‘Bastard! I didn’t know they’d slept together. Could Jaz have something to do with Charlie being taken?’

‘I doubt it. Don’t think they’re exactly on speaking terms.’

‘How could he do any of this to me?’ She takes one of Ray’s cigarettes and lights it.

‘Darlin’, like I said, we warned you about him years ago. Dad did try his best after Mum went, whatever you think.’

‘Adam says Dad threatened to kill him.’ She slides the patio door open again.

Ray laughs. ‘Do you remember Lorna, who ran the cake shop?’

Alison nods and blows smoke out of the door.

‘Adam was living with her when he first started seeing you.’

‘No, he can’t have been, he said there wasn’t anyone else. We loved each other.’

‘But you were barely out of school.’

‘Don’t make him out to be one of those sort.’ She flicks the ash on the damp flagstones.

‘I’m just saying he can’t stick to one woman, no matter what he says. He was shacked up with her, a widow, sponging off her an’ all, no doubt, and at the same time declaring his undying love to you, sweetheart.’

‘Why should I believe you? That’s not the Adam I know.’ She chucks her stub out of the back door and fetches two more cans from the fridge.

‘There’s always someone else. Every single time. You need to get shot of him.’ He opens a can and takes down a long mouthful of beer. ‘How’s Jamie taking it all, sis?’

‘He’s quiet; doesn’t like me to be out of his sight. I kept him off school yesterday but he’s back today. It’s difficult for him, you know, with all the other kids digging at him.’ She presses her hands to her face. ‘I just want my baby back.’

‘I know it’s hard, but you’ve got to try and keep things as normal as possible for Jamie.’

‘That story he came up with, about him having a sister that he met at the local park. Now I’m wondering if he wasn’t making it up after all.’

‘The truth will come out, Ali. You’ve just got to try and reassure him that everything will be fine, that whatever happens, he’ll always have you.’

Alison wipes her face on her sleeve. She can’t believe this is happening to her. It’s supposed to be the happiest moment of her life, being with Adam, completing their little family with another boy, it’s what they’d hoped for all those years ago. How could it have all fallen apart?

‘But Ray, what am I going to do if they don’t find Charlie?’

Chapter Seventy

Maddy: December 2019

When Maddy brings the coffee into the living room, Max is standing on the lawn in the moonlight. She leaves the drinks on the table and joins him.