Michelle shook her head. ‘Six or seven years, something like that, I can’t even remember. The first note I was sent said they knew all about Sammi and that they’d go to the press about it. This was back when I had a proper profile. Now I’ll get a note maybe once or twice a year. There’ll be a figure on it, and I’ll pay it and forget all about it until I receive the next one. They’re usually placed under the windscreen or posted through my letter box.’

‘You make it sound like something you live with.’

‘It feels like a part of my life now. I just pay it. The amounts are always modest, a couple of thousand here and there, silly money really.’

‘Why do you pay?’

‘I’d like nothing more than to tell the world that Sammi’s my daughter. But I made a promise to Alan and Jessica. It would break Jessica’s heart if Sammi found out. And what if she rejected me? She may never want to see me again – I can’t take that chance.’

Sasha slid her hands between her thighs and leaned forward. ‘I’d like you to think very carefully before you answer this next question, Michelle, because Sammi’s safety may depend on it. Do you think the blackmailer could be the same person who took her?’

Michelle looked surprised. ‘It never occurred to me.’

‘Who knew about your pregnancy?’

‘A number of people knew back then, I suppose, I was showing for quite a while, but I can’t remember who.’

‘What about your husbands?’

Michelle said bitterly, ‘I never told any of them about Sammi, mostly because they were never around long enough. They’ve only been interested in my money. I know it’s crazy but…’ She was about to say something but stopped herself with a dismissive flick of a hand, making her bracelets jangle. ‘It’s nothing.’

‘Go on,’ urged Sasha.

‘The other night, Lydia was convinced Jerry Swann is still alive… what if she’s right, what if it was all a lie, a cover-up? What if Jerry really got away, and now he’s come back and taken Sammi?’

‘Jerry Swann died a long time ago, Michelle. His body would have been autopsied and cremated.’

‘Then he has family, an accomplice,’ she said impatiently. ‘Otherwise, why would this happen again? To me, to someone I love – my daughter! Somebody needs to explain that to me!’

Lolly returned with a herbal tea and Michelle snapped, ‘Take that away.’

She rooted in her bag and took out a half bottle of vodka, unscrewed the cap.

‘I’m afraid you can’t drink that here,’ said Sasha.

Michelle snorted. ‘After the day I’ve had, I’m afraid I don’t give a shit.’

She took a long swig and shut her eyes, placed the back of her hand to her mouth for a moment.