‘We—’ Eric swung his arm around the bar, indicating the other men sitting around the largest table ‘—don’t really want him here, in Mapledon. We think it’s time he moved on.’

‘Well, I’m afraid it’s not as simple as asking someone to “move on”, Eric. He owns property, his daughter goes to school here. It would be a huge upheaval for them, particularly so soon after Rosie’s passing.’ Chris pushed his lips into an unsteady smile. Then, as Eric hadn’t responded, added: ‘Maybe we should think about offering support, or practical help—’

‘Are you joking?’ Several raised voices erupted from the table of men. Chris’s shoulders fell, his eyes closing as he awaited the onslaught. ‘The man is a straight-up freak,’ Eric continued. ‘If he’s not abusing that girl, I’ll eat my hat. You can’t say there’s nothing wrong there, Reverend, can you? I mean, you only have to look at her, see what shit – pardon my French – she does to them dolls of hers to know something ain’t right. And then he has our kids hanging around him all the time. That’s not normal.’ Eric shook his head.

Another man, Mark – Tina Hayes’ husband – stood up, shouting across the room. His words left Chris in no doubt where this could go if it were to get out of hand.

‘If that paedo does so much as lay one finger on any of our kids …’ And he drew his forefinger across his throat to indicate Billy Cawley’s fate.

Chapter Sixty-One

2019

Anna

Tuesday 16th July

It had felt like an age before Anna managed to help Lizzie out of the shed and she’d recovered from her panic attack. Had she known Lizzie was claustrophobic she wouldn’t have taken her into the humid, dark shed. That, together with the doll’s parts, must’ve tipped her over the edge.

Anna pressed a glass of cold water into Lizzie’s hand. ‘Drink this,’ she told her.

Lizzie gulped it down.

‘Thanks,’ she said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She came across as a vulnerable girl, sitting cross-legged, pale and shaky on the grass. Anna saw her mum at the kitchen window; she hadn’t been able to prevent her from knowing Lizzie was there once she’d rushed into the kitchen for water. It was inevitable she’d ask questions now and Anna would have to disclose the latest find and tell her she’d found a note in the doll’s head.

‘You feeling better?’

‘Much.’ Lizzie pushed herself into a standing position. ‘Maybe we could go inside? Have a chat?’

Anna nodded, and they headed in through the back door, Muriel’s puzzled gaze following them.

‘What’s going on?’ she said. She was standing with her arms crossed firmly, her features carved into an accusatory glower.

‘There’s been another one, Mum.’ Anna told her as they all positioned themselves at the dining room table.

Muriel sighed. ‘Right. Well, I’ll make us a cuppa then, shall I?’

She didn’t wait for a response, sliding back off her chair and walking to the kitchen area. Anna noted that she avoided looking at Lizzie.