‘Again, this is difficult to prove and even more difficult to prosecute. Doxing tends to be releasing private information to the public, not just knowing it. Most of these people are kids, and all we can hope for is a slap on the wrist from youth justice. So unless there is a serious crime, or we can prove a connection, we can’t go pursuing everyone online who makes mildly threatening remarks. Again, as a courtesy, I’ll check in with the cyber team to see if we can pursue this Raze kid, but I’ll warn you again, do not meddle in the investigation.’

Mildly threatening remarks. ‘The entire exchange has been really aggressive and quite sick actually; this person hates Evan.’

He sighs. ‘Look, I wouldn’t commit too much to the idea that this gamer is the one that started the fire. Last time we spoke you were convinced it was one of your clients. Which is it?’

I’ve been holding off saying this, knowing it will likely only make him scoff but I have to put it out there. ‘What if it’s the same person? What if he has been doing all of this?’ My voice grows quick and manic, and I realise how unconvincing this sounds. ‘What if he started seeing me to get to Evan?’

A light chuckle. He’s laughing. ‘I’ll tell you what I told you last time: I think you should take a step back from it all and let us handle the investigation. As a psychologist I’m sure you can understand why objectivity is important and you’ll only work yourself and your family up.’

Objectivity. He might as well call me an irrational woman. I can’t rebut his point, though.

‘I’ll try not to put my nose in it any more.’

‘If you would like any updates or have any questions, get in touch, but next time you have a hunch maybe keep it to yourself.’

‘Sure,’ I say. ‘Sorry.’ It’s hard not to analyse people when I’m frustrated with them. Now I’m thinking of Simms as someone who grew up a loner, most of his interactions formal, stiff. He found a place he fitted in in the police force where uniformity and obedience are rewarded. He’s a little like me in that he knows he must follow protocols and conventions, but unlike me, he’s probably never broken them.

At night, I find myself listening to the peeling sound of car tyres on the rain-soaked pavement, the occasional sound of footsteps, the unfamiliar night sounds of this unfamiliar house. In the dark of night, I lie there waiting for the sound of shattering glass and the crackle of flames. I think about those words and wonder if maybe I really am being paranoid.

Next time u wont escape ; )

Chapter Thirteen

THIRTEEN