‘There’s only so much I can tell you.’

He so wanted to laugh. Who are you trying to kid? The pigs haven’t got a fucking clue. ‘A young boy I’d come to know was the victim of a vicious assault while I was working as a nurse for an international charity in Syria. The law enforcement agencies were next to useless. I very much hope the police here are a great deal more effective in your case. I’d hate to think of Lottie’s safety being compromised by incompetence.’

Megan felt much the same way. ‘I err… I believe they’re doing all they can.’

Heath stifled a laugh. The moronic bitch was such a poor liar. The woman was shitting herself. It couldn’t be more obvious. It was written all over her stupid face. ‘But is it enough? That’s what you’ve got to ask yourself, is it enough? You must be so very worried that they’ll let you down.’

Megan was desperate to change the subject. ‘Can I get you something to drink, a tea or coffee?’

Heath reached out, patting her knee. ‘You stay exactly where you are, and I’ll fetch us some refreshments. The house has much the same layout as mine. It shouldn’t be a problem. What are we going to have?’

Megan felt inclined to say no, but he was already on his feet, striding towards the kitchen like he owned the place. ‘I’ll have a cup of tea, thanks. Help yourself to whatever you fancy.’

I’ve already done that, bitch. She’s lying bound and gagged in a cage in my attic. You saw the photographs. Ha! There may be more to follow. ‘Do you take milk and sugar?’

‘Just milk, please. It’s in the fridge.’

Heath noticed that the window had been repaired, as he switched on the kettle. He called out, loud enough to be heard. ‘How many days is it now?’

‘It’s been nine days. Lottie’s been missing for nine days.’

He reappeared at the lounge door with a full cup in each hand. ‘And what have the police actually done to help you in that time?’

Megan accepted her cup but didn’t drink. ‘They’re making the usual enquiries, and they’ve put cameras outside the house in case he comes back.’

Heath’s eyes widened. The devious bastards! Cameras, fucking cameras! ‘Oh, really, where?’

Lewis had advised her not to share the locations of the cameras with anyone, not even her mother, but she asked herself what harm it could possibly do? Heath was such a nice guy. A caring man who knew Lottie well and was concerned for her welfare. Someone who’d stepped up when she needed support the most. ‘There’s a wide-angle one in the back garden and another high in a corner of the porch overlooking the front door. They’re only tiny. You’d never spot them unless you knew they were there.’ So, it seemed a change of plans was necessary unless he wore a convincing disguise, of course. A black stocking, maybe, or a mask, something covering his face. ‘Don’t you think that seems rather inadequate? I’d have thought they’d have officers doing twenty-four hour surveillance by now.’