This was her moment. All Karin had to do was step into the hallway and reveal herself to the police and it would all be over. She’d never have a better opportunity to get them all home.

But she also knew that she wasn’t in any danger, none of them were, because Jerry was a harmless fantasist – and it gave her a notion. The idea was terrible and scary – and wrong – but part of her wanted to stay with Becky for just a bit longer. Because who knew what would happen when they returned to real life?

‘I’ll keep my eyes open day and night, Inspector,’ she heard Jerry say. ‘And let you know if I see any suspicious vehicle activity in the area.’

‘That’s good to know, you’re a gentleman.’ The detective dabbed at his sweating brow with his fingers. ‘Bloody hell, it’s hot today and I’ve built up a bit of a thirst. May have to pop into one of the locals on my way home!’

Karin went quietly to the drawer Jerry had just opened and found it was full of stuff. Old envelopes, a ball of string, a screwdriver – she thought briefly about taking that, but didn’t know how it would be useful – and screws and a pair of nail clippers. There was a broken set of false teeth, a doorstop and a notebook, paper clips and envelopes, a magnet. And below that, buried at the bottom, was a spare set of keys. They looked exactly the same as the ones Jerry had taken earlier. Karin recognized the one for the front door, and there was a long one that she knew would unlock the cellar door.

She slipped them in a pocket, then went back to the door where she heard the detective say, ‘Anyway, better get on, sorry to have kept you.’

‘Good luck,’ said Jerry. ‘I hope you find the person who’s taken those children, and enjoy your drink.’

The policeman winked. ‘You can rely on me, sir. Good night.’

In the reflection of the mirror, Karin saw the detective salute Jerry, who shut the front door. He leaned his forehead against the glass in relief as he locked it. She returned to her chair at the table just as he came back in, looking deathly pale.

‘Thank you, my love,’ he said.

‘What did you say?’ she asked in shock.

‘Thank you for not saying anything. You’re a good friend to me and I haven’t forgotten that I made you a promise.’

She didn’t know what he was talking about. ‘I want to go downstairs now, please.’