Lewis followed orders.

‘This second slide shows the same type of outfit as that worn by Lottie at the time of her disappearance. As you can see, it comprises a light green pyjama top and trousers, decorated with images of smiling frogs seated on lily pads.’

Kesey walked around the table to the front, looking directly into the Welsh TV news camera as she spoke, clearly enunciating each word. ‘I want to take this opportunity to appeal to any members of the public to contact the police as a matter of urgency if they have any information which may help us find Lottie Weller.’

Kesey nodded to her sergeant and then pointed to a phone number projected on the wall by the third and final image. ‘Anyone with anything to share should ring this number to speak directly to a member of my team, who will be ready and waiting for your calls. You can also contact your local police station. I want to stress that you should ring us even if unsure if your information is relevant. Contact us, share your concerns, and let us decide if it’s important. You can contact us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. As I said, please don’t hesitate to call.’

Kesey turned away from the camera, returning to her original position. ‘Are there any final questions before I ask Mr and Mrs Weller to share anything they wish to say.’

A middle-aged woman with brown hair cut in a bob raised herself to her feet. Kesey recognised her as a journalist she’d encountered before. A reporter on the local weekly paper. ‘Can you tell my readers when an arrest is likely?’

Kesey exhaled slowly. ‘That’s not something I’m able to answer at this point.’

‘Does that mean you haven’t got any clue who took the child?’

Kesey knew that was precisely what it meant. But she was never going to admit that, not there, not now. ‘That’s not what I said. As I explained earlier, we are currently following several important leads. I expect to be able to inform you of further developments in the near future.’

The journalist appeared satisfied with Kesey’s response as she scribbled some notes on a pad in black ink.

‘Any last questions?’

No-one said a word.

‘Would you like to say anything, Mr Weller?’

Dale rose to his feet, opening his mouth as if to speak, but he then slumped back into his seat, weeping into his hands when no words came.

Megan reached across, touching Dale’s knee, feeling genuine sympathy for her ex as she stood herself. Like Kesey before her, Megan stared directly into the television camera. She swallowed her sadness before speaking, planting her feet wide for fear of collapse. ‘As DI Kesey explained a little earlier, I’m here talking to you because my lovely little daughter was taken from our home in the darkness of the night by someone unknown. I want to appeal directly to that person. If you took Lottie, if you see this, I’m talking to you. I’m asking you not to hurt my lovely girl. She’s done nothing to harm you. Nothing to justify what you’ve done even in the slightest. She’s a child, just a small child who shouldn’t have a care in the world. If you want to hurt somebody, then hurt me.’