That’s when it all makes sense. He’s done a runner. The second the police get close, he’s gone. He did exactly the same when Jess told him she knew what he was — who he was.

‘It’ll be fine,’ I say. ‘You’ve got enough to be dealing with. I’ve only got to walk through a supermarket car park.’

Once I’ve left my cell, I’m formally told I’m being released without charge and my personal belongings are given back to me.

The police let me call Cath, and I tell her what’s happened and ask if I can come to hers. She tells me Ben’s out at the pub with a friend but will be back in an hour or so, and she’s looking after Ben’s niece and nephew, so she can’t leave them while they’re asleep. I tell her it’s fine — I’ll only be a few minutes.

‘Your phone,’ McKenna asks me. ‘Is that the new one you bought?’

‘Yeah. He can’t track it.’

‘Alright. Keep it on anyway, okay? Call me on this number as soon as you get to Cath’s flat and are inside.’ She hands me a business card.

‘I will,’ I say. ‘And thanks.’

They let me out the back way into the police car park, then unlock a gate so I can take the most direct route — through Tesco’s car park and over the crossing to Cath’s flat. First, though, there’s something I need to do.

I go into Tesco’s and head straight to the wine aisle. I pick up two bottles of Pinot Grigio, head to the checkout and pay for them. As I’m halfway across the car park, my phone rings. I answer it.

‘Grace, it’s Jane McKenna.’

‘Oh, hi. I’m not quite there yet. I popped into Tesco’s to get some wine. Figured we could do with it after the day I’ve had.’

‘Grace, stay on the phone for me until you get there, alright? We’re going to walk an officer over to you to make sure you’re okay.’

‘Why? What’s wrong?’ I ask. There’s a tone to McKenna’s voice which makes me feel uneasy.

‘We’ve just had a call from Devon and Cornwall Police,’ she says.

I feel the blood draining from my face.

‘Why? What’s the problem? Oh god. She wasn’t actually a police officer, was she?’

‘Yes. Yes, she was,’ McKenna replies.

‘So what’s the problem? Why can’t you speak to her?’

‘Because she’s dead, Grace.’

52

I freeze on the spot.

‘What?’ I say, my voice almost a whisper.

‘We don’t know what’s happened yet, but we want to make sure you’re safe. We’re sending an officer over to make sure you get to Cath’s without any issues.’

I understand straight away what this means. My life is in immediate danger. Tom has killed Jess Caton, and I’m next.

As I’m about to speak again, a figure emerges from behind a parking ticket machine. I recognise it immediately. It’s Tom.

You have no idea how good it feels to see you again. I’ve waited so long. Traveled so far. Gone through so much. I always knew you’d come back to me.