‘Budgets are tight. Finances have to be carefully managed. There’s no money to waste.’

Kesey fingered the silver chain hanging around her neck, her eyes cold and flinty. ‘What I suggest is that we set up a dedicated team of officers to focus on this case and nothing else until we find Lottie Weller alive or otherwise. I require at least another six officers under my command. I’ll also need you to reassign my current cases for as long as necessary. I’m in court on Tuesday, there’s no avoiding that, but that aside, I’d like to focus exclusively on heading up the task force with DS Lewis as my second-in-command. He’s got both the experience and dedicated work ethic I need in the circumstances. I’m very much hoping you agree.’

Halliday screwed up his face. ‘Don’t you think this is all a bit over the top? We’re not exactly awash with resources. There are other priorities I have to consider.’

Kesey couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing. She asked herself if he was simply winding her up, taking pleasure in being obstructive, annoying her because he could. Or was he as useless as he sometimes seemed? ‘Whatever the perpetrator’s motive, money, sex, or even worse, the child is in danger. And that’s if she’s not already dead. You said it yourself. This type of case can destroy careers. I’m sure that applies to yours as well as mine.’

Halliday made an unnecessary adjustment to his silk tie. ‘Very well, I’m happy to agree to your proposals in principle. But I want a full written report on my desk, with costings, by four o’clock this afternoon at the latest. I want to keep the chief constable fully apprised of the facts. Now, is there anything else before we bring this meeting to a close?’

‘If we haven’t found the girl within seventy-two hours, I’d like to hold a press conference. I’d want the parents there, and I’d want the media well represented. Are you in agreement?’

‘Talk to the press officer. She should be able to help you with the arrangements.’

‘Do you want to be involved?’

The shake of his head was barely perceptible. ‘No, I don’t think that’s necessary, not at this stage, I’ll leave it to you.’

Kesey stood, keen to get out of there. ‘Thank you, sir.’

‘Keep me fully informed, no surprises. Have I made myself clear?’

Kesey spoke as she walked to his office door. ‘Yes, sir, loud and clear. When anything significant happens, you’ll be the first to know.’

9

Kesey was attempting to exude an air of confidence she didn’t feel when she entered the conference room later that day. She looked around the brightly lit space, pleased to see that all the required officers were seated and waiting, except for the six additional officers she had requested, but she wasn’t expecting them to attend. Changes had to be made to shift patterns, leave cancelled. And, like it or not, that was going to take a bit of time.