They went through the familiar security checks and found themselves at the end of the lit corridor, where The Teacher waited for them. Kelly went in alone. Ted offered to go with her but Kelly was adamant. She had to face this unchaperoned. Her trainers squeaked on the polished floor and she pushed her hair off her face, wishing she’d tied it back. She was weary and sweaty from a long day but inside she was ready. She reached the window and remained standing, though a chair had been provided, like the last time.

Amy Richmond smiled at her.

Kelly didn’t change her expression, but just stared back at the killer.

‘What do you want, Amy?’

‘I bet you’re so mad! You want to be up there in your precious fells, don’t you? Looking for Daphne with your team. But the senior men in HQ sent you to me.’

‘Yep, you got that right. I don’t want to be here.’

‘I like your edge. Fallen out with hubby?’

Kelly began walking away.

‘OK! Come on! I’ll tell you where she is. I just wanted to see you again, Kelly. No one gets me in here. It’s lonely.’

Kelly stopped and went back to Amy’s window.

‘Amy, I am not, and never will be, your friend.’

‘I know. I just like being in the company of intelligent people like me, rather than the monkeys in here.’

‘Some light relief?’

‘Yes.’

‘I’m waiting.’

‘Don’t you want to know why she did it?’

‘I think I can work that one out myself: child abuse, ritual brainwashing, a broken mind, blah blah.’

‘So nonchalant. Maybe you’re burned out. You should take a holiday. Still looking at Florida?’

Kelly’s mouth opened but no sound came out.

‘You should be more careful with your security settings. It’s all out there, if you know where to look.’

‘You’re stalking me? That could extend your sentence.’

‘It’d be worth it.’

A chill suddenly made Kelly shiver.

‘I still have properties in the Lakes. They’re under lots of different names, obviously. Daphne is in a caravan near Birkett Mire. Close to where she watched her father torture animals and her mother forced her to sacrifice herself by moonlight.’

‘You wear it like a badge, or a medal: knowing so many nasty, warped individuals, no wonder you’re in here. Maybe you are crazy. Daphne definitely is; I’ve looked into her eyes.’

‘Close up? I hope you didn’t touch her.’

Kelly was reminded of Jock’s warning to this effect, but she pushed it away.

‘Is the caravan on a site or by itself?’

‘It’s on its own, next to the St John’s Beck, I bought the land years ago and refuse to sell it. It’s mine under an ancient lease that the National Trust can’t dispute, though they’ve tried.’