‘Well, let me know when you make a decision,’ he said. ‘Because I’m telling you, I’m done with this crap.’

He hung up and Sarah moved a little nearer. Maybe she didn’t want the car-park attendant to overhear; maybe she simply wanted to be closer. ‘Tell me what’s going on. Now. And I mean everything. Or I’ll … I could tell this nice man and the police that this was all you.’ She waved her hand towards the rope and harness on the floor.

‘There’s no need for threats. I’ll give you a full and frank explanation, but not here.’ He nodded at the car-park attendant. ‘We can’t be sure who’s listening.’ She nodded. ‘I don’t know what I’d have done if something had happened to you.’

Sarah’s mouth twitched at one corner. ‘I’m sure you’d have coped.’

‘I don’t think so.’

Sarah looked away from him and across the car park. ‘True. You’d have had to find someone else to stalk.’

He laughed. ‘I think you’ll find that I saw you in Fork by coincidence, and coincidentally enjoyed the coffee, so I returned regularly.’

‘And is that why you loitered there most days even after you’d bought your coffee?’

‘Oh God.’ He looked down at the ground. What a loser. He was genuinely embarrassed, mortified even. He’d never before in his life done something like that. And he judged those who did.

Sarah put her arms around his neck. ‘It’s OK. I was flattered.’

He risked a quick look at her. He could smell her sweetly spiced perfume.

‘But if I’d known how much trouble you’d be—’ she continued.

Jameson cut her off with a kiss.

Sarah moved away. ‘Don’t you have calls you should be making?’

Shit.

Claire burst into tears as soon as she heard that Jane was OK. For several minutes, all he could hear were her muffled sobs. Eventually she spoke again. ‘Is she with you?’

‘She’s with her father, Thomas Lake. He lives in Manchester. How far away are you?’

‘I’ve only just got on the train. I’ll be a couple of hours. Why with him?’

‘That’s where they sent her.’

‘And she’s OK? Have you spoken to her?’

‘Augusta has. I’m going to call her now. I’ll tell her you’re on your way and send over the address.’

Claire hesitated. ‘Are you nearer?’

‘I can’t get away. I’m waiting for the police.’

‘And Sarah?’ She sounded genuinely concerned, which was a step up from her earlier fury.

Jameson squeezed Sarah’s hand. ‘I’m with her now. We got her back, too.’

‘So it’s over? What about Lana?’

‘I’ve no doubt Lana will be fine, but it won’t be over until we find the sick bastards responsible.’