The man looked down at the ground. ‘Kids have turned up after much longer than this. You know that.’

‘And a good percentage turn up dead, don’t they?’

Will’s phone buzzed in his trouser pocket. Before he answered, he told the man that the kitchen was unlocked and his troops should help themselves to hot drinks.

Poor Fauve sounded ready to crack. ‘What the hell is happening, Will? I’m a prisoner here! I daren’t move from this damned hotel in case . . . in case she comes back. I only left her for a few minutes, Will. You do believe me, don’t you? I’m so, so, sorry.’

‘We’ve been over this, Philip. It’s not your fault, okay? No one is blaming you.’

‘Well, I’m blaming me!’

‘Then you are the only one, man! No one could have expected such a thing to happen. Think of all the people who go out and leave their children alone half the night, or all damned night for that matter.’

‘It doesn’t help, Will. I love that kid and I’ve let her down. If some bastard has got her, I’ll tear his head off, so help me! Oh God, I’m sorry, talking like this. I just wish Annette were here.’

Will felt for this man. Out of the kindness of his heart, he had taken in his best friend’s orphaned child, and now this had happened. He must have felt that he had let everyone down, not just Sophie, but Eva and Guy as well, not to mention Will himself.

‘Did I tell you that they are sending her doctor out, the man who has been counselling her?’

‘No, Philip. When is he due?’

‘Tonight. Not sure what time exactly. They reckon that when she is found, she’ll need a specialist to debrief her, and she’ll respond better to someone she trusts.’

If she is found. ‘We have a special police unit that would look after her. They’re trained to work with children who have been abused. Listen, Philip, have you got someone with you? Have you been assigned a liaison officer?’

‘Yes. Nice woman. The hotel people have set a room aside for the police to use. She’s down there now talking to some of her colleagues. I just needed to hear a friendly voice.’ He paused. ‘How is Kate taking it all?’

‘Er, Kate has gone into hospital for a few days’ observation, Philip. She needs help, and more than I can give her, I’m afraid.’

‘I’m real sorry to hear that, Will. But sometimes you just have to throw up your hands and say, “Over to you.” There is only so much you can do in the face of illness. I admire you for getting her the help that she needs. It can’t have been easy, especially with all this going on at the same time.’

‘I’m gutted, Philip, just gutted.’