“Watch her!” I shouted and jumped forward.
Maureen had made a dart towards the casement window. I made a grab at her, but she was too quick. She ran out on to the verandah and down the terrace steps.
“He’s dead,” I heard Mifflin say in disgust as Kerman and I ran out after her.
We reached the first terrace as she reached the fourth. I grabbed Kerman and held him back.
“Let Mifflin go after her if he wants her,” he said.
Mifflin came thudding down the terrace steps to join us.
“Where’s she gone?” he demanded.
I pointed.
She was running well, and already had reached the lowest terrace. Mifflin started after her; then stopped. She ran straight towards the cliff edge, and she was still running when she went over.
For some moments we stood motionless, listening and waiting. But we heard nothing. It was as if the space between the cliff head and the sea had opened up and swallowed her.