‘I wish I was there.’ Tears were in her eyes now too. ‘Have you told the police about …’

‘No,’ I sobbed. ‘It’s got nothing to do with Bella.’

‘Perhaps—’

‘No, Pheebs, please,’ I begged. ‘Marty and I have talked about it. We decided. They won’t look for Bella properly once they know.’

WIN TV NEWS

LATE-NIGHT UPDATE, THURSDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER, 10.35 PM

A massive search is still underway for a three-year-old girl who disappeared from the Merrigang playgroup this morning. Bella Parker has been missing for almost twelve hours. Police are very concerned for her welfare due to her young age. They issued an AMBER Alert at 5 pm.

The temperature tonight in Canberra will drop to six degrees. Police have urged local residents to check their yards, sheds, cubbyhouses and garages in case Bella has sought shelter overnight.

Earlier this evening, Superintendent John Milson spoke to the media.

‘Bella Parker was playing happily with friends this morning at the playgroup and no-one saw her leave the playground. We are undertaking a wide search involving foot patrols, the dog squad and SES volunteers. Our officers are investigating every possibility and making further inquiries. We are seeking the public’s help to find Bella. Please contact us with any information.’

Above the village of Merrigang, a police helicopter has scoured the area from the sky. This evening, local residents joined in to assist with the search.

14 MARTY

14

MARTY

MARTY FOLLOWED IMOGEN’S HUSBAND INTO THE PLAYGROUP ROOM, closing the door behind him. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the lights; outside it was still so dark. A few hours until dawn. Imogen’s husband—Lucas, that was his name. He’d seen Imogen at some point in the night and Tara had given him a suffocating hug yesterday afternoon but he hadn’t met the other two mums. Maybe, when they’d found Bella, this experience would bond the five mothers for life. Lexie would have a group of friends who would stand by her no matter what. Maybe the kids would stay friends forever, too, and Bella would end up travelling to Europe with the twins or sharing a flat with one of the girls.

In the darkness, he’d focused on thoughts like these to distract himself and keep the real fear at bay.

They’d been searching all night and not found a single trace of her. Marty ground his fists into his eye sockets. He couldn’t return home to Lexie, not without Bella; Imogen had insisted on taking his wife back to the house around 2 am. Maybe he should just keep going till sunrise. He’d have a coffee then go out there again. Walking towards the kitchenette, he heard two policemen speaking behind him.

‘The crazies have started ringing in.’

Marty turned to face them. ‘Who are the crazies?’ he demanded.

The bloke recognised him immediately. He stood straighter.

‘Sorry, Mr Parker—uh, Dr Parker. I didn’t realise you were back.’