Brendan began to walk Todd to the door. The other copper didn’t follow them. He placed his Coke can on a side table and was staring down at a pile of glossy photos.

‘Excuse me, Brendan. What are these?’

The tone in Gareth’s voice had changed and Brendan came back to him, puzzled. He stared down at the pile. Oh fuck. Why hadn’t he put them away?

‘I’m trying to set up a photography business on the side to supplement my crappy teacher’s salary,’ Brendan explained quickly. ‘Mate, never photograph kids or animals—nightmare! They had this bonkers idea about the toddlers bringing along their favourite pet.’

‘What about this photo?’ Gareth asked, holding up a shot of a dark-haired girl in a purple spotty dress. ‘When did you take it?’

‘Months ago.’ Brendan tried to keep his voice light. ‘Up on the ridge. The mother who organised it had to choose a place they could bring their animals. I kept a few good shots for my portfolio.’

Brendan glanced down at the pic. A great shot. It captured the girl standing on a rock, her arms flung out wide, caught mid-movement as she spun around, the bushes blurred behind her.

‘Did you know that this is the missing girl?’ Gareth asked. ‘This picture was on the front page of the Canberra Times this morning.’

Brendan could feel sweat prickling at the back of his neck. The last thing he needed was to be investigated by the cops.

‘Really? My photo on the front page? Wow. Really? No, I didn’t see it. I mean, I saw the news on TV last night but not my picture …’

He had to stop babbling. Get a grip.

Gareth pulled a plastic evidence bag from his pocket and placed the photo carefully inside.

‘Mate, we’ll have to report this. The sergeant will probably want to talk to you.’

Fuck, were the police allowed to search his house? Could he refuse to let them in? Should he call a lawyer?

THE CANBERRA TIMES ONLINE EDITION

FRIDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER, 3.45 PM

Desperate search for missing girl continues into second day

A desperate search for missing three-year-old Bella Parker has continued throughout today. Bella’s parents met with the media this morning and gave out new photos of their daughter. They were too distraught to read their prepared statements. The girl’s father is a paediatrician at Canberra Hospital. His work has helped save the lives of countless children.

Playgroup mum: bring Bella home

Mrs Tara Murphy has a daughter in the same Merrigang playgroup as Bella.

‘We’re horrified by the disappearance,’ Mrs Murphy said. ‘Playgroup is a wonderful experience for mums and kids to get together. Merrigang is such a safe village. We’ve never seen anything like this before.’

Mrs Murphy described the playgroup as a ‘supportive environment’ where the children were all friends.