“What’s your name, please?”

“She’s trying to get in, I’ve locked the door but she’s trying to get in go away you bitch get away from us—”

“Madam? Can you confirm your location, please?”

“I’m in the hospital, the Infirmary, the maternity ward, please send someone to make her go away.”

“You’re in the maternity ward at the Royal Infirmary Hospital? Is that right?” The sound of the operator’s fingers on the keyboard, inputting information to the system.

“Yes, yes, I’m locked in the bathroom, but she’s trying to get in.”

“Is there someone there with you?”

“My twins, my babies, they’re safe in here with me but she’s trying to unlock the door from the outside, she’s trying to take my babies don’t you understand? Help me.”

“Try to stay calm. I’ve already let the hospital know and someone will be there very shortly. I’m going to stay on the phone until someone is there with you. Can you tell me your name please?”

“Lauren Tranter.”

“Lauren, don’t worry, I’ve alerted the hospital security, and help will be with you soon. Very soon, OK?”

“Make them hurry up, I can’t hold it for long, she’s too strong. She’s turning the lock from the outside, it’s turning—”

“Are you hurt in any way, Lauren?”

“My arm, she …”

There was a sound then, a hissing sound, and Harper couldn’t make any sense of it. She played the section several times. It sounded like someone was putting on a funny voice and saying something, but it was impossible to make it out. Then Lauren shouted, “No, no—” and the call was cut off.

Harper crossed the river, and made her way back towards the cafe. She replayed the hissing section once more, and this time she heard a few words among the jumble of incomprehensible sounds. The voice seemed to say, “What’s fair? You had everything …” She had to play it again, and even then she wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly. The sound was too fuzzy, a radio between two stations. Immediately she clicked to forward the message to Forensics, who could have it cleaned up and analysed within a couple of days, sooner if she pushed for it, before remembering Thrupp’s warning: she had to go through him now, for every bit of Forensics budget, no matter for what or how small a job. That meant waiting until she was back at the office, going begging to Thrupp, standing there while he scrutinised the evidence and decided if it was worth their while. Cursing, she pocketed the phone and jogged past the cafe, towards the car.

*   *   *

In Thrupp’s office, Harper stood in front of the desk. She hated having to ask. But she had to try. She had to check everything.