Kesey imagined herself kneeing Halliday between his legs, hard, bang, right in the balls. ‘Rare, yes, but they’re not unknown. DI Gravel told me he’d investigated a very similar scenario a few years back – before my time – involving a psychiatrist, a Dr David Galbraith, one evil bastard if ever there was one. It shook Grav, even with all his experience. He said it was the worst case he’s ever dealt with.’

‘Are you suggesting that this Galbraith is a suspect in the girl’s disappearance?’

Kesey shook her head. ‘No, that’s not what I’m saying.’

Halliday looked down his nose at her, shaking his head slowly. ‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, try to stick to the point, Laura. I’ve told you my time’s valuable. Have you even interviewed the father?’

Kesey scratched an eyebrow. ‘Yes, he’s been interviewed, charged with drink-driving and assaulting a police officer. He was released on pre-charge bail pending further enquiries relating to the abduction about an hour ago.’

Halliday made a peculiar humming noise before speaking. ‘Released? Do you think that was wise?’

‘The man appeared genuinely shocked when told of his daughter’s disappearance. We can’t rule him out completely, not at this stage, not without further enquiries. But I think it’s highly unlikely he had any involvement.’

‘If you’re certain?’

Kesey felt sure she’d detected a hint of sarcasm in Halliday’s tone, which didn’t surprise her in the slightest. ‘All I can do is follow the evidence. I’m as sure as I can be that he’s not our man. In my opinion, we’re looking for somebody else. I can’t make it any clearer than that.’

‘Why assume it’s a man? You could be looking for a female. Never make assumptions, Laura. It’s unwise in our line of work.’

Kesey felt her entire body tense. ‘It was a manner of speech, that’s all, nothing more.’

‘Words matter, please remember that. This isn’t the first time we’ve had a conversation along these lines.’

She bit the inside of her lower lip hard, resisting the almost overwhelming desire to tell him exactly what she thought of him. ‘Can we focus back on the case, sir? You’ve said your time is limited.’

Halliday raised a hand to his freshly shaved chin. His right eye was twitching slightly when he spoke again. ‘Speedy and efficient action is crucial in this type of case, whatever the motive. I shouldn’t need to tell you that. A child’s life may hang in the balance. Screw this up, and it won’t do your career any favours. I’m assuming you’ve made the relevant notifications.’

And just when she thought she couldn’t like him any less. ‘Yes, a full description and photograph have been circulated both within the force and on a countrywide basis.’

‘An all-ports alert?’

‘That’s what I said.’

He made that same humming noise. ‘Very well, Laura, that seems like a reasonable start in the circumstances. Where do you suggest we go from here?’

Kesey glanced up at the wall clock to her right. ‘I’ve got a planning meeting arranged for just under an hour. I know exactly what we need to do, I’m fully familiar with standing orders pertaining to this type of investigation, but I’m going to need additional resources.’