Lewis thought Heath odd, or perhaps eccentric. And the house appeared dated as if owned by a much older person. Not suited to a relatively young man at all. The detective paused on reaching the foot of the staircase. ‘Is it all right if I use your bathroom? Too many cups of tea. It’s the copper’s curse.’

Heath looked at Lewis with eyes that didn’t seem to blink at all, like beads of glass planted in a doll’s face. ‘There’s a toilet down here, the first door on the left. It’s at your disposal. My mother’s asleep upstairs. She’s not a well woman. She wouldn’t want to be disturbed.’

Lewis didn’t need the toilet; he wanted to look around. But what choice did he have? He closed the door behind him, flushing after a few seconds, and then running the tap as if washing his hands. He wasn’t surprised to find Heath still standing in the hallway, waiting for him when he exited the small, white-tiled room.

‘If you follow me, Sergeant, we’ll be comfortable in here.’ Heath led Lewis into a dank sitting room full of brown furniture, fashionable in a long-gone era. The curtains were partially closed, casting the room in shadows. ‘Take a seat; make yourself comfortable.’

The chair felt slightly damp when Lewis sat himself down.

As if the house had been left empty for a time. The whole place felt unkempt and unloved.

Taking the sofa directly opposite Lewis, Heath sat and crossed his legs, revealing a little more than the detective found comfortable. ‘As I said, I work at Lottie’s school. It’s so very sad. She’s such a wonderful little girl. It breaks my heart that she’s still missing.’

‘We’re doing all we can to find her.’

‘Just so, Sergeant, just so… now, what do you need to know? Mother will need her medication soon. I don’t like to neglect her for very long.’

‘Is the house yours, Mr Heath?’

‘Yes, it belonged to my dear father. He was such a thoughtful man. He left it to me in his will.’

‘To you rather than your mother?’

‘Shut him up, Henry. It’s none of his business. He’s a bully. Don’t let him push you around. Listen to your mother. Stand up to him like a man.’

‘I thought you wanted to ask me about Lottie?’ He regretted the question almost as soon as it left his mouth.

The detective wasn’t ready to let it go. ‘It would be helpful if you could tell me a little about your background.’

‘Why? I don’t understand the relevance.’

Lewis held his gaze, knowing full well that he was pushing his luck. ‘I like to know who I’m talking to.’

‘Tell the pig about your charity work, Henry. Knock him off track.’

‘I worked abroad for several years after completing a nursing degree at Swansea University. I returned to Wales when father died a short time ago. Mother needed me. I’m an only child. There was no-one else to help.’