The policewoman hesitates for a moment, and I think she’s going to make a comment like most people do. Something about me being overprotective. But instead she says, ‘It’s good that you care.’

Some people understand. The ones who’ve seen the bad side of the world.

I give more details, and then the policewoman tells me she’ll get someone over ASAP.

‘In the meantime, call people you know,’ says the policewoman. ‘Try not to worry too much. This happens more than you might imagine and they always turn up unharmed. How old is your daughter?’

‘Sixteen.’

Another pause.

‘And you think she left home of her own free will?’

‘Someone could have put her up to it. Tricked her or … something.’

‘But no signs of force? I don’t want to scare you; I just want to get things clear. No signs of a … a scuffle or anything like that?’

‘No. She made her bed.’ I’m crying again now.

‘We’ll get a police officer over to you now.’

‘There’s something else.’ I leave the sentence hanging, not sure if I’ll manage to finish it.

The policewoman is kind, offering a gentle, ‘Yes?’

I grip the phone. ‘I think she might have gone to see her father.’

‘Oh. Right. Well, that could be a simple answer, couldn’t it? Do you … What’s the situation there then?’

‘She’s never met him before.’

‘You have sole custody?’

I hesitate. ‘Yes. He’s … not a good guy.’ I pause, considering my next words carefully. ‘He’s famous. It’s hard to explain.’

‘What’s her father’s name and address?’ the policewoman asks.

‘Her father’s name?’ My throat goes tight again. I know what comes next. I know what happens when I say his name. It’s like a witch’s curse.

I look up then, seeing my scared face in the sliding-door glass. White skin. Black hair. Blue eyes cornflower coloured again, bright with fear.

‘Michael Reyji Ray.’

There’s a long pause.

‘Michael Reyji Ray?’

‘Yes.’

‘Michael Reyji Ray is your daughter’s father?’

And suddenly the policewoman’s tone totally changes – a subtle thing, but I feel it. She’s gone from being on my side to thinking I’m crazy.

This is Michael’s power. A man she’s never met is controlling her.

‘Yes.’

‘But your daughter’s never met him before?’

‘No. She’s never met him. I don’t want her meeting him. He’ll use her to get at me.’

Another pause.

‘I thought … Michael Reyji Ray is married, isn’t he? Has been for years.’

‘Yes. Married men can still have children with other women.’

‘Have you … do you stop your daughter seeing her father, then?’

‘Of course I do.’

‘So she’d have a good reason for wanting to meet him?’