‘We advise that your client answer carefully. We’re investigating several potential criminal acts. One is the sabotage of a helicopter hangared on the property on Sunday night. The other is sexual acts with a minor, or minors. Both are grave and as you’ll be aware, and by her own admission, your client is the sole proprietor and caretaker of the said property. If she knows anything about the helicopter being hangared in the garden, then we want to know now. Next week or next month is too late. Similarly, these two girls are missing and were last seen at the property owned by your client. Again, if she knows them, or saw them on Sunday night, or any other night, we need to know urgently. They’re vulnerable girls, and we need to find them.’ Kelly placed images from the girls’ social media accounts on the table. ‘As an ex-teacher, I would have thought that their safety would be of paramount importance to her.’

Nellie stared at her lawyer.

‘The helicopter was sabotaged?’ Nellie whispered.

‘The cause of the crash is as yet undetermined,’ Kelly said.

Nellie covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head. Kelly couldn’t work out if it was an Oscar-winning performance, or genuine. A knock at the door gave her a welcome reprieve.

The door opened and Kate poked her head round it. Kelly stopped the interview and allowed a break, and left the room. She closed the door behind her.

‘What is it?’ she said to Kate.

‘The mother of Sasha Granger just called asking us to drop the missing person status of her daughter. Sasha called her and told her she’s safe and shopping in Leeds, with Chloe Tate.’

‘What?’ Kelly asked, puzzled and instantly suspicious.

Kate raised her brow.

‘But we need to speak to them urgently,’ Kelly said.

‘I know, but first we have to find them, and the mother says she knows nothing.’

‘Isn’t she concerned?’

‘Didn’t sound too fussed. It appears the two girls do this a lot, and get away with it. It’s normal behaviour, and a waste of resources for us, officially, if we spend time looking for them.’

‘We still need to speak to them.’

‘I told her that; she told me to find them myself.’

‘What about parental disinterest? Surely we can proceed on the grounds of neglect.’

‘Exactly, which is why I’ve left their status as missing. Should I reiterate that to the press office?’

‘Yes, do that now,’ Kelly said. ‘Have we got any results from the computers and hardware seized from Laurie Fell yet?’ she asked.

‘I’ll chase them on it. Rob was definitely expecting something today.’

‘Thanks, Kate.’

‘How’s Nanny McPhee in there?’ Kate asked.

‘Like wading through treacle. About as helpful as a chocolate fireguard.’

‘Thought so. Have you dropped the bomb yet?’