‘Yes, of course,’ he mumbled. ‘I should have recognised you straight away. I do apologise, Sergeant. I’m somewhat preoccupied, as you can well imagine. Have you brought us news of Daisy?’

He glared ferociously, but there was no mistaking the desperation in his voice.

‘Not yet, but we’re making progress.’

That was partly true. They had identified bloodstains in Daisy’s cot, incidentally establishing that Jason was not her father, but none of that had helped them discover the baby’s whereabouts.

‘I would like to speak to your daughter again.’

‘Jessica’s been upset enough over all this,’ David replied firmly. ‘The only words she wants to hear from you are that Daisy’s been found, safe and well.’

‘That’s what we all want, and we’re doing everything we can to find her. Now I need to speak to Jessica.’

David did not stir from his position blocking the doorway. ‘My daughter is too upset to answer any more of your questions right now. I sent your police liaison officer packing and now you can return to the police station as well. Go and do your job and find my granddaughter.’

As he began to close the door, his wife appeared in the hallway behind him.

‘Who is it, David?’

Her face grew taut on seeing Geraldine on the doorstep and her eyes glowed with longing.

‘Is it–? Have you found her? Is she–?’ she stammered, starting forward.

‘I’m afraid we haven’t found Daisy yet, Mrs Armstrong. We’re following several leads. I’m sorry to disturb you, but I do need to ask Jessica a few more questions.’

‘I told you to leave my daughter alone,’ David said. ‘This constant badgering isn’t helping her –’

‘Let the sergeant come in,’ Anne interrupted him, giving her husband what appeared to be a warning frown. ‘We must help the police in any way we can. Let her do her job.’

‘If they were doing their job properly, Daisy would be back with us by now,’ he replied.

‘I’d like to speak to your daughter,’ Geraldine repeated.

‘You can speak to me,’ David said. ‘Daisy’s my granddaughter.’

‘I have a few questions to put to Jessica. It won’t take long.’

‘I’m not leaving her alone with you,’ he replied firmly.

Geraldine stared at him. ‘Are you concerned about what she might say? Is there something you would like her to keep quiet about?’

David flushed with irritation. ‘I don’t know what that’s supposed to imply, but I resent your tone, Sergeant, and if you can’t keep a civil tongue in your –’