“The Narrow Man has him,” said Warrick.

“Okay,” said Ronnie. “Fine. Let’s all agree that the Narrow Man has Austin. The fact is, we don’t know what that means. He could still be alive. Raymond Carchi kept his victims imprisoned for a week before he killed them. We need to operate on the basis that Austin is alive, and we will believe that until we’re presented with evidence to the contrary. Linda, what’s our next move?”

“Find the Narrow Man.”

“Kelly, how do we do that?”

“Talk to people. Check for witnesses.”

“We have a plan,” said Ronnie. “But there is one thing we should all keep in mind. When Ricky’s brother was taken, the police blamed a vagrant. That vagrant was shot and killed on sight. We can’t trust the cops. They’re either covering their own asses, or they’re covering up for the Narrow Man. Whichever it is, they are not our friends.”

“So keep a low profile,” said Warrick, nodding. “You got it, Fearless Leader …” His voice trailed off.

“What?” Linda asked. “Warrick, what is it?”

Warrick pointed at two old men standing on the sidewalk, watching the Cooke house. “That guy look familiar to anyone?”

“Which one?” asked Kelly. “Actually, no, it doesn’t matter – neither of them do. Why? You recognise one of them?”

“One or both,” Warrick said, frowning. “I think we should talk to them.”

They got out and tried not to look intimidating as they approached the old men. Two bounded over to them happily.

The one in the blue coat smiled down at him. “Hello there,” the old man said. “Who’s a good doggy? Huh? Who’s a good doggy?”

“You sound like an idiot,” said the other old man.

“Excuse me, gentlemen?”

The old men turned, and Kelly gave them a smile.

“Hi,” she said. “I was wondering if you could help us with something. My name’s Kelly. That’s Ronnie and Linda and that’s Warrick. The dog there is Two. He likes you.”

“He’s a good judge of character,” said the man in the blue coat. “It’s why he’s not making a fuss of my miserable friend here.”

Kelly laughed. “Could I ask your names?”

“Sure you could,” said the old man in blue. “I’m Javier, this is Virgil.”

“You kids aren’t from around here, are you?” Virgil asked.

“No, sir, we’re not.”

“Do you know the missing boy?” Ronnie asked.

“Nope,” said Virgil. “As far as I’m aware, never even laid eyes on him.”

“The police are saying he ran away.”

Virgil nodded. “That’s what they’re saying, all right.”

“We don’t think he did,” said Linda.

“Well now, that is interesting,” said Virgil. “Javier, you hear that, you deaf old bastard?”

“I heard,” said Javier, “and I’m not deaf.”

“Have you shared this idea of yours with the authorities?” Virgil asked.

“Not yet,” Ronnie said.