‘In his crib, next to my bed, upstairs. But I dozed off downstairs on the sofa. I remember now, I went down to make up another ounce of milk and he was quiet so I thought I’ll just lie down for a moment. I must have fallen asleep because I found the bottle on the floor.’

‘And he’s not there now, or anywhere else in the house?’

‘No, he’s not in his crib upstairs or in his pram next to me in the sitting room.’

‘Where’s the baby’s dad?’

‘I don’t know, I’ve not seen him for weeks, but I’m sure he’s been coming in the house. He makes sure I’m not here.’

‘And is there anybody else who might have popped in and taken him out for some reason?’

‘Without asking me? When I woke up the front door blew open; it was on the latch, but I swear to God I locked it.’ Alison starts to sob. ‘And a load of his nappies and clothes have gone. The drawers have been left open. His blanket was on the floor.’

‘Please try and calm down, Alison. Is there anyone else who can be with you?’

‘Julie, my friend Julie lives around the corner.’

‘An officer is on their way to you straight away. Please don’t touch anything in Charlie’s bedroom. I strongly suggest you call your friend to come and wait with you.’

As soon as she ends the call, she dials Julie’s number and tells her what has happened.

‘I’ll be there in two minutes,’ Julie says.

Alison puts the receiver down. She shakes uncontrollably, clutching Charlie’s teddy to her face. Jamie tries to put his arm around her shoulders, but his arm isn’t long enough and anyway, she can’t sit still. He follows her around the house as she lifts cushions and looks in cupboards. It’s ridiculous to search in such places but she has to do something, she has to work out what has happened, what she has done. She stares out of the back door. Perhaps she woke in a dream, took the baby outside and left him there. She heard, once, about a woman who left her baby in his car seat by the side of the road while she loaded her shopping. Something distracted her and she drove off, forgetting the baby on the verge.

Christ, she can’t even remember what day of the week it is. The days and nights have merged together. Was Charlie born two days ago? Or is it three now? She picks up one of his tiny cotton vests and inhales the powdery baby smell.

When Julie arrives, she gives Jamie a hug and he follows her into the living room. Alison is sitting on the sofa staring into space.