Officers were still working in the big room. Phones were still ringing, and printers clattered and whirred, but Nikki was lost in a private place with only Hannah occupying her mind. She knew the grim facts about persistent vegetative state, and she knew that if it went on much longer the hospital would be coming to her and asking that terrible question. The question that she could not even bring herself to contemplate.

There had been miracles before, so why not a miracle for Hannah? Surely, where there was life there was hope? That’s what everyone said, and she was sure that Joseph would be the first to embrace that old adage. Although he didn’t seem to think that about his own daughter, Tamsin.

Joseph. Nikki frowned, and wondered why his opinions mattered to her? She had known him for such a short time, yet … no, this was not the time. She turned from the board and swiftly walked back to her office. As she opened the door, the phone screamed into life.

‘DI Galena here. I hope that’s damn well you, Joseph Easter!’

‘Funnily enough, it is, ma’am.’

She could hear the excitement in his voice. ‘So, what have you got?’

‘First, a clear description of Fluke.’

Nikki scribbled down everything he said, ‘And what else?’

‘I’ve narrowed down his address to within two or three houses.’

‘Brilliant! Fire away with that and I’ll get uniform and an armed unit straight round there.’

‘Okay. This is what Mickey says. From the traffic lights on Main Ridge, go down Haltoft Lane, then into Fishmere Crescent. There’s a small dead-end street down there, he can’t remember the name, but there’s only six or seven small terrace houses. Fluke is staying in one of the middle terraces. It has a blue front door.’

‘He’s talking about Carson Villas. Quiet, tucked away, perfect!’ Nikki sighed with relief. ‘If that kid were here now, I’d hug him!’

‘With three broken ribs, he wouldn’t thank you for it.’

‘Joseph, I need your thoughts on something.’

‘Fire away, ma’am.’

Nikki sank back in her chair and told him about Mickey Smith’s ‘faux demise’.

For a while, Joseph said nothing, making her wonder if she’d been wrong about him, then he said, ‘I’ll get an idea from the doctor of when he’ll be safe to move. It’s not just a good idea, ma’am, I think it’s critical to get him to safety.’ He paused, then added, ‘And to be honest, I don’t think that’s here.’

Nikki’s shoulder’s tensed. ‘Why?’

‘Gut feeling, ma’am.’