Johnny had called Kelly from Penrith to say they’d arrived. He told her that food stalls had been set up at the barricades, and various other vendors and charities were in evidence. Kelly was impressed and keen to see it for herself. Apart from thrusting Keira’s case to the forefront of the news, Sharon had also brought the local community together. It was something that made Kelly feel very small. Such simple acts of bravery and commitment were doing more for the Beacon Estate than Ormond ever had.

She couldn’t get Will’s face out of her head. Whatever Ormond had on him was a bombshell.

She and Rob listened to the radio. It was announced that thousands of people were expected to turn up to Potton Park today to listen to speeches and join a parade to encourage people to come forward with information on the deaths of Ella Watson and Keira Bradley.

‘A march for justice has been announced and the crowd will walk peacefully to police headquarters, just outside Penrith. The organisers have assured the press that the action is not designed to aggravate or blame the police. Sharon Bradley, mother of murdered woman Keira Bradley, told us that she simply wants their voices to be heard. The husband of Ella Watson, who was stabbed in Potton Park, where the demonstration will begin, is marching alongside Sharon, with his daughter.’

‘Bloody hell!’ Kelly said.

As they neared the park, only a short drive away from Eden House, it became clear that they’d have to dump the car and walk. She flashed her badge at police controlling traffic, and they were directed to a car park that had been emptied for use by squad cars. Kelly looked around her at the huge scale of the operation and felt uneasy. She knew that Johnny would be feeling it too: he’d seen his fair share of crowds turning nasty in the blink of an eye. They were dealing with incendiary emotions, suspects on the run, gang-related crime, and possibly thousands of people. Events like this one always attracted people who loved to stir up trouble, and it didn’t take much.

From the car park, it wasn’t far on foot to Potton Park, and from there to the Beacon Estate. The streets of Penrith were full of shoppers, normal for a Saturday, and tourists. What wasn’t normal was the sound coming across Potton Park from the Beacon Estate. It was like approaching a festival. The joined groups of people heading there and the atmosphere was upbeat. Music played, entertainers did tricks at the side of the road, and burger and candyfloss vans had appeared, making the most of the business opportunity. Kelly and Rob blended in, with their casual Saturday clothes.

They heard a loudhailer.

‘I wonder how Thomas Watson got involved, and if Ormond knows what his pal is up to,’ she said as they walked.