Deirdre, Maisie and Valerie followed him to the reservoir. Valerie was silent but Deirdre couldn’t help the sobs rising out of her. Maisie put an arm around her, holding her close. ‘Don’t you fret, Deirdre. They’re not down there. I’d know. A mother would know.’

A crowd had gathered at the reservoir. The guards had cordoned off a large area and people were being warned to step back. As they made their way past, they were acutely aware that they were being watched: every word, every movement, every reaction was being monitored, digested and logged. More press descended. Men were setting up cameras, photographers were taking long-distance shots of the cordoned-off reservoir. Reporters were hassling the guards assigned to keep them out. One of the older guards raised the tape, allowing Deirdre, Maisie, Valerie and Fred to pass. Fred escorted them to Tom, who was standing by some men in black rubber suits.

‘Where’s the bike, Tom?’ Maisie said. The policeman pointed to some bushes. ‘Are you sure it’s Rave’s?’

‘Certain.’

‘Why?’

‘There’s some marks on the frame that match marks we spotted on the CCTV footage.’

‘And you could see it that clearly?’

‘Yes, but we also confirmed it with the boys’ friends.’ He waved to where Mitch, Jonno, Dave, Casey and Mel were huddled together at the foot of the mountain.

Deirdre wished she was with them. I don’t belong here, with his family.

‘He’s not in there. I’d know if he was, Tom.’ Maisie gestured to the dark water.

Deirdre looked at the rusty bridge, the mountains sloping down to meet the path and at the large expanse of seemingly still deep water. Then her attention was drawn to the gushing noise behind her where the lake fell away, its water cascading to everywhere and nowhere.

The search-and-rescue helicopter came into view and hovered over them, the Dublin coast guard’s boat visible from the bridge.

Fred ushered them away. ‘Let’s get you ladies into the car and turn on the heat.’

‘You want to sit with us, Deirdre?’ Maisie asked.

‘I’ll go to me mates if that’s OK with you, Mrs Bean.’

‘Of course it is, love. Of course it is … Thank you, Deirdre.’ Maisie drew her in and hugged her tightly. ‘They’re not in there, Deirdre. We’ll get them home.’

Uncomfortable, Deirdre walked away. I don’t know what she’s thanking me for. I’m a lying sack of shit. Your son’s a homo and I’m a fool. As for you, Jeremy Bean, I really hope you’re not in there but that doesn’t mean if I see you again I won’t kick the shite out of ya.

She joined her friends and they made their way up the mountain to a spot that offered shelter and a good vantage-point.