‘Yeah, no problem, I need a prescription for a few pills, that’s all. I’m going through them a bit quicker than usual.’

‘Thanks, Ray, I’ll see you tomorrow. It’s going to be an interesting morning.’

Kesey re-joined Janet in the lounge only seconds after ending her call. The detective sat next to her partner on the sofa, nudging up close, their thighs touching. She patted Janet’s knee and smiled. ‘Okay, so this is what I suggest. I’ll rearrange the holiday and we’ll go the second this case is at an end, whatever the outcome. We’ll go to the same hotel, the one you chose on the seafront, all-inclusive, but we’ll go for two weeks instead of one. And I’ll pay the additional cost, my treat. How does that sound?’

Janet’s determined frown gradually became a smile as her mood softened. ‘Well, I suppose it’ll give me some more time to lose a few pounds. There’s a new gym opened in town. They’ve got an introductory offer on, twenty quid a month including classes. Perhaps I should join. It couldn’t do any harm.’

Kesey beamed, more relieved than anything else. ‘There you go, that’s the spirit. Not that I’m saying you need to diet. I like the curvy look. You’re lovely as you are.’

‘Yeah, yeah, I’m sure I am. You never were a very good liar… are you sure it will be okay to take Ed out of school? I saw something on the news about the government tightening up the rules. Some parents are getting fined.’

Kesey nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yeah, it’ll be all right. I said so, didn’t I? I’ll have a word with the head myself. I can give her a ring. We’re on the local child protection committee together. She likes me. We get on. There won’t be a problem.’

Janet began to relax. ‘And we’re definitely going this time? No more excuses. There’s not going to be another case that gets in the way?’

‘I’ll speak to the chief super; I’ll arrange cover well in advance. Everything will be okay.’

‘Do you promise?’

Kesey squeezed Janet’s hand. ‘Yeah, I promise, of course I promise. I’m looking forward to it as much as you are. All that sun, sea and ouzo, what’s not to like? It can’t come quickly enough. I can’t wait.’

‘Well, I suppose it is a little girl you’re looking for.’

‘So, you understand?’

‘Can you imagine if Ed was abducted? That poor mother. Not knowing if her daughter is alive or dead. It doesn’t bear thinking about. It must be the worst feeling in the world.’

Kesey nodded. ‘Yeah, absolutely, the worst! There are some evil bastards out there. You’ve just got to hope they don’t impact your life. Lottie drew the short straw. I just hope I can find her alive.’

‘Lottie?’

‘Yes, the little girl, Lottie, her name’s Lottie.’

A look of recognition dawned on Janet’s face. ‘Oh, yes, I saw a poster in the Post Office now that I think about it.’