‘Leave it there, Laura. You’ve said too much already.’

Kesey thought better of further escalating an argument she couldn’t hope to win. ‘Well, if he does return for the third time, he’ll be photographed. We’ll know who he is.’

Halliday made that same strange humming sound with which Kesey was becoming increasingly familiar. ‘That all sounds somewhat desperate. I was hoping for more. We can’t rely on luck.’

Kesey raised her voice, back in the fight. ‘I can only repeat myself. We’re doing all we can.’

‘The case is receiving a good deal of interest thanks to your efforts with the media. That has its advantages, but also its disadvantages. The chief constable has had the local MP on the phone demanding results. Even the Home Secretary is taking an interest. I’ve backed you. I’ve said you’re the right person for the job. But there’s only so long the boss will tolerate continued failure. It doesn’t reflect well on the force.’

Kesey’s exasperation was as plain as the nose on her face. ‘I want to catch the bastard as much as anyone.’

Halliday looked down at her with a dismissive scowl. ‘It’s results that matter in today’s world, not good intentions. Mediocrity is simply not good enough. I want Lottie Weller rescued alive, and I want her abductor arrested, charged, convicted and imprisoned for a very long time. I want him locked up and rotting. Nothing less is acceptable. This case will define your future, Laura. It’s make or break. Failure is not an option. Make it a success, for you, for me, for the force, but most of all, for that little girl. Her life is in your hands.’

34

‘Is he drunk?’

Megan peered around a lounge curtain, partially hidden.

‘Um, no, I don’t think he is.’

Her mother’s eyes widened. ‘Well, that’s a first.’

‘The abduction’s hit Dale as hard as it’s hit me. We should probably let him in.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘He helped me after the birth. Maybe we should be there for each other now. What harm could it do?’

‘You put the kettle on, and I’ll see what he wants.’

Doreen Jones opened the front door to find her ex-son-in-law dabbing at his eyes with a black cotton sleeve. He hurriedly lowered his arm before speaking, not wanting to lose face any more than he already had. ‘Oh, hello, Doreen, I’m glad Meg’s not on her own.’

‘What can we do for you, Dale?’

‘I’m hoping you’ve heard something. The police are telling me fuck all. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.’

She stood to one side to allow him to pass. ‘Come on in, come and sit in the lounge, Meg’s making coffee.’

‘Is she all right about me being here?’

She nodded. ‘Yes, I think so. As long as you’re sober.’

Dale slumped onto the sofa, asking his questions more in hope than expectation. ‘Is there any news? Anything at all?’

Doreen shook her head, lost for words, as Megan re-entered the room, carrying a tray of hot drinks in unmatched mugs. She placed the tray on a low table before approaching Dale, who stood to greet her. They hugged each other, awkwardly at first, but then more warmly when their shared adversity overcame their initial reticence. Megan withdrew from their embrace first, pointing to the wall above the fireplace. ‘The police arranged for a workman to paint over the bastard’s message once they’d taken care of all their evidential needs. They took measurements, samples and plenty of photos. That’s what DS Lewis told me. I couldn’t stand looking at the damned thing for a second longer than I had to.’