Working with an Essex Police press officer, Sammi’s parents wrote a statement, which Alan rehearsed. He read it again and again but stumbled every single time, rushing some words and mispronouncing others. The press officer suggested a few simple breathing exercises as Sasha sat spinning her fingers in her lap.

She heard the press pouring into the small conference room next door, grabbing seats, setting up equipment. In a few short minutes there would be lights and cameras and microphones, all pointed at the Mannings.

‘Thanks, Bronwyn,’ Sasha said to the press officer and turned to Alan and Jessica. ‘I’ll make a short statement first, and then I’ll ask you to appeal directly to Sammi. Don’t worry about making mistakes, just do your best, you’re not actors, you’re real people in a very upsetting situation. Then we’ll take one or two questions. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking, I’m happy to field those. But I ask you to leave any that are about the search to me.’

Jessica Manning listened very carefully to what Sasha had to say and then burst into tears. ‘I can’t do it!’

Alan put his arm around her shoulder. ‘It’s going to be okay.’

‘Everyone is going to think it’s us. People will be watching and they’ll be waiting for us to crack and confess that we did away with our own daughter!’

It was true that the police often organized press conferences as a way of putting parents in the spotlight if they were suspected of involvement in the disappearance of their own children, but that wasn’t the case here.

‘The press and public are absolutely behind you,’ said Sasha, ‘and this is the best way to get the message far and wide. Appeals like this have proved very successful. If Sammi is with someone voluntarily, she may not have realized the chaos she’s caused. She’ll see on the news how upset you are, and it’ll make her think twice about staying away.’

The door opened and Lolly slipped into the room. ‘Ms Dormand is in reception, she says she was invited to the press conference.’

Surprised, Sasha looked at the Mannings, and Alan admitted, ‘I asked Michelle to come.’

‘You asked her?’ Jessica stiffened. ‘Why in God’s name would you do that?’

‘Because she’s a local celebrity of sorts and I think she’ll help get us publicity.’ He squeezed his wife’s hand. ‘Also, I think she has a right to be here, she’s very fond of Sammi.’

Jessica smiled sourly. ‘Whatever you say, Alan.’

‘She’s only trying to support us.’

‘If Michelle clicks her fingers, you jump.’