Lewis struggled for an answer. ‘Whoever it is, we’re going to catch the bastard.’

‘Lottie’s looking thin; she’s lost weight, and… and did you see the tube?’

‘Yes, love, I saw it. I’ve seen something like that once before. I’m guessing it’s a feeding tube. He’s using it to keep her alive.’

‘It’s stuffed in Lottie’s mouth, taped to her head. The monster cut her lovely hair off and now this. I wouldn’t treat my worst enemy like that. Let alone a child. I can’t get the pictures out of my head. You’ve got to find her, Ray, you’ve got to find her.’

Lewis was lost for words. What could he say in the light of such evil? ‘Can I get you a cup of tea, love? You look as if you need one.’ He silently admonished himself. Oh, for fuck’s sake, was that really the best I could do? Any words, however well-intentioned, seemed entirely inadequate.

Megan shook her head. ‘I couldn’t keep it down.’

He nodded his understanding. ‘I’ll get the envelope assessed by a handwriting expert. It’s an additional piece of the investigative jigsaw. Every new piece of information takes us nearer success.’

‘Do you really think so?’

He didn’t, but he was never going to admit that, not to her, not now. ‘Yeah, that’s how these things work.’

‘I was sick in the hall. When I saw the photos, I… err… I…’ She stopped speaking mid-sentence, looking into the distance but seeing nothing at all.

‘I know, love, you told me. Don’t worry about it. It’s not a big deal. There are more important things to think about.’

‘Do you think he lives in Swansea?’

Lewis shrugged his big shoulders. ‘Maybe yes or maybe no. Does anyone come to mind, a client maybe?’

Megan shook her head. ‘No, no-one I can think of.’

‘Right, I’m going to need a plastic bag, a bucket and a cloth.’

‘There’s no need for you to do it. I can clean up later.’

He forced a brittle smile. ‘You stay where you are. You’ve had enough to deal with. Now, where will I find them?’

She pointed to her right. ‘They’re all in the cupboard under the sink.’

‘Is there anyone I can call for you before I make a start? Your mother maybe, or Dale, I’m sure both would be pleased to help. I’d be a lot happier if you agreed to stay somewhere else. But if you are determined to stay put, I’d rather you not be on your own.’

‘I’ll give my mum a ring in a minute or two when I get my head together.’

Lewis bent down, opening the cupboard door and peering in. ‘I’m going to have to tell Dale about the photos. And he’ll have to see them. He’s Lottie’s father. He has the right to know.’

‘Yes, I understand. But I don’t want him coming here. I don’t want him in the house. Not to stay, anyway. It may give him the wrong idea.’