‘Are you sure you’re holding up OK? Everyone is concentrating on Fran and Dominic, and quite rightly too, but you’re the one who takes care of Laurel all day every day.’ Kelly reaches out a hand and squeezes my fingers tightly.

Am I holding up OK? I don’t really know. On the outside, yes, but on the inside is that constant dark hand of fear that grips my heart in its icy fist.

‘It’s difficult. It feels like everything seems to be grinding to a halt – that there are no clues at all to what might have happened to Laurel. I wonder if I’m best getting out of the way?’ Relieved to change the subject, I turn the words into a question as I finally meet Kelly’s eyes.

‘I know that feels like the easiest option, but I promise you it won’t help. Fran and Dominic need you – especially now . . .’ she trails off and bites her lip.

‘What do you mean, especially now?’ I say.

‘DI Dove is planning on holding a reconstruction.’ Kelly says, glancing quickly towards the door. I guess that DS Wright is in the living room now, telling Fran and Dominic his plans.

‘A reconstruction?’ Bile rises in the back of my throat and I swallow hastily. The idea of reliving that night is unbearable. ‘Like Crimewatch?’

‘Exactly that.’ Kelly gives me a small smile. ‘Look, I know the idea of it is scary, but it’s worked so many times before. All it takes is one person to remember something that they didn’t realise was significant, and it could lead to a massive breakthrough.’

‘Well, I suppose . . . if it can help, then it has to happen. I’m sure Fran and Dominic will want anything and everything done to find Laurel.’

‘DS Wright wanted me to ask you something.’ Kelly’s eyes slide away from mine and I get the distinct impression that I’m not going to like whatever she says next. ‘She wants to know if you’ll play yourself? All you’ll have to do is stand there behind the little girl who will play Laurel, and then look for her when you realise she isn’t there. Oh . . . look, Anna, I know it’s hard . . .’

‘No. Absolutely not.’ I’m already shaking my head before she even finishes speaking. ‘I’m not doing it, OK?’

‘She just thought that it might be helpful – people will remember your face, and that might lead . . .’

‘I said, no.’ I shove my chair back. ‘I’m not doing it, Kelly. Let them get someone in who looks a bit like me, it’s Laurel who is the main focus, not me.’