Tara considered typing a reply to the last comment—Actually, I know the mother quite well, maybe I can give my side of the story—and then remembered that she needed to safeguard her anonymity. No-one must know who she was. Especially the playgroup mums.

Her best work trousers, the black ones from Portmans, were too tight and the waistband dug into her skin. God, she needed to lose those kilos. Last night, after being unable to face dinner, she’d comfort-eaten a family-size pack of salt and vinegar chips.

An assistant met her in the lobby of Rydges and took her up in the lift. Tara almost felt she was at work; she’d organised events in this lobby and in the function rooms in this hotel. Only four more months and she’d be back. Talking to adults, setting up conferences and dinners, achieving something every day. Finishing a cup of coffee before it went cold. Bliss.

The interview was to be in a suite—right at the top, overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. The view opened up as she walked towards the picture window: the bridge stretching out in front of her, Parliament House, the National Library, the Carillon, and the Brindabella Ranges in the distance. From this height, the National Museum’s orange rollercoaster sculpture seemed tiny. She’d have to take Zoe there again before she started back at work.

I can’t believe I’m going to be on national television.

Tara flattened her hands over her tummy, patting down the butterflies.

I am doing the right thing.

The assistant called Tara away from the window to introduce the reporter. Evelyn Li was much taller in real life than she looked on TV each Sunday night. Dressed for the interview in a white linen shirt and blue pants, Evelyn was an ad for Country Road.

‘I love your shirt,’ Tara said as they were introduced.

Evelyn squinted down at her top and shrugged: ‘I’m just told what to wear.’ Then she bent down to hug Tara. ‘It must be dreadful losing Bella from your playgroup. Right in front of your eyes. And your children must be missing her too.’

‘It has been so awful.’ Tara sniffed back a tear. ‘We’re so scared.’

The producer had agreed to her request for anonymity. They would film her in a darkened corner and disguise her voice. Her interview was the main part of the story, but they would also have footage of the playgroup and from the police appeal—as well as snippets from the old story on the first baby and the hospital inquiry. Tara had been hoping for their most famous reporter, Jasmine Driver, but apparently she was hosting the whole segment from the studio tonight. And Evelyn had kids, whereas Jasmine didn’t. Maybe she’d still get to meet Jasmine if they did a follow-up, after Bella had been found.