She didn’t answer him. Her cheeks burned with fury. He was embarrassing her and Callum wasn’t even here. She could think of nothing worse than her dad grilling Callum, army-style, about his life. She closed her eyes.

‘Josie?’

‘Dad.’

‘I know you hate this but I love you, that’s the only reason I want you to be safe. It’s not to annoy you.’

She sighed deeply. ‘OK.’

‘I’ll see you at the climbing centre.’

They hung up.

Chapter 37

Kelly sat with Demi in a small coffee shop round the corner from Eden House. They discussed her cases.

‘I can’t help thinking that Amy Richmond is more involved than even the letters suggest.’ Kelly aired her thoughts.

‘What have HQ said?’

‘They’ve approved a visit.’

‘Holy crap.’

‘Indeed. My boyfriend doesn’t want me to go.’

‘I’m not surprised, the last time you were in her company, you nearly died. As did your sister.’

‘Let’s not go there.’

‘When do I get to meet him? He sounds wonderful. I bet he’s all mountain air and muscle.’

‘Demi!’ Kelly laughed, but then said quietly, ‘Tell you the truth, I’m nervous.’

‘Just nervous? I’d say a healthy dose of terror is in order. With good reason. I was granted two visits for research purposes for my book, and I have to say that I’ve never been so close to somebody like that before. Not someone who harbours no sense of regret, remorse, or emotion at all for what they did.’

‘I thought you worked with other murderers in the past.’

‘None quite like this. Her composure is quite something. It was a masterclass for me. Did you read my book?’

‘I’m sorry, Demi, I didn’t have the stomach. I saw all of the victims.’

‘Of course you did. For me, it was more academic.’

They finished their drinks.

‘The sooner I go the better. My gut is telling me that meeting Amy Richmond face to face is fundamental to unlocking all the puzzles to this case. Why does she know so much? It’s just like last time when she toyed with us like puppets for weeks until we finally caught up with her. We all assumed it was a man.’

‘Haven’t you assumed the same now?’ asked Demi.

‘Kirk Junker? Are you thinking his wife could be involved too?’

‘Of course, if the child was that terrified. Couples who kill. Think Rosemary and Fred West.’

‘There has to be a link between Amy Richmond and the Junkers that I’ve missed. I wonder if Daphne was ever in care. She’s far too young to be a peer of Amy’s but, as a nurse, the time frame fits: five years ago, she was working at the Penrith and Lakes, and that’s when Mary Hales dumped Kirk.’