‘Are you going to call Sharon Bradley?’

Thomas shifted in his seat. ‘I don’t think she’ll want to talk to me. I’m a complete stranger. She’s obviously super busy anyway.’

‘You’re avoiding the issue, Dad. You’ve just offered a hundred K for finding out who killed her daughter!’ It was Jordan’s turn to scold his father. ‘You think she’ll be too busy? I think you’re scared.’

‘What?’

Millie listened intently to the exchange.

‘You don’t want to get your hands dirty. You see Keira and her family as beneath us. You’re too cowardly to reach out because you think they’re not the same.’

His father gripped the wheel and Millie sank lower in her seat.

‘How dare you!’

‘It’s true, Dad. Drop me off here, I want to walk.’

‘No!’

‘Dad, I’m sixteen. Stop the car or I’ll give up my A levels.’ Jordan’s voice was even and calm.

‘What? This is hardly the time to make empty threats, Jordan, I’m warning you!’

‘Warning me of what? You have no power over me. You don’t even know what I like to eat. You have no idea what my favourite chocolate is. You don’t know if I’m gay or straight. Mum knew all of those things. Stop the fucking car!’

Thomas did as he was asked. His hands shook on the steering wheel and he swallowed hard as his son got out of the car, slamming the door with all his might. They were in Pooley Bridge. Millie opened her door and shouted after her brother, but he ignored her. She got in the front passenger seat and shut the door.

‘He needs time, Dad. Come on, let’s go home.’

Thomas watched as his son turned off the main road, and tears ran down his face.

‘Dad?’

He turned to her. ‘I’m sorry.’

Once the car was out of sight, Jordan went back to the main road and walked aimlessly back in the direction of Penrith. It was freezing, and snow fell lightly. Up on the hills, it was like a thick blanket, but on the roads it settled then turned to mush. They were due a big dump soon. He fastened his coat against the wind and kept his head down. A car slowed and a man poked his head through the open window.

‘You all right, mate? Need a lift?’

‘You going to Penrith?’ Jordan asked.

‘Yep, can I drop you there?’

‘Please, thank you.’ Jordan got into the passenger seat and the man set off.

‘What you doing walking all that way? You had an argument with your folks?’ The man stared at him. ‘You were on TV this morning! The appeal?’

‘Yes, that’s me.’ Jordan didn’t change his facial expression; it remained mute and emotionless. He didn’t know what he felt or thought any more.