Kirk had styled himself as a guru type figure, higher even than a High Priest, and created his own coven, away from the central group that they’d been members of for years. He unsettled the nest. Kirk thought he knew better, even than Mother Nature herself. He was a loose cannon, and the High Priest knew it. If Kirk hadn’t left the roost when he had done, he would’ve been shortly expelled. That was essentially what had put Joe’s wife off joining them. It was bloody bad timing. No matter how many times Fred had tried to explain to the lovely Annie that Kirk was the poorest example of their beautiful faith, it didn’t matter: she’d made up her mind. It was saddening. She wouldn’t let their boys anywhere near him. Fred and Sandra were an exception, obviously, and Joe continued to bring his family to visit often. The calls and drop-ins tailed off though, until they went months, and then almost a year without contact. Having Joe pop in unannounced was heart-warming and he’d told Sandra with enthusiasm. She too was thrilled, and began planning Sunday dinner early, looking around the garden and deciding what she might have to buy in. They were essentially self-sufficient, but, occasionally, they craved food from the supermarket like everyone else, and, of course, their group needed factory processed treats from time to time. Sandra made her own ice cream, pancakes, pastries, cakes and biscuits, but even she couldn’t replicate a packet of pink-covered donuts or takeaway pizza. They weren’t puritans.

Bertha sat in front of the fire at Jock’s feet and looked up to watch Fred, as he pondered what Joe had told him. Fred didn’t notice his faithful hound staring at him. He’d advised Joe not to approach the police with the information about the girl. Joe had been indignant and a little scared, but Fred was adamant. It was welcoming unknown forces into their lives, and the girl must have been at Castlerigg for a reason. What it didn’t make clear was if Kirk Junker was still in the area. Perhaps the girl had left his clutches and gone it alone. But, whatever Joe Spencer said, Fred didn’t believe him that the girl was amnesiac and failed to recognise him. There was always something other-worldly about the youngster, and that was why she’d created such a stir for Kirk.

Seventeen? Eighteen? Maybe she’d run away because legally she could.