‘Don’t beat yourself up. My old DI often used to say hindsight’s an exact science. You couldn’t possibly have known what was going to happen when you took that tablet. Not unless you can see into the future.’

‘No, I know. I’ve told clients much the same thing myself. But it doesn’t make me feel any better. Maybe I’ll remember that next time I’m tempted to say it. I feel as if I’ve let my daughter down.’

‘About how long do you think it took you to get off to sleep?’

Megan crossed and uncrossed her legs, gripping one hand with the other. ‘Oh, I’d say a couple of minutes, maybe a little longer, no more than five minutes at most.’

Kesey made a scribbled note on a sheet of A4. ‘And then you woke at just after seven this morning, yeah?’

‘Yes, that’s right; it was ten past to be precise. I can say that with certainty. I glanced at the clock on my bedside cabinet before, well, you know, before searching for Lottie, heading downstairs and discovering the wide open window in the kitchen. I knew then that she was missing. My heart sank. It hit me in the gut like a physical blow. Dale had taken her. It has to be Dale. Nothing else makes any sense. I can’t believe he went that far. He’s never done anything this stupid before.’

Kesey paused for a second or two, considering events in her analytical mind. ‘So, if someone broke in and took Lottie from your home, they must have done it sometime between 2.30 a.m., and 7.10 a.m., correct?’

Megan jerked her head back, her voice raising an octave. ‘Someone? You said, someone! Aren’t you listening to what I’m telling you? It was Dale, my ex; I thought I’d made that crystal clear. He must have come back after your officers drove off. He came through the side gate and into the back garden. I’m guessing he tried the back door, found it was locked, and then spotted the partially open window. I bet he couldn’t believe his luck. He was desperate to get into the house. He’d made that perfectly obvious with his drunken ranting. He opened the window wide and climbed in. It’s the only thing that makes any sense at all.’

Kesey rose to her feet. ‘Finish your tea. And stay exactly where you are. I need to check my facts before we continue the interview. I’ll be back with you as quickly as I can, ten minutes, maybe fifteen at most.’

Megan felt her heart pounding in her chest as a cold sweat formed on her brow. ‘Is there something you’re not telling me? Has something happened? Has there been some kind of accident? Oh, God, is Lottie okay?’

‘Try to relax, Megan. I’m not aware of any accident, but there is something I need to discuss with you. Have you got a photograph of Lottie? Something that clearly shows her face?’

Megan’s entire body stiffened, each muscle tensing. ‘What? Why would you need a photograph? Just find Dale. Get Lottie back. That’s all you’ve got to do. What the hell’s going on? You’re starting to worry me.’