‘Of course. In fact, I’m expecting the boss and some of the top brass down here shortly, so I’d better make sure my finger is on the pulse, so to speak. Oh, and now that the search is to be concentrated here, I understand they are sending out some toilet facilities, arc lights and catering equipment. We really appreciate everything you’ve done for the men, but we’ll be organising our own hot drinks and food from now on — you know, health and safety and all that.’

Matt smiled. ‘Oh yes, I remember. A Portaloo, a Land Rover and a tea urn?’

‘Most likely.’ He turned to Will. ‘But could we still use your garden as a meeting point?’

‘Sure, and if the guv’nor wants to use the kitchen as an office, she’s welcome.’

‘I’ll pass that on, sir. Naturally, they have an incident room set up at the station, but a warm, dry base out here may well be very appealing. Thank you.’

With a last look out over the fen, Matt and Will went indoors.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

‘The phone rang just now,’ Liz called from the kitchen. ‘I wasn’t in time to get it.’

Will noticed the red light flashing on his answering machine. He lifted the receiver and heard the welcome buzz of the restored line. It was a small thing, but comforting, and made Kate seem a little less far away. Mobiles were great, but the fens were notoriously bad for coverage and he had been constantly afraid of losing the signal or forgetting to charge the battery.

They took off their jackets, and as they hung them up, Will noticed Mrs Swain’s letters sticking out of Matt’s inside pocket. ‘Don’t forget those.’

Matt pulled them out and waved one at Will. It was a smart cream envelope with an official-looking logo. ‘This looks important. Must be a solicitor from the name and address on the back. I hadn’t planned on forwarding anything until things had calmed down here, but maybe I should give her a ring. If it’s urgent, I’ll have to deal with it. If not, it can wait. She’ll understand.’

Will suddenly felt guilty about the old lady, especially since his discovery of that piece of material from the doll. It could be completely innocent, or he could be withholding evidence. ‘I’ll ring her, Matt. I really should tell her about Kate.’

‘Please do not concern yourself,’ Emilia said at once. ‘You have enough to worry about. We’ve been watching the news. It is your little niece, is it not? The little girl that is missing?’ Her accent became more pronounced as her emotions took hold. ‘The poor dear child! And Mrs Stonebridge? How is she coping with this tragedy?’