Hawkins stood and moved nearer, her eye drawn to the single necklace curled neatly in its central recess, a simple design she recognized.

She picked it up and went over to the bed. ‘Sarah, is this yours?’

The girl’s breathing slowed, and she looked at the necklace. ‘No … they gave it to me.’

‘They made you wear it?’

‘… Yes.’

Hawkins glanced at the dressing table. ‘Then why was it on the side with your other jewellery?’

‘I …’ Sarah’s eyes darted to the dresser and back. ‘I don’t know.’

‘Really?’ She held up the pendant. ‘This is a pentacle, the same symbol that was laid out on the floor at last night’s ceremony. And it was pride of place on your dresser. That doesn’t seem like something you’ve been forced to do.’

The girl’s eyes flared, her tone suddenly belligerent. ‘So what?’

Hawkins met her gaze. ‘So I think you’d better stop playing the victim and tell me what’s actually going on here.’

The stare wavered. ‘I want my dad.’

‘Fine.’ She waved at the door. ‘Let’s call him up here and have this out. He wants to know what happened. Perfect opportunity for you to explain.’

‘You’re the police. You’re supposed to protect me.’

‘I’m trying to, but I can’t do it unless you tell me the truth.’

‘I am.’

‘I don’t think so.’ Hawkins sat back down on the bed, softened her tone. ‘I can see you’re scared. At first I thought it was because of last night, but that isn’t true, is it? You’re scared of us, the police; of what we might do to your friends.’

The girl’s head dropped, but she said nothing.

‘Come on, Sarah. What’s your connection to these people?’

A small sigh, then, ‘He’s my boyfriend.’

‘Malcolm? He’s three times your age.’

Sarah looked up, incredulous. ‘I love him.’

‘Love?’ Hawkins found herself struggling to keep up. ‘He had a knife, for God’s sake.’

‘He doesn’t use it. It’s just part of the ritual.’

Hawkins stared. ‘You’ve done this before?’

‘Of course. Last night was our tenth ceremony.’

‘You’re saying the whole thing is for show?’

‘Yes. We re-enact worship rites.’

Hawkins shook her head. ‘Then why did everybody run when we intervened?’

Scorn entered the teenager’s expression. ‘Because everyone thinks we’re weirdos. Normal people want us locked up.’

Hawkins’ body turned cold as she realized the truth. The group members were suspected of plotting to harm rival worshippers, but Superintendent Whiting admitted they had no proof these people were violent, and even if they were, clearly they hadn’t intended to hurt Sarah.

One of their own.

Unless one of the members had their own agenda.

She looked back at the girl. ‘Do you know John Mardell?’

Sarah thought for a moment, shook her head.