Megan picked up her cup but returned it to its saucer without drinking.

‘What is it, Meg? Tell me what you’re thinking. I can see there’s something.’

‘I don’t know if it’s of any relevance, but I guess it could be. I’ve been thinking about the various clients I’ve worked with over the years. There was one named Peter Davies, a sex offender accused of the indecent assault of a six-year-old boy in the Llanelli area. I can remember him looking at a framed photo of Lottie on my office desk. The man made my skin crawl. He was almost drooling. You know, like when a man looks at a good-looking woman in a bikini on the beach. It shook me up. I took the photo home after that. I can’t believe I was ever that naive. Some truly evil offenders have come through my office over the years. Sharing anything about your personal life is never a good idea. What the hell was I thinking?’

Dale clenched his hands into tight fists. ‘Do you think the bastard may have taken her?’

‘I don’t know. I’m thinking out loud. This is like a nightmare that’s become a reality. I keep thinking I’ll open my eyes and it will all have been a bad dream.’

‘Did you mention this Davies bastard to the police?’

‘Not during the interview, I only thought about him on my way home. But I spoke to DI Kesey by phone as soon as I could get hold of her. She said they’d just finished a planning briefing and were getting on with the investigation. Screw client confidentiality. If I lose my job, what does it matter? I told her everything I know.’

‘What did she say?’

‘Nothing specific, nothing significant, but I got the distinct impression that she knew exactly who I was talking about.’

‘Where does the bastard live? If he’s touched Lottie, I’ll tear his fucking balls off.’

Megan’s expression darkened. A part of her regretted saying anything at all, but only a part. ‘It’s just a thought, that’s all, nothing more. We’ve got to leave it to the police. Davies may have nothing at all to do with Lottie’s disappearance. I just figured if the police found his fingerprints, well, they’d have their answer, God forbid. I pray it doesn’t come to that. He’s not the sort of man you want anywhere near our daughter. Or any other child, for that matter. He’s a predator who feeds on the innocent.’

Dale reached across the table and clutched her hand. ‘Where does he live? You may as well tell me. I can find out easily enough. I know a lot of people in this town. I’d just have to ask around.’

She wanted to tell him. She so wanted to tell him. ‘I’m sorry I said anything at all now. You’re in enough trouble without making it even worse for yourself. I’ve told Kesey. She’ll look into it. Why wouldn’t she? Let’s leave it at that.’