paris
I dont know, there's something weird about them.
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with her mother back into the crowds.
17%
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The most productive activity I have planned for my morning is to take a riveting Buzzfeed quiz on what kind of onion I am.
28%
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Something tells me this is not the first meaningful interaction this woman has had with my daughter.
42%
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The three of us stand watching,
43%
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movement as Sally’s son Markus darted out from next to the shed.
44%
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I saw Jodie Madison there …
Paris
Bitch
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though I’ve never used one and so can only hazard a guess that that’s what it is.
47%
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I’ll never forget she left me a single mum on my own at nineteen.
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Aunty Gabbie,
48%
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‘Sometimes I wish he’d just disappear.’
50%
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considering we’ve shagged.
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I avert my eyes, not wanting to laugh at an inappropriate time,
51%
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It makes me want to give him a hug.
52%
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the sudden movement startling Toby awake.
Paris
How dare you disturb toby
53%
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Morning, ladies. I’m not sure of all the details yet but something has happened at Dr Roth’s house.
54%
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‘It appears he may have taken his own life.’
60%
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The daughter she had, who – for whatever reason – no longer lives with her.
Paris
Are you dumb
61%
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‘Thanks a lot.’ Lacey’s clipped voice echoes through the waiting room.
63%
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It’s David Timson, the concierge from the main gate.
65%
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He lived not far from me when he was a kid.
66%
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‘I … don’t know how to …’
67%
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Heidi-isms have
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He was a violent drunk
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keep her daughter safe.’
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Leave her alone. And leave us alone.’
68%
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No idea what Norah’s been through? They’ve got no idea what I’ve been through, or what tomorrow is.
69%
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Oh, I’m fine by the way, guys. Thanks for the concern.
70%
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‘I know what you did.’
71%
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I can remember all too well.
72%
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‘Where are we going, Mummy?’ you say.
73%
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He was only trying to be nice. It’s not his fault. Please don’t blame him.’
73%
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‘I didn’t think you’d let me be friends with him. You never let me have any friends.’
74%
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I’ve never been able to get a reason out of her.’
75%
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‘I lost the baby a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t know how to tell people.’
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… I wasn’t being melodramatic.’
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‘Believe it or not, I do know how you feel.’
75%
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Gareth Wilson is Lacey’s dad.
76%
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Same old. I don’t get why she won’t let me have any freedom. Am I just never supposed to have a life away from her?
76%
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After we had the argument I went to the bathroom and picked up one of Mum’s razors. I really considered using it.
76%
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Oh yeah, she’s all right. She saw me that night, ya know? She knew I’d set the fire but didn’t say nothing. I’m not surprised. She’s not the type to snitch. I wish she was my mum instead. I reckon she’d make a great mum.
78%
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Mum’s asleep so I’m using her laptop. It’s the only way I could think of contacting you. She’s taken my phone.
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How are you?
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I have to assume it is really her.
82%
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‘Yeah. She killed her all right.’
83%
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‘You mean the arsonist and the alcoholic? Yes, I can see why you wouldn’t want to leave them.’
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