But it hadn’t worked. Murphy hadn’t killed Butch, and she hadn’t been able to take him out with the cricket bat. That had made her angry. Now she’d had to resort to her next plan. Poor little Wren.

She left the bathroom and headed to Monica and Tom’s room, putting on one of Monica’s dresses, a sleeveless long white summer dress with prints of blue and pink butterflies – the only one that had pockets. She transferred her permission slip, the handcuffs and Tom’s keys.

Her armour; her inventory. It was time to go to war. Her final plan.

Giving herself a once-over in the full-length mirror, even spraying some of Monica’s perfume on her wrists, she took her glasses off and walked downstairs and out the back door.

Sarge stopped barking when he saw her. Whimpering, he licked her fingers.

She patted him, then walked down the side path, through the gate, and out to Tom’s Landcruiser.

Putting her glasses back on, the drive to Madison’s house went by in full technicolour glory. Spring flowers and birds, the afternoon sky a brilliant blue. Helicopters overhead, police cars in the streets, media everywhere. The population of Limestone Creek had doubled overnight. There were SALE flags everywhere, pennants hanging from trees, MISSING posters of all four girls, the disrespect of Georgia’s face still being on display apparently lost on those who had put them up.

This is all for you, Denni.

She pulled up at Madison’s house. The last time Eliza had come here had been two days ago, after being released from custody. Before going home she’d climbed into the Masons’ house through Cierra’s window – the same way Tom always had, thanks to the broken latch on Cierra’s window – and left one of Denni’s dolls in Madison’s room.

She took her glasses off once again and left the Landcruiser running. She pounded on the front door, working herself up into a flurry, letting the tears flow.

A moment later, Madison answered the door. She was wearing her school uniform – she must have been filming a video.

She had her iPhone in her hand, brandished like a sword. Her weapon.

Her weapon, against Eliza’s new armour.

‘Uh . . . Eliza?’ Madison said, thrown off balance by Eliza’s transformation.

‘It’s me, Monica . . .’ Eliza said hurriedly. ‘Eliza is in the hospital. Butch attacked her.’

Madison swayed, holding the door. ‘So it’s true?’ she whispered. ‘Butch took the girls?’

‘Yes, and I think I know where they might be. I need someone they trust: will you come with me?’ Eliza spoke in a hurry. ‘Please, before it’s too late – you’re the only one who can help me. Quick, come with me.’ Again, she used her teacher’s voice, direct short commands.

Madison hesitated, then nodded. ‘I’ll grab my jacket.’

‘We don’t have time!’ Eliza turned and ran to the four-wheel drive. ‘Quickly!’