‘Two weeks back, maybe. I don’t know the exact date. I saw him and hid behind a parked car. I watched him, though. He was standing and looking in through the side door of a van. He was talking to someone. But I couldn’t see who because it was dark inside the van. Like black dark. Do you know what I mean?’

Archer nods her head.

‘And then there was this light like a big camera flash or something. It took a few moments for my eyes to adjust but when they did, Billy was gone and the van door slid closed. I heard shouting from inside it and it began to shake. I didn’t know what to make of it and then it was still.’

‘What time was this, Stephen?’

‘It was around eleven o’clock at night, I think.’

‘How many voices did you hear?’

Stephen thinks this over a moment. ‘I’m sure it was only two.’

‘Both male?’

Stephen nods.

She knows it’s unlikely but has to ask, ‘Did you happen to spot the model or reg of the van?’

Stephen shakes his head. ‘It was a white van, a bit knackered-looking. That’s all I could see.’

‘Did you catch a glimpse of this man?’

‘I saw him the second time.’

‘The second time?’

‘Yes, he got out of the van and stood facing the wall opposite. He was wearing a black hoodie and had a scarf wrapped around his mouth and nose. There was a small torchlight on his head. When he switched it on I could see the painting on the wall then. It looked like Billy, but I thought that was just a coincidence. The whole thing was so weird. There was a voice behind me somewhere and he turned and looked my way. I ducked behind the car.’

‘Did he see you?’

‘I don’t think so and didn’t wait around to find out. I was freaked out and just scarpered after that.’

‘How tall was he?’

He shrugs. ‘Taller than me.’

‘His build?’

‘Broad, I suppose. Difficult to say ’cause his clothes were baggy.’

‘Was there anything else about him that stood out?’

Stephen thinks this over before shaking his head. ‘He was just a bloke.’

‘Thank you, Stephen.’

Archer takes out her wallet and gives him a twenty-pound note.

‘Will you promise me to buy something hot to eat with that money?’

He offers a wan smile. ‘I’ll do my best.’

‘Do you think you could show me and my colleague the painting of Billy?’

‘You never answered my question,’ he replies.

‘Which question?’

‘Were you in care?’

Archer hesitates before answering. ‘Not in the way you might think. I’ll tell you another time. I promise.’

Chapter 10

10

ARCHER FEELS A SENSE OF unease as they approach Alaska Street in Waterloo. This is encroaching on her neighbourhood and is just too uncomfortably close to the sanctuary of Roupell Street and Grandad’s house.