He took the greatest pleasure in shattering that mirror, for it had been in Sal’s family for three generations, and his boots crunched satisfyingly over the broken glass as he staggered and swayed and viewed his handiwork with grim satisfaction. The bitch was welcome to the place. He’d had enough.

He took a swig of whisky and shook his head in an attempt to settle his vision as he walked out of the back door and into the paved yard. The last of the crates of beer and cases of spirits were packed into the flatbed of the truck which he’d fuelled this morning. Leaving the back door swinging open, he climbed into the truck.

By the time he’d finished the bottle of whisky it was almost dark – and although he would have preferred to sleep for a while, he knew it was wiser to get out of town while everyone was occupied. He started the truck and drove out of the yard. He didn’t look back.

12

Becky watched the convoy leave the settlement, her fears rising by the minute. The day was closing in – the fires were spreading – and still there was no sign of Danny. She should have taken notice of Sandra – should have kept a closer eye on her boy – no one had seen him since late morning.

Fear and panic were growing sour in her throat and drumming in her heart as she ran down the street calling for him. She’d been up to the caves and back to the native camp to question Billy Blue more closely, but the boy had been adamant that the last they’d been together was at the caves, and that Danny had said he was going home to help his grandmother see to the animals.

Becky had then gone to Gwyneth’s and to Emily’s – had even got through to Amy on the two-way in case he’d decided to bike his way over to Killigarth. But even though Amy had driven almost all the way to Morgan’s Reach in search of him, there had been no sign.

Becky had then checked outhouses, sheds, barns, stables and backyards – had been out to the stock pens, to the blacksmith’s and had even plucked up her courage to look in the yard behind the pub. All to no avail. Danny had vanished.

She was on her way back to the house when she saw her mother hurrying towards her. ‘Have you heard anything?’ she asked with frantic hope.

Jane shook her head and wrapped an arm round Becky’s shoulders. ‘I think it’s time we got Jake to put out a call on the two-way.’

‘Oh, Mum,’ she said tremulously, ‘you don’t think …’