‘Down a rabbit or badger hole, I guess, then scrabbling for hours trying to get out . . . or locked in someone’s shed maybe.’

‘No, he’s obviously been outside for a long time, he’s frozen. What are we going to do, Mum?’

‘Ring the vet. Just keep him wrapped up close to you, Sam, he needs warmth.’

Kieron was leaning on the worktop. ‘I think we need a drink. What do you want, love? Sammy?’

‘What have you done to your leg, K?’

‘Torn something. There’s a beer in the fridge.’

‘I’d rather have a coffee. I’m frozen as well.’

He was cuddling the small body close to him. Wookie made slight whimpering sounds. They heard Cat talking in the hall.

‘Your mother has had the day from hell, Sam – just letting you know.’

‘Well, I’m not about to make it worse.’

‘What was all that ringing her and ringing off about? Can’t have been low battery.’

But Sam bent his head to Wookie, murmuring, stroking his ears and did not give Kieron an answer.

‘We have to take him to the emergency vet in Bevham. Come on, Sammy, you can hold him in his blanket.’

‘I won’t let you drive back to Bevham again, Cat, you’re not fit.’

‘I haven’t had a drink yet, of course I’m fit. I’ll grab a bar of chocolate and go.’

‘Let’s both have a coffee, Mum, then I’ll drive.’

‘Are you insured for my car?’

‘Erm, probably.’

Kieron shook his head. ‘Nice try, Sam. '

Wookie was whimpering. Cat sat beside him and looked at his paws, then his leg. She noticed now that he had two puncture marks on either side of his nose, and that the tissue around it was swelling.

She fetched a basin of warm water, a towel and cotton wool, and bathed his face gently while Sam held him. Now and then he shivered but did not try to get away or stop her.

‘His ear has one of those puncture marks as well, look.’

‘Rat,’ Cat said. ‘He’s been in some back shed or stable then dragged himself home, but how long has he been like that? Poor little chap. Silly little Wookie.’ The end of the dog’s tail stirred slightly, but wagging it was beyond him.

Twenty-Six