As Lewis pulled up outside Megan’s semi-detached Victorian home, he offered her his business card, taking it from an old, brown leather wallet that looked almost as time-worn as he did.

Megan stuffed it into a trouser pocket with trembling fingers before unfastening her seat belt. She still wasn’t entirely sure if Lewis was simply playing her, or sincere in his expressed concern. But there was something about the big man that she couldn’t help but like. And there was some comfort in that.

‘Okay, here we are, love. Pick up the phone if there’s anything you want to discuss, day or night, don’t hesitate. I’ll always be glad to hear from you.’

Megan rested her hand on the door handle. ‘I was wondering if anything came of the name I gave DI Kesey? Is it something you’ve looked into?’

Lewis puffed out his cheeks, spitting his words as if the mere mention of the man was an affront to his day. ‘Are you talking about Peter Davies?’

‘Yes, it was just a thought, that’s all. He’s a risk to children, that’s obvious, and I thought… well, you know what I’m saying. Did anything come of it? I’d hate to think…’

‘I had a quiet word with him. He was out of the country at the time of Lottie’s disappearance. It wasn’t him. That’s one hundred per cent certain, no room for doubt.’

Megan opened the car door. ‘Okay, it was just a thought… I’ll err, I’ll tell Dale.’

Lewis gave her a knowing look. ‘Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that, love. I’m sure he already knows. And you needn’t worry about Davies. He won’t be bothering you.’

So, it seemed the detective was on their side. ‘Thank you, Ray. It is all right if I call you Ray, isn’t it?’

He smiled warmly, revealing nicotine-yellowed teeth, the remnants of a habit left in the past until today. ‘Of course it is, love. You know where I am. You’ve got my number. Ring me if you need me.’

Megan nodded, thinking she’d made a useful connection, maybe even found someone she could trust, not exactly a friend, but a confidante. ‘Yes, yes, I will. And thank you again. Please find my daughter. Don’t leave any stone unturned. It means everything to me. Any words seem inadequate. Nothing else matters. I couldn’t go on without her.’

‘I won’t rest till I find her. That I can promise you. You have my word.’

She looked the big man in the eye and believed his every word. ‘Thank you again. I’m relying on you. Your help means a lot.’

25

Megan saw the crude representation of her daughter laid out on the floor as soon as she entered her lounge. She walked slowly towards it, unable to look away. Megan stared at the familiar clothes, the bright-orange top, the purple leggings, the nearly new trainers. Then at the paper face, and at the fine blonde hair that had so recently framed her daughter’s pretty face. Megan sank to her knees next to Heath’s creation, not wanting to accept it was real.