‘Fine. I’ll ring in, then tell my colleagues here what we’re up to.’ Joseph looked at the Sister. ‘Sorry to ask this, but did all of your tests on the lad come back okay?’

The woman’s lips tightened. ‘We wouldn’t be moving him if we were not completely happy, Detective.’

‘Oh, I didn’t mean that! I’m just concerned that he seems to have a rather erratic concentration span, and he talks very quickly, almost as if he’s hyperactive.’

The sister softened. ‘That’s very perceptive of you. Some old notes did mention a suspected learning difficulty when he was younger.’ She smiled. ‘It’s not his head injury, Sergeant. I’m afraid the childish behaviour is quite normal for Mickey.’

Half an hour later, Mickey was ready to go.

‘You are coming with me, Joe? You won’t leave me, will you?’

‘I’ll be right by your side, no fear.’

‘Promise? I mean, I like the thought of a police guard. Your men are armed, aren’t they? I mean, they’re not much use if they can’t shoot anyone who threatens me, and what if …’ The boy’s agitation was becoming almost alarming.

‘Hey! Slow down, partner! This isn’t a scene from Lethal Weapon! It’s sleepy old Greenborough, remember.’ He reached across and held the boy’s hand. ‘No one is going to get to you, understand? You’ve got Sergeant Joe right here with you.’

‘Yeah, yeah, I have, haven’t I?’

‘Now, listen. If you just stay calm until we get you settled into your private room, then when the doctor’s have checked you over, I’ll tell you a secret, right? A really big secret!’

‘What is it?’ asked Mickey, temporarily forgetting his fear.

‘You be a good lad, and you’ll find out. Deal?’

‘Deal, Sergeant Joe.’

The trip was uneventful, and in no time Mickey Smith was being made as comfortable as possible in his new room.

‘Very nice! Even I’ve never had a private room before,’ said Joseph in mock awe. ‘Look, Mickey, they’ve even got pictures on the walls! And your own toilet! How snobby is that?’

A tall, stick-thin nurse threw him a conspiratorial grin and whispered, ‘You’re a natural with the lad. If you ever need a new vocation, I’d seriously consider paediatric nursing.’

Joseph raised his eyebrows and whispered back. ‘You have to be joking! This is really hard work compared to catching criminals!’

Finally, one by one, the nurses left, the last one saying. ‘He’s very tired, officer. I suggest you let him sleep now.’

Joseph checked that his uniforms were in place outside, then drew up a chair.

‘So what’s your big secret, Joe?’ muttered a sleepy voice.

‘You won’t ever tell, will you?’

‘Cross my heart and ho—’