I was tired. I was scared. I needed a shower and something to eat. I hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast, which I’d managed to throw up in the police station. I could feel sweat trickle down my back and the air was thicker now than before, as if rain was on the way but not soon enough. My head hurt.

‘Of course, madam,’ the receptionist had said, handing me three key cards and telling us where our room was.

She’d started to launch into her full spiel about when breakfast was served and what was available in the gym facilities, but I’d been too tired to listen. I knew it was rude, but I didn’t have the energy to care.

‘Come on, girls,’ I’d said and we’d headed off to our first-floor suite.

Molly was bouncing on one of the two single beds in the living area, claiming the bed nearest the door for her ponies and her, while Beth sat on the sofa and started flicking aimlessly through the TV channels.

‘How long’ll Dad be?’ she asked.

‘I don’t know, darling,’ I told her.

‘Why are they talking to him?’

‘They’re talking to lots of people. Everyone who knew Clare.’

‘Will they talk to me?’ she asked.

‘I don’t think so, pet.’

‘I wish none of this had happened,’ she said.

All I could do was agree.

‘I don’t think I want to go home ever again.’

‘Well, Beth, the police are securing our house. It’ll be the safest house in Derry by the time we get back. And I promise you, I’ll not leave you alone again.’

‘Can I tell my friends what happened?’

To be honest, I was impressed she hadn’t done so already. I expected her to be on Snapchat as soon as the police left, filling everyone in.

‘Don’t look at me like that, Mum. I know this is serious. I’m not going to tell people what happened or where we are.’

I sat down beside her and took her hand.

‘You’re a very smart young woman, Beth Walker, and I love you very much.’

‘Do you love me too, Mammy?’ a little voice from the corner of the room piped up.

Molly was sitting cross-legged on her bed now, her eyes growing tired. She hadn’t had a nap all day, so I knew she’d be exhausted.

‘Of course I love you, poppet,’ I told her. ‘You girls are the most important thing in the world to me.’

‘And you won’t leave or let the bad man take you away?’ Molly asked.

‘I promise,’ I said.