‘I don’t know, but he said it, or at least that’s what I think he said.’

‘Well there you go then, you don’t know for certain. Alfie, this is crazy – let’s go home. Please, let’s just go back. It’s been a long day. We can talk about it in the morning.’

Alfie sped around the corner. ‘This is the closest we’ve got to a lead. It might be your opportunity to find out where Mia is. Come on, Franny, it’s worth going to see Ma, even if it’s a dead end. I know you’re scared to get your hopes up about Mia, but we can’t wait till tomorrow. Every second counts.’

Franny spoke urgently, her words rushing out. ‘What about Taylor? He doesn’t need us to be doing this. We need to take him to your friend Claire so she can get him cleaned up and get some food inside him and make sure he has a safe night’s sleep, and like you say, she’ll know the right authorities to contact in the morning. Who knows, as she’s a foster carer she might be able to take him in, but we have to get him there. Come on, Alf, just turn the car around.’

‘No, Fran, say what you like but I ain’t going back. Taylor will be fine – he’s warm and he’s asleep. Christ it’s probably the most peace he’s had in his life; so lying there for another couple of hours ain’t going to hurt him, but what will hurt is missing this chance. If it’s too much for you, I’ll deal with Ma. You can stay in the car, but if it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to help you find Mia.’

Outside the mobile home site of Ma Dwyer, which Alfie knew well from when he’d been there with Bree, he parked the car by the hay barn, pulling out the gun from the bag of money.

‘You stay here with Taylor.’

Franny shook her head, her face stricken and pale. She licked her lips, which were dry, panic running through her. ‘No, I’ll come too.’

‘I think it’s probably best if you wait for me.’

Franny snapped, ‘I’m coming. Mia’s my … my friend’s baby, so if Ma has anything to say, I want to hear it.’

‘What about Taylor?’

Fran stared at Alfie. ‘You were the one who said he’s fine, so just lock the car and put the alarm on. He’ll be all right.’

Without waiting for Alfie to answer, Franny opened the door, jumping out and running towards the north side of the traveller site, hearing Alfie shouting after her. ‘Fran! Fran, where are you going? Fran, you don’t know your way around. Just wait!’