‘I’m okay. She didn’t hurt me. Your head is bleeding, Mr Badenhorst.’

He closed his eyes, a distant thrum mixing with the rushing sound in his own head. The darkness came fast.

When he woke up, he was lying in the back of a squad car. Constable Darren Cahil was driving, tears rolling down his cheeks, and Murphy was in the front seat. Con’s head was in Gabriella’s lap, a cold pack wrapped around his head.

‘Rest, Con,’ she whispered. ‘It’s over.’

CHAPTER 56

CON

Con, Murphy and Gabriella sat in the interview room of the Limestone Creek Police Station: the nice one with couches and magazines and a window that looked out over the Tiers. Gabriella was wrapped in a silver shock blanket. Murphy had his head in his hands. Con sat against the wall, a bucket between his legs for the vomit that came with his concussion.

Commander Normandy returned to the room. She sat down, her voice soft and slow. ‘You’ve all done very well. Very well. You’ve saved Madison’s life. You’ve stopped a killer. This community is grateful, your country is proud of you, and your daughter will be proud of you, Murphy, once we find her.’

Murphy didn’t reply. Con sensed that, to him, this was no victory at all. Jasmine was still missing, Cierra was still missing. Bree was dead, Georgia was dead, and their killer had been brought to ill justice, before all their questions could be answered.

Con allowed himself to not feel the same despair. He put Jasmine and Cierra into another box. He didn’t have any energy left to think about them, and that was okay.

He had done a lot today. They had stopped a killer. They had saved a girl’s life.

This time, he hadn’t been too late.

It was time for a little rest.

‘I need to go finish discussions with the commissioner,’ said Agatha. ‘There are a few things she needs to sort out, based off everything you’ve told us. Someone still has to address the media. Until then, it might be best if you all stay in here. Con, I really think you should let the paramedics take a look at you —’

‘I’m fine,’ he muttered.

‘Don’t be an idiot.’ She stood up. ‘But, again – good job.’

Gabriella stood up the moment the commander left the room. ‘If the commissioner is here, I’m going to give him a piece of my mind about Doble. And if the media happens to overhear, so be it.’

‘You’ll lose your job,’ said Con.

‘I saved two lives today! After they kicked me off the case. I think I’m good, and Agatha will support me.’ She held up her blanket. ‘Besides, I’m in shock. I don’t even know what I’m saying.’ She swept out of the room, the silver blanket trailing behind her like a cape.