‘He isn’t the killer,’ I say in a rush. ‘I remembered this morning. There were two people there that night, I’m sure of it.’

Beynon bites down hard on her lower lip, her dark eyes boring into me. ‘Really?’ she says. ‘Well, we’re just waiting on forensics, and once Finn comes round from the coma and we can interview him, things will be a lot clearer.’ She leans back in her chair.

‘Is that it?’ I say. ‘Can I go now?’

‘Once you’ve signed your statement, yes.’

‘Inspector Beynon,’ I say. ‘Do you think Jackson had anything to do with this?’

‘Whoever did this violently killed two people, Amelia. There are similarities – the masks – the fact they are both young girls – but differences too. Rest assured, Amelia,’ she says, rubbing a hand across the back of her neck, ‘we haven’t ruled out a connection.’

*

Two days later I take a taxi to the hospital. I’m not sure why I’ve come. Maybe I just need to see Finn – I’ve been so worried about him.

Once outside his hospital room, I can see through the glass panel that he’s awake. My relief that he’s no longer in a coma is tainted by fear and guilt. Has he told the police what happened that night?

I push open the door, and step inside. He looks vacant, his skin raw from ice burns, his lips cracked and sore. A lump rises in my throat. I did this to him.

A rosy-cheeked nurse with tight blonde curls looks round and smiles. ‘He’s doing well,’ she says.

Julia is by his bed, holding his hand. ‘I don’t mean to be rude, Amelia,’ she says, catching my eye, ‘but you look ruddy awful.’ She doesn’t look much better herself – her round face stony pale.

‘I haven’t slept since …’ I begin. The sounds of the machine whirring – beeping Finn’s vitals, making sure he stays with us – make me shudder. I did this to him.

Julia looks at Finn, who closes his eyes without a word. ‘He’s still in a poorly way,’ she says. ‘The police are on their way.’

‘They haven’t interviewed him yet?’ My heartbeat quickens. What will Finn tell them?

She shakes her head.

‘Will he be OK?’ I ask.

The nurse, who is monitoring his drip, nods. ‘It’s looking that way.’ There’s hope in her voice.

‘The police have given up their search of Drummondale House estate,’ Julia tells me, and I’m selfishly relieved I can finally leave Scotland. ‘They’re convinced Elise has been taken from the area. Like Lark was.’

‘But that doesn’t ring true, does it?’ I say. ‘How could anyone have got her away from there?’ I’m still convinced Elise was murdered on site, just as Maddie and Ruth were. That it was only a matter of time before her body turns up.