‘No, but we will. Rave used his bank card last night in Blessington.’

‘Are you sure it was him?’

‘We caught him on camera.’

‘Was Jeremy there?’

‘The cameras only pick up the person using the machine.’

‘OK.’

‘If he needed money it was to buy something so we’re canvassing all the local shops today. I’m heading down there myself. In the meantime I think it’s time for an appeal. Are you comfortable with making one on camera?’

‘Whatever it takes.’

‘Good.’

She sat down on the chair. ‘This is good news.’

‘It means they’re not in the reservoir,’ Valerie said.

Tom put his tea down and met Maisie’s eye. ‘It means Rave isn’t in the reservoir. It’s unlikely that Jeremy is, but until we get an official sighting, we’re going to keep looking, albeit on a scaled-down basis.’

‘OK, but Rave would never leave him.’ Maisie smiled. ‘He’s not in the reservoir.’ She paused. ‘It’s not good news. It’s brilliant news.’

‘I’ll schedule the appeal for four o’clock. That gives the TV and radio stations plenty of time to package it for the six o’clock news.’

‘Fine. Great. Whatever you need.’

He walked around the counter and sat in the chair beside Maisie, facing her. ‘I spoke with your husband at the station last night.’

‘Oh.’

‘Look, Fred has filled me in a little on why you pair separated but, Maisie, you should know he wants to be part of the appeal.’

‘No. No way. He’ll drive Jeremy away.’

‘My dad is here?’ Valerie said.

Maisie’s heart dropped into her stomach. She turned to her daughter so quickly that, for a second, she thought she’d pulled a muscle. ‘I’m sorry, love, I was going to tell you.’

‘When?’

‘This morning, first thing.’

‘Well, thanks! Thanks a lot!’ she shouted, and ran out of the room.

‘I’m sorry, that was clumsy of me,’ Tom said.

‘It’s not your fault. I should have told her last night. I was just preoccupied.’ The fight with Fred flooded back to her.

‘Fine, we’ll let him attend but keep him off the podium. Don’t worry, Maisie, he’ll be managed. Speaking of which, where is Fred?’ He checked his watch and started to leave. Maisie followed him into the hall. ‘Ask him to talk you through the press conference, OK?’ His hand was already on the door.

‘Who is appealing to Rave?’

‘I’m afraid it’ll be just you and me, Maisie.’

‘What about Sid? Surely he’s well enough now.’

‘He’s in surgery today, having the leg off.’

‘Oh, God.’

‘There’s no way he’s going anywhere, and the mother has made her feelings on the subject very clear. Marianne doesn’t have any children.’ He opened the door and waved. ‘I’ll see you at the press conference.’