‘Great. Thank you. Now, would you be able to come into the station? We have an examination suite there. I can get a doctor to look you over, collect any evidence the perpetrator may have left behind. It can be vital when securing a conviction.’

‘I’ve had a bath,’ I admitted.

The blonde’s face betrayed a flicker of disappointment.

‘Well, it’s worth a try. Do you think you would be able to show us where it took place?’

My chest tightened. I never wanted to go back there again.

The front door opened, and seconds later Ben walked into the kitchen. No doubt hearing unusual voices and wanting to investigate. He came to an abrupt halt in the doorway when he saw the uniform and blood drained from his face.

‘My flatmate, Ben,’ I said by way of an introduction.

They stood from the table and I followed.

‘Eve, do you want to get your bag and coat?’ the detective asked, and I obediently collected them from my room.

‘She won’t be long, just going to pop to the station.’

‘Do you want me to pick you up?’ Ben asked.

I looked first at him and then the detective.

‘No, it’s fine, we’ll drop her back.’

‘You look after her, Ben,’ the uniformed officer continued, sizing him up. It was more of a command than a request.

‘Of course,’ Ben stammered and stood aside to let them pass, pulling on his ear.

They ushered me out of the door and down to the car.

I sat in the back, listening to the women discuss where to go first. It was decided the park and my stomach churned the closer we got.

Walking through the entrance and across the field made me feel sick, my entire body shook, the jacket I’d brought doing little to keep me warm. Every muscle tensed as I neared the spot; I wanted to run away. When we reached the café, it was business as usual. A group of children came bouncing out of the door, each clutching a Mr Whippy ice cream. Too innocent for this place. I looked around, searching every face. Was he here? Enjoying watching me relive the nightmare? I pointed to the rear of the building, not willing to go around the back and see where it had happened. It was already burnt into my memory. Images I would never erase.

Detective Sergeant Emmerson, who gave me her card whilst we were in the car, took notes on a pocket-sized pad and indicated for the uniformed officer to radio for the scenes of crime officers. Then she left me outside whilst she talked to the café owners about closing for the day. The look of horror on the face of the plump woman in an apron made my eyes well up and I had to turn away.