Thirty-Nine

Pip drives Cara and Naomi to a service-station McDonald’s, deliberately taking A-roads to appear on as many traffic cameras as possible. The silence underscores the weight of what Pip has asked of them, but the sisters reaffirm their support, agreeing to act normal for the alibi.

At McDonald’s, Pip chooses a booth near loud, visible customers and ensures CCTV captures her. She orders multiple meals and pays by card to create a verifiable time-stamped trail, consciously performing for the eventual police review—anticipating DI Hawkins as the likely investigator.

They force small talk while Pip hides her injuries, insisting they avoid discussing what happened. When a crash triggers traumatic flashbacks, Pip redirects them to take selfies and videos, instructing Naomi to display her phone’s lock screen so the time is visible—mirroring the original Andie Bell case technique. The group films lighthearted clips to further cement the timeline.

Overwhelmed, Pip vomits in the bathroom but composes herself and returns. She makes one more card purchase—two McFlurries—to extend the documented stay past 11:30 p.m. The trio then leaves, the untouched desserts serving the alibi’s purpose regardless.

Pip drops Cara and Naomi home at 11:51 p.m., reiterating the simple story they must stick to if questioned. After a final reassurance, Pip departs, mentally confirming: alibi done, and she heads home to rejoin Ravi and continue their plan.