Julie lets the inspector out. The wind has picked up and the clouds have blackened into a bruise. Alison watches the washing she left out all night flap around like trapped birds: a pair of Jamie’s school trousers, her dress with the tiny flower pattern and three Babygros. The first ones Charlie ever wore.

‘It’s going to heave it down in a minute,’ Julie says.

Alison’s lips tremble but she isn’t going to give in again. She opens the back door to go and collect the washing, but a strong gust pulls it right out of her hand and slams it shut.

At almost 2 p.m., PC Blunt tells her they have no firm leads and want her to go on TV that afternoon. They can’t hang around waiting for Adam to be found and a nationwide appeal is the best course of action. All she can do now is hope someone watching will know where Charlie is.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Maddy: December 2019

‘Did you have a nice day?’ Maddy asks when Emily comes in from school, followed by Sarah and Sophie.

‘Yes, thank you.’ Emily shows her a new keyring for her collection. The word ‘sister’ is in pink capital letters on both sides.

‘That’s all she wanted from the Science Museum gift shop, I thought I’d lost it, but it was in the bottom of my handbag,’ Sarah says with a pained expression.

‘I’m still a sister, aren’t I, now I have a brother?’

It takes a moment for Maddy to realise that she means Jamie. ‘Of course you are, darling.’

‘Are you all right?’ Sarah looks puzzled. ‘You look tired, it must have been a good night.’

‘I’ve never felt better thanks, but I didn’t exactly get to the restaurant though.’ She’s hardly slept in days but she has endless energy, so a sleepless night with a baby hasn’t phased her. He settled well after his last feed. It was a joy watching him fall asleep in her arms. ‘There’s a surprise for you both in my room.’ Maddy takes Emily’s coat from her and can’t contain her smile.

Emily lets out a whoop and thunders up the stairs.

‘Thanks for picking her up today,’ Maddy says.

‘Are you sure you’re all right? You seem… different.’

Maddy nods. Sarah’s never seen her so happy, that’s why she’s worried.

‘Mummy!’ Emily shrieks down the stairs.

‘What is it?’ Sarah looks alarmed.

‘Shall we go up?’ Maddy grins.

In Maddy’s bedroom, Emily is peering into the crib and squeals with delight when they come in.

‘Is it a girl, Mummy?’ Emily asks.

‘No, a boy.’

‘Oh my god! You mean you’ve had the baby?’ Sarah rushes forward to peek in then gives Maddy a hug.

‘I know and it was so quick I wondered if I would make it to the hospital in time.’