‘Tony Willis. Adam only came back into our lives two years ago.’

‘I see. And what were his circumstances?’

Alison glances across at the notes but can’t read anything. ‘He was on his own. Working, renting a place. That’s it.’ She flicks further through the address book.

‘How did he react to you becoming pregnant this time?’

‘I’d like to say he was as pleased as I was, but I can’t.’

‘He expressed doubts?’ the inspector asks.

‘That’s one way of putting it. He didn’t want me to keep Charlie. Wanted us to wait. Wait for what? I asked him, I’ve been waiting long enough for us to be together.’ Her tea is cold when she sips it. She pushes the cup away. ‘He got really angry, said he’d never marry me.’ The tears come from nowhere and choke her up. She can’t seem to get a grip. Julie passes her a tissue.

‘I’m sorry, I know this is upsetting, but we need to build a picture. Is there anything else you can think of that might help us find your baby?’ She closes her notebook. ‘Even if you think it might be insignificant.’

‘What about the phone calls?’ Julie hands her another tissue.

‘There’s been a few and the person doesn’t speak. I know someone’s there, but they don’t answer me.’

‘Have you any idea who it might be?’ the inspector asks.

‘I thought it was Adam at first, but now I’m not sure.’

‘Okay, I think best case scenario is Adam has been coming back to the house quite frequently and the likelihood is that he took Charlie out early this morning because he wanted to let you get some sleep. On the other end of the scale, perhaps his intention is to keep him. It does happen unfortunately. With any luck, he’s seen sense and is on his way back right now.’

‘But he wouldn’t empty drawers and leave the front door open, would he?’

Inspector Downy doesn’t answer.

‘I mean, what about the day I went into labour? My underwear drawer was full of…’ she exhales a breath and tries to hold the tears in, ‘disgusting old underwear, huge bras and grey baggy knickers that aren’t mine.’

‘And the moths,’ says Jamie, ‘and Poppy going missing.’

‘Yes, there’s been a few weird things. The dog vanished while we were at Legoland. The back door was wide open and there was a wire across the open gate. I tripped on it and soon after I went into labour.’

‘It must be Adam playing a sick joke,’ Julie says.

‘That does all point to something more sinister. We need to check when this ex-boyfriend Tony is due out of prison. But keep an open mind at this early stage. You must try not to worry yourself.’

‘How can I not worry?’ Alison clutches the tiny vest.