‘What about school?’

‘We could talk to the head. She’s not an unreasonable woman. I’m sure she’ll give us her consent in the circumstances. We’re only talking primary school, and travel’s an educative experience in itself. It broadens the mind. Isn’t that how the saying goes? Why wouldn’t she agree?’

Janet took a slurp of tea, leaving a milky residue above her top lip. ‘I was looking forward to some quality family time, that’s all. It’s been over two years since we’ve been away together, and that was to visit my sister in Scotland. There’s always something more important. It seems your job always comes before we do. It rules our lives.’

‘Oh, come on, be fair. I’m a copper. I’ve always been a copper. It’s not like a civilian job. You knew the deal when you married me. There were no pretences. We talked about it. I made my situation perfectly clear.’

The phone rang out in the hall before Janet had the chance to comment.

‘Sorry, I’m going to have to take that. It could be urgent.’

‘Yeah, yeah, it’s always urgent, no change there. I can’t say I’m surprised.’

Kesey held the phone to her face. ‘Oh, hello, Ray, I was about to give you a ring. Any news?’

‘The press conference is arranged for half eleven tomorrow morning. I’ve got the local papers, radio, and someone from the BBC Wales news team. There’s a lot of interest. I wouldn’t be surprised if we even get a couple of nationals.’

‘What about the parents?’

‘Yeah, it’s sorted, they’ll both be there. I told them to meet you in reception half an hour before kick-off. I’ve explained that you need to speak to them in advance of meeting the press. They’re keen to co-operate. There’s no way they’ll be late. They’re investing a lot of hope in the event’s success.’

‘Aren’t we all.’

Lewis laughed humourlessly. ‘Yeah, we’ve got fuck all else.’

‘Is there likely to be any friction?’

‘Friction? What are you talking about?’

‘The parents. Are they playing the blame game?’

Lewis paused before responding. ‘No, I don’t think they are. They both seem entirely focused on finding their daughter. I think it’s brought them closer together if anything.’

‘What, they’re not having a go at each other? Not at all? Not even when the pressure gets to them?’

‘Not that I’ve seen.’

‘Okay, if you say so. It seems unlikely to me, but we’ll see how things go in the morning. We need them presenting a united front, no distractions. You know what the press is like. We want them focused entirely on Lottie Weller.’

‘I think it’s going to be fine, boss. I can’t see a problem.’

‘Will I see you first thing? There’s a couple of things I want to discuss.’

Lewis paused, then replied, ‘I’ve got to call at the surgery on my way in. The old back’s playing up again. Can’t we talk now?’

Kesey glanced up to see Janet seated, cross-legged, in the lounge, munching her way through the packet of custard creams, a sour expression on her face. ‘No, it’s nothing urgent, nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow. Just come in as soon as you can, and we’ll take it from there. But I want you there for the press conference. That’s not negotiable. I could do with a friendly face.’