‘What do you mean? Was she in some sort of trouble?’

‘Have you heard the news? The young woman found wandering at Castlerigg?’

‘Yes. Are you telling me that’s her?’ Fred had heard the story on the local radio. He’d discussed it with Sandra. They’d said how awful and wretched the girl must feel. He went across to the radio and flicked it on. The news was halfway through but, at the end, they mentioned the girl. The announcer said that a photograph had been released by the police. Joe got out his iPhone and googled the story. The photo of the girl flashed on his screen.

‘I hate those things. They’re everywhere.’

‘They come in handy sometimes. Look.’

Fred looked at the dog, who scuttled back to bed and peered upwards towards the two men, doubtful of what to make of their exchange. Fred didn’t want to look at his friend’s phone. He didn’t want to welcome the vision into the sanctity of his home.

‘I found her, Fred – well, Callum found her. But I didn’t tell the police that I knew her, and she didn’t know me. She definitely didn’t recognise me.’

‘You’re mistaken there, boy. Of course she recognised you.’

Chapter 9

Fred made a point of watching the TV report closely that night. Sandra came home with wild boar sausages from the same farmer friend based near Keswick, and she cooked them on the fire with a berry sauce and some chard from late summer offerings in their garden. They’d invited Jock, as often happened. Freshly pulled potatoes smothered in butter and salt finished the fayre and they were all satisfied. Sandra tidied the dishes, leaving the men to watch the news. Fred didn’t tell Jock about Joe’s visit but he watched him carefully as the police photo came on screen.

‘Police are appealing for a woman who was found wandering around the stone circle at Castlerigg on Saturday morning to come forward. The Cumbria Constabulary has issued a statement seeking confirmation that the woman is safe. She left the Penrith and Lakes Hospital at around two p.m. on Monday afternoon in clothes similar to these in the photograph, given to her by hospital staff. The woman, who is said to be around twenty years of age, is said to be suffering from amnesia and may not be capable of looking after herself. Police are eager to establish her wellbeing. Anybody with information should contact the help desk number shown on the screen now, or email us, message us on Twitter, using the hashtag #cumbriaconstabulary, or use our Facebook page. It is unknown whether the woman is local to the area or just visiting. As the cold nights draw in, folks, keep a lookout for the woman shown in the photograph.’