Maddy opens the oven door and slides the tray in. ‘For luck eh?’ she says, as she straightens up.

‘We’re allowed one wish each, but don’t ask me what it is because it’s a secret,’ Emily says.

‘Because, if you tell…’

‘It won’t come true.’ Emily grins.

Maddy doesn’t even have to guess because her own wish is for Max to come home too.

Chapter Sixty-Five

Alison: December 2019

It is midday when PC Blunt arrives. ‘Can I come in for a few moments?’ she asks. ‘I have some news.’ She’s a tall woman with cropped hair and a spotless suit. Her pale plain face gives nothing away.

Alison isn’t dressed and hugs the robe around her tighter. If it was bad news wouldn’t there be two of them? She stands aside to let her in, then leads her through to the kitchen.

‘We’ve had a huge response to the TV appeal. Lots of sightings and leads. It’s too early to say for sure, but we’ve taken someone in and we’re fairly confident it’s Adam.’

‘Oh, thank God, and Charlie’s with him?’ Alison presses her forehead.

‘Unfortunately, Charlie wasn’t with him, but we can’t confirm yet that he didn’t take him.’

‘What are you saying? He might have taken him and now he’s left him somewhere?’

‘I’m sorry, Alison, we don’t know enough at this stage.’ She leans towards her. ‘We’re checking out his story and all the places he’s been living.’

‘Living where?’ Alison’s eyes feel heavy with lack of sleep. They seem no closer to finding Charlie. She leans against the counter and wipes her hand across her eyes.

‘We found him in Sheffield, at the YMCA. But he says he’s also been living on the streets and in a bedsit.’

‘Why?’ Alison searches her face. ‘It can’t be him. His home is here.’

‘I don’t know any more details. He’s being questioned right now. I can assure you we’ll verify his identity as soon as we can.’

‘Why Sheffield? What the hell took him there?’

‘We don’t know any more at the moment. He’s in a bad way, he had an accident and hurt his leg. He says he’s Adam Hawkins. We’re sending him to be assessed by a doctor this afternoon.’

‘When will I be able to see him, if it is Adam?’

‘We’re bringing him back to Cambridgeshire tomorrow.’

‘But our baby is still missing.’ Alison’s voice falters. ‘If he doesn’t have Charlie, then who does?’

Chapter Sixty-Six

Maddy: December 2019

Maddy drives straight into the mother and baby space at the front of the shop. Sam is asleep in the seat next to her. She’s fascinated watching the blanket fibres lifting every time he exhales. She checks the rear-view mirror. A smile spreads across her mum’s face.