‘I still don’t understand why you’d betray her. You taught her, nurtured her, and encouraged her. I’ve seen the log of your Facetimes and Skype calls. You two are close.’

Amy laughed. ‘No, there you’ve got it wrong, detective. She’s a fucking fruitcake! I am looking forward to spending some time with her in here, though.’

‘Ah, that’s why. I get it now. You want some company.’ Kelly shook her head. ‘Well, you’ll get it.’ She dialled Kate Umshaw’s number and communicated the information, hoping it wasn’t another trick.

‘You still can’t work it out, can you? How she did it. I mean, with me, it was straightforward: I’m stocky, muscular – more than any man – and older. But, a child? Wispy, weak and goddess-like?’

‘You’re right.’ Kelly folded her arms.

‘Maybe she had help?’

Kelly waited.

‘But not the kind of help you’re thinking of. Nothing that can be quantified by dimension, space and natural laws. Something ethereal, other-worldly and unnatural.’

‘Now we’re into hocus pocus too? You do need some company.’

‘Part of you believes though, doesn’t it? You don’t want to, but you’ve seen enough to sow a seed of doubt.’

Kelly squirmed inside. She was desperate for the search to be over, and for Kate to call her, giving her the green light to get the hell out of this place and get back on a plane. But there were no more flights to Carlisle tonight. It didn’t matter, she’d agreed with HQ that if they found Daphne tonight, she could justify the cab fare. Failing that, she’d pay for it herself just to get the hell out of this place. She didn’t care how much it cost.

‘Are you missing your computer?’ she asked.

‘Of course, but I’ll be given it back.’

‘You know there’s no reduced sentence on offer?’

‘It was worth it just to see you. Besides, my appeal is already filed and this will help. I’ve been very obliging.’

‘You’ve also been very obstructive. You could have told us what you knew weeks ago and prevented three murders. That won’t look good.’

Amy smiled.

‘I never wanted to look good.’

Kelly glanced at her watch. Twenty minutes had passed. She couldn’t wait any longer, she had to get out of there.

‘You’ll be seen as an accessory. You groomed and guided Daphne. You’ll die in here.’ Kelly bit her lip, regretting the threat. If Daphne wasn’t in a caravan along the St John’s Beck, then she could have just compromised the investigation. She damned her own pride.

Her mobile ringing made her jump. It was Kate.

‘Guv, a helicopter located a caravan on its own, along the St John’s Beck. We’re going in. ETA about three minutes.’