Will nodded, without taking his eyes off Kate. ‘And by the way, Matt, I don’t think Sophie will try to find her way here. If she hates this place so much, to the extent of having nightmares about it, she’s not going to want to come here, especially not on her own.’

‘Well, the alternative isn’t too good, is it? You’re saying there is a chance she’s been snatched.’

‘I know. That’s exactly what I am saying. Poor little kid. After all she has been through, this is just not fair!’

Matt had no answer.

Having spent so many years in the force, both of them were only too aware that if Sophie wasn’t found in the first twelve hours, the hunt for the missing child could easily become a murder enquiry.

* * *

Matt returned to the kitchen and rang Liz, asking her to come over immediately. He then made Will and himself hot drinks and tried to gather his thoughts. There was a good chance that this latest blow could send Kate over the edge, and in a strange kind of way, that might be a blessing in disguise. Matt wasn’t sure how much more Will could take without breaking down himself.

He took the drinks into the lounge. Will was still sitting next to his wife, her hand in his.

‘I can’t get my head around this.’ Will spoke so quietly that Matt could hardly hear him. ‘I had just found the courage to phone Sam and organise her some help, and now my Sophie has disappeared. It’s beyond belief.’

‘You’ve got an appointment for Kate to see someone?’ This was good news indeed.

‘Tomorrow, at a clinic in Wainfleet. A doctor called Lawrence Hassel — he’s a friend of Sam Page — but—’

Matt interrupted. ‘I know what you’re going to say. But take a look at that woman on your sofa. Kate has to be your first consideration. Half the police force are out looking for Sophie. Kate has only you, and hopefully, this Lawrence Hassel — if you can get her to him.’ He looked Will straight in the eyes. ‘I’ll hold the fort here while you’re away and keep you posted on any updates. But for her sake, you have to get Kate some help.’

‘How can I leave Holland House while Sophie is out there somewhere, maybe taken by some pervert, or . . . ?’

‘Slow down, Will.’ Matt gripped his friend’s arm. ‘There are a dozen places she could be. Don’t jump to conclusions.’

Will had an idea. ‘I wonder if Lawrence Hassel would come here?’

Matt shrugged. ‘Why not ask Sam? Oh, and then do ring Philip. Bryn said he’s desperate to hear from you.’

Will reluctantly let go of Kate’s hand and took his phone from his pocket.