He tugged at his sleeve with restless fingers. ‘I can’t believe you’re even asking me that question. Of course I didn’t fucking well take her. I know I’ve been a prat since my dad died, but come on. What the hell do you take me for? I wouldn’t harm a hair on the girl’s head.’

‘Do you swear it? Do you give me your word?’

His eyes filled with tears. ‘For fuck’s sake, woman, how long have you known me? Of course I swear it. I love Lottie to bits.’

‘Did you take her, yes or no? It’s a simple enough question. And one that requires an answer in case you were wondering.’

‘No, how many times do I have to say it? No! Of course I fucking well didn’t take her. I’m tearing my hair out. Can’t you see it? I’m crapping myself. I’m as worried as you are.’

Megan studied his face, that oh so familiar face, the face she’d once loved above all others. And the longer she looked at him, the more she believed she knew the truth. Dale was innocent. ‘I’ve got to believe she’s okay. What are we going to do? How can we find her?’

He slurped his water, draining the glass. ‘So, now you believe me?’

Megan nodded her head. ‘Yes, yes, I do. I know you’re telling the truth. I think I knew it all along. I didn’t want to think anybody else had her. Someone has taken Lottie. I couldn’t deny that, however tempting. I wanted it to be you.’

Dale’s relief was almost palpable, a degree of tension draining from his face. ‘Well, thank fuck for that. Things are bad enough without you doubting my integrity.’

‘What are we going to do?’

‘Right, I thought you could drive us around town. You know, we could ask various shops to display posters in their windows, and the Post Office. A lot of people go there. There’s always people waiting at the counters.’ He pointed at the wall to the right of the bar. ‘I’ve already put a poster on the notice board. See? The one above the team sheet.’

‘It’s a good idea, I’ll give you that. But it’s not enough.’

He dropped his chin to his chest. ‘I know that. I know I’ve let you down. And I’ve let Lottie down too. If I hadn’t fucked everything up, I’d still have been there to look after her. I know posters aren’t enough. But I’ve got to do something. Just sitting and waiting is driving me round the fucking bend.’

For the first time, Megan felt some empathy for his shared loss. They were both suffering, him as much as her. She could see it in his eyes. ‘Maybe the police will come up with something soon. They took fingerprints at the house. They could identify whoever broke in. Find him, and they’ll find Lottie.’

‘I’ll beat the bastard to a fucking pulp if I get my hands on him.’