He shakes his head, pursing his lips, edging closer. He’s so eager for the story and I could tell him exactly what he wants to hear. In doing so I could implicate Bob, but then I’d also be pulling my own family’s lives apart in an instant.

I think back to the nurse’s helpful warning. ‘I’m sorry. It’s all so patchy. If she told me I don’t remember.’

Harwood doesn’t move. He’s pressed forward so much that he’s almost touching the side of the bed. The air between us is heavy and it’s a relief when he finally pulls back.

‘I’m sorry I couldn’t be more useful,’ I say as the nurse appears in the doorway.

‘Ms Harvey, we’re going to need to talk again,’ Harwood sighs, reminding me this is by no means over.

‘I know,’ I murmur. I understand it’s far from finished. But there are two conversations I need to have first, before my patchy memory returns, though I don’t relish the thought of speaking to Bonnie or Dad.

The nurse bustles Harwood out of the room as my phone rings on the table beside the bed. It’s Freya. She must have been trying to get hold of me since I hadn’t updated her about my search for Ange, because I have a few missed calls from her.

‘Oh my God,’ she screeches when I pick up the phone. ‘I knew something must have gone wrong when you didn’t call me back yesterday, but this—’ She breaks off dramatically. ‘Are you okay?’

‘I’ll be fine,’ I tell her.

‘I heard they’re talking to Annie Webb.’ Her voice quietens. ‘I can’t believe it,’ she murmurs. ‘Did you find Ange yesterday?’

‘Yes.’

‘And? Did she say any more about the sister?’

‘No,’ I lie. ‘She wouldn’t tell me anything.’

‘I didn’t think she would,’ she sighs. ‘Oh well, maybe there’s nothing else to it …’ Freya drifts off as I catch Meg lingering in the doorway. I hold up a hand in a wave and she smiles back at me.

‘I want to thank you, Freya,’ I say. ‘Without your help I don’t know that my brother would be free.’

‘Any time,’ she says as Meg tentatively steps into the room. I beckon her over.

I tell Freya I need to go, with a promise we’ll keep in touch, because there’s someone else I need to thank too.

Once I hang up Meg rushes across, almost flinging herself on top of me. ‘Oh my God. I’ve been so worried about you. How are you feeling?’

‘Like I’ve been run over,’ I smile. ‘I can’t thank you enough.’

‘I can’t even imagine what would have happened if I wasn’t there,’ she says. ‘It doesn’t bear thinking about.’