‘If Grayson’s been arrested, that means he’s failed the test. You need to keep him in custody until his father gets there. Does Geoff Taylor know?’

‘I’ve no idea. Logan called me and I called you.’

‘Call him. Get him to go to Peterborough station immediately. Then speak to the officer in charge and tell them it’s critical they hold Grayson until his father arrives.’

‘I can’t do that. I’ve no authority. They’ll tell me where to get off.’

‘Like I said, if Grayson’s been arrested, he’s failed the test. Those people aren’t seen again. If Grayson leaves that station alone, I guarantee he’ll disappear for good.’

‘Does that matter?’

‘Oh come on, DS Green. He’s a young man with his life ahead of him and a father who loves him very much. He could still have a positive future.’

‘You really believe that crap? He’s a flaming psycho. Better out of the way, in my book.’

Police officers dealt with the worst side of society. It changed their perception. ‘It doesn’t matter whether or not you share my views. We suspect he’ll come to harm without intervention, so we have to act.’

‘What makes you suspect he’ll come to harm?’ asked Green.

‘You really think all one hundred and nine players are still participating in the game? No way. No game, no matter how clever, could hold a psychopath’s attention for over a year. They simply don’t have the patience.’

‘So someone’s doing away with them? That’s a leap. Where’s your evidence?’

It was a legitimate question. But the numbers simply didn’t add up. ‘If you need me to speak to Assistant Chief Constable Barker and get him to make the calls, I can.’

‘No, leave it. I’ll see what I can do. I’ll tell them I need to interview him about a case here in Bristol and head over there myself.’

Mentioning Steve had had the desired effect. ‘Thank you, Phil.’

She hung up and found a seat on the train. She checked her messages – one from Jameson: they were at a pub called The Lock – and then her phone rang again.

‘Dr Bloom? It’s Libby Goodman.’

‘Libby.’

‘I was expecting someone to come over, but—’

‘I’m sorry. Circumstances have made it impossible today.’ Bloom could hear a baby crying in the background.

‘I needed to speak to you about the text I had this morning from Stuart.’

Bloom sat up straighter in her seat, holding the phone closer to her ear. ‘What did it say?’

‘It simply asked for the baby’s name.’

‘Can you read it to me, please, Libby?’

‘“What did you call my baby?” That’s all it said.’

My baby. That made Bloom nervous. Psychopaths were selfish and possessive. ‘And what did you reply?’