The chatter stopped almost immediately when Kesey stood at the front of the room, raising an arm above her head, hand open, fingers spread, palm faced outwards. She looked from one officer to the next, silently mourning the limited resources at her command. The curse of small forces.

‘Right, listen up, everyone. It’s time we made a start. It’s now almost six hours since Megan Weller discovered that her five-year-old daughter, Lottie, was missing from their family home in Picton Street here in town. An all-ports notification has been circulated as per procedure. Scenes of crime officers are at the house as we speak, and will report any significant findings. I will then share those findings with you. I’ve spoken to the lab, who will rush things through.

‘Dale Weller, the father, has been interviewed and is an unlikely suspect. We may well be dealing with a stranger abduction. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that prompt and efficient action greatly increases the chance of a successful outcome. We all want Lottie Weller found safe and well. And we’re going to assume she is alive unless proved otherwise. You’ve seen the photograph. You know who we’re looking for. Lottie is young, and she’s vulnerable. There’s no room for cock-ups. I need you all to be crystal clear as to the nature of your duties.’ Kesey paused for breath and then continued, ‘As of now, this case is our number one priority. Nothing is more important. Not until we find her. With that said, are there any questions before I continue?’

No-one said a word.

‘Okay, let’s get on. I’ll quickly apprise you of developments so far and then allocate your duties. I will be the senior investigating officer for as long as the case continues, with DS Lewis as my second-in-command. If there are any significant developments, we need to know about them immediately. Don’t even think about sitting on anything. Is that clear?’

Everyone indicated their understanding in one way or another, a nod of the head or a verbal response.

‘SOCOs have examined Dale Weller’s car, and, as I said earlier, are at the Picton Street address. DS Lewis has already contacted the hospitals but without success. We have nothing to indicate who took Lottie Weller or where she was taken.’

A long-serving career constable seated in the back row raised a hand.

‘Yes, Mike?’

‘What about CCTV?’

‘There are no cameras in Picton Street or the immediate area, but it may well be worth checking the town centre cameras. If there were any known or suspected offenders about at the relevant time, anyone with a history of offences against children, we need to know about it.’

‘That’s something I’m happy to do if that helps.’

Kesey nodded. ‘Thank you, Mike, make a start as soon as we’re done here.’

‘Will do, boss.’

‘DC Thomas, I want you to go through the list of all known and suspected paedophiles in the force area. The abduction could have a sexual motive. Look at how each offender operates and put together a shortlist.’