When he thought no one was looking. I can’t help thinking of McFaul in his garden in the middle of the night, semi-naked, coaxing ball after ball into hole after hole. Pavel used to talk about everyone’s hidden reefs, the defences we all throw up to cope with life’s bigger waves, and I’m guessing that McFaul’s are higher or perhaps thicker than most.

‘Is he back home now?’ I ask. ‘Andy?’

‘I don’t know. I don’t think so. They’ve got a police dog on the beach, too. I think Andy rummaged in the laundry and took some extra clothing down. I gather it helps with the scent. I’ve got a number for you, by the way. Do you have a pen?’

She gives me contact details for the police officer who appears to be in charge of the search. Her name is Inspector Grace Hollick and she’d appreciate a call. I make a note and tell Evelyn I’m still a couple of hours away.

‘Of course, my lovely. Drive carefully. I’m sure Christianne will have turned up by the time you get here.’

Inspector Hollick, when I finally get through, seems less certain. She’s obviously a woman under pressure because I can hear a chorus of voices in the background, mainly male, and the squawk of seagulls suggests she may be on the beach.

‘Any news?’ I ask.

‘None, I’m afraid. Mispers can be more complicated than you might imagine. We live in hope, though.’

Mispers, I happen to know, is police-speak for Missing Persons. Inspector Hollick asks how well I know Budleigh.

‘Hardly at all.’

‘We’re on the beach. You can’t miss it. Drive to the far end. There’s a big car park. Look for a white incident van. Ask for me.’

The line goes dead, and I sit behind the wheel for a moment or two, sipping the remains of my coffee. I’ve had far more contact with the police over the last couple of years than any woman my age deserves, but it’s given me a healthy respect for their ability to rise to events. Dial 999, as McFaul may have done, and you’ll be amazed at what might happen.

It’s mid-morning by the time I make it to Budleigh. I’m tempted to go to Evelyn’s place first but decide against it. The incident van is parked in the far corner of the seafront car park, beside a couple of marked cars and an ambulance. A tall woman, uniformed, is in conversation with a suited youth making notes. She’s very black, very much in charge, and I’m aware of her eyes settling on me as I approach.